Compact 45 for CCW that isn't a G36 or 1911?

S&W 4513TSW. There are two up for sale on one of the auction boards this AM.

Small - relatively for a compact, it is a 45 afterall - light weight, accurate, easily concealed and bet your life reliable.

The original variant with the 6 round magazine and cut out grip is my preference. Very scarce variant of the 4513TSW as it was only produced for two years and those that own them, keep them.

Have a glock 30sf and I like it YMMV. Also have heard good things about the SIG 220 compact.

I love my Kahr CW45 but if that's out then I'd say a Sig P220 compact would be my next shot. I have a full size and it's a great gun.

If I want to carry a compact .45, I'll usually pull my original 4513TSW from the safe. It's back to wearing the stock factory grips at this time, versus the modified Hogues I made for it and which it's wearing in the picture.


I'd have bought the standard 457, or the subsequent 457S (stainless slide), but at the time I thought I'd opt for the added features and tighter tolerances of the TSW version. If I were going to replace it with a plastic pistol, it would be with the M&P 45c.

My last issued pistol was the current 4513TSW (bottom of pair), although I'd prefer it without the accessory rail if I had the choice.


The smaller Sig .45's are pretty decent, too.

Of the ones I have spent trigger time with

XDm 3.8 Compact
Glock 30 Gen 4
Glock 30s

In that order.

S&W M&P 45c is a good choice.

Almost exactly the same size as a compact G19 in length, height and width.

The grip is fantastic and ergonomic, not fat like the Glock 45s.

Fastbolt, I am jealous

another fan of the SIG 250SC. And you have the advantage of swapping it into a larger grip frame, or doing an easy caliber swap with an x-change kit.

The best one, the HK 45C.

I agree on the 4513TSW original, 6 shot, non-railed. I have one and it's a very easy shooting gun. If you can't find one, look for a S&W 457. Not as nice, but cheaper and more plentiful.

I personally own an XDM45 compact and love it to death. it is without a doubt the most accurate handgun I own and that's including my 22/45. it has been completely reliable as was it's predecessor, the XDM45 full size. I only got rid of the FS because I didn't want more than one hndgun in the same caliber, I've regretted that trade ever since but at least it's still in the family, in my brother's safe.

I took it out today to test a new brand of ammo I was trying, the first 5 shots all went into a 2 inch group.

I have been carrying a XDM3.8 45acp for a while now and really like it. 9 or 13rds of 45 in a compact pistol is a treat.

Elkins45 said:

Compact 45 for CCW that isn't a G36 or 1911?

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Another vote for Taurus PT145 Mil Pro with SA/DA trigger (not DAO). I have the stainless slide model and if you are looking for a compact 10 round double-stack 45, you should definitely include the PT145 in your review/comparison.

Although I am a fan of Glock/M&P/Sig pistols but found G30 to be too bulky sized comparable to G19/G23 and much thicker.

The PT145 has slide length on par with G26/G27. I think it has one of the smallest grip/reach to trigger for a double-stack 45ACP.

Glock 27:
WIDTH - 1.18"
LENGTH - 6.29"
HEIGHT - 4.8" (with +1 Pearce mag extension - 4.17" with 9rd factory flush magazine)

Taurus PT145:
WIDTH - 1.25"
LENGTH - 6.125"
HEIGHT - 5.125"

Below is a comparison picture next to G27 with +1 Pearce grip extension.

I owned a Kahr briefly but found that it severely pinched my trigger finger between the trigger and trigger guard on recoil. I can shoot the G36 just fine but it just doesn't quite fit my hand ergonomically like the Kahr did.

