Smallest single stack .45?

[fastbolt]

If you modified your question to mean the smallest, single stack .45 ACP that's RELIABLE, it'll make it a simpler search ...

The last LDA .45 that came through our range exhibited frequent failures to feed. Of course, we also noticed that the owner was using a mixture of old & new magazines, some of which weren't even marked with the manufacturer's name, so that might've had something to do with it ...

Diminutive 1911's seem to offer variable reliability, regardless of maker ...

I'd have to suggest either the SIG P-245, if it fits your hand, although it's actually closer in weight, dimension and barrel length to the 4513TSW, which holds 7+1 rounds in the latest model ...

Or ... the excellent little S&W CS45 ... also, if it fits your hand ... is slightly smaller, and not quite 4 ounces lighter, than the SIG P-245, and it also holds 6 +1 rounds, like the SIG.

I'd trust any of those 3 pistols to perform properly ...

There are a couple of South American pistols offered in the market place ... although the only other .45 that might arouse my interest would be if someone picked up the rights to produce a quality version of the old Star PD ... and offered decent Service & Parts support for it in the USA.

 

[tok]

Natedog, I asked for the smallest, and I think you found it. Maybe I actually want the second smallest .45.

I'll also look into the other recommendations. This isn't going to be as easy as I hoped!

 

[sadp40]

star firestar m-45

maybe the m-45 star its heavy but its tiny tiny....

 

[Dr.Rob]

Yeah but the Semmerling is hand-cocked for each shot.

The AMT requires both hands to pull the DA trigger and only feeds hardball...

So where is the Kahr .45?

 

[Gunsnrovers]

I was thinking the Star as well. Small, but heavy.

 

[wally]

The AMT requires both hands to pull the DA trigger and only feeds hardball...

They varied a lot and QA/QC was not their strong suit, but my AMT Backup45 and AMT Backup380 have triggers no worse than say a Kel-Tec P11. Both function fine with Hydrashok JHP and a few other brands I tried (PMC Starfire & Cor-Bon, if I remember correctly).

My Backup45 had problems with light primer hits, while working on the solution I leaned it'd feed empty brass from the mag.

But the issue is moot, since they aren't being made any more. Its the kind of gun I'd be leary of used unless I could shoot it first since they definitely made some very bad ones and people with the good ones tend to like them and keep them.

--wally.

 

[Safety First]

TOK, there is an Ad on the inside front cover of Combat Handguns for the Glock G36 new "slimline" the Ad says it is only 1.13" wide. It is single stack w/ 6+1 rounds. The Ad says "it is the slimmest Glock yet" That would make it quite concealable if CCW is your use for that weapon. Good luck...

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

How about the sub-compact .45 caliber Star PD, manufactuered
from 1975 'till about 1994? Would that qualify?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[jetman]

I've been looking into the same question for myself recently. The Glock 36 is a 6+1 single stack and while light it is still pretty long and large to easily conceal (for me) next to my PM9. I had a Kimber Tactical Ultra but it was a 7+1 and even harder to conceal than the Glock, so I sold it. The Springfield Micro with an alloy frame is a 6+1, and might be a little easier to hide. Like most have said a Kimber PM45 would be great!

 

[rolltide]

I have 2 much maligned small 45's that have been perfect for me. One is the AMT Backup which has already been discussed here. I really like mine. The other is a Llama Mini Max in 45acp. The Little Llama has proved 100% reliable with every type round I have fired in it. It is about the same size as the 45's in wally's pic. I really like mine. I bought both these guns at local gun stores who stand behind their sales and each was less than $200.

Great buys! Great guns!

But I would definitely look to buy one from a local dealer who will take it back if there is anything wrong with it.

Roll Tide

 

[geekWithA.45]

Another vote for my favorite slightly off the beaten path .45: the sig p245.

Basically, it's a chopped down version of its bigger brother, the 220.

Virtues:

-Compact as heck
-Great ergo (if it fits)
-Reliable as heck
-6+1
-Can use P220 mags (7+1 or 8+1), mag extenders available.

I've put almost 10k rounds through mine.

Deficits:

-Add ons and holsters are harder than normal to come by
-DA/SA trigger takes practice to master

 

[Wolfy]

My vote goes to the CS45 6+1, novak lo mount sites and ambi safety/decocker. The recoil is less than my G30.