Best Compact .45

[huntandfishguy63]

I love my Springfield xds, it gets carried every day. It is an easy carry in a iwb holster, or front pocket.

 

[samandglove1]

I carry an older model 38 bodyguard in the summer, but usually a .45 during the rest of the year.

I had a Kahr PM45 for a while, but it was too small in my hand. Then went with a HK 45C which I liked, but it was a little too heavy. Have settled on a 1968 Colt Commander (original lightweight) with Trijicon sights, and it carries and shoots like a dream.

 

[Macinaw]

I have shot this Sig 320 45acp compact model in four EDC shooting competitions without any problems. I even had a "clean match".

 

[Bill Bates]

I've really grown fond of my 45 Shield. It is pleasant to shoot, accurate plus it carries and conceals easily. What's not to love.

My Glock 30SF has moved to being my nightstand/house gun. With an extended 13 round magazine it should do the job.

 

[Sistema1927]

Another vote for the Springfield XDS. In addition to carrying well, recoil, even with 230 grain loads, is very maageable.

 

[ditrina]

Colt CCO. .45 cal, Commander slide, Officer's alloy frame, 7+1. Took the place of my Sig 938 for most days.

Wiley Clapp CCO...

Series 70 Colt Combat Commander

Kimber Ultra Super Carry

 

[h2ohhh]

I like my Kahr CW45. Great smooth as butter 5 pound trigger striker fired gun. Inexpensive too. The tolerances are very tight and there's a 200 round break in period during which we may get a few fte's. But after 100 rounds it's a sewing machine.

Sent from my K88 using Tapatalk

 

[Richard Simmons]

My Star PD. I would not be so bold as to claim it’s “the best” but it sure is compact!

 

[jdlii]

My daily carry choices, a Colt Officers Model and a Glock Mod. 30.

 

[JaPes]

I highly recommend the S&W Shield .45. Since adding it to my carry "rotation", it has ended the "rotation". I found myself always reaching for it. It fit my needs perfectly. It shoots naturally for me. It fits my hand perfectly. It's very easy to conceal no matter the season.

 

[Mortimer94]

I daily carry a Sig 220 compact. I shoot it much better than my .45 shield.

 

[JaPes]

I daily carry a Sig 220 compact. I shoot it much better than my .45 shield.

Sig 220 Compact?!? Nice pistol!

This is what it's all about. Finding the carry pistol that fits your needs be it a Sig, Glock, S&W, etc.

 

[lkabug]

Best? I won't venture into that brier patch. But for me the Shield 45 is what I shoot best. I have several different. 45's, and the Shield is best for me.
I have 9mm's, 40's. But I shoot the Shield 45 better then any semi-auto I have.
I don't know why, I just do.

 

[hardknocks]

Best for me

Kahr P45 8 rounds with a kimber mag.
4.75 tall 6.25 long and 27 ounces loaded. Barely 1 inch wide.
This one has night sights.

 

[inspcalahan]

On a 1911 platform I'd suggest the Colt CCO - Gunsite version if you can find one. Perfection for CCW, 1911 trigger, good fighting sights already installed...

On a DA/SA - probably the Sig P245.

Striker fired - there's too many to suggest...go with what you like.

 

[delcrossv]

Pocket 45? I have an original AMT Backup 45. Been reliable for me and it was about 2 beans all in.

 

[Toter]

I like the Springfield Armory Mod. 2, Sub-Compact. Used to carry the XDS, but the grip was too thin for my hands. The Mod. 2 feels better in my hand, and also gives you 10+1 capacity. A little heavier, but I am OK with that. I am also able to shoot it better.

 

[CH4]

Another vote for the DW ECO!! There are several officer-size 1911s, but to my mind the ECO is far and away the best of the group under $1.5K and equals many semi customs well north of that. Its a true 3.5" officer size, not one of the silly 3" knockoffs. Additionally, it comes stock with many custom touches that would cost another grand or more on a semi custom, i.e., black nitride finish, checkered front strap, ribbed/serrated top strap, quality sights, ball-milled cuts; no MIM, all quality tool steel/forged parts with alloy frame, etc. Empty it weighs a scant 25 ounces.

If I were going plastic, I'd look at the Glop 36 or 30.

 

[robvious]

like my Kahr... but not a 45...
like my Springfield Army Ultra Compact 1911 for old school cool..
like my Sig Saurer P250 Sub Compact for newer school cool...
would recommend a P320, but have no first hand experience...yet

 

[Old TexMex]

I’m pretty sold on my new Kimber RCPII. Very well pleased.