Compact .45 Auto - What do you carry and why?

[Ascot500]

trekgod3

I would love to hear the story about making that holster.

(Patriot .45 for me as well)

 

[harmon rabb]

why not a 10mm?

****, you live in alaska. open carry that bitch

 

[steven58]

What: Kimber Ultra Elite in a Milt Sparks VM2. I have made a few subtle changes: bobbed the beaver-tail so it won't get hung up in my Irish sweaters, carbon fiber short trigger and Esmeralda grips, Wilson combat bullet proof extractor, firing pin, slide stop and Wilson stainless magazines. I also severely reduced the left side ambi safety lever to a sub GI sized nub and reduced the magazine release button and put in a much stronger spring. I'm a lefty and the safety and mag release button occasionally got "bumped". Since the mods no issues in over 2 years.

Why: 8 rounds of .45 ACP in a slim, comfortable and accurate pkg that has not failed to fire in over 6,000 rounds.

 

[scotchsean]

3rd for CS45

Why? Light, reliable, DA 1st shot SA following, decocker, recoil is not bad at all.

 

[iblong]

Colt officer stainless,I had reliability work done to her and it shoots every thing from lswc to hollow points with out fail.A touch heavy but not bad,
carried (IWB) 12 hrs a day.I may however go to a Colt defender in the future.
If I cant find A comander on an Officer frame.Been watching for a couple of years no luck.
Bob.

 

[MMMike]

I just picked up a SigP220 Compact. Only one trip to the range so far, but I think this will be a favorite.

 

[jonboynumba1]

how does that PM45 shoot with 230gr? is it controllable?? I kinda like that for a summer CCW option...would love to shoot one sometime and see how it feels

 

[mgh]

Smith 457, it's thin, reliable, reasonably priced. Plus the recoil is mild, for a compact .45

 

[UnTainted]

That sig looks tight!

 

[exdetsgt]

Kimber Ultra Carry II. 3" barrel with Wilson Combat 7 round mag +1 in the pipe. Light, fast, reliable. And conceals well in a D.M. Bullard forward cant holster.

 

[crstrode]

Firestar M45.
Great super solid little shooter.
I've got the steel version. Feels like it was carved out of a solid block of iron.


By the way - anyone need a brand new holster for a Firestar?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=163133285

 

[larryflew]

Really like my Winess 45 compact both for shooting and carrying. It also fits the same HBE IWB holster my CZ 75b's and PCR do.

 

[villemur]

I carry a Springfield XD Compact in an MTAC holster. It's bulkier than I'd like for CCW, but at the same time I don't think that it is a compromise from a tactical perspective. I used to carry a Kel-Tec P3AT a lot, but that was definitely a compromise!

I'm intrigued by the Colt Defender, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to plunk down the cash for one...

 

[xring]

G30SF since my Sig P245 could not be trusted to feed reliably.

 

[PigButtons]

how does that PM45 shoot with 230gr? is it controllable?? I kinda like that for a summer CCW option...would love to shoot one sometime and see how it feels

The PM45 has no problem with the 230 gr. It is a very controllable recoil and follow up shots are quick. The DA trigger is smooth and mine runs great.

 

[frankiestoys]

Great little 1911 RIA .45 ACP

 

[txgolfer45]

Kimber Pro Raptor II is my compact 1911.

 

[r32bjj]

DW CBOB. I like 1911s over any other guns. I like the feel of the 1911, the weight, proven record, look. I have no experience with the subcompact 1911s, but I would not carry one. I do carry my Glock 26 often when I am wearing shorts or pants without a belt.

 

[Jimineer]

1911 in Govt or Commander barrel length, if you plan to shoot it frequently for practice (or for fun).

The 3-inch barrel lengths can be problemmatic, in terms of spring replacement and tuning to get them reliable in the first place. This doesn't mean there aren't any 3" 1911's that are "out of the box" reliable, just that you should be prepared to mess with the short ones a little if necessary. From what I've learned, the longer barrel lengths have a better track record.

As others have said, the 1911 is already pretty thin, which makes it fairly easy to carry.

Aluminum frame if you want to save some weight.

......The 3-inch barrel lengths can be problemmatic, in terms of spring replacement and tuning to get them reliable in the first place. This doesn't mean there aren't any 3" 1911's that are "out of the box" reliable, just that you should be prepared to mess with the short ones a little if necessary. From what I've learned, the longer barrel lengths have a better track record......

DMazur, Is this based on direct experience or hear say??

 

[PT1911]

Star PD... Because I LIKE IT!!!... it really is a sweet gun, I was extremely surprised the first time I pulled the trigger and every time since... One of the most inexpensive guns I have purchased and one of my favorites.

 

[mesinge2]

The reason is after 800 jam free rounds I have 7+1 of 45 ACP in a 1911 that is equalivant to J frame sized revolver:

View attachment 118943
View attachment 118944
View attachment 118945

 

[bill111444]

My choice is the Glock 30 for summer carry and the Glock 21 for winter carry--- they both fit my large hand well, I like their balance too.

 

[Voimakas]

I don't know how big you are, but I carry a 1911 (government model) .45 in a supertuck by crossbreed and I don't print. I've heard kholster makes something comparable so I would see if you can borrow a friend's and try carrying a fullsize 1911. That extra round or two might come in handy.

 

[18DAI]

S&W 4513.....well...actually the souped up Performance Center 4513, the Shorty 45 MKII.

Light weight, super accurate (Briley bushing and match barrel) extremely reliable. Feeds everything.

I'm also enamoured with my early 4513TSW. The grip is slightly small. thats my only gripe with it. TJ

 

[Bad LS1]

+1 Colt New Agent.