.45 ACP single stack carry recommendations?

USAF385 · Feb 11, 2015

I've been shooting .45 ACP more and more lately and am remembering that I do enjoy it.

I currently only have a full-size .45 and am considering a carry option.

Double stack is out of the question...... Compact or subcompact preferred

I have two thoughts off hand, but won't mention anything.

So, any input? All suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Ski

And since threads are more fun with pictures.........

My full size SigP250 .45. It makes a great house gun. I also have the .40 subcompact exchange kit.

Time to break out the camera... cell phone pics don't cut it.

stealth01 · Feb 11, 2015

S&W PC 1911 or the E-Series SC 1911. Both guns are the same weight and the round butt will make them easy to carry.

kraynky · Feb 11, 2015

Is a 45 CS one of them? Hmmmm? If not, sure ought'a be. Let's see what else comes up.
PS: love the Sig!

sodacan · Feb 11, 2015

Sig P220. Doesn't get any better. They make it in full size, carry and compact. The difference between the full size and the carry size about 1/2" in barrel length. Both have 8 round capacity. The compact is 6 rounds. A very accurate and reliable model.

Bill_inBouse · Feb 11, 2015

Mine

Been carrying a .45 for quite a few years. Here is my latest.
A Sig 1911 Ultra in its new TT Gunleather with shark trim.

I read about TT Gunleather on this forum, what a great holster, I love it.

Sorry it is a cell phone picture

SMSgt · Feb 11, 2015

Glock 36 will fit the bill.

ChattanoogaPhil · Feb 11, 2015

Just bought a Springfield XDs 3.3 45.

Slimmest magazine fed 45ACP on the market

19oz w/o mag

Other than grip safety, no manual safeties to fool with

Fiber optic front sight is real nice, and it shoots quite well for me

Not punishing to shoot

Works flawlessly out of box

$430 on Net from GrabAgun

M294Ever · Feb 11, 2015

I vote with the Springfield Armory XDS or Glock 36 if a little larger is wanted.
Owned both. Both great guns. I like Glock slightly better for me.

Neumann · Feb 12, 2015

A 1911 with a 4" or 4-1/4" barrel has a quick balance for carry, yet no serious issues with reliability. An aluminum frame shaves 9 or 10 ounces from the weight, which is a welcome relieve from the saggy-pants syndrome.

I'm particularly fond of a SIG P220 Carry, with a DAK double-action trigger. It's a single-stack, .45 ACP, 8+1 capacity with a 3.9" barrel. The full-sized grip gives good control, yet is rounded for easy concealment.

Abbotson · Feb 12, 2015

I've got to go with Sodacan and Neumann. The 220 Carry and the SAO Carry are just about perfect.
I'm getting migraines trying to justify both a 226 sao and a 220 sao.

Fishinfool · Feb 12, 2015

A few guys I know have the XDs, and really like them. Compact and reliable.

That said, when it comes to 45's, I'm a 1911 guy. When I am carrying a .45 for self defense, it usually my Kimber Ultra with the Crimson Trace laser grips. Nice and thin, weighs 25 ounces, and has been nothing but accurate and reliable with anything I feed it.

Larry

vigil617 · Feb 12, 2015

Shorty 45, 4513TSW, or 457. All the same size and weight. Not as light as the polymers, to be sure, but well balanced (3 3/4" barrels) and substantial to handle the recoil. 7 plus one capacity except in the no-rail 4513TSW, which is 6 plus one.

MrJT · Feb 12, 2015

Have you looked at Kahr?

They have the PM45 and CM45 which are nice options. 1" wide with an overall length of 5.8". Those two are 5+1. It's nearly the size of an xds just half an inch shorter. The height and width are nearly the same... The Kahr is .1" wider and .09" taller.

The CW45 is just a tad taller and longer and has an extra round.

Pointblank2U · Feb 12, 2015

I tried the new XDS 4.0 and really didn't like it. It had to go back to the factory for reliability issues and even though it works now, it's not very accurate and has a lot of muzzle flip because of the high bore axis. I found the Kahr P45 to be a dream to shoot. It's a bit pricey, but they do have an economy line out now.

Shorty 45 MK2 · Feb 12, 2015

Another vote for the 457, 4513 or Shorty 45. (MK1 or MK2)

My Shorty 45 MK2.

ImprovedModel56Fan · Feb 12, 2015

1911 Government Model. I prefer the Colt Series 80, but there are other good ones. Reasons? Hammer for guaranteed (by me) safe holstering. Slim. Easy to shoot because of proper weight. Barrel and slide proper length so that muzzle doesn't dig into my buttock when carried IWB in a Milt Sparks Summer Special.

If I were to use an OWB holster, a Commander would be just as good or better. Lighter weight, but recoil is still not a problem.

Obviously, this is a very personal choice based on my body shape and hand size (the 1911 definitely fits my hand well).

StrawHat · Feb 12, 2015

Colt combined the Commander barrel and slide with the Officers frame to create the CCO, a 45 ACP with the 4 1/4 barrel and six rounds of ammunition. Others have copied it and the Dan Wesson my brother has is a nice iteration.

Kevin

BAM-BAM · Feb 12, 2015

I started out with Colt 1911s but in the mid 80s switched to a W. German Sig 220...mostly range use but some concealed carry....... the Sig will shoot cloverleafs at 50 ft.

Since about 1990 my primary concealed carry has been some form of 3913/14............

I carried (off and on) a 4516 (too heavy) and a 4513TSW (too hard to find extra 6rd mags.)...... but in the mid 90s I switched to a Sig 245 ( today's 220 compact) as my primary carry .45......and haven't looked back!!!!

My carry combo is includes a Milt Sparks Summer Special and an extra 8 round 220 mag with x-grip...

A Smith that would be fun concealed carry; would be a 6 round 4513(alloy frame) mated to a longer 4566 slide/barrel........ a 3rd Gen CCO!!

growr · Feb 12, 2015

Many will laugh at my selection.....a Star Firestar in .45!

Wow! What a great gun for not a lot of money when you can find one.....

Randy

MOONDAWG · Feb 12, 2015

Although a dyed in the wool .45 ACP Cooperite (read 1911), for the last few years my favorite concealed carry piece in said caliber in my SS Taurus PT-145.

It's light & compact. It weighs 21 oz., has a 3.5" barrel, is a narrow 1.2" wide, yet holds a respectable 10+1 rounds of .45 ACP.

It's been 100% reliable with anything I stuff in it's magazine.

.45 ACP single stack carry recommendations?

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