The Kahr CM45 is my EDC. I have a lot of experience with it. It likes round nosed bullets best, so I carry 185 gr +P Remington Golden Saber. Its painful to shoot for any extended range session, so I used bicycle gloves when I broke it in. I really like its size, and weight. I wish the trigger had a shorter reset, but the pull is smooth, and reasonably light. I carry mine with the 6 round extended mag, and carry a 7 round as a backup. 1911 mags work in it also. Use the slide release lever to close the slide. If I sling shot it closed, it has failed to chamber.
I don't know of a smaller, lower cost 45. Not sure, but maybe the S$W Shield 45 is the same size. 6+1, and a 7 round backup, is comforting in such a small, light package.