Looking for a compact .45
 

Hey all,

Im looking at getting another concealed carry handgun for myself.

My main carry gun right now is a Bersa Thunder .45 UC. I love the gun, but it can get a bit hefty to put it lightly. So I am weighing other options in .45 so I dont have to buy a whole new caliber of bullets.

Any body have any suggestions on where to start looking? I know thats a very broad request, but its late and Im bored! :23_30_104:

I should note, its either this or Im going with a 9mm (let the flamming begin!)

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I would recommend against a compact 1911 design... that design seems to work FAR better for full-size autos than it does for compacts. Other than that... sorry, no suggestions.

BTW, you'll get no flames from me about selecting a 9mm, I'm one of the few who thinks 9 is just fine.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

im looking for the same....

i was at a gun show this wkend and i noticed kahr had a very small 45acp but i havent had a chance to research it and others.

i am intrested in hearing others thoughts on compact 45s

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I don't know, maybe this...

http://detonics.ws/weapons/combat-master/

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Weeellll...Glock 36

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Check out Sig's compact 1911 .45 - it's pretty sweet!

I shot my friend's Springfield EMP which is a 1911 in 9mm. It is an incredibly nice gun.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

An instructor (LEO) I shoot with, swears by his 3" Kimber.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/images/...ltra_carry.jpg

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Check out the SIG P250; hopefully they've finally chambered it in 45mm.

I have the 9mm version; nice firearm but can be a little choosy on the ammo (aren't they all).

With the P250, you can chamber in .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP; as well as change from subcompact, compact and full with their kits.

It's not the best deal in town, as you typically pay $250 to re-chamber but it may be worth a look; break down takes less than 10 seconds and requires no tools, so changing caliber, grips, etc. is a snap.

Beware it is DOA with a very long (but butter-smooth) pull... certainly takes some getting used to.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I know that it is a little thicker than some of the 1911 models but the G30 is not a bad way to go. I have been CCWing with a G29 (same frame) now for about seven years with no regrets. The double stack mag means that you have ten rounds available (13 if you carry a G21 mag as a spare). Reliability is ........well, it's a Glock. Bx3

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Heckler & Koch Mk. 23 Mod 0 .45 SOCOM pistol.

I find them quite 'dainty'.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hk-mk23-2.jpg

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bx3 (Post 2000025) I know that it is a little thicker than some of the 1911 models but the G30 is not a bad way to go. I have been CCWing with a G29 (same frame) now for about seven years with no regrets. The double stack mag means that you have ten rounds available (13 if you carry a G21 mag as a spare). Reliability is ........well, it's a Glock. Bx3

1+++


:36_3_13:

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Uh huh.... let me guess. You also use a riding saddle as a jockstrap? Riiiiiiiiiiiiight... :biggrin:

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Great analysis. The 30 is not much thicker that the 36 (1.28" vs 1.13") and you have the ability to up the round count from 6 to 10 or 13. My Colt Officer's model hasn't been out too much (at all), since the Glocks hit the homestead. Once you get used to the trigger it will be, all good.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I carry a Springfield Micro Compact.

Suits me the best.

Eats any quality ammo.

My wife carries the same thing.

FWIW.

CC

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Recoil (or perceived recoil) is not really the issue if you have a decent grip. Muzzle flip is often the issue with a short barrel, and that is pretty unavoidable with any compact (polymers being lighter overall can make it worse). You want to get back on target fast and muzzle flip makes that tough. The closer your hand is to the axis of the barrel the less flip you endure.

You could possibly get a ported barrel, but this is rare on most guns. You might have to get a cut-out made on the slide and port the barrel under that. Another method is to attach a weight to the front of the gun if it has the mounts for it, but that is kind of annoying with a carry gun if weight is a concern.

My G34 has the cut-out, but it's no compact.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Para-Ordnance P-12.
Pros: single action, accurate, heavy steel frame (few cycling problems).
Cons: a bitch to clean (lots of little parts to deal with), can't abuse like a Glock.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Yes, I'm gong to be "that guy"...


Compact?

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

No, not really. I recently aquired one just like the photo and was surprised it was no less controllable than my full sized or commander length. Very accurate too. The two things I discovered to watch out for on alum fram compacts (especially kimber) is to use plastic followers in the mags to avoid frame/ramp gouge and to change springs frequently, like every couple thousand rounds.
The UCII is very light and wears well - I really like it but I also have an XD-40sc which I also like for cc.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I love the Glock 36. Would like to get another one.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I highly recommend the Kimber as well, fine gun i don't own one, but my FFL friend owns one and I have shot the shit out of his at the range.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Taurus Millennium Pro PT145. I have one, I've put more than 500 rounds of Georgia Arms ammo through it without a hiccup. It's just barely bigger than my S&W bodyguard but it holds 11 rounds of .45ACP knock down power.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...9/MVC-043S.jpg

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

+1

and insert my standard response to Turdus PT145 here.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Sooo tell us please, what Taurus have you owned?

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Well if you can handle a .380ACP instead (do you really need a .45 anyway). Why not a Ruger LCP (6+1 rounds):



http://www.compacthandgun.com/item/7..._2_75_7RD.aspx

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Llama mini-max 10 shot compact .45-rough finish, Llama no longer manufactured so prices going up, short range firepower.No problems with mine.Can be found for <$300.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I'll cast another vote for the Glock 36.

I don't leave home without it.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

TIS BLASPHEMY!!!

But really, I dont mind 9mm's like some do. They have their purpose.

Thanks to everyone so far btw. Some serious stuff to look into for sure.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Taurus has too many parts. My Kimber pro carry II is very small for a .45. It is nice and shoots stiff and straight, but if any dirt is present you will have constant feeding issues. So keep it clean.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Strangely, none of these things seem to be an issue for a G30.:adore: Bx3

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Then why do you have that little revolver? You couldn't hurt a fly with that puny thing!

