Small 45acp Pistol Recommendations

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I'm about 150 rounds into the 200 round break-in period for my new Kahr CW45. So far, not a single malfunction and that's using range ammo and four different brands of hollow points. It seems accurate enough. I'm considering making it a pocket-carry gun to replace my Smith hammerless .38 but so far I haven't found a suitable pocket holster for it. Anyone have any recommendations?
I used a Desantis Nemesis for mine it worked OK I still use a Nemesis for my PPS and LCT but have since switched to a Vetter for my Hellcat and LCR max they're kydex and do a better job of protecting the mag button from getting pushed.
 
Helped a buddy get a bright stainless .45 Officers, and then wanted one for myself. They are, of course, out of production, so I settled for a Defender; already had a 9mm version that I liked.
The .45 Deffy was really sweet to carry, but tiresome to shoot.
Stumbled across a stainless Officers, and sold away the Defender. My recollection, the alloy and steel Colts were the same size.
If you're serious about actually carrying a tiny .45, get a Defender.
Moon
 
My brother picked up a subcompact SIG P250 for his EDC after shooting one of my three P250's. It's surprisingly tame at the range but he pocket carries it in his Carhartts at work.
 
lee n. field
Have a CM40, picked it up last year for cheap. Quite "barky".

Had a CW40 ten or so years ago. Loved the grip shape and overall ergos but like you I found it to be rather heavy with the bark and hefty on the the muzzle flip. Definitely felt like Kahr was pushing the design envelope chambering it for the .40S&W. Had several other problems with the gun, even after the break-in period, so down the road it went.

Don't have any experience with Kahr's .45s but would tend to think they would be a bit of a handful with that cartridge as well.

I have been completely satisfied with the size and the performance of my CM9.
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Smallest 45 I can shoot and will carry is an Ultra/Defender size 1911. Kimber makes a great one IMHO. Slimmer and easier to carry than any other small 45 I messed with.

‘I have shot the XDS and Shield 45, and would choice the Shield over the XDS. I would take a G36 over either of them.
 
I'm about 150 rounds into the 200 round break-in period for my new Kahr CW45. So far, not a single malfunction and that's using range ammo and four different brands of hollow points. It seems accurate enough. I'm considering making it a pocket-carry gun to replace my Smith hammerless .38 but so far I haven't found a suitable pocket holster for it. Anyone have any recommendations?

You must have some BIG pockets! The CW45 is, basically, a full-sized pistol.

FWIW, my PM9 came with a DeSantis Nemesis... it worked pretty well for what it was. I don't really consider the diminutive PM9 to be a pocket pistol, either, and so didn't use it much.
 
An uncle of mine carries a stainless Colt Defender with an extended pinky grip. Recoil wise it's not objectionable at all. The metal frame helps in those small guns.
 
The Glock 30 is great. It's a tad bit thick but is reportedly the most accurate of all the Glock pistols. Lots of people praise the Glock 30. i have had my Glock 30 for 15 years. Very reliable and accurate. Plus it will accept the bigger 13 rd magazines from the Glock 21.
 
The Glock 30S has the thin slide of the Glock 36 and standard G30 frame. I had a Glock 30 SF for a long time, replaced it with a Gen4 and really like it. Like the Glock 29 10mm of the same size as well, but it's a true hand cannon.
 
You must have some BIG pockets! The CW45 is, basically, a full-sized pistol.

FWIW, my PM9 came with a DeSantis Nemesis... it worked pretty well for what it was. I don't really consider the diminutive PM9 to be a pocket pistol, either, and so didn't use it much.

Where I live I need to wear a jacket / heavier coat almost year-round, particularly in the evening. Hence, I do indeed have "big pockets" available to me most of the time. When I walk my dogs at night or make a run to the store I like to have something convenient to drop into my pocket....
 
This is what my 40 caliber Kahr looks like. If a pistol is much larger than the Kahr, I probably won't end up carrying it very often.


I have hands on time with a couple officer sized 1911s, and I own a Glock 36. Both are bigger than the PM40.

I've never fired the Kahr in .40, but I have fired the S.A. XD sub-compact in .40. The XD was snappier than the Glock 36, but recoil isn't light in either gun.
 
The Glock 30 is great. It's a tad bit thick but is reportedly the most accurate of all the Glock pistols.
I can confirm the the G30 is likely the most accurate Glock other than the ones designed for competition...G34/35
But I also found it a big thick to carry.

I won't compromise shoot ability for size. The smallest .45ACP pistols I've regularly carried in the past was a Star PD and a tuned Colt lightweight OACP
 
I’ve carried a 45 shield for a few years now and have had zero problems with it. 100% reliable with any load I’ve tried
 
My Glock 30S is my new favorite CCW. Also have a G29. If hadn’t already had the G29 I would have gotten the G30 and then got a 29 barrel or slide assy
 
If you can find one an amt 45 backup is about as small as you d want. DAO and no sight except the groove in the top of the slide.

Mine was comfortable to carry and shoot
 
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