Suggestions on a compact .45

L

Lennyjoe

New member
Heres my situation. Im currently carrying a full size Taurus PT100AFS in .40 cal. Im in the market for a compact .45 to take over the CCW role. I would like to get a Glock 30 but two things keep it from happening. One, they are hard to get at this point in time. Every where I look they are either on allocation or the price local is jacked up to almost $600. Two, its kinda hard to throw down $500 or so due to current military pay situations. Im most likely gonna save up and try to allocate a Glock 30 but was interested in other options. I WAS leaning towards the PT145 but after the nightmare that denfoote and StratFordHoldings have had with this gun I think I'll pass on it till Taurus gets it figured out. So, how bout some opinions on a compact .45 other than the Glock line.
 
Ruger P-97 is reputed to be a very affordable, decent quality .45 ACP, although it is not a "compact".
 
I've personally had good luck with...

...Para-Ord P-12's and Springfield Ultra Compacts. I know more than one person who's got good results from Taurus PT-945's (much better guns than their Millenium series). I'd also recommend the SIG P-245.
 
I've had pretty good results with a S&W CS45 in a DeSantis #2 open top speed holster.Doesn't show under an untucked shirt.
 
I love my P12. It's been 100% - feeds anything and you can still get mags that hold a max load for it from Para-Ord.

It's accurate too - sickly so.

With Rem 230gr Golden Sabres (only) from a bench rest have put 5 rounds in an inch hole from 25 yards. It really loves this ammo.

Other ammo is about 2-3" groups on average. Still good for a 3 1/2 in barrel.

tom
 
If you really want the G30 and you have a local shop that will let you use their FFL for shipping(nominal fee usually around $20) then I would try some of the web auction sites. Like auctionarms.com or gunbroker.com and there are others too but I can't remember them all now. Since it is a glock, and a glock is a glock is a glock(i.e. they all work and almost impossible to wear out) and you won't have to worry about scratches dings etc. since it is a glock and "pretty" doesn't matter. That is what I would try before getting something that you don't really want and got just because you couldn't get the Glock.
 
Save your money and get what your heart desires. You can get another weapon, but you take a chance at not really liking it. With the G30 no tweaking or "tuning" is required to make it function with JHP's. It works perfect straight from the box and has been on the market long enough to have proven itself.

Good things come to those who wait! Save your money and check over at Glock Talk. You can often see G30's for sale in the neighborhood of $450 or so with shipping included.

Where I live in Florida you won't find and Para Ordinance of Springfield compacts for less than $450. Go north to Tallahassee and the price jumps even more. I have seen EAA Witness .45's for $325.00, but I don't have any personal experience with them so I can't reccomend one.

Good Shooting
RED
 
Save up the money and get the G30. It's one of the best shooting 45's I have ever shot out of the box (I have one). 10 round mags, compact enough for me to ccw IWB with t-shirt and shorts. It is worth it, believe me.

Also speaking of Glock Talk, I have been unable to get the site to come up since about 4pm today...anybody know whats up?
 
For the money it's hard to beat the S&W 457. Mine has never had a problem of any kind. Feels good in my hand, is flat, 7+1, good magazines, pretty decent trigger both DA and Sa and is capable in my non-talented hands of shooting 1 ragged hole at 7 yards with 185 and 230 grn JHP's. I like the flat black color also.
 
Lennyjoe,
Don't give up on the Glock!!! Do what I did and buy a used G36!! Cost me $450, actually I traded my G30 that didn't fit for :barf: for it. I am very pleased with it. You will be able to find a 36 faster than a 30 right now!! If you can't bring yourself to get a Glock, for whatever reason, I think that CZ makes a compact .45. (c'mon you CZ guys out there, give me a hand)

CZ 97 B

The CZ 97B ins the big bore brother to the CZ 75. Basically the same design as the CZ 75 the grip size and the slide were increased in size to accommodate the popular .45 ACP. Other features include: Screw in barrel bushing, Loaded chamber indicator. The CZ97B carries a full 10 rounds in the magazine.


Technical data :
Model CZ 97 B
Stock/Grip Walnut
Frame Steel
Surface / Finish Black Polymer
Gloss Blue
Caliber .45 AUTO
Magazine cap. 10
Overall length 212mm (8.35 in.)
Barrel length 123mm (4.84 in.)
Height 150mm (5.91 in.)
Width ~ 35mm (1.4in.)mm (0.00 in.)
Weight 1150g (2.5 lbs.)
Barrel Hammer forged
Click to expand...
 
Denfoote,
The cz 97 is a very good gun.. Its anything but compact. Its the biggest gun I have shot next to my dad Desert Eagle. They are
cz quality and will probably we loved and last forever. Help?
Shoot well
 
JUST GET WHAT YOU WANT

Although I see no need for a "compact" 45, I do know you'll be best satisfied by simply buying what you want.

Get the Glock and never look back (it'll only hurt for a minute).
 
Get what ever you want. I love cz's...some people say "what" is
that...who makes them? OK....hmmmm Every gun maker has its
merits...just ask the hi point guys! Find a gun you like and can
afford to buy and shoot..and dont look back...weshoot2 is right
it only hurts for a minute.....Shoot well
 
I don't know how "compact" you want to go, but I would look at the TAURUS PT945.

PT945black.gif


I have the PT940, which is the slightly smaller .40S&W version of the gun. It has been utterly reliable and very accurate, and with the alloy frame is lighter than it looks.

I bought my PT940 right after S&W turned into an "anti-gun for citizens" company - so about 18 months ago? At that time, my blue pistol cost me about $340. Based on that, I would assume the PT945 would be right in your price range. Also, it has that great safety that allows for either a cocked & locked SA or hammer down DA trigger. With a 4.25" long barrel, it might not be considered a true compact but is still 3/4" shorter than your PT100AFS and weighs about 13% (4.5oz) less.

The best chioce, IMHO, is a Kimber 1911 Ultra Carry or Ultra CDP. But they start over $600 & go up from there.
 
Kev,
I just sold my pt940 (sniff)...one of the sweetest guns I have ever owned. Enjoy ....Is it just me or do you think they kick
a little harder than other .40's of similar weight and size?
Shoot well
 
Eric wrote:
Is it just me or do you think they kick
a little harder than other .40's of similar weight and size?
Click to expand...

Eric, I'm not qualified to answer that because it is the only .40 I've ever shot. I know it is accurate though.

I've told this story b/4, but it has been a while:

I was so mad at S&W over the agreement, that when the other companies came out soon after & declared they would not sign I was bound to buy a gun off 1 of them. I drove about 100 miles to a dealer that had brand new .40 BROWNING HI-POWERS for $279!!. :eek: But - I failed to be clear in my instructions on the phone to have 1 put back for me, & they were gone when I got there. :(

I honestly didn't need another pistol, but - I was wanting a new gun (do you know the feeling?) & was all hot to buy, so I started looking around. This was a big event with factory reps & all. The SIG & BERETTA guys had some nice guns, but too much money. I wandered over to the Taurus guys, & ended up buying the PT940.

Took it home, put 25 rounds thru it & put it away. Didn't get it out for a year, then I figured I just sell it to fund my current 1911 kick. Got it out to shoot up the little bit of ammo I had left, & fell in love with it. I didn't really have to sell it, & even though I took the pics for the on-line auction sites & all I just couldn't part with it.

Of course, my wife will tell you that kind of thing happens a lot with me... ;)
 
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