Compact .45

[Pilot]

everyone and their cuz have commander size.
You should try something different.

And I may just do that.

 

[Z_Infidel]

The S&W 457 is a good compact pistol for a good price. I just sent my wife's to S&W to have it converted to DAO.

I recently purchased a Commander-sized SW1911SC (the "billboard" version) and am amazed at how such a lightweight gun can shoot so nicely. Definitely worth a look.

 

[kahuna]

If you want a compact 45acp pistol that is out of the box reliable, accurate and holds 10+1, take a look at the Taurus PT145 Millenium Pro.
I picked up a used Stainless one w/ 2 mags for $200. I bought it because it was cheap but much to my surprise, it has turned out to be a rock solid pistol. I feel just as confident that it will do it's job when/if needed as I do about any other pistol I own/have owned..

I also ditto HighVelocity on the PT-145! However, the price has gone up (maybe due to popularity?) I bought mine for about $300, but the recent gun show is selling them between $340 and $365. Some seller also give only one mag, some will give two. I have ran about 300 rounds through mine and found it to be very smooth and accurate (for a short-barrel .45).

I also tried out Springfield XD, Glock 27, and Kahr. I found the Taurus to fit me best. From a conceal perspective, I can still use a OWB holster and still able to conceal it fairly well.

Do try to go and shoot a few models before purchasing. It comes down to personal preference.

Da Kahuna
N' Arizona

 

[KurtC]

I've been searching for the ideal compact .45 for 25 years now. My top picks are the Beretta 8045D mini cougar and the S&W 4553TSW. Another fine gun is the S&W CS45D.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

How about a Bersa Thunder .45? http://www.bersa-llama.com/cat_thunder45.html

 

[MGRII]

I just purchased a Kahr P45 this weekend for carry. I looked at everything, but the size and reputation of the Kahr made me take a chance on the new little 45. It is a single stack 6+1 with enough grip length to make the recoil very managable. I took it to the range yesterday and had no problems with the 50 rounds of 230gr Winchester XST that I put through it. I didn't shoot for accuracy but it did well for a short barrel .45. The DAO trigger has a long pull, but is smooth and consistant. I carried it to the range in a shirt tucker holster and I can say that it conceals butter than any other 45 that I have including my Colt Defender. Give it a hard look, you may find that it's what you are looking for.

MGRII

 

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

The World's Smallest .45 Handgun

I feel like you do. Several months ago, I started looking for two things (1) a small size but powerful .45 and (2) a holster that would allow me to tuck in my dress shirt in an office environment and not 'print'.

I selected the Para Ordnance Warthot .45 and the Galco SkyOps holster. I really like the full sized Kimber I normally carry but the Warthog is perfect for my office environment.

 

[Pilot]

I also ditto HighVelocity on the PT-145! However, the price has gone up (maybe due to popularity?) I bought mine for about $300, but the recent gun show is selling them between $340 and $365. Some seller also give only one mag, some will give two. I have ran about 300 rounds through mine and found it to be very smooth and accurate (for a short-barrel .45).

Hmmmm. I may have to reconsider this gun. 11 rounds of .45 in such a small, light package seems almost irrestible. I have to admit, I'm not fond of polymer or Taurus, but maybe I can get past these issues. I will check one out.

 

[Flashpoint]

How about a Bersa Thunder .45?

I would second this nomination. Don't discount the Bersa just because it's about half the price of the other suggestions. The example I've seen have been pretty impressive and the one I've shot had a very Sig like trigger.

I tend to gravitate to guns like this because I don't like paying for a name, when a name has nothing more to offer. Not that the others are not good guns, that's just the way I is

 

[Pilot]

Check out the:

Kimber Compact CDP II (internal extractor if you can find one)

Out of all my pistols, this is my favorite carry gun.

1911 .45 power (7 in mag, one in pipe)
Small/thin
Lightweight
Dehorned
Night Sights
1911

I handled one of these yesterday, actually the CDP Pro II. I have to admit its at the top of my list, but the $1,050 price tag shocked me a bit. Still a very nice, compact 1911.

 

[Richard.Howe]

If you're gonna go that route, take a look at these:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=161645
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=171332

 

[Pilot]

Thanks Richard. I actually prefer the series 1 Kimbers.