More range rental musings-45acp this time

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Slimjim9

New member
I've been renting a fair number of handguns lately just to see what all is out there. I own a G19 and several 38/357 revolvers, and don't really need anything else, but since when were guns only about need? :p

I've been wanting to try some more compacts 45s but my normal range does not rent any. Today I tried out a new range that has a bigger selection(probably two dozen 9mm, fifteen .40, and maybe ten .45) - but guess what - no compacts either(except for one G30). :( Well, what the heck, I drove all this way, might as well try something different. So here are the guns I tried:

1. Sig P250 FS - DAO trigger. Not a fan. Smooth yes, but seemed a bit longer and heavier than DA on my GP100! (which has slightly reduced power springs now). Shot really low for me too.

2. HK USP45 - confirmed my dislike of DA/SA. SA wasn't bad, but DA was ridiculous. And took me at least 30s to figure out that the mag release pressed DOWN. :p

3. Springfield XD45 - my fave of these 3 for sure. Best trigger, best sights, best recoil impulse. Only complaint was the big takedown lever which kept wanting to bite my left thumb

I was bummed they didn't have a P320 or XDS, but I'm starting to think maybe I should leave well enough alone and stick to 9 and 38.
 
Well, from the ones you mentioned.. The HK USP 45 is my favorite .45ACP handgun. Yes, HK stock triggers are a bear compared to a SIG Sauer that's also DA / SA. SIG has a much smoother DA pull and an even more crisp SA pull.
The DAO SIG? That sounds like a nightmare. The "only" part scares me lol.
The XD? I despise those guns. So no comment.

As for wanting a compact 45? It's slim pickings, man. I took a class today that was about 3 hours long. Loved it, I've taken many classes over the years. But it's been a while, actually... I've never taken one with such a small gun before. I have pretty big hands. So I took my HK USP 9c... Accurate, yes. But had some malfunctions that I attribute to the magazines. The worst part is that it sat inside my palm and with the magazine out, it was even deeper inside my palm. So each time I'd load a magazine I would pinch the ever living hell out of my palm. I remember now why I don't like small guns for anything other than being a last ditch effort. Back-up gun.

So, the Glock 30 you mentioned may be the same thing with me. I have a really good friend on me that I've been pushing to get one of those, as we both love .45ACP and he wants one that's smaller to carry than his 1911. But I think I'll stop pushing the Glock 30 in him after my experience.


That said. I own and love my USP 45 and I'm currently carrying a 1911 Springfield Armory TRP in a Galco holster at 4 o'clock along with my Smith and Wesson Model 60 appendix.

I sold my HK USP 9c today right after the class. I don't like small guns like that. It reminded me more of a Glock 26 than it did a Glock 19 (I love the Glock 19..yea yea.. who doesn't?).




For a compact .45ACP... I'm not sure what to recommend you. I'm somewhat biased in that I love to have an all around pistol. The only back up gun I have and want is the Model 60. I don't need another.
I am on the same search as you and I'm considering taking a look at micro 1911's which are 7+1. So I'd have to carry a couple spare magazines if I was to get one of those. I think for 9mm, it's hard to be a Glock 19. I know, I hate to be that guy. But hell, you have one and appreciate it.



Anyways, I'll follow the thread and see what TFL'ers can conjure up. Thanks for posting!
 
Have you asked either range why they don't have compact .45 pistols for rent? I'm guessing that there's a reason.
 
Have you asked either range why they don't have compact .45 pistols for rent? I'm guessing that there's a reason.
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Just a guess but,
Maybe it's because of a lower demand due to the increased recoil and ammo prices for compact 45s as compared to other calibers.
At our local range, the compact rentals are 9mm and .380.
It is fun to try other peoples' guns, especially not having to clean them.
 
Yeah, just low demand, probably for good reason :p (not wanting to start *that* thread again)

I was kinda surprised I didn't like the P250 better given that I do like revolvers, but honestly I liked my Gp100 trigger better, which probably says a lot.

If the G30 didn't pinch me so bad *while shooting* it would be on "the list". I liked the G26 MUCH better.

So far I haven't shot many 9s that I couldn't live with (except the SP2022). So far I haven't found a 45 that I would.
 
Just sayin... I learned a lot asking my local rental ranges about the guns they rented, and the ones they didn't, and why...
 
As I said, I'd love to try an XDS45 after mostly liking the XDS9. No Kahrs for rent at either place.

Seeker-two, how would you compare the XDS45 to XD45 or XDM mod2, if you have shot those?
 
Haven't shot the XD or XDM in .45ACP, but I have experience with the 1911, SIG P220, & Ruger P90.

The Kahr and XDS do kick more than the full-size guns, obviously. I preferred the CW45 because I could get a full grip on it. Also, the XDS grip texture is very abrasive to my hand. But, both shot & functioned well.

Also, I did shoot a Kahr CM45. That was much harder to control, but it worked well. I have a friend who carries one & loves it.
 
Honestly, after owning a Sig 220, Glock 21, CZ 97 and fired several others, I'd probably look at getting an M&P 45 with Apex trigger.
 
As for wanting a compact 45? It's slim pickings, man. I took a class today that was about 3 hours long. Loved it, I've taken many classes over the years. But it's been a while, actually... I've never taken one with such a small gun before. I have pretty big hands. So I took my HK USP 9c... Accurate, yes. But had some malfunctions that I attribute to the magazines. The worst part is that it sat inside my palm and with the magazine out, it was even deeper inside my palm. So each time I'd load a magazine I would pinch the ever living hell out of my palm. I remember now why I don't like small guns for anything other than being a last ditch effort. Back-up gun.
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Just as another data point, I've done two classes with an HK P2000. Very similar in size to the USP Compact, basically the same frame, and never had the issues Constantine did. I've even used an M&P 9c with the finger extensions. Your hand size and own personal preferences play a huge role in what pistols do/don't work for you as a shooter. Always try to get some hands on experience if you can, as while the forum can give you some ideas of where to start looking what works for one of us might not work for you.
 
Try a Walther PPQ45, S&W M&P45, and a 4.25-4" 1911 like a Colt commander or Springfield champion loaded/mil-spec. The Walther ppq45s are getting absolutely rave reviews and have the slimmest grip for a double stack .45 out there.
 
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