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A coworker has G36 and the PT145's controls are much more ergonomic and I can reach them without adjusting my grip, especially the mag release. My wife's smaller hands work the controls well and she likes the grip size/SA trigger. I have over 7000+ rounds shot through my PT145 and it has been reliable, especially with 200 gr SWC reloads.

flat carry 45

S&W 457; most underrated 45.
TF

bds, I really like that G27! XDS.45 is my choice as soon as I get it back! Said yesterday it be before Christmas? But My second choice is a brand new S&W M&P 9c I swapped for a S&W M&P 40c I just couldn't hit with bought used? More rounds, it a lil colder out, e-z to conceal, and can I shoot very very well w/IT! Going to wait for the 2014'S to see what the new XDS's look like? Maybe380single stack? Just cause i'am reloading 380.

question ... is a compact 45 an effective weapon? not trying to start a war here ... just the facts. is the barrel length enough to get good terminal performance from the bullet? is a compact 45 really better than a carry-9mm or 380? has anyone seen any data or studies on this?

CA R

XDS and Glock 30s.

Taurus MilProPT145. Better gun than most give it credit for being.

My vote would be the PM45 as well....a good gunsmith could remedy the trigger pinch problem with a little shortening

Surprised no mention of hte Firestar M$%.

A bit heavy, but a very nice shooting 45.

Solid as tank

osteodoc08 said:

M&P line

Middle middle one in M2's pic above

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^^^

question ... is a compact 45 an effective weapon? not trying to start a war here ... just the facts. is the barrel length enough to get good terminal performance from the bullet? is a compact 45 really better than a carry-9mm or 380?

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What make you think a 45 looses more effectiveness when going to a shorter barrel. A 45 works fine from a 3.5" ish barrel it's still going to leave bigger holes than a 3.5" ish 9mm or 380.

mavracer said:

question ... is a compact 45 an effective weapon? not trying to start a war here ... just the facts.

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For me, accuracy is everything. A weapon becomes more effective if the defender is able to hit the intended target(s) fast and at point of aim repeatedly. I think the most effective weapon is a pistol that a shooter is comfortable with and able to produce consistent accuracy fast, regardless of the brand/caliber/size.

The question I would ask, are you able to effectively hit your target(s) with a compact 45? Because no matter how effective a cartridge is, if you can't hit your target(s), the bullets won't be able to do their job on the target(s).

Although I started with 9mm/45ACP, I found I was able to achieve proficiency with 40S&W using Glock 22 (which became my match pistol). When I found I could shoot the subcompact G27 as well as the G22, it became my carry weapon.

I was always fond of 45ACP and was surprised when I was able to shoot a compact Taurus PT145 (with SA trigger) well. It has natural point of aim as Sig 226/220 I had and all the controls are more ergonomic than the Glock controls which I have learned to adapt to. The PT145 sights line up to whatever I point at so all I have to do is press the trigger.

I test my natural point of aim by closing my eyes and pointing the pistol at the target and firing. If intended POA matches POI, then I have a natural pointing pistol that may come in handy when I do not have clear sight picture and have to resort to point shooting.

40S&W 165 gr JHP has higher rated muzzle energy than 45ACP 185 gr JHP and both G27 and PT145 hold 10 rounds in the magazine (G27 has +1 mag base). Although I lean towards G27 for being a more effective weapon because I can use 40-9 conversion barrel to shoot 9mm and get more trigger time, I feel comfortable carrying the PT145.

Of course, this is for me. You may be comfortable with different pistols and able to shoot effectively and fast with different pistols.

bds said:

For me, accuracy is everything.

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Apparently not when it comes to attributing quotes.

I think the most effective weapon is a pistol that a shooter is comfortable with and able to produce consistent accuracy fast, regardless of the brand/caliber/size.

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Then everyone should use a 22.

The question I would ask, are you able to effectively hit your target(s) with a compact 45? Because no matter how effective a cartridge is, if you can't hit your target(s), the bullets won't be able to do their job on the target(s).

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Of course but that is a separate question from.

CA Raider said:

is the barrel length enough to get good terminal performance from the bullet?

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And you have to address the terminal performance question separately so you can determine the value of speed and accuracy.