.45acp single stack non-1911 CCW weapons... What's out there?

[azredhawk44]

Who's got something along the lines of what I described in the title? I want a CCW auto. I currently own a G21 (doublestack and huge), a 1911 (don't like cocked-and-locked carry IWB... the hammer and beaver tail pinch me), and an XD9 (okay to carry, but 9mm instead of .45acp).

I want something a tad smaller than the XD9, dimensions that matter most to me are width of slide and length of grip. 3.5-4.0 inch barrel preferred.

I want single-stack. Capacity doesn't matter so much, and mag interoperability doesn't matter at all.

This is what I know of so far that is non-1911, what else is out there?

Glock 36 (good, but thinking about getting away from Glock entirely)
ParaOrdnance LDA-CCO (leader, but expensive)
Taurus 745 (short barrel and ugly)
Sig 220DAK (wide, tall, long and expensive... probably too big)

PS: 1911 fans -

I'm with you. I like my 1911. Openly in a holster, it's a great gun. But I don't like what the beaver tail safety and hammer do when carried IWB. Especially if I bend sideways or sit down. They are accurate and reliable. But I don't find them comfortable. Hammer down, hammer up, small or extended beavertail, I don't like concealing them. As such, I am not considering a single-action 1911 at this time, but ParaOrdnance LDA still sits high on my list.

 

[1911austin]

Kahr P45?

 

[AK103K]

The SIG P220 is a Commander sized pistol. The new P220C is a little shorter. You might also look at a P245 if you can find one. SIG has discontinued them, but they are around and also great pistols.

I've carried 1911's, both Government and Commander models, and the P220, all in IWB holsters with no troubles. Its really more about what you carry them in, how you dress, and your attitude, than it is the guns size.

 

[bestseller92]

I'd go for a good used Ruger P97.

 

[JDGray]

Ruger P345

 

[Whirlwind06]

Cobra Patriot .45
Taurus p145 I think is single stack

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Check out the Bersa Thunder .45. I have the 9mm compact and fullsize and have been very happy with them. I paid $350 out the door for each and I am currently considering picking up a .45 as well.

 

[distra]

G36 or Kahr P45. I have the P45 and after some initial trigger issues, it has been running great. The only thing is it has a looooong trigger pull.

 

[10-Ring]

Single stack, non 1911, I'd take a real good look at the Kahr 45

 

[Flashpoint]

Depends on what you want to spend.

Spend a little=Bersa 45

Spend a lot=ParaOrdnance LDA-CCO

I would probably go with the Para over a Kahr, I think the Para feels better.

As far as 1911s go, have you tried a holster with a guard to protect you from the beaver tail and hammer? It makes a big difference.

 

[sabre452]

I have had good success with the CS45 and 457 from Smith and Wesson. Both have been reliable.

 

[Duramaximum]

I carry a Ruger P345. After I got the barrell Ramped and Throated it shoots like a dream.

 

[Autolycus]

The HK .45 should be out sometime next year. That will be a nice gun from what I hear.

 

[Technosavant]

As far as 1911s go, have you tried a holster with a guard to protect you from the beaver tail and hammer? It makes a big difference.

I'll second this. I've NEVER been poked by the hammer or beavertail safety of my 1911- my Milt Sparks VM2 keeps those parts away from me. A new holster is cheaper than a new gun. Methinks that if you don't like how a 1911 in a holster pokes you, you will be disappointed with others. I might also recommend an undershirt between the holster/gun and your skin. No pinching.

It looks like everybody else has pretty well covered the possibilities.

 

[KI4LIV]

Taurus PT-945 - might be a little big for CCW though.

 

[Manedwolf]

Taurus Millenium Pro PT-745.

Comes in blue or stainless, single stack, 20oz unloaded. Three-dot combat, Heinie straight-8 or Trijicon sights. 6+1, DAO older model, DA/SA newer. Manual thumb-swipe safety.

VERY slender. Barely more than an inch, if that. Vanishes in a smartcarry. Accurate as all hell, too.

 

[Devonai]

I have been extremely happy with my Taurus PT145 so I imagine I would be happy with the single-stack PT745. My only reservation is that I prefer a minimum of 8 rounds in a magazine.

If the 3.3" barrel turns you off I would recommend the S&W 4566. Single stack, 8-round capacity, and a 4" barrel. Mine was comfortable for IWB. You may find it too heavy for IWB, I don't know. It is an excellent platform for the .45, though.

 

[SolaScriptura139]

What makes the Para-ordnance LDA not a 1911? Forgive my ignorance on the topic, but it looks an awful lot like a 1911.

 

[Zero_DgZ]

S'got no hammer, so there's nothing to pinch you against the beavertail with. The "carry option" model also doesn't have a beavertail.

 

[P97]

My CCW:

 

[bakert]

Another vote for the Ruger P97. It's my everyday carry gun.

 

[Technosavant]

What makes the Para-ordnance LDA not a 1911? Forgive my ignorance on the topic, but it looks an awful lot like a 1911.

The LDA is not a sliding-trigger single action. It is a double action pivoting trigger handgun. When the workings are completely different, it is hard to call it a 1911. Looks the part, but the inside bits aren't remotely related.

 

[jeepmor]

Love that LDA trigger

Buy a holster.

However, LDA trigger is SAAAAWEEEEEEEEEET!!!!

Wife and my Taurus both SOLID guns, would carry, no sweat.

Excuse to buy Para, sure, but holsters are cheaper, you do have a 1911.....already.




jeepmor

 

[jeepmor]

Love that LDA trigger

I fondled a Para LDA 1911 style at a gunshow. Nice, small hammer too, that was odd. The take up was like no other gun I've seen and that's what differentiates it from the traditional 1911 near as I could tell. (but I'm a newb)

I have a PT145 in DAO and am still overly impressed how well it shoots. I would consider a range test if available just to see how they handle. If your in the area, PM me and and we'll talk about a range session.(PDX) If you go to a gun shop and they don't have a PT745, hold a PT-111 for width approximation on the grip. The slides are about the same, if not identical widths as my 45 model. Ugly or not, it handles well and has been reliable. As is my wife's PT111, so I vouch for two. ~1.5k rounds each down the pipe. It's my first pistol, so I'm biased, but it's reliability has won favor, not it's label. Sorry, Taurus ad, but from unpaid customer. I'm considering one of their 1911's. I wonder if I can turn their 40 into a 10mm. I know a guy, with a much bigger gun habit than me....prototype.

Sounds like your a 1911 guy, so I won't repeat what's been said. But I will reiterate, that LDA trigger was SAAAAAAWEEEEET!!! And if you don't have a holster that it between the pistol and your skin. Well DEE DEE DEE!? Buy a new holster and stick with it.

 

[torpid]

I have a PT145 in DAO and am still overly impressed how well it shoots.... Ugly or not, it handles well and has been reliable.

Um, 1 vote for not.
(But then again, I also like how snub revolvers look better than full size.)

Mine's great- it eats anything I feed it and keeps purring along.

My last autoloader was a very nice "acceptably expensive" Sig P229, and yet I dare to say out loud that I have absolutely nothing but praise for this (gasp) unacceptably inexpensive little Mil Pro.


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