Best Compact .45

dirty & hairy · Feb 11, 2019

Lots of good recommendations.

I like the Smith & Wesson M&P 45c (v1.0) or perhaps a CCO sized 1911.

joeintexas · Feb 11, 2019

Lately I have been carrying the Shield 45. Lightweight, conceals good, moderate felt recoil and priced right. Lots of good choices out there.

Fishinfool · Feb 11, 2019

When I carry a concealed .45 auto, its usually a Kimber Ultra W/ Crimson Trace laser grips and night sights. Alloy frame, 8 shots, 25 ounces. These 3 inch 1911's can be reliable. The key is using ammo the gun likes, recoil spring changes at about 1000 rounds, and good magazines with strong springs - Wilson and CM come to mind.

Larry

diyj98 · Feb 11, 2019

I don't know the "best", but my favorite is the Glock 30S.

Old Corp · Feb 11, 2019

Can't add much to what's already been tossed in.
I've carried and used a number of downsized .45's over the years both for on-duty, off-duty and in 'retirement carry' (i.e., not chasing bad guys).
Was issued a CS45 and carried it for a number of years. It shot great, dead reliable, just always felt clunky to me, so in my last couple of years transitioned to the uniform gun of the 4566 and was given that on leaving.
In previous years had tried the M4516, which was small but daggone heavy for a little gun. Replaced that with a M457. Great design, and much lighter.

Closest thing to a 1911 the department would allow for OD carry was the Para Ordnance CCO .45, got one, worked good. A friend had an identical model that lockwork linkage fouled up and had to be sent back - that made me trade mine.

Currently my only 'small .45' is a Kimber Ultra Carry II (3").
Alloy frame, light, fairly thin, reliable, accurate. I carry in a scabbard style holster behind right hip and can easily forget it's there.
I've read much on the supposed function problems that're inherent with the 3" models. Not sure why this one is absent them. All bullet weights, all profiles, never a stoppage of any kind using Wilson mags.
And, please note I'm not a big Kimber fan - just being truthful about how this one works.

GUNMIKE · Feb 11, 2019

I really like the Colt Defender. Aluminum frame, 3" barrel, and 7 plus 1 {using Wilson 7rd mags}. Really accurate out to 10 yds { about all my old eyes will do}, out to 25 yds, still hitting the target, just not all in the center.

WCCPHD · Feb 11, 2019

I have a couple of 3 inch Kimbers, but no photos.

While not a semi, but a good carry .45.

Guevera · Feb 12, 2019

I have a .45 Shield and it's ok, but what I really like is this Dan Wesson .45 ECO. Very lightweight, shoots beautifully, incredible quality in fit and finish. Also carries effortlessly IWB.

wingriderz · Feb 12, 2019

I have the Springfield Xds in 45 Acp. I not sure I would call it the best. It did have a rough road on 1st 500 rounds threw it. That seem to go away. It does carry very well I W B. If I had a do over I opt for compact. Smith

tomrkba · Feb 12, 2019

Ahhh....the eternal dilemma of “size versus recoil”!

I thought a 1911 with 3.5” barrel was the answer until I shot it. It still probably is, but they’re unlikeable guns. For me, I found a Glock 19 sized gun with double stack mag to work well. Examples include:

S&W M&P 45 Compact
Springfield XD 45 Compact (10+1 too!)
HK45 Compact
1911 CCO models
Glock 30.4

The DW ECO may be a game changer, but mine is in 9mm.

Jingles · Feb 12, 2019

Best for me has been my Kimber Ultra Carry II. Flawless in function, accuracy comparable with full-sized 1911. It is my EDC.

Worst for me is my Glock 36. Normally Glocks work great but they missed something with the 36. I'm lucky to make it through a magazine without a stovepipe. I'd sell it but don't want to stick someone with a lame gun. Too bad because it is very comfortable to carry.

Honorable mention goes to Glock 30. Compact and very reliable, and who can argue against 10+1 of .45?

SAFireman · Feb 12, 2019

How about a Sig p220 Compact SAS?

6 + 1 of 230 grain goodness

And it fits in the front pocket of my 5.11 pants.

pawncop · Feb 12, 2019

An oldie but a goodie is the Star PD. Owned two (2) at different times and let them go back when I swapped and sold way too much.

Thin Man · Feb 13, 2019

Hmmm.... No mention of the SIG P220R Carry? I guess it hasn't been available for a few years.
Full size P220 frame (8 + 1 capacity) with the short P245 length slide with a 3.9 inch barrel, and railed dust cover.
They came in many "trim packages", but mine is an SAO (Single Action Only), as such:

Great carry gun, though most people think it's "too big", whatever that means.

joeintexas · Feb 14, 2019

Thin Man said:
Hmmm.... No mention of the SIG P220R Carry? I guess it hasn't been available for a few years.
Full size P220 frame (8 + 1 capacity) with the short P245 length slide with a 3.9 inch barrel, and railed dust cover.
They came in many "trim packages", but mine is an SAO (Single Action Only), as such:

Great carry gun, though most people think it's "too big", whatever that means.

I have the Sig P245 which is the predecessor to the P220R. I have carried it but have to admit the Shield 45 is a bit more comfortable these days. Nice guns though.

BAM-BAM · Feb 14, 2019

X-grip makes a +2 adapter for the Sig 245/compact ..... so you can use 8 round Sig mags as primary of just on your spares...... 6+1.....+8+8

I don't carry cocked and locked anymore ...... but have a nice Sig C3 CCO ..... cus everyone should have a 1911!!!!

Boox · Feb 14, 2019

For me the one I carry the most is my Glock G38. 10 rounds of 45GAP in a nice easily hidden package. And it's light weight, too.

7tenz · Feb 14, 2019

pharmer said:
HK USPc is just a tad larger than the 6906 I carry. Owners manual says +P is OK. Best I got. Joe

Put me in the USPc 45 camp. An HK rep replied to me in email once that "..you should limit use of 45 Super."

Other suggestions are Glock 30 or Kahr 45 off the top of my head.

mustangman · Feb 14, 2019

Really like my Springfield XD Mod2. 3.3 Sub-Compact
9 rounds in the flush mag and 13 in the extended.
At 1.2 wide and 6.5 length, it hits the sweet spot for me.
Reliable and accurate with very managable recoil.
Use it for carry, with and without light, and bedside with extended and light.

les.b · Feb 14, 2019

Jingles said:
Best for me has been my Kimber Ultra Carry II. Flawless in function, accuracy comparable with full-sized 1911. It is my EDC.

Here's another one....

My slickest 1911 style .45 is my Kimber "Ultra CDP II". It is small (for a 1911 .45), has the "carry melt" treatment, has tritium night sights, and at 25 yards shoots a tighter group than my Colt 70s Series Gold Cup!!

Was disappointed when I got it to find it had a plastic main spring housing (as did my newly made Colt Commander). I ordered a checkered machined aluminum version from Les Baer, and replaced the factory one. It is now a perfect little carry gun).

This is an old photo...it now sports elephant ivory stocks. ....

Best Regards, Les

Best Compact .45

Member

US Veteran

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

US Veteran

Similar threads