I went with a Glock 30, also. I use the Pierce +1 floorplates on the magazines, increasing the capacity to 11 +1, and use a 13-round Glock 21 magazine as a spare. I figure a total of 25 rounds of .45ACP should be enough for almost any self-defense type situation. It's surprisingly accurate for such a short barrel and sighting radius, and has been 100% reliable with factory FMJ or JHP type ammo.
45 compact, which one?
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Coltdriver
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Truth is the lightest possible pistol is a lot easier to carry than something that weighs over 2 pounds. And the 1911 pistols, unfortunately, become less reliable as they get smaller. Not saying a $1000 piece is not reliable. Not saying a nearly three pounds loaded steel Commander is not a great piece.
Colt created that New Agent and it still weighs more loaded than a Glock 36. I think they have one in a modern battery of arms. But I know one of them is the ancient 1911 battery. So you have to cock it. Or carry it cocked and flick off the safety at the potentially most stressful moment of your life.
You could get two Glocks' for a $950 New Agent. And Glocks are pull and shoot with all the safeties' coming off automatically as you pull the trigger as is standard with a modern battery of arms.
So check out a Glock 30 or a 36. About as small as they get, reliable and very light at around 26 ounces loaded for a 36.
Colt created that New Agent and it still weighs more loaded than a Glock 36. I think they have one in a modern battery of arms. But I know one of them is the ancient 1911 battery. So you have to cock it. Or carry it cocked and flick off the safety at the potentially most stressful moment of your life.
You could get two Glocks' for a $950 New Agent. And Glocks are pull and shoot with all the safeties' coming off automatically as you pull the trigger as is standard with a modern battery of arms.
So check out a Glock 30 or a 36. About as small as they get, reliable and very light at around 26 ounces loaded for a 36.
I carry a RIA Compact, which is essentially a clone of the Colt's Officers ACP. 3.5" barrel, 1/2" shorter grip, M1911A1 platform. Works perfectly for me, and it's inexpensive enough that I don't have to baby it and worry about marks, dings and wear from daily carry.
These aren't the stock grips, and I have Lasergrips on it now.
How it compares to a full-size 1911.
These aren't the stock grips, and I have Lasergrips on it now.
How it compares to a full-size 1911.
Bentonville
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HK45C is a great carry gun and as good as it gets out of the box for a .45. Soft shooting, accurate, reliable, ergonomically well designed. You owe it to yourself to try one before you purchase. Just one man's opinion.
Taurus Model 24/7 Pro Compact has been giving me great service and feeds reliably with everything I have thrown in it so far. Comes with 10 and 12 round magazines.
I also have a Commander size 1911 but it is all steel and therefore heavy, a bit more fussy with ammo also. More accurate however. The 1911's shorter than the Commander used to have a mixed reputation for reliability but perhaps that is no longer the case.
I also have a Commander size 1911 but it is all steel and therefore heavy, a bit more fussy with ammo also. More accurate however. The 1911's shorter than the Commander used to have a mixed reputation for reliability but perhaps that is no longer the case.
Depend's on definition of compact. For a no holds barred IWB I find my STI VIP hard to top. It's compact, light weight, reliable holds 10 in a flush mag and is off the chart accurate. It is pricy though if I eeven think I might have to leave it in the truck I pack my Kahr CW45 custom covert it's just as reliable and lighter and probably accurate enough.
The_Armed_Therapist
Member
I'm never too sure what people mean by "compact." My ideals would be either the Glock 30 or the XDM 3.8"... They are standard 10rd and 9rd, respectively, but also take their big brothers' 13 round mags.
I cannot speak to the small 1911s, though. I have zero experience with them.
If something smaller is wanted, really only two good choices are out there--the Kahr P45/CW45 or the Taurus 145/745. I wouldn't really want the 745 (the single stack version of the 145), but I'd be OK with the others.
I cannot speak to the small 1911s, though. I have zero experience with them.
If something smaller is wanted, really only two good choices are out there--the Kahr P45/CW45 or the Taurus 145/745. I wouldn't really want the 745 (the single stack version of the 145), but I'd be OK with the others.
tahunua001
Member
compact 1911s are notorious for reliability issues. you may be better off with a polymer. I have an XDM45 compact that has never failed me and just the other day I shot it with greater accuracy than any other handgun, full or compact. I was pretty happy with that.
archer1214
Member
IMO...You cant go wrong with a Sig.....I also carry a P220 and the girl has never let me down, no matter what I feed her.
The problem with them "euro gals" is 45xx series S&W is almost as good at about half of SIGs price.IMO...You cant go wrong with a Sig.....I also carry a P220 and the girl has never let me down, no matter what I feed her.
Mac Attack
Member
I am a 1911 fan and own more than one Colt Commander but more often than not I find myself strapping on my G30. My G30 feels lighter than my carry combat commander thats with 2+ more rounds. 1911s are great guns but I trend to baby mine because the cost to replace a S70 or commander is a lot more than the cost off a Glock.
bigfatdave
Member
mine are notorious for working superbly - and they're "cheap" versions
chicharrones
needs more ammo
I agree. I shouldn't have had to buy four +0s to finish off my 36.
WRGADog
Member
Glock 30SF or Springfield XD compact.
I have a Detonics Combatmaster. Excellent gun. Well designed. A bit heavy.
My next one will be the 45 ACP Kahr.
My needs are for light and small for carry. Should replace the PM9, with .45 punch. The new XD would be worth looking into as well.
Glocks?
Too fat and heavy for my needs. Weigh about the same as the Detonics. Sure, it's more rounds, but I'll need them because the glock trigger hurts my accuracy. Don't like a hammer and crow bar to put in rounds 9 and 10, either.
Others that I have had, and would recommend:
Kimber 3" Orion now has. A bit expensive when all is said and done, but light, and works. Don't like the full beavertail.
Colt Defender. Closest to a full sized action in a small 1911.
My next one will be the 45 ACP Kahr.
My needs are for light and small for carry. Should replace the PM9, with .45 punch. The new XD would be worth looking into as well.
Glocks?
Too fat and heavy for my needs. Weigh about the same as the Detonics. Sure, it's more rounds, but I'll need them because the glock trigger hurts my accuracy. Don't like a hammer and crow bar to put in rounds 9 and 10, either.
Others that I have had, and would recommend:
Kimber 3" Orion now has. A bit expensive when all is said and done, but light, and works. Don't like the full beavertail.
Colt Defender. Closest to a full sized action in a small 1911.
NWCP
Member
HK45C. Try it before spending money on any other .45 Compact.
71Commander
Member
My Para C6-45. It will feed any and all bullet profiles.
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jblackfish
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Wilson Combat CQB Compact.
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lobo9er
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Wilson combat, $2,500. Not that I wouldn't love one.
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lobo9er
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