Smallest 45 ACP

Double Impact · April 7, 2009, 06:46 PM

hello
all you professionals out there.

I'm looking for the smallest dependable 45ACP you can buy, who knows what that might be?

I want it for a pocket carry.

ar15chase · April 7, 2009, 06:48 PM

Kahr PM45

http://www.gunblast.com/Kahr-PM45.htm

DBAR · April 7, 2009, 06:51 PM

I've done a lot of research, because that is my caliber of choice for concealed carry. I never found a "Pocket Pistol" in .45acp. I carry a Glock G36, and I did consider the Kahr. I'm interested to see if there is a "Pocket Pistol" in .45 acp that is a reliable firearm. I'm thinking the smaller 1911's produced by the likes of Kimber are the smallest your going to find other than a Derringer. Maybe????

AK103K · April 7, 2009, 06:54 PM

I believe this is the "smallest".

ar15chase · April 7, 2009, 06:58 PM

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...s_id/411534508

Not exactly a pocket gun

DBAR · April 7, 2009, 07:13 PM

AK103K,

Who makes that, and where can one get one.

ar15chase · April 7, 2009, 07:18 PM

That looks like a Downsizer 45acp. I dont know were to get one. Try gunbroker

AK103K · April 7, 2009, 07:39 PM

Yup, Downsizer. Like ar15chase said, try Gunbroker. I dont think they are being made anymore.

DBAR · April 7, 2009, 08:29 PM

OK. I did a search here, and I've decided that the Downsizer is not of any interest to me.

Dustin0 · April 7, 2009, 08:41 PM

Para P10 or warthog.

Lost Sheep · April 8, 2009, 03:12 AM

Difficult answer

Semmerling 45 ACP

A 24 oz, 5 Shot double-action only all-steel 45 ACP with a modified "Blow-Forward" action. The blow forward was considered by many to be a joke, an exercise in an engineering curiosity because it could not be made to function as a semi-automatic, but in the production gun was manually operated. A great backup gun, it was less than an inch wide and 5.2 inches long. Inside that 5.2 inches, though (and this was the genius of the blow forward action) was a 3.45" barrel. I found one in a in a store specializing in Law Enforcement gear last year. Price, $2,000 as I recall. If you want a man-stopper in a 5.2" x 3.7" x .85" package, this is it.

Lost Sheep

P.S. OK, I stand corrected. I did not see AK103K's post before answering. (And I forgot the WWII "Liberator", too). I want to see one of those "Downsizers". THAT is something!

Lost Sheep · April 8, 2009, 03:43 AM

skidmark had an interesting post on this thread about the downsizer
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=229949
or, if the link doesn't work, use this address
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229949

and apparantly has made quite a bit of pocket change because of the difficulty in prducing fast (or even slow) followup shots. Apparantly even the manufacturer recommends a rate of fire no greater than 5 times per day.

Using the gun as a betting device, from his testimony, he has paid for the gun almost twice over (less two payouts and the cost of ammunition) because of the difficulty of 1) reloading and 2) tolerating a second shot.

read his post. It is fascinating, and he is a better writer than I am.

I have often said, "Nobody flinches on the FIRST shot.

However, the company that produced the Downsizer is gone now. But there is good news. There is another gun with the same operating method, but obviously better executed with superior ergonomics known as the "Palm Pistol" in 9mm and designed for persons with weakened hands (old age or other infirmity for example) who nevertheless feel the need for a minimum of personal protection in the form of a firearm.

http://www.palmpistol.com/

Lost Sheep

darkgael · April 8, 2009, 05:28 AM

The AMT Backup is pretty small. There are a few at Gunbroker.
There was another gun - unfortunately the name escapes me - quite expensive and very small - that looked like a semi-auto but was not; it had a slide that was manually operated by the shooter's thumb after each shot.
I saw one once at my range. It seemed to jam a lot - though it was a first outing with a new shooter.
Pete

HvyMtl · April 8, 2009, 12:47 PM

depends on price - and finding a pocket 45... well...

These would be wise choices in small 45s:

Colt New Agent (IF you can find it) $850+/- (no external sights to catch- has a groove center slide for sight - which forces you to aim in a manner that you probably would in a self defense situation...)

Colt Defender $850+ and up

The Para-Ord Hawg/Warthog - (FYI check the grips, if big or even medium handed, the grips are not quite long enough IMHO) $800 and up (Slim Hawg to even better concealment - at a cost of rounds carried in gun... at a price of $1000 up)

Under $400 - Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact Pro (yes, it is possible to get a reliable gun for under $400.)

