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Old 02-02-2010, 11:09 PM
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What S&W 45 is best for conceal carry. What S&W 45 is best for conceal carry. What S&W 45 is best for conceal carry. What S&W 45 is best for conceal carry. What S&W 45 is best for conceal carry.  
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Default What S&W 45 is best for conceal carry.

I was wondering what do you guys think is the best S&W 45 Semi Auto for conceal carry?I already have a CS45 on the way but was wondering what you guys think is the best.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:13 PM
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457 cause it's what I have :-).
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:21 PM
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Other's to consider would be 4513 and 4516.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:22 PM
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I have two, the CS 45 and the 4516. I like the size of the 4516 because it fits my hand better, and thus is a bit easier to shoot, but I like the weight of the alloy CS 45 so........ Mack is right, get a 457. I carry my 4516 more. I also have a 4566 too, but it is a touch big for concealed carry.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:31 PM
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I too carry a 4516. It is a tad heavy but with the right belt and holster it is some thing I have gotten use to. It fits my hand just right.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:42 PM
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Any flavor of 4513, 457, or 4516 (as well as the CS45). I'll even throw in the M&P45c, probably my next purchase. I'm in love with my new 4516, I think it just jumped the line of my favorite. It spurred my existing desire for an M&P45c.

Off topic, but what holster do you other guys use? I'm looking for a good rig.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:43 PM
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CS45 should do the trick. ;-)
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRich315 View Post
Any flavor of 4513, 457, or 4516 (as well as the CS45). I'll even throw in the M&P45c, probably my next purchase. I'm in love with my new 4516, I think it just jumped the line of my favorite. It spurred my existing desire for an M&P45c.

Off topic, but what holster do you other guys use? I'm looking for a good rig.
I have a Milt Sparks Versa MaxII coming for my CS45
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRich315 View Post
Off topic, but what holster do you other guys use? I'm looking for a good rig.
Incredibly, the CS45 fits perfectly in a DeSantis shoulder holster that was made for a 1 7/8" J frame!
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Old 02-03-2010, 12:15 AM
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I have a M&P 45c and use a Crossbred holster. Love them both.
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Old 02-03-2010, 01:58 AM
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I carry my 4516 in a Andrews Custom Leather McDaniel II IWB.
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Old 02-03-2010, 02:49 AM
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I just looked back at my post, guess I'm partial to ANY compact S&W .45

Thanks for the holster input.
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Old 02-03-2010, 08:12 AM
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I like my M&P45C.
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File Type: jpg IMG_2064.jpg (61.8 KB, 179 views)
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Old 02-03-2010, 03:02 PM
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IMO the Shorty 45 is the "best" S&W 45 for concealed carry. Light weight, tight fitting, extremely accurate and easy concealment being its major attributes. The price tag on the Shorty 45 goes anywhere from $750 to north of $1000. Not exactly a bargain. Well worth $750, again, IMO.

That said, the 4516, and 4513 as well as the 457 and CS45 will all serve you well and are excellent pistols.

I own the 4513TSW, 4516-3, 457 and Shorty 45. The 4516-3 while a little heavy, is my absolute favorite S&W compact 45. It shoots groups only a little larger than those from the Shorty 45. Quite a bit less money to come up with for a nice one too. Good luck with your search. Regards 18DAI.
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Old 02-03-2010, 04:02 PM
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M&P won't put your pants on the ground.
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Old 02-03-2010, 04:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sar4937 View Post
M&P won't put your pants on the ground.
"pants on the ground, pants on the ground"
"Looking like a fool with your hat to the side"
"pants on the ground, pants on the ground"
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Old 02-03-2010, 05:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 18DAI View Post
IMO the Shorty 45 is the "best" S&W 45 for concealed carry. Light weight, tight fitting, extremely accurate and easy concealment being its major attributes. The price tag on the Shorty 45 goes anywhere from $750 to north of $1000. Not exactly a bargain. Well worth $750, again, IMO.

That said, the 4516, and 4513 as well as the 457 and CS45 will all serve you well and are excellent pistols.

