45 cal as EDC and Personal Defense weapon?

I really enjoy shooting .45. and did so a good bit a few years back.

When my lady-friend bought a 9mm Shield (which she traded for one of those Austrian thingies) and decided she likes to shoot, I switched to carrying and practicing with a 9mm. Mostly due to the cost of ammo. She likes to shoot alot!

Put a .380 and up in my hand, in a pistol I shoot well, and I feel adequately protected.
 
The 1911 in .45 ACP is my choice. After carrying one off and on for over fifty years, I am used to it. The past occasions where I really needed it, it worked! Granted that is a very small sample from quite a while ago, I am betting it will prove just as satisfactory should it be needed again.
 
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I once carried a 1911 everyday. But after a couple years of doing so it just got to heavy. I love the 1911. There may never be a better fighting hand gun. But these days a Glock 19 is used for both home and street. My hands aren't as strong as they used to be. With the Glock, I can put at least three accurate rounds on target much faster than I can with a 1911.

As Dave Spaulding put it, there is merely a few millimeters difference in expansion between 9, 40, and 45. Not enough to make a difference.

I believe bigger holes are better. But I also believe that several smaller holes are even better.
 
I think it's a great caliber for defense. I carry a Colt CCO when it's practical to do so because it's light, conceals easily and I shoot it comparatively well. I like 45 ACP because for many reasons, not the least of which is that its mass displaces a lot of whatever was there before it entered, even if it doesn't expand. That said, I feel just fine carrying my S&W 442 in 38 as well, and 90% of the time that's probably what I have. It's just an opinion, but the probability that I ever need to shoot an attacker is fairly small, and the probability that it all comes down to having a 45 vs a 38 or 8rds vs 5rds is even smaller, so I don't worry too much about it.
 
I have never talked to a gunfight survivor who said, "Gee, next time I want to have a smaller, less powerful cartridge."

I carry a lightweight Colt Commander in .45 ACP and got to admire it's handiwork one morning. All four bullets I fired expanded into the classic mushroom shape and wound up about .75 inch in diameter.

Anything you can do to make a 9mm a better stopper, such as a lighter bullet pushed to a higher velocity to help it's expansion, you can also do to the .45.

Since I retired, I only carry the Colt when it is cool enough to wear more clothing to cover it up or wear a suit or sport coat. When it's warm, I carry a Model 642. Both are loaded with state-of-the-art expanding bullets at Plus-P velocities and pressures.

No handgun is very powerful and nothing can guaranty you a one-shot stop.
 
After we changed from .357 revolvers, we had model 645's. Then we changed to the model 4506. I always carry a CS 45. off duty, and after retirement, anywhere off of my farm. I count on the .45 caliber when I did my job, and to protect me now. Best caliber for a pistol.
 
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I like .45 acp. I also like 9mm, .38 spl, and .357 magnum. All of these rounds have roughly the same effect with proper ammo. (exception, .357 magnum 125 gr. jhp).

The drawbacks of the .45auto: the guns are generally larger, hold less ammo compared with a 9mm of the same description, and recoil somewhat more. Ammo is more expensive, and if you ever have to mobilize with ammo, the weight of .45acp is about double that of 9mm.

That said, I have a very nice 1911, and it's very well balanced, has a great trigger, the slim grips fit the hand well. But I find myself carrying my SIG P229 elite 9mm more often, mostly because I have twice the ammo capacity in a pistol that is smaller and just as reliable. Modern 9mm jhp do *almost* the same thing as the .45acp jhp.
 
American1776 said:
I like .45 acp. I also like 9mm, .38 spl, and .357 magnum. All of these rounds have roughly the same effect with proper ammo. (exception, .357 magnum 125 gr. jhp).

The drawbacks of the .45auto: the guns are generally larger, hold less ammo compared with a 9mm of the same description, and recoil somewhat more. Ammo is more expensive, and if you ever have to mobilize with ammo, the weight of .45acp is about double that of 9mm.