Not a fan of single shots like the Palm pistol - and it is not out on the market yet... The lowest shot number is 6+1 of all listed.

The Colts are 7+1, the Hawgs are typically in the 6+1, 7+1, and even have 8+1, and up to 13+1... but by then are getting a little big...

The Bersa is a 7+1, and is the easiest to break down and clean....

The Colt New Agent is my next purchase - as It is close to a pocket gun a Colt has, and it does not have the sights to get caught on clothing when drawn.

Remember the smaller the gun, the less the magazine holds...

Ben · April 8, 2009, 01:04 PM

My Kahr PM45 is a 5+1. It's been a good little gun since the factory returned it.

Ben

Piper Cub · April 9, 2009, 09:44 AM

Here is a Semmerling you could buy....

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...b9b565da8c894d

Don P · April 9, 2009, 11:35 AM

I carry my RELIABLE Glock 36 in my right front pocket. Guess it would depend what type of pants you choose to wear as to what you can conceal in pocket carry.

TeamDub · April 9, 2009, 01:02 PM

I have one and absolutely love it.

http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus-PT145.htm
http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...ategory=Pistol

Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 3.25"
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Blue Steel
Grips: Checkered Polymer
Weight: 22.2 oz
Construction: Polymer/Steel
Frame: Compact
Front Sight: Heinie
Rear Sight: Straight-8
Trigger Type: Smooth
Length: 6.125"
Width: 1.25"
Height: 5.125"
Rate of Twist: 1:16"
Grooves: 6
Safety: Firing Pin Block,Manual Safety,Manual Safety,Trigger Block
UPC: 7-25327-31133-1
Order #: 1-145031P
MSRP: $436.00

Good luck!

mrray13 · April 9, 2009, 01:07 PM

detonics combat master is another small 1911 .45acp

April 7, 2009, 06:46 PM	#1
Double Impact Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2008 Posts: 399	Smallest 45 ACP hello all you professionals out there. I'm looking for the smallest dependable 45ACP you can buy, who knows what that might be? I want it for a pocket carry.

April 8, 2009, 03:12 AM	#11
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Easy question Difficult answer Semmerling 45 ACP A 24 oz, 5 Shot double-action only all-steel 45 ACP with a modified "Blow-Forward" action. The blow forward was considered by many to be a joke, an exercise in an engineering curiosity because it could not be made to function as a semi-automatic, but in the production gun was manually operated. A great backup gun, it was less than an inch wide and 5.2 inches long. Inside that 5.2 inches, though (and this was the genius of the blow forward action) was a 3.45" barrel. I found one in a in a store specializing in Law Enforcement gear last year. Price, $2,000 as I recall. If you want a man-stopper in a 5.2" x 3.7" x .85" package, this is it. Lost Sheep P.S. OK, I stand corrected. I did not see AK103K's post before answering. (And I forgot the WWII "Liberator", too). I want to see one of those "Downsizers". THAT is something! Last edited by Lost Sheep; April 8, 2009 at 03:16 AM. Reason: Add the postscript.

April 8, 2009, 03:43 AM	#12
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Get a free Downsizer WSP skidmark had an interesting post on this thread about the downsizer http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=229949 or, if the link doesn't work, use this address thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229949 and apparantly has made quite a bit of pocket change because of the difficulty in prducing fast (or even slow) followup shots. Apparantly even the manufacturer recommends a rate of fire no greater than 5 times per day. Using the gun as a betting device, from his testimony, he has paid for the gun almost twice over (less two payouts and the cost of ammunition) because of the difficulty of 1) reloading and 2) tolerating a second shot. read his post. It is fascinating, and he is a better writer than I am. I have often said, "Nobody flinches on the FIRST shot. However, the company that produced the Downsizer is gone now. But there is good news. There is another gun with the same operating method, but obviously better executed with superior ergonomics known as the "Palm Pistol" in 9mm and designed for persons with weakened hands (old age or other infirmity for example) who nevertheless feel the need for a minimum of personal protection in the form of a firearm. http://www.palmpistol.com/ Lost Sheep

April 8, 2009, 05:28 AM	#13
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	small .45 The AMT Backup is pretty small. There are a few at Gunbroker. There was another gun - unfortunately the name escapes me - quite expensive and very small - that looked like a semi-auto but was not; it had a slide that was manually operated by the shooter's thumb after each shot. I saw one once at my range. It seemed to jam a lot - though it was a first outing with a new shooter. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