I own the 4513TSW, 4516-3, 457 and Shorty 45. The 4516-3 while a little heavy, is my absolute favorite S&W compact 45. It shoots groups only a little larger than those from the Shorty 45. Quite a bit less money to come up with for a nice one too. Good luck with your search. Regards 18DAI.
When you say "Shorty 45" are you referring to a particular model, or the group of short barreled .45's?
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Old 02-03-2010, 05:14 PM
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The PC Shorty 45 was what I was referring to. There were two versions made for Lew Horton distributing in 1997. The fixed sight "Shorty 45", and the adjustable sight "Shorty 45 MKII. Somewhere around 500-600 units made in total IIRC.

The MKII had ambi safety while the first batch had safety/decocker on the left side only.

Mine is a Shorty 45 MKII with Novak low mount NS on it. Sorry for the confusion. Regards 18DAI.
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Old 02-03-2010, 05:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by novalty View Post
Other's to consider would be 4513 and 4516.

My 4516 fits me just right!
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Old 02-03-2010, 07:03 PM
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I love my M&P 45 Mid Size (sku 109307) and blade tech IWB holster. Great shooter.
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Old 02-04-2010, 01:12 PM
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I have carried the 457 and CS45 and like both a lot. Then I got one of the PC 945s, the small one with the alloy frame. It is even better than any other small 45 I have ever used. A target quality gun that is 100% reliable and carries well. I also prefer the cocked and locked mode.
Bob Ray
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Old 02-04-2010, 01:25 PM
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Another vote for the CS45.
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Old 02-04-2010, 09:45 PM
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Shorty .45:



It's the best, hands down, in my opinion of course.


Cat
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Old 02-04-2010, 09:49 PM
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Quote:
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Shorty .45:



It's the best, hands down, in my opinion of course.


Cat
Wow She is a nice one.
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Old 02-04-2010, 09:56 PM
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If it fits you well the 457 is a great carry piece. I like it because it's so much like my 469.
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Old 02-04-2010, 10:21 PM
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Easy answer, none.

If you want to carry a 45, carry a 1911 or a SIG 220.

If you want to carry a S&W, the best 45 is the 625.

Just my two cents, but priceless.
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Old 02-12-2010, 12:38 PM
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Default pants on the ground....

I carry one of my 645's.......and thought the song "pants on the ground" was about me until I listened close to all the lyrics.
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Old 02-12-2010, 03:58 PM
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Default 4516 in an IWB Holster

I really like the heft of the 4516 when shooting. I was not totally pleased with the grip and put on Hogue grips which improved the grip for my hand a lot. I never liked Hogues on revolvers, but on the single stack third generation Smiths they really improve the grip for me.

I had a lighter weight compact .45 and it was just too much recoil when shooting. I was flinching and pulling off target with it. Getting old I guess as I used to like that kind of recoil. I decided it did not matter how easy it was to carry if I could not hit with it I might as well have a baseball bat.

The extra weight is far easier for me to handle than the extra recoil of the smaller or lighter weight 45's. I have a 4566 coming in the mail in the next week so when I get it, I might change my mind about the best .45 Smith to carry.
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Old 02-12-2010, 04:55 PM
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CS45 with Big Dog grips. Only carry size in .45 that I have.

Last edited by Ky Bob; 02-12-2010 at 05:00 PM.
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Old 02-13-2010, 03:12 AM
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ditto,cs45,great gun,lightweight,accurate,easy to shoot..............
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Old 02-13-2010, 09:39 AM
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Wow, I'm surprised no one else chimed in already withthe 1911PD. Its my daily carry.
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Old 02-13-2010, 04:29 PM
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I carry a 4516, also have a 457. 4516 is heavier but all stainless and has less recoil, both are a bit flippy though. However I just got my M&P 45 compact today, I think I have a new favorite. I love the feel, and finish of the M&P very nice, havent ot to shoot it yet though.
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1911, 4516, 4566, 645, concealed, cs45, desantis, hogue, j frame, leather, lew horton, model 625, novak, s&w, sig arms

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