Cool thread....I have been looking for one too!
Though I currently call it a 'patrol rifle'!
Some I have tried over the years.....
SKS...OK, reliable, acceptable...but even with SP ammo probably over penetrates fo HD.
AK...ultraCOOL....but same as above for ammo.
Marlin Camp45...since I have a few .45's laying about, it made/makes since to have a carbine that used all those mags, right? Ugh....I got a LEMON! No worky at all. Shot 300 plus rounds through it(hoping it would break in) with all sorts of magazines.....was definately not reliable!!! With Ball, JHP...anything. Maybe I should have sent it back to Marlin to be fixed. But it really looked like a cheaply made, fragile weapon designed by a committee.
The Mechtec conversion might be worth while......but it too does not seem to be well made...though I have heard reliable and accurate for the pistol rounds it is throwing. I may end up with one of these for an interesting accessory to experiment with next gun show.
Oh, and though the 45 acp in a carbine is thought of as a short range gun, my Marlin experiment was conducted on an open range and I was making hits quite aways out there(200 meters!). Just had to play with it...too bad it did not work well, for it produced a most satisfying 'clank' when that large heavy slug hit steel!!
I rented and shot both the USC and UMP(!!) at a range here in Vegas. If I could have my pick..naturally the UMP wins...but not because it is full auto capable!! The short barrel, folding stock and natural 'feel' made it the deciding winner!
The USC...well, another committee design inspired by the actions of a traitorous individual in washington. It did not feel 'right' and the ten rounder's are expensive. You can get it converted to use 'grease gun' mags. But, you are spending alot of money on weapon and conversion to do so!
The AR's....well, as much as I do not care for the poodle shooter...they do have so may options for it, you can customize it like you want it.
Anyone here tried the .45 acp conversion units for an AR? If so, PM me and tell me the specifics. Reliability, accuracy etc.
I pondered the M17...but as Cslinger said above it did not look real quality, and a read that it may have trouble with SP ammo....a requirement for anti personnel use IMHO!
I have no experience with the KelTec or Hi-point, though I have heard from owners of a gun range that both have stood up to alot of use. If they made one that shot .45 acp out of 1911(preferably Officer's sized) mags???? I would definately try it out as another experiential experiment.
The Berretta C4 Storm(?) looks very interesting...but it ain't yet a .45 and it won't use the chosen mags of my existing collection. But if you are uncommitted..........
YES to a light. A white light for HD or Patrol is a required accessory! Blinds oppenent...you can see but they cannot, and the light hurts the eyes!
My percieved need is perhaps different than many...I do not hunt(though I do track down some colorful individuals!). I like the detachable mag, the self loader concept, short over all length, and low recoil(old body, old bones) and the pistol caliber(if in .45) is fine by me. A quicker shot at 50 to 100 meters is my primary concern.
.02............
Jercamp45
He who runneth off at the fingers!!