Need help choosing a .45acp carry gun

[twsnnva]

Though it's not on your list, may I suggest you take a look at the Ruger P345? It has a very thin profile which makes it great for CC. It's also very reliable, I've put 5K+ rounds though mine without a single failure to feed or eject. I also give it high marks as far as accuracy goes -- I am definitely the weak link in that chain. It's also priced right. You can find the blued model for around $425 or the stainless for about $450. Here's a link if you'd like to take a look.

http://www.ruger.com/products/p345/index.html

-Thomas

 

[lambertiana]

For daily carry I really like the Glock G30. It shoots like a dream, is compact, what's not to like?

I have small hands, yet I don't have any issues with the grip. Maybe I have just gotten used to it.

 

[230therapy]

If you're going with a Detonics, the magazine capacity is 6 rounds. It is not clear to me if the gun is still in production. SIG, however, still has their P220 Compact (which is Glock 19 sized), Glock still makes the Model 36 and Kahr has their little pistol in 45 ACP. Why go with a gun with little or no support?

Even if you do go with a 1911 style gun, there are many compact offerings from the major 1911 manufacturers.

 

[ugaarguy]

I know you said you've narrowed it down, but you also stated you're also a 1911 fan. The S&W M&P 45 and M&P 45 compact have as 1911-esque a feel as any striker fired pistol I've handled. Their thumb safeties feel just right to my 1911 fitting hands as well. Alternately, if you can find one, and if you have deep pockets, Dan Wesson is offering the Valor in a steel frame, bobtail, commander.

If you can stomach an aluminum frame, I'm in agreement with the previous poster about a CCO. The CCO gives you the reliability of a 4 1/4" Commander slide (as opposed to a 3.5" or shorter Officer's style pistol), with the short, concealable, Officer's length grip. Colt has dropped the CCO from their lineup, but Dan Wesson has again filled the void. I own or have owned Colt, Springfield, Dan Wesson, and Kimber 1911s. If the availability of my funds, and another DW align I'll get a DW as my next 1911. Their fit and finish exceed any other production 1911 on the market, and their internal parts are also top notch.

Hope this helps.

 

[Russ Jackson]

A few pictures of my favorite 1911 carry. Personally I think they are still one of the best even 30+ years later. I just purchased it from one of the members here.
Approx 1980 Detonics Mark VI Professional






...Russ

 

[Zerodefect]

Dan Wesson CCO Bobtail, cause it's hard to get a good "little" 1911. Should conceal as well or better than my G23.

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/dan-wesson-cco-bobtail/

 

[gym]

S&W CS 45, Glock 30, 36. Gunsite 45, Para alloy P-13, just a few I have carried over the years. I like the XD series also and the M&P

 

[jpwilly]

I've been debating this same topic also a compact .45 for my first carry gun. All of the Taurus owner's that have chimed in what is the PT145 trigger like? I handled one at a local dealer and it seemed long and didn't break quite as clean as I'd like. I really like the Smith and Wesson M&P compact because I'm left handed and its ambi slide release and changeable mag release to right side which is much better feeling for me as a lefty.

The trigger is pretty good. Shooting it and oiling mine has slicked it up. Trigger pull is longer than my 1911's - it's suppost to be. But for SD and practice at the range very usable. I would only give it a 5 out of 10. There's a lot of other virtues though.

Again if you want a nice compact 45acp pistol that has a lot going for especially for $300 the PT145 Mil Pro should get a look but if you want to spend more there are a lot of fine choices.

 

[oldgoat46]

Kahr PM 45 you won't be sorry.

 

[bartman06]

I conceal carry a M&P45c and i love it. I've owned a Glock 21 and 30 and they were awesome but I wanted something thinner that i could grip a little higher so i had more control over my shots. Did you think of the Taurus 1911? Its not priced too high. I haven't really heard anything bad about it but I don't own one.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

 

[Viper]

I warm weather I pocket carry a PM45 either in front pants or inside jacket. I have three Kahr's with a combined total of over 2500 rounds, and haven't had one problem with any of them.

In colder weather I can carry the one of the Kahr's or a M&P c 45, XD c 45, or P220 on the belt. All of these pistols have been 100% except the XD had two FTFeeds in the first 30 rounds. It's also been flawless since.

 

[Gravelbelly]

QUOTE: FNP 45 USG is my daily carry. Awesome gun.

Az

Azb- How much do you weigh and how tall? do u basically have to where hawaiian shirts every day?

Im looking to buy a FNP-45 or a XDM 45 or XD45 leaning heavily toward the FNP45. I weigh 220(Im in the gym every day.), 6.0ft. What holster?

 

[Valkman]

I really like the XD45 Compact in that you can carry with a 10rd mag for concealability and carry a 13rd mag for backup. That is my carry gun when I don't carry the Kimber Compact CDP, another awesome gun.

 

[03Shadowbob]

I love 4" 1911s for different reasons but most of all is performance and accuracy. I do have my eyes open for a Colt New Agent though.
I have heard nothing but great things about RIAs so that may be a good choice if you want to go the 1911 route.
If not 1911, I had a Glock 36 once and it was a great gun. I think Kahr makes a small 45 also.
A lot depends on where/how you will carry and if you don't mind the "bulk" of Glock type guns. 1911's are skinny guns which work best for me.
Good luck and enjoy!

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

HK45c.