Compact .45ACP --- Suggestions Please!

[NJGunOwner81]

Okay, I am starting to do a little research for my next handgun purchase and I'd like to get some of your opinions on which direction I should head.

I'm going to make it a little difficult for you because I have some qualities that I want in my handgun.

1. A Good Reputation --- Sorry to all the Hi-Point fans but I've read too much bad stuff to be comfortable spending any amount of money on any type of Hi-Point.

2. Compact - I already have my full size gun, a Stainless Kimber w/ 5" barrel, which I am in love with, so I wanted a smaller, more compact gun ... something concealable for when I can finally move out of loser N.J.

3. 45ACP Caliber - This is a biggie for me! I KNOW that the larger the round the larger the gun has to be to accommodate it but here are my two reasons for wanting a compact 45. For one, I like the knockdown power of a 45 and, maybe more importantly, it will save me money feeding the gun. Right now I am sitting on about 2,000 rounds of 45ACP, give or take a hundred, and I'd rather nibble at that than have to go out and buy another little pile of ammo for another gun.


So those are my conditions ... I've been looking at the Glock 30 & 36, Ruger P90, and the Taurus Pro just to name a few. I DO love my Kimber but I wanted something different.

Any thoughts on what to buy or what not to buy? Looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts! THANK-YOU!

Take Care & Be Safe!

Frank
NJGunOwner81

 

[Jswebb45]

My personal run in with Taurus has always been bad possibly besides the 1911 being the only decent so far. As compact depending on what you looking to spend these are my suggestions.

Glock 36 $500
Kahr PM45 $800-1000
Springfield Armory XD compact $600

Prices will vary a bit but a good place to start personally I love my XD .45 compact more than anything ive ever owned very good gun

 

[D-Man]

I have a HK45C which may fit your bill, as long as you don't mind the price and want a compact and not a sub-compact.

It's expensive, but shoots like a dream.

I also live in NJ now and can't carry, but the HK45C is a keeper.

 

[xXxplosive]

I also own a full size Gov't Model 1911 and love it................but most of the time I carry a Series 70 Colt Combat Commander.
You would be surprised how much of a difference the 3/4" means to me. Since you are already familure with the workings of the gun I would suggest you scope out a Series 70 on one of the auctions, you wont be sorry. The Commander size is the perfect size and much better balance than the 3" and 3.5" models made today. Also, the Series 70 has the steel frame without the FPB (Fireing Pin Block). I don't want that thing and won't suggest it in the later models.

It's not a .45 unless it has a horse on it................

 

[JTQ]

I have a Colt Combat Elite and S&W 4506 and have also been looking for something "handier". My current solution is to carry the 4506 around for a while and then switch to the Colt which feels pretty slim and trim compared to the S&W.

You mentioned the Ruger P90. It is probably lighter than a 5" all steel 1911, but it is still kind of chunky (the same could be said for the Sig P220, another option). The Ruger P345 may be a better choice since it is thinner (especially in the grip), has a slightly shorter barrel, and is lighter weight.

For 1911's S&W makes a couple of Scandium framed 1911's in Commander size. The regular PD model and the Gunsite model.

 

[Katana8869]

My Taurus PT145 was a great gun and I regret selling it. The XD45C is a simply outstanding pistol. It would be my choice if I were looking to buy another .45.

 

[Willy G.]

A picture says a......

If you like the 5" you'll love this, I do.

 

[19-3Ben]

uhh..... you're looking for a compact gun and you mentioned the Ruger P90? it's too big to be considered a compact by any stretch.

I'd give a serious look to the Kahr P45, and if you are on a tight budget, the CW45.
I think the CW45 is the smallest and lightest .45 you can get new for $450 or less.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

Compact 45 perfection!

 

[NJGunOwner81]

To All Who Responded to my message ... THANK-YOU! I read what everyone had to say and considered all my options and I wanted you to know my end result!

So, in keeping with my requirements of wanting a gun chambered in .45ACP and one that was smaller than my Full Sized Kimber 1911 I decided on a Sig P250!

The gun IS smaller, lighter and is remarkably accurate. The one thing that is throwing me from my Kimber is that the Sig is DAO which means there is a MUCH longer trigger pull. A couple of my friends suggested a LEM trigger but I don't want to do that ... I WANT different guns and experiences so I will stick with this trigger and work on my pull.

ANYWAY ... just wanted to keep everyone who wanted to know in the loop! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

Have Fun & Stay Safe!!!

Respectfully,

NJGunOwner81

 

[smoothdraw]

You'll love a Bill wilson Carry. A Dan Wesson carry or Ed brown Cobra carry. I carry a Kimber Pro Carry 4" all metal. I got my kimber because i got a good deal new for $700 last year 2009. If i will do it again it will not be a kimber it will be a Dan Wesson carry.

 

[2GunsWest]

Taurus PT 145.

Forget all you've heard and actually try one.

 

[NMGonzo]

Taurus PT 145.

Forget all you've heard and actually try one.

i had one.

i am an idiot for letting it go

 

[mbr]

Glock G30sf

 

[sig220mw]

Glock 36

It is also not as expensive as many of the other models mentioned.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I DO love my Kimber but I wanted something different.

Sorry, all I can suggest is a Kimber Ultra.

When I find something that works I stick with it.

 

[distra]

Glock 36, Glock 30, Springfield Micro Compact 1911 & M&P45c are all good choices. I have not owned a Taurus, but some really like the Millennium Pro PT145.

 

[notbubba]

I think you should get a Sig 250 because it's

smaller, lighter and is remarkably accurate

Thanks for the update.

 

[Tom Fury]

S&W 457
Absolutely reliable, Light, .45, lifetime warramty; cheap; recommend SS if you can find one.
Cheers, tf

 

[Walkalong]

I already have my full size gun, a Stainless Kimber w/ 5" barrel, which I am in love with, so I wanted a smaller, more compact gun ..

Well then, a Kimber Ultra should do the trick.

 

[remington79]

I would go with the Glock 30. It's light, concealable, reliable and has a nice short trigger. Plus you can use the G21 13 round mags for reloads.

 

[ernest.t.bass]

Smith & Wesson 4513

 

[Dallas Jack]

Taurus PT145.
Dallas Jack

 

[Yo Mama]

Taurus pt145, like Dallas Jack said. For 325ish, you're looking at a great gun.

Stick with 3rd generation.

Also, M2, your collection made me drool, and you must have a VERY understanding spouse.

 

[230therapy]

S&W M&P 45 Compact!

It is Glock 19 sized for great concealability, good ergos, 8+1 capacity and a very tunable trigger.