April 8, 2009, 12:47 PM	#14
HvyMtl Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2009 Location: Nashvegas, TN Posts: 228	hmm depends on price - and finding a pocket 45... well... These would be wise choices in small 45s: Colt New Agent (IF you can find it) $850+/- (no external sights to catch- has a groove center slide for sight - which forces you to aim in a manner that you probably would in a self defense situation...) Colt Defender $850+ and up The Para-Ord Hawg/Warthog - (FYI check the grips, if big or even medium handed, the grips are not quite long enough IMHO) $800 and up (Slim Hawg to even better concealment - at a cost of rounds carried in gun... at a price of $1000 up) Under $400 - Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact Pro (yes, it is possible to get a reliable gun for under $400.) Not a fan of single shots like the Palm pistol - and it is not out on the market yet... The lowest shot number is 6+1 of all listed. The Colts are 7+1, the Hawgs are typically in the 6+1, 7+1, and even have 8+1, and up to 13+1... but by then are getting a little big... The Bersa is a 7+1, and is the easiest to break down and clean.... The Colt New Agent is my next purchase - as It is close to a pocket gun a Colt has, and it does not have the sights to get caught on clothing when drawn. Remember the smaller the gun, the less the magazine holds... Last edited by HvyMtl; April 8, 2009 at 12:57 PM.

April 7, 2009, 06:48 PM	#2
ar15chase Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2009 Location: Shallowater, Texas Posts: 444	Kahr PM45 http://www.gunblast.com/Kahr-PM45.htm

April 7, 2009, 06:51 PM	#3
DBAR Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 941	I've done a lot of research, because that is my caliber of choice for concealed carry. I never found a "Pocket Pistol" in .45acp. I carry a Glock G36, and I did consider the Kahr. I'm interested to see if there is a "Pocket Pistol" in .45 acp that is a reliable firearm. I'm thinking the smaller 1911's produced by the likes of Kimber are the smallest your going to find other than a Derringer. Maybe????

April 7, 2009, 06:54 PM	#4
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	I believe this is the "smallest".

April 7, 2009, 06:58 PM	#5
ar15chase Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2009 Location: Shallowater, Texas Posts: 444	https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...s_id/411534508 Not exactly a pocket gun

April 7, 2009, 07:13 PM	#6
DBAR Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 941	AK103K, Who makes that, and where can one get one.

April 7, 2009, 07:18 PM	#7
ar15chase Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2009 Location: Shallowater, Texas Posts: 444	That looks like a Downsizer 45acp. I dont know were to get one. Try gunbroker

April 7, 2009, 07:39 PM	#8
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	Yup, Downsizer. Like ar15chase said, try Gunbroker. I dont think they are being made anymore.

April 7, 2009, 08:29 PM	#9
DBAR Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 941	OK. I did a search here, and I've decided that the Downsizer is not of any interest to me.

April 7, 2009, 08:41 PM	#10
Dustin0 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 701	Para P10 or warthog.

April 8, 2009, 01:04 PM	#15
Ben Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,633	My Kahr PM45 is a 5+1. It's been a good little gun since the factory returned it. Ben

April 9, 2009, 09:44 AM	#16
Piper Cub Junior member Join Date: February 5, 2009 Location: TEXAS Posts: 491	Here is a Semmerling you could buy.... http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...b9b565da8c894d

April 9, 2009, 11:35 AM	#17
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,213	I carry my RELIABLE Glock 36 in my right front pocket. Guess it would depend what type of pants you choose to wear as to what you can conceal in pocket carry. __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

April 9, 2009, 01:02 PM	#18
TeamDub Member Join Date: November 14, 2008 Location: People's Republic of Toledo Posts: 35	Worth a look... I have one and absolutely love it. http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus-PT145.htm http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...ategory=Pistol Caliber: .45 ACP Capacity: 10+1 Barrel Length: 3.25" Action: DA/SA Finish: Blue Steel Grips: Checkered Polymer Weight: 22.2 oz Construction: Polymer/Steel Frame: Compact Front Sight: Heinie Rear Sight: Straight-8 Trigger Type: Smooth Length: 6.125" Width: 1.25" Height: 5.125" Rate of Twist: 1:16" Grooves: 6 Safety: Firing Pin Block,Manual Safety,Manual Safety,Trigger Block UPC: 7-25327-31133-1 Order #: 1-145031P MSRP: $436.00 Good luck!

April 9, 2009, 01:07 PM	#19
mrray13 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 920	detonics combat master is another small 1911 .45acp