Question for anyone that CC's a 45 ACP.

I want a reasonably priced compact 45 ACP pistol for CC. I have not shot anything smaller than a 1911 in 45 ACP but I am not particularly sensitive to recoil.

Those that CC 45 ACP; What do you carry and why?

 

I carry my RIA Commander sized .45 in a Sticky Holster or Brave Response belly band. I don’t carry my full sized anymore.
Why? Personal choice. I also often pocket carry an LCP 2 in .380 so I’m not exactly a caliber snob.

 

I have a bunch. I like the Glocks 21 & 30, SIG P220 and 1911.

 

I recently picked up a Glock 30 and liked the feel but did not have a chance to fire it. I am extremely fond of my 1911's but I don't believe I could successfully CC one in the year round hot climate where I live.

 

Glock 30 Gen4, a bit of a chonk but it shoots well.

 

I carried both GM and Commanders on a daily basis for about 25 years, and never had any issues. A untucked, normal sized tee shirt hides them well in the summer.

I had a Glock 30S for a while. They are about the same size as a 19, and are easy shooters, and carry the same.

If you like the 1911's, they arent hard to carry year round, as long as you have a decent holster and belt. Unless your stuck with an unreasonable manner of dress, that really shouldn't be an issue, especially these days with the more relaxed dress codes.

I carried my Commander, with a double reload, in both a tuckable holster, and one of the undershirt type holsters, under an oxford type dress shirt for a while, and they both worked well too. In that kind of environment, you really dont move around much, so its a lot easier, than if you're more active.

 

Of course you can. If I can lug a SIG P220 around in West Texas summer heat, you can do it too. Key is a Kore Essentials belt and either a Milt Sparks Criterion (strongside) or JM Custom Kydex AIWB 2.5 with Discreet Carry Concepts clips.

 

I'll give it a shot. Thanks

 

I carried a full size steel 1911 for years.

You need a quality holster ( Milt Sparks Summer Special) and belt DESIGNED FOR CARRY.

$20 walmart belts need not apply.

 

G36 with a Hyve +1 base plate. 8 Shots on the waist.

 

Ruger sr1911 night watchman for me. Of course the lightweight commander will do because the night watchman is hard to come by. 8 rd mag and one in the pipe works well...

 

I have carried, and may again, an XDS in .45. 5.+1.

Mine needed some work (polishing, hand cycling and dry firing) to get reliable.

 

I have carried all of these, but I have also carried a Beretta PX4 Storm in 45acp.

 

I have two commander size pistols that I carry OWB in nice leather with a Kore belt. If I need to go a bit smaller/lighter I have a SIG ultra compact IWB with a crossbreed mini tuck style holster.

 

I would avoid 1911s with less than a 4" barrel.

 

When I can actually wear a jacket, a Glock 36. An old photo below. I've since added the Hyve 7-round magazines mentioned by @EMC45 .

Why? It's slim and light for a .45 ACP. Weighs 28 ounces loaded 6+1. I haven't weighed it with the Hyve's in place, probably would hit 30 to 31 ounces.

Smaller .45 pistols did come out after I bought this one, I just stuck with the 36. It's paid for, shoots well, and has manageable recoil. Plus, it tolerates a tired wrist better than a 3.5" barreled 1911 in .45 ACP in my hand.

View attachment 1107039

 

I often carry my Kimber Ultra Carry II 3”. It is flawlessly reliable with Wilson Combat magazines and extremely accurate. I use an IWB holster and it hides well with normal clothing.

 

I'm shocked at a couple of other oddballs like me carrying a G36, the Glock you never hear about. I use the 1 round mag extension too. Great pistol imho

 

I like the M&P shields in 45, I looked at the M&P compacts also and would still like to try one, in the winter when I have extra clothing on, I still carry a full size M&P 45. I like the Crossbreed IWB for most of my carry and a leather or hybrid owb that the belt goes over to keep it close, a good belt is a big plus

 

Lol.

 

CW 45 because I got a decent deal on it. I’ve always loved kahr firearms because they have an aesthetic I like and it carry’s well.

 

I carry a Rock Island Compact 1911 with a 3.5" barrel. Before that I carried my Rock Island FS 1911 without issues. I am a skinny guy, 5"9" and 150 lbs.

The key to carrying comfortably is a good belt designed for EDC and a good holster. This goes for any size handgun you carry.

 

For a period of time I carried this S&W M&P Shield 45. It was a nice size for carry, held 7 rounds of 45, was accurate, and reliable. I liked this gun, and felt well armed with it...


However I eventually sold it off in favor of an M&P Shield 9mm Plus... I just liked the idea of having 4 more rounds of a still effective cartridge in the same size gun. Back when the Shield 9 model only held 1 more round, I favored the good'ol American 45.