thinking about a new CCW

[rebs]

I want to stay with the 45 acp round but a smaller gun than my full size 1911.
What are some recommendations from you guys that carry a smaller 45 acp ?

 

[hollowpointt]

45 acp

I have had zero problems with my xds

 

[Spats McGee]

A commander-sized 1911?

Not that I carry one, but they sure do seem like a good choice for .45.

 

[AK103K]

I always preferred the Commanders over the GM's, although there really was little difference in size, about 3/4" in length. Probably just more in my head, but the Commanders felt more balanced.

The smallest .45's Ive had/carried, were a Kimber Ultra Carry, and a SIG P245, both of which werent really all that much smaller than the Commanders. I never carried the Kimber, as it was not reliable. The P245 on the other hand, was very reliable, and accurate. Great guns if you can find them.

 

[Minorcan]

Para Elite Carry

I know Para is now Remington but I have carried a Para Elite Carry for a few years and its been great. Several thousands rounds through it and zero FTF, FTF or FTE. Very dependable and feels good in the hand. It is not as accurate as a 1911 with a 5" barrel but much better than most would think. There are smaller 45 ACPs out there but not many that are that slim, single stack and packing 9 rounds (8+1). Weight is 27 ounces. I carry IWB and use a King Tuck.

 

[Slimjim9]

I was jonesing for a 45 CCW before I got sidetracked with a GP100, so now I have many months to wait before I can think about that again. My short list was pretty much down to Glock 30 and Sig P320 compact although I have not been able to actually shoot either and haven't even seen a P320c.

 

[ohiomossyoak]

Glock 30s.

 

[MarkCO]

These are the two I would suggest you take a look at.

Kimber Tactical Ultra. 25 ounces, night sights. I really like mine and after sorting through 3 other 3" .45s, this one was the keeper. I put slimmer grips on it and use a Kramer horsehide holster.

Kahr PM45. 19 ounces. Striker fired, ultra reliable. Can get with night sights. This is in the premium line, which means polygonal rifling and tool steel action parts. You can save about $300 and get a CM45 which has MIM parts and traditional rifling. The premium trigger parts are smoother which gives a little better trigger pull. I use a Fist IWB ultrathin Kydex holster with this one.

 

[Uncle Malice]

M&P 45 Compact with a complete Apex kit

or

Springfield Range Officer Compact

 

[rebs]

Thank you for the replies, I appreciate it.
I am going to the LGS and see what he has that you guys recommend. I am leaning toward the commander.

 

[happyguy]

If striker fired polymer guns are a possibility you might also look at the following.

For the money the MP45c is great.

I think the Walther PPQ just came out in .45 acp also.

 

[Steelhitter]

I recently bought a Colt Defender. You can get one with night sights too, called the Night Defender. Shockingly accurate, and no heavy recoil for such a small 45. First time I brought it to the range a retired police officer friend tried it out and fired a one-inch group with it. I'm not nearly as good as that, but I expect it to be an awesome carry gun for me. No failures of any kind through the first 100 rounds.

 

[eggie1000]

xd mod 2

 

[kilimanjaro]

Colt Commander or Officers Model will be fine choices. No one regrets buying a Colt 1911.

 

[seeker_two]

IIRC, the Kahr .45ACP pistols will work with some 1911 magazines....

 

[snolden]

XD compact with service length barrel rides good with 11 rounds

 

[Aguila Blanca]

What are some recommendations from you guys that carry a smaller 45 acp ?

I am very happy with my Colt M1991A1 Compact (no longer available) and my Para-Ordnance Slim Hawg (also no longer available). For a new pistol in that size class, I'd have to go with a Colt Defender.

 

[cougar gt-e]

Eaa witness compact.

 

[Nathan]

Dan Wesson CCO. Aluminum frame on a steel slide with all that 1911 goodness!

 

[JDBerg]

I like this Sig P227 SAS Gen 2 better than any other compact .45ACP right now.