Advice on potential compact .45 purchase

I owned a P97 for a year and traded it in for my Glock 30. The only reason I did that was because I wanted a back-up gun that would match my primary as an LEO. The local department issues the Glock 21.

The P97 is a fine gun. It shot well and was pretty accurate. I carried it CCW with out to much trouble but it is a little heavy and long in the grip.

The Glock 30 is very concealable an a really sweet shooter. On top of that it carries 10 in the mag + 1 in the chamber. There is also so much stuff you can buy to modify it to your taste. I got mine at Bernie's Sports in Atlanta for $509 during a sale they had last month.

If I had to pick again I would probably go with the Glock. If your short on cash the P97 will do the trick.

------------------
"It is easier to get out of jail then it is a morgue"
Live long and defend yourself!
John 3:16
 
If I were in your place I would try to trade the G17 for a G19 and get the full size .45. I would go with the Sig220. The compact HK is still pretty chunky. If you are really set on a .45 for CC then I would go with a compact KIMBER or any other respectable 1911 makers.
 
I have 3 compact .45's- a Kimber stainless, H&K USP45C, and a Beretta COugar 8045, love em all. The H&K is everything the salesman (and other TFLers) said. So are the Kimbers, but it takes time and practice to become comfortable and safe with an SAA (IMO). I was surprised no one mentioned the Cougar, though, as mine is very well made, eminently reliable, accurate, soft shooting, great ergonomics, same size as teh H&K (though a bit heavier) and generally available for $525-550. Have fun with your research & good luck (none are bad choices, just find what fits you best) M2
(apologies to mr Klug, I breezed right by your note on the Beretta)

[This message has been edited by Mike in VA (edited May 23, 2000).]
 
Did anybody listen to MadCat's post closely?

He's already got a Glock 17. He is familar with the Glock safe action trigger and the feel.

If you're looking for a CCW or compact 45, go to GlockTalk for your answer. The Glock 30. Easy to conceal and accurate.

Why look at an HK USP 45, it's not as accurate or as well balanced as a Glock 30. Very few agencies have contracts with HK for the USP series because Glock does.

A Kimber Ultra Carry is nice but that's a 1911 safety and exposed trigger configuration. Better a gun for an IPSC shooter who is comfortable with a full sized 1911. His controls on the 1911 are ingrained. Draw, safety off, present, aim, pull - bang.

The Sig P245 sucks. The P220, P226, P228, P239 are fine but not the P245. Slide heavy and recoil for days. I've owned P220s and P226s and shot the rest of the line but Sig never really figured out how to compete with Glock, HK, and Kahr when it comes to small guns.

The Ruger P97 is a nice polymer compact 45 but it isn't known for its accuracy. Built like a tank - its durable and afforadable. But it's perceived as a newbie or I can't afford a Glock or a Sig gun. Sorry but that's the truth.

The Beretta Cougar is a nice gun to look at but they're hallmark is the 92 chambered in 9mm not 45 acp. Don't see too many of these around which would concern me from a customer service and parts standpoint.

What do my cops friends, FBI and DEA agents buy chambered in 45 for backup - the Glock 30. Every one of them 14 out of 14. Hmmm. What should I bet my bacon on. Hmmm. . .

------------------
The Seattle SharpShooter
 
I have an HK USP Compact 45. The one thing it isn't is compact :( Nice gun, but big. Double action trigger is really heavy. Single action trigger is ok, but has some creep. Reliable.

My Kimber Compact is a better choice for CCW. Significantly smaller, though it does limit you to 7+1. And some people don't like cocked and locked.

A Glock 30 is also significantly smaller than the HK. Also cheaper. And has higher capacity. The Glock 30 is relatively thick, but still smaller than the HK.

The HK is a good gun, but not what I choose for CCW. YMMV.

Jared
 
I would agree with the 1911's main strength : it's thin size.

It gets even THINNER if you install something like AFS slimtech/Wilson/Mccormick thin grips.

Trust me, the fraction of an inch difference between the 1911 and the plastics may make a difference in hiding the grip.


Battler.
 
I got my G30 for $509 at Bernie's, also. I don't have any trouble concealing the G30. I've worn mine just about everywhere, with no problems, using a Sidearmor IWB holster. If Glock had made the G30 when I got my first G21, I might now have ever bought a G21.

As you know, since you own a G17, it's hard to beat Glock's simple design, and the G30 is one of the most accurate of the Glock models. For $89, you can buy a .400 Cor-Bon barrel that works just fine in the G30. It's really nice having the option of 19 rounds of .45 available.
 
To answer the question directly I`d suggest a Glock 36. That way there`s no need to get used to another style of action etc. In reference to the P-97,it`s just about as large as a Glock 17,thinner through the grip of course and weighs 27oz. I couldn`t be more happy with mine. I`d still be very happy with it if I`d paid H&K or Sig money for it. Accuracy is unreal for a service pistol with a 4" barrel and it doesn`t care what I feed it. Reliability has been 100% and I got mine before it was even in the gun rags. I carry mine quite a bit and it conceals nicely but I don`t think it`s too much easier to conceal than a 17. Marcus
 
If you are already comfortable with the Glock firing mechanism then try to stick with it. Purchasing a G-30 would be an easier transition than purchasing from a different manufacture. Consider this, if you are going to be carrying concealed would it be better for you to carry something you are already comfortable with or move to something new?

Remember to keep it simple. Everything would be the same if you looked at Glock. From manipulations to presentations, all the same between your already owned G-17 and the G-30. Then consider the capacity, 10+1, very nice. After piling on all the other advantages the Glocks come with, it stacks up pretty high.

The disadvantages would be the size or girth of the G-30 and the deligence required when reholstering. What I mean is ensuring nothing gets into the trigger guard while reholstering. If the G-30 is a little too big, then consider the new G-36 single stack, 6+1. Hope this helps.

Later,


------------------
www.thehalogroup.com
 
Again, I appreciate the input.

You have some good points about staying with Glock - considering I am familiar with the system. I was thinking more along the lines of "broadening my horizons" with a different manufacturer - and of course taking a lot of time with the gun until I felt comfortable enough with it to use it as my primary defense weapon. But I am reconsidering this, the Glock 30 is only about a hundred or so dollars more than the P97, which would be my next choice - the HK is just out of my price range.

I'm glad to have experienced people such as yourselves to discuss this with - this is a great forum!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top