Topic: Compact 45 ACP Options

[MtGoat]

I have been looking at options for a small double action 45 ACP carry pistol. 

I found the Sig P220 Compact at BGC but it had a beavertail that added about an inch to the OAL and seemed to print badly.  I see that they do now make them without the beavertail.  It seems larger than it needs to be as it is a single stack magazines but about the same size as a Sig 229.

I also looked at a Para-Ordnance LDA.  It was in 9mm but it was favorably sized.  The fit and finish on the gun was not the best but the trigger pull was very nice.  I have not seen a 45 model so don't know if they are larger than the 9mm at BGC.

I looked at a Kahr 45 at Cabelas.  It was a very nice size for carry but I have heard that Kahr's can be finicky but believe that was for the 9mm.  I have not found much on the 45 model.

I looked at a Springfield XD compact 45 today.  It seemed to be as large as the Sig but much more attractively priced with a number of "extras" over the Sig.

Are there other double action models that I should be adding to the list to investigate and narrow the field?

The gun they are going against that really caught my eye was a Sig 1911 compact single action two tone at BGC.  It looks sharp, comes up well, handles well but I am not ready to run C&L with an IWB holster.  Outside is fine but it is just a mental block for IWB carry.

Pat

[ekuo]

I carry a Colt Officers condition 1 all the time in IWB.  No issues with the safety ever coming off if you have a good holster and the safety is fitted properly.  But then again, I'm somewhat familiar with 1911's.   

[luvmy45]

Same here, I carry a Officers .45 in condition 1... and I run a 1911/2011 for competition, and I can honestly say, I've never had the safety come off period, unless I intended it to. I'm not sure where the fear of caring a cocked gun with a safety came from, but it's just a myth...

The gun that scares me the most is a Glock, that gun WILL go off if you don't keep debris out of the bang switch area as you are reholstering it... Watching new shootesr re holster a glock when I'm the SO is scary... seeing the shirt/coat/whatever get in there and you don't know it.

Anyway back to topic... XD45 compact is good, again similar to the glock on reholstering. M&P can't remember if they have a compact 45, I think they do. Sigs are fine, but I find the bore to be too high for me. Take a look at the FN series guns, they make a good gun as well.

[hessmanca]

I carry a Glock 30 everyday of the week.  I carry IWB with a kydex Comp-Tac holster.  I love the way it carries (fit and finish) and have no issues what so ever with re-holstering.  I have been carrying this style weapon and holster for several years and would highly recommend it.

Just my $0.02 but don't count out the Glock (or XD if you prefer them over the Glock). They are both great carry guns.

[luvmy45]

Just to clarify my block statement... New shooters or shooters that don't practice reholstering...they are scary...not just the gun.

As with any tool, regular use and practice are the key.

[ekuo]

A good holster and belt makes all the difference when carrying all day.  For IWB, my preference has been the Milt Sparks VMII.  Conceals well even with a full size as well as a compact, and is comfy to boot.

For OWB, I'm intrigued by the kydex paddle holsters that the Ambush Tactical guys are selling based on the Raven design.  Looks like a good carry system and even tucks the butt in unlike most kydex holsters. 

[emathey]

Just FYI an XD is no more double action than a Glock or M&P, tons of people carry them safely every day you just have to be aware of the trigger like any other gun.

[RGinIdaho]

A good holster and belt makes all the difference when carrying all day.  For IWB, my preference has been the Milt Sparks VMII.  Conceals well even with a full size as well as a compact, and is comfy to boot. 

+1

I carry a fullsize 1911 in a Sparks VMII. Very easy to conceal under a t-shirt or light sport shirt. It's even easy to carry with a dress shirt tucked over a full size.

[ekuo]

For a stock 1911 to inadvertently get discharged, a number of things have to happen: 

1) Thumb safety must be depressed

2) Grip safety must be depressed

3) Trigger must be depressed. 

But for argument's sake, let's say that somehow the thumb safety got swept off when you bumped into a door jam, especially if you have an ambi TS.  But even if that were to happen, the grip safety still needs to be engaged before the trigger bow can come back far enough to trip the sear.  And then the trigger still needs to be depressed. 

[High Wall]

I looked at a Kahr 45 at Cabelas.  It was a very nice size for carry but I have heard that Kahr's can be finicky but believe that was for the 9mm.  I have not found much on the 45 model.

I've looked at these a few times and I like the compactness compared to just about anything else in .45.  Feel is good for me for such a small gun.  But I don't anyone that has had one.  I'd like to hear about them from someone who has some real experience with them.

[agunforeachhand]

Just a thought but have you looked at the Taurus PT145 millenium pro?

[Nealio]

Look at the Bersa Thunder compact  ore the EAA Witness compact.

Also I'd the guy wants a DA fun why does everyone ALWAYS try to talk him inti a1911?

[ekuo]

Look at the Bersa Thunder compact  ore the EAA Witness compact.

Also I'd the guy wants a DA fun why does everyone ALWAYS try to talk him inti a1911?

'cause in his OP, Pat said "The gun they are going against that really caught my eye was a Sig 1911 compact single action two tone at BGC.  It looks sharp, comes up well, handles well but I am not ready to run C&L with an IWB holster.  Outside is fine but it is just a mental block for IWB carry." 

-we're just trying to re-assure him that the 1911 is a good EDC gun, and IWB is perfectly safe provided you use a quality holster and the grey matter between your ears. 

[AugDog]

I have a 20+ year old (you will have to look on GunBroker.com) Smith and Wesson 4516 single stack 45, 7+1 that is compact, double action and works flawlessly. It's downside is that it is a all steel gun and is heavy...nice for recoil impulse, but you do know you are carrying it

[Jaggy13]

I have a Milt sparks IWB that I carry a full size 1911 in.
It's actually my favorite way to carry. Its so comfortable and the gun tucks up nicely.
A good holster will hold the thumb safety engaged for you.
At Ambush they are building kydex pancake holsters that will actually engage the safety on a 1911 or M&P for you.
They add what's called a sweat guard and press the kydex with the gun on safe. If somehow your gun came off safe, you would know it.
That sweat guard would be pushed into your side and very uncomfortable.

[telomere]

Springfield just released a single stack compact 45 XDS at SHOT.
Not double action, but you mentioned XD in your post so figured I'd throw it out there.

Top of my list in Kahr.
S&W makes compact M&P also.
Any thoughts on Springfield 1911 such as EMP, or Kimber CDP or Ultra carry?