oh yeah, forgot to mention, I carry a 1911 in a galco shoulder miami classic rig all the time and love it. I'm sizeable, (ok fat) enough to easily conceal the full gov size models, but the galco shouler rig is just so so nice. I recommend one if you decide to continue carrying 1911's, (or any gun for that matter)
CCW Alternative to 1911
- Thread starter sleepyone
- Start date
- Status
Skylerbone
Member
If you can't track down a S&W 457, I'd recommend looking at the Kahr. For a size comparison, below is the Kahr CW9 next to a Colt Govt. Model. Best comparison pic I've got illustrating the considerable difference.
Another vote for the Ruger P345. Weighs less, carries same number of rounds, soft shooting (relative, but I find it as soft of softer than all steel 5" 1911s) inexpensive: Where I live, $445, Ruger tough. Ayoob wrote and article for Backwoods Magazine talking about how he used to carry a tricked out $3200 custom 1911, and when he honestly evaluated and tested it against his Ruger, it couldn't do anything the Ruger couldn't. And actually, the ruger has a rail built into it, so in theory it can really do more!
sleepyone
Member
that pic comparing the Kahr to the 1911 is amazing. Seems the recoil on a .45 that small would be punishing.
sleepyone
Member
I used to carry an XD 9mm subcompact with 16 rounds using a DL Bullard IWB holster and a DL Bullard double thick gun belt. I hated it because every time I tried to pee at a urinal I was having to keep my pants from dropping to my ankles. When I was in a public stall taking a dump, it was really hard to conceal. Right now I carry a 642 with a Mika pocket holster, but I want more fire power and more bullets hence this whole discussion. I really want something slimmer than my XD and lighter. Looks like I will go with either the Colt XSE Alloy Commander, the M&P .45 or the Ruger P345. I know Kahr is a fine pistol, but I don't care for the looks of it at all.
Skylerbone
Member
The Colt in that pick was my father's, carried rarely due to weight (and leaving him unarmed). The Kahr I bought for him a year or so ago and has gotten him carrying again. At under one pound (in 9mm) recoil just isn't a factor and I don't believe .45 ACP would be any worse. It wouldn't be my ideal range pistol but definitely worth consideration.
First magazine he put through, ~1 round/sec. at IIRC 8 or 10 yds.
First magazine he put through, ~1 round/sec. at IIRC 8 or 10 yds.
I rented a Kahr PM45 last night at the range. Recoil was snappy but not punishing in the least. My buddy and his wife also gave it a go, we were all impressed with how well it shot.
Side-by-side it was smaller than the G26 (my daily carry). I'm used to the glock trigger pull, so the long DA trigger pull on the Kahr took some getting used to, although it was very smooth.
I'm going to wait until the new XD slim hits the shelves before I make a decision, guessing one of these two will be my next purchase.
loneviking
Member
I've been doing a similar search. The P345 is still a large gun,check one out and you'll see its not very comparable to a 1911 for thinness. Then, I stumbled on the Bersa Thunder .45. Small but steel framed. Recoil managable with a double wound recoil spring. Research shows its reliable and accurate as well. They can be bought for under $400. Just a thought...
JTQ
Member
I'll admit I don't have a P345, but I've been a 1911 guy since the 1980's. I would compare the P345's slimness favorably to the 1911.
The Ruger P90 and P97 were chunky, but the P345, especially the grip, is a slim .45 ACP pistol.
Glock 30, plenty of rounds and small enough to carry. I have the first gen that was made and I still love the way it shoots. Or the 36, if you want to save weight. I have almost gone with M&P on several occasions, but I guess I just got used to glocks early on.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Find a used S&W 457 or 4516. The latter gun is all stainless steel and a little heavy, but compactness (while still remaining shootable) and reliability are covered. In newly produced guns, I would look at the M&P45C.
Liberty1776
Member
Another vote for the Ruger P345. I've been carrying mine for 5 years now. Very accurate, eats anything, and built darn sturdy.
Tomcat47
Member
I am waiting on some test results on the Sprinfield XDs myself.
Capacity is issue with some but does not bother me... it comes with 3 mags and all the gear for CCW...giving you 16 rounds of .45
I was ready to jump on one of these as soon as they hit the market, but decided to let some reports on them hit THR.
I still think it is going to be a wonderful CCW package.
Capacity is issue with some but does not bother me... it comes with 3 mags and all the gear for CCW...giving you 16 rounds of .45
I was ready to jump on one of these as soon as they hit the market, but decided to let some reports on them hit THR.
I still think it is going to be a wonderful CCW package.
mljdeckard
Member
A good belt and a good holster like a Crossbreed Supertuck make a LOT of difference carrying something heavier.
I have both an officers size and government size 1911. As far as recoil, there isnt a noticeable difference between the two. As a carry option, the full size tends to carry easier that the officer size. The secret to carrying a heavier gun concealed is a sturdy belt, and a good holster. The holster I use most is a Galco King tuk, and compared to the more conventional IWB holsters I have tried, the hybrid styles work the best for me.
Claude Clay
Member
if you get a 'good' one the PT145. mine lost its nite sights from age but still shoots accurately enough for an occasional IDPA.
but its rather light and arthritis makes it uncomfortable to shoot.
I've gone to a Sig C3. i was looking for a LW Commander and this kinda fell into my lap.I'm very pleased with it.
and the K-T P11 is out; the H&K P7 is in. same reason; more weight and my hands are happier.
but its rather light and arthritis makes it uncomfortable to shoot.
I've gone to a Sig C3. i was looking for a LW Commander and this kinda fell into my lap.I'm very pleased with it.
and the K-T P11 is out; the H&K P7 is in. same reason; more weight and my hands are happier.
Archie
Member
Sleepy, I did the same line of thought and ended up with an H&K USP(c) 40.
It is a polymer frame, which tends to absorb recoil to some degree. The variant 1 version I bought has a cocked and locked over-ride; or can be carried in DA starter mode. It fits my hand. Magazines are 12 rounds, but it doesn't feel like a 2x2 firring strip.
My understanding is the USP(c)45 uses a larger frame. I have a full size USP40 as well and the grip is just a little big for my hand.
The main drawback is they are somewhat spendy. It's only money. I did a full write up on it on my blogsite, shown below.
It is a polymer frame, which tends to absorb recoil to some degree. The variant 1 version I bought has a cocked and locked over-ride; or can be carried in DA starter mode. It fits my hand. Magazines are 12 rounds, but it doesn't feel like a 2x2 firring strip.
My understanding is the USP(c)45 uses a larger frame. I have a full size USP40 as well and the grip is just a little big for my hand.
The main drawback is they are somewhat spendy. It's only money. I did a full write up on it on my blogsite, shown below.
45crittergitter
Member
I answered my question with a lightweight 5" 1911.
I have a 30 since they first came out, it's the longest I have kept a gun in FL. In NY I had the same 2 for 20 years, but if you like the 30, the 36 is even lighter. I would look at both. If you are looking for a really nice carry, I have an EMP in 40 that is really a 1911, only slimmer and smaller, steel frame and a great shooter. I have always held the 40 in high regaurd as a man stopper, not much difference in the 2, one is larger the other is faster, it may be worth a look at a 40. You also get a couple extra rounds.
- Status
