Compact .45 ACP for CCW

[Glockfan35]

What would you guys choose? Just saw a Taurus Millenium Pro compact 745 on cheaperthandirt.com for $336.45- wouldn't mind having it around for the winter months as an EDC. It would only be 7 round capacity, but in a proven self-defense caliber in a compact pistol that I think could be easily pocket carried. I'd also like to try one of the new slimline Glocks for everyday pocket carry when wearing a heavy winter coat. I'll still bring the .38 along for the ride as a BUG. Something about those three little buggers seems to speak to me! I don't know-maybe 'cause they're all so small and great for concealed carry while still being powerful and potent enough to get the job done when called upon!

[dpetreikis]

My choice: Glock 30 (or 36) or Sig P245. Might pick up an old AMT Backup 45, if I ever come across one that looks decent at a fair price.

[dsa1115]

Glock 36 or Kahr PM-45.

[Oldjarhead]

I wouldn't take a chance on the Taurus. You may get a great pistol, or you may get a dud. Their quality has been inconsistent at least in my experience with them. The Glock and the Kahr mentioned above are great choices. Sig makes now a P220 SAS Gen 2 with a carry melt slide, for concealed carry. I opt for the Sig.

[thinktwice]

I am with dpetreikis on the Glock 30 or 36. I have both I carry with a inside waist band holster. Glocks are known for there reliability, and mine has been 100%. No malfunctions. However I don't know of any Glock that would make a good pocket gun. Even their sub compacts 26/27/33 are all to big for comfortable pocket carry in my opinion. Not saying it can't be done but there are better choices for pocket carry. As far as a "slim line" Glock, the only one they consider a slim line is the 36. It's the only single stack Glock produces at this time, it's a little thinner than the other Glocks but not by much. You must be thinking of the SF models. A lot of people think the SF stands for "slim frame" but the fact is it stands for short frame. The SF models are no thinner than any of the others. If $$ is not a real problem some of the major manufactures make some very nice 1911's in the 3 & 4 inch configurations. I have a 3 inch Kimber Ultra CDP and a Springfield Micro Compact, and both are great shooters,and very reliable.

[F=ma]

Dan Wesson CCO

[LinuxMonk]

I carry a Glock 36 in a Galco IWB; a loose shirt and I'm good to go.

[Doc Intrepid]

If overall size (e.g. "compact") is one of your determining factors, I also would give the nod to the Kahr PM-45.

Give one a try, and you'll see what I mean.

[jfrey]

#1 choice= G36 #2 choice= Commander size 1911 I have both, carry both and like both.

[postalm16]

My wife just purchased a 1911 45 manufactured by US&S , never heard of this co, so I've started researching them and the 1911 I have. it looks like she stumbled on a deal, but I have one question about it. The serial # on it is 1405701, the research I've done does not show this to be in line with those manufactured in the 1943 run by US&S. Any information will be greatly appreicated. The 45 is in very good shape with normal holster wear. It does look as if the trigger has been changed and the ft. and rear sight may have been changed, not sure just going on photos I have looked at.
Would like to hear from anyone with information on this weapon.
I received it for my 38th. anniversy gift, wife wanted me to have one similar to the one I carried in Nam.
Thanks !!

[shootniron]

Dan Wesson would be a great choice.

[gearhounds]

I love my Sig P245; just a great handling weapon, and the perfect size for my hands.

[GoOfY-FoOt]

+36...As in Glock 36. I love mine...It rides high and tight in a Blackhawk CQC Serpa Paddle. Throw on a baggy T-shirt and go anywhere. Half the weight of my 1911, but the same exact round.

[egor20]

I've been carrying a RIA CS for about 6 years now, very reliable (2 FTFs and 1 FTE from crap ammo), its very concealable and a Joy to shoot.

[Jake Balam]

Stay away from the Taurus .45 in a three inch barrel. Sub par rifling makes it impossible to hit anything beyond ten yards

[dawgfvr]

Well...let's see...I can do much better than that with my Tauri!

Not that I require my defensive weapons to be tack drivers beyond thirty feet...eh?


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/PT145/45Target.jpg

[pogo2]

My favorite compact .45 is a Colt Defender. My experience has been that it is absolutely reliable, conceals easily, and has excellent ergonomics and trigger feel. It holds 7+1 rounds and is quite accurate.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o25/pogo2/ColtDefender43.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o25/pogo2/ColtDefender42.jpg

[Cemo]

I recently shot a friends Glock 36, boy is that thing accurate. Recoil stout but wouldn't keep you from having a fun day at the range with it.

[LinuxMonk]

Cemo, I have a fun day every Friday at the range with mine!

[dalegribble]

i am a 45 guy. i love the cartridge and i love shooting it in 1911 guns. i have a springfield micro and champion that i dearly love as cc weapons. i also stumbled into owning a taurus pt-145, it holds 10+1, it is compact, it is accurate and it has proven to be reliable right out of the box. while not 1911 the taurus has become a trusted favorite of mine.

[spodwo]

taurus pt-145, it holds 10+1, it is compact, it is accurate and it has proven to be reliable right out of the box. while not 1911 the taurus has become a trusted favorite of mine.


Well - I hope you are right - I just bought one yesterday....I pick it up Tuesday.

