Compact .45s for CCW

[SomeDude]

My brother is dead set on .45 ACP as his first CCW. Not that there is anything wrong with that but I've explained to him that it limits the available models to choose from. He's leaning towards Glock 36, I'm trying to convince him to try the XD-S for maximum carry-ability. What other models might we be overlooking here? I know there is the M&P 45c, Kahr has at least one slim .45, but what else?

I also tried to tell him not to get too hung up on it because he'll be switching models a few times anyways.

Read More

 

[PuddleMonkey]

The XDs is my fav, very comfortable carry, hate the Glock. I also sometimes roll with a XDm Compact for the capacity + size, it's the best available with 10 rounds. Plus you get the extended mag with it that will provide 14, so there's options with that one.





XDm Comp




XDs'

 

[evltwn]

My EDC is a 4 inch Kimber in a Crossbreed holster. Has been for quite a while. Conceals easily under an untucked tee shirt. They don't have to be tiny to be concealable.

 

[gaijinsamurai]

I really like my Glock 30, but the XD s/m looks like it might be a great pistol.

 

[willseeker]

Budget?

I carried a P45 Kahr for awhile. Very slim and comfortable in Crossbreed. (single stack mags) Approx. $500.00.

I now carry a Dan Wesson VBOB in a Ritchie holster. ( single stack mags) Approx. $1,500.00.

Numerous others, XD's, Glocks, etc… in the (double stack mag) types. Not as comfortable.

Have your brother start buying different guns and keep the one he likes…or like me keep most!

Be well,
Will

 

[156256Hunter]

The Sig P245 is pretty good. It's the older compact Sig made in Germany, and discontinued in a sense (now re-named the P220 compact with a heavier all steel slide). The P245 has a carbon folded slide so not too heavy. Pros are reliability and superb accuracy. Cons are the somewhat awkward/thick grip, and finding one in decent shape for around $450 - 500. Don't know if the P220 compact is as good, but I think Sig makes an "SAS" 220 compact model for better carry. Those usually have the short resest trigger, which are fantastic.

A 1911 with a 4" or 4.25" barrel on an officer frame (shortened grip) would be fun, but a little bit pricier. Up there in price, too, would be an HK45c (plus really spendy mags).

 

[The Heretic]

Most are good, what it really comes down to is what fits his hands.

I don't care for some of the squarish highly "ribbed for pleasure" grips. I prefer smoother and rounded grips.

 

[oknow]

You are still talking about guns aren't you?

 

[The Heretic]

What do you think?

 

[BAMCIS]

Google up Colt Defender.

 

[Nickb]

I had an XDs for 8 or 9 months. I sold it and bought a Ruger CMD. The XDs shot really good, carried really good but I prefer 1911s. A good belt and holster will make a heavy pistol easier to carry and conceal. But I do it comes down to what you're comfortable with, for me it's a 1911.

 

[dkraley]

I carry a full size kimber 1911 but I am trading my xd for a xds for a back up or pocket gun

 

[jjackffrost]

I have a taurus millennium pro 45 put a lot of round through it so far and and work like a charm holds ten in the clip and one in the pipe great little gun for an in the waist band gun had mine for over 5 years now.

 

[SomeDude]

My brother ended up getting a Glock 36. So far he likes it. Only shot it once. Hasn't carried it yet, which I think will be the true test. I don't own any .45s personally but if I was going to get one for CCW I'd go XD-S. I think for 9mm there are better options but in .45 that seems to be the most concealable.

While he's waiting for CPL I'm telling him to focus on holster shopping and not to skimp, as that will make our break your carry experience. Also to shoot several types of ammo, and especially test HP defense rounds for function. Of all Glock models I've heard the most mixed reviews on the 36 when it comes to cycling ammo reliably.

 

[SomeDude]

What sights are those on the XD-s?

I had an XDs for 8 or 9 months. I sold it and bought a Ruger CMD. The XDs shot really good, carried really good but I prefer 1911s. A good belt and holster will make a heavy pistol easier to carry and conceal. But I do it comes down to what you're comfortable with, for me it's a 1911.

 

[Nickb]

Diamond speed sights. They were pretty awesome!

 

[SomeDude]

Cool I'll have to check those out for other guns. I hadn't seen those before until now.

 

[FourTeeFive]

Thanks for the sight info for the XDs. Had an XDs .45 and sold it and just got an XDs-9 4.0 (personal preference). Really like it but would like better sights.

Nothing on their website right now but will check back:

<broken link removed>

 

[accessbob]

I've had the XDs45 and it was nice and small. It was very concealable. In fact, I could use a Sticky Holster and even tuck a dress shirt in and you'd never know I had it. But I gave up on Springfield, at least for now, since they had the recall and I sent in the gun. 63 days later I got it back. A short while afterwards my trigger safety broke while firing and I just couldn't trust it, or them, anymore. Maybe some day I will again.
I bought a Glock 36 and love it but I also bought a Glock 30SF and love it. I have put the 36 slide on my 30SF frame and carry that way so I have essentially a Glock 30S which has the slimness of the 36 but still has a 10 round magazine instead of 6. I now have a Ruger LC9 for when I need the kind of deep cover that the XDs used to provide to me.

 

[Nickb]

I found the sights at a website based out of Texas. It's been so long I can't remember what the shop was called.