Yes I'm being sarcastic, if memory serves that .38 has a deadly reputation.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Go with the Dan Wesson. All parts are milled. They're owned by CZ now. Still a superior 1911 for the price.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

.45 is both expensive to shoot, and hard to find these days. I encourage .357 magnum, or another caliber that nobody wants.

.357 sig? 10mm?

I'm a big fan of 10mm myself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10mm_Auto

Hows this for compact:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GLOCK_29_10mm.jpg

That's smaller than my CZ-82! What's not to love?(aside from capacity...)->extra mags

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

When it comes to .45 acp, why not stick with the perfect model pistol for it, the 1911?

You might want to check out Para's Slim Hawg.

http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/images/PSHX645RL.jpg

I'm looking to get a Colt Defender soon...

http://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/d/...enderM1911.jpg

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Heimi already knows about the lack of availability of .380 ammo, I bet he won't take your advice. For the past year of so, you just can't go into any gunshop and find it. When you do find it, it commands the highest price of any of the pistol calibers. Having said that, if anyone want some, shoot me a PM.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

It's for carry, not for plinking, so 6+1 rounds of .380 should be affordable.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

+1 my daily carry. Please shoot one before buying it though as it is a love it or hate it gun, no middle ground.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

So what you are saying is that you carry a nice looking high maintenance, unreliable and jam prone gun that must be cleaned often, while denigrating another model because it has 'too many parts'.

makes sense to me :sarc:

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I believe that a weapon should be tried and tested before trusting one's life to it. Most would agree, that point would be well in excess of 500 rounds. Thus, my prevous point.

While a .380 is definately much better than a rock and very concealable, I personally wouldn�t consider a .380 pistol for many valid reasons, but there�s just no comparison in size verses other options.

Be sure to check your serial number:

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/LCPRecall/index.html

Best of luck with your pistola.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Springfield Micro
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...t/P1030100.jpg

For size comparison, next to a .38 snubby
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...t/P1030135.jpg

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I like my Kimber Ultra. Been completely reliable so far. I added the Trijicon sights and ebony double diamond grips

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...erUltraNSN.jpg

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I also have a second-hand recommendation for the Kimber. A friend of mine who is a deputy sheriff says she uses one for her off-duty carry. She claims it's concealable, accurate, and has less recoil than the Glock duty pistol she carries. FWIW....

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I'm well aware of that recall, and obviously if you buy new you'd be fine.

I don't actually have a Ruger LCP, just presenting it as an option, and they are a very popular one.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Best bang for the buck is the Dan Wesson CBOB. Probably pick one up for $1,150, with internals from Ed Brown and other goodies.

This isn't my CBOB, I stole it from http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=52

http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/q...8/100_0265.jpg

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Oh, only a $1,150? Hold on, let me just bend on over and pull it out of my secret stash. :moon: :rofl:

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Well it's half the price of a custom. I don't agree with taking chances with my life by skimping on firearms or crap ammo. Just saying.

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

No, I understand what you mean, trust me. Thats just a wee bit out of my price range. THere are alot of good handguns in much lower price ranges that have been tried and tested though.

I wouldnt carry a high point around......

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

I'll never understand the need for grip safety, grip spur, and the awkward mag release button on the 1911 (and the .45 obsession). Sure, there are people that have custom 1911s that are deadly accurate, but I feel the grip spur on a standard 1911 is too low and induces muzzle flip, as does the heavier .45 round. I also find the mag releases in most cases to be really awkward, this means you can't drop your mag easily by accident, but just releasing mags one handed is generally a pain, and I have decent sized hands. A standard slim 1911 also doesn't carry many rounds.

It's an old design that exists in numerous forms, some good, some awful. Many more modern handguns are way better in overall design.

Those are my gripes about it anyway.

*Flame Suit On!*

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

mtn - I've told my taurus tale so many times on GIM that I assumed it's well known.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showp...60&postcount=5

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

Sold my MilPro 45. after around 300 rounds.

Hated the trigger. Really, really hated the trigger.

Did I mention I hated the trigger?

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

If the 1911 pattern is not a deal breaker, the remaining Detonics USA guns (the ones built in Georgia) are being liquidated at www.TopGlock.com/ for about $630. Even after shipping and FFL fees, you are looking at under $700. For the price, it is a good value, and it is hard to find a smaller .45 ACP repeater.

Link to the Combat Master http://www.topglock.com/item/173734_...r__B.aspx?SR=1

Re: Looking for a compact .45
 

just today I saw a guy i know from the gym, a retired probation officer who still does contract work for the county.

i wanted to talk to him about setting up surveillance for our neighborhood watch group. we had a group of 4 guys doing a little "casing the joint" activity outside a house that got burglarized a year ago. i happened to be the one that saw them.

so i wanted to bounce my idea for getting their fingerprints off Don, since they got fingerprints from the burglary (the police said, "no, we can't do that, we don't have probable cause.")

ANYWAY, as we were talking Don was unholstering his gun. he pulled out a box with 2 magazines loaded with .45's.

then he pulled out this little teeny handgun - a .45 that was a lot smaller than the .45 i got a chance to fire during a training session a month ago.

anyway, next time i see him, i'll be sure to ask the make & model.

he's definitely "active duty", has made 3000+ arrests the last 30 years. mostly chasing gang members, from the sound of it.

i hesitate to ask him, "have you ever used the gun during work hours". i'm pretty sure that the answer is 'yes', and he uses .45 hollow-points (says if he shoots somebody, he doesn't want to hit the person behind them). so i have a feeling that his .45 is battle-tested.