[Stealth01]

Wilson Combat, Bill Wilson Carry...

[bearone2]

g30 10+1

[Pinky Carruthers]

Bersa Thunder .45 Ultracompact.

[Rugerismisticness]

Any 1911 that is CCO or officers size will work best, thinner, stronger, and more managable.

[benzuncle]

Spodwo, dalegribble is correct. I own 2 PT-145's. They aren't SIG's (I own 3 of them also) but both of mine have been nothing but stellar since I bought them. The first one has over 2000 rounds of 230gr LRN's, FMJ's and Golden Sabers through it. (I only shoot 230gr through my 45's. Big pills, those.) Can you get a bad one? Heck yes. If you've lurked here any length of time you will see that goes for almost every type of firearm out there. Because I wear cargo shorts or pants and can easily hide the PT-145 in the inside pocket while the outside one prevents printing, I carry mine in a DeSantis pocket holster. I wish you well with your 10+1 PT-145!

[markj]

I never got over the long trigger pull on the pt 111 or pt 145 I owned. Now a colt new agent is in my holster.

[ET.]

I normally carry a Glock 27. Yes it is a 40S&W, not the 45acp, but I would trust my live to any Glock. I also own three Taurus guns. One of them is a PT111 Millennium Pro that hasn't given me any trouble, unless I let it get really dirty. I shot 1000 rounds through the Taurus mil pro & the Glock 27 to test how far I could push each gun. I started getting a few ftf's from the mil pro, but none from the Glock. Now granted I would never carry it dirty, but I wanted to see just how dirty it would get & still be 100%. Looks like slightly under a 1000 rounds for the pt111 mil pro is it's limit.

Glocks seem to be more resistant to jambing (unless you limp wrist it) than many other guns on the market. My brother-in-law was a LEO in Alaska. When his department changed over to semi's from revolvers they tested the guns they were interested it. Only the Glock sample never jambed in the torture tests they put all the candidates through. That's good enough for me.

...Oh, and I'm currently away from home for 2 weeks and I carried my pt111 mil pro with me instead of the Glock, so take what I say with a grain of salt.:o

[PPKman]

Latest gen PT-745 was the first .45 I have bought and it has been a solid performer, an outstanding pistol for the price. Heartily recommend it.

[spodwo]

taurus pt-145, it holds 10+1, it is compact, it is accurate and it has proven to be reliable right out of the box. while not 1911 the taurus has become a trusted favorite of mine.

Well - I hope you are right - I just bought one yesterday....I pick it up Tuesday.

Well - I didn't buy a PT145 - I bought a PT 24/7 PRO C DS with a 3" barrel. They look so similar and I had it in my head that is what I was looking at...this has the decocker. I just cleaned it up - lot of white gunk in the slide...

I will shoot it later today.

[BlueMoonJunkie]

I luv the M&P 45 compact! :D

[michael t]

Bersa Thunder in 45 If want a DA/SA pistol, Colt Defender if a 1911 type.

[los]

My AMT Back Up .45 is a great tool.

It's the smallest 45ACP semi-automatic pistol ever built. It's not much bigger than a box of ammo.

Recoil is extremely manageable, accuracy is superb at CQB distances, and this tiny stainless steel cannon eats anything It's fed.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/los3088/AMTBackUp45inHand-img0012-650.jpg

[ET.]

That's one sweet looking bug gun. I have this bad habit of wanting every gun I see. I guess now that list is longer by one AMT. It looks comparable to the Kahr CM9 in size, but is sooo much better looking and shoots 45acp to boot. I need it!!!!

[Smokey 92]

I tried looking up AMT, no web site that I can find. Is it still being produced.

[los]

... I tried looking up AMT, no web site that I can find. Is it still being produced.

Brief Company history:

AMT [Irwindale, CA] was the company that originally designed, built and sold the Back Up 45.

Galena Industries, Inc. took over AMT's operation in Irwindale, CA when they filled for bankruptcy in late 1995. Shortly thereafter, Galena relocated their factory to Sturgis, SD.

Galena decided to make a few cosmetic and design changes to the AMT Back Up that included the addition of a firing pin safety block. The safety block was defective as the safety block had a propensity to contact and intercept the firing pin after hammer strike. This constant contact led to light primer strikes and eventually broken firing pins.

Galena filed for bankruptcy in 2001 and their assets (machinery and handgun parts, etc..) were purchased in auction in 2002 by High Standard Firearms /Houston Tx.

High Standard Firearms is currently selling Back Up pistols.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/los3088/AMTBAckUp45img19-R2900-3-2.jpg

[jtb1967]

The AMT DAO 45 I had was reliable, but had a bear of a trigger.

[travywestside]

Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II. Its a little more expensive, but its worth every penny.

[los]

.. The AMT DAO 45 I had was reliable, but had a bear of a trigger.

I polished the trigger mechanism and it helped considerably. Check out this short video clip...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/los3088/th_MVI_0003.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/los3088/?action=view&current=MVI_0003.mp4)

[amd6547]

Glock 30...not only a great CCW, but one of the best 45 pistols in general...extremely accurate, 10rd capacity with the ability to use 13rd G21mags...goes from CCW to HD to woods pistol. Lightweight.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/amd6547/DSC01872.jpg

[bearone2]

amen, also my selection for carry, summer and winter.