That said, I have a very nice 1911, and it's very well balanced, has a great trigger, the slim grips fit the hand well. But I find myself carrying my SIG P229 elite 9mm more often, mostly because I have twice the ammo capacity in a pistol that is smaller and just as reliable. Modern 9mm jhp do *almost* the same thing as the .45acp jhp.
Click to expand...

How well I understand your response...Had the Shield 9 with Magguts springs until I saw the Shield 45....Desire overtook reason and the next thing I knew was the 45 followed me home....It even took over my 9 holsters as it fit perfectly (well almost...about a 1/4 inch sticks out the bottom)....So I may be trying to justify my decision with external support from others....LOL..........................................................
 
dben,
No need to justify here! All I can do is sympathize with you. I didn't buy my .45 Shield because I thought I needed it. I was and am perfectly happen with my 9MM Shield but all the comments about how well the Shield handled the .45 ACP (which I also like very much!) resulted in me just having to find out for myself. The comments were pretty much spot on. I love both guns. Neither will displace the other in my estimation. Choice is good, right? And in this case, making a change from one day to the next doesn't require me to reprogram my head to remember that today I have my J Frame or a different operating platform. Both of the Shields work exactly the same, and both of them work every time I pull the trigger and both of them handle the same way. Far as I'm concerned, that's a win/win situation, and I'm glad to be in the same boat with you!
 
I carry a S&W AirLite 325 with 2.5 inch barrel most of the time. I find it easy to conceal, comfortable to carry and accurate. Fits high right hip either IWB or in my Galco FBI forward cant belt holster. Conceals under a vest, sportcoat, or an untucked shirt. When not carrying the 325, my 1911s are great for times when I want to pack more ammo. My S&W 642 fills the other times when concealment is more challenging. Options are good. Practice with those you carry and depend on.
 
JDBoardman said:
In reference to the claims of ammunition superiority nowadays, the 9mm MAY expand, but the .45 will NEVER shrink. John Moses Browning got it just about perfect with the 1911, only the sights needed improvement to bring it into its second century.
Click to expand...

Ill tell you what he got" perfect ", the 1935 Browning HP. But I digress,.....
 
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Well, I haven't left the house without a .45 Commander aboard in I can't recall how long.
Here's my thinking: if, God help me, I need a gun, it should be a really good gun, and a gun that I can shoot exceptionally well.
As a 1911 shooter almost since coming to consciousness, the Commander is the obvious choice.
Not the easiest to carry or hide, but the easiest to shoot well.
 
.45 As EDC

I have 2 Kahrs that I carry...a CM9 (not much bigger than a .380) in my pocket, or a CW45 in an IWB holster. They're both 6+1, but other mags are available and the 45 takes 1911 mags. Talk about thin and light! Very nice guns for the money (around $350 each in these parts). Accurate, too. I had a Shield 9, liked it, would like to try the .45 but these Kahrs do the job. I stippled the grips, filled the lettering...that makes it more accurate, right? Wish so...at least I can hang on to 'em now! Anyone else drive a Kahr? (sorry...)
 
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I have 2 Kahrs that I carry...a CM9 (not much bigger than a .380) in my pocket, or a CW45 in an IWB holster. They're both 6+1, but other mags are available and the 45 takes 1911 mags. Talk about thin and light! Very nice guns for the money (around $350 each in these parts). Accurate, too. I had a Shield 9, liked it, would like to try the .45 but these Kahrs do the job. I stippled the grips, filled the lettering...that makes it more accurate, right? Wish so...at least I can hang on to 'em now! Anyone else drive a Kahr? (sorry...)[/quote]

Well of course the filled lettering adds to accuracy .... that's why I have one of the most accurate Shield 45's made.......
eyecandy3.jpg
 

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I bought a Kahr CW 45 to carry concealed, bcause it is the slimest-- only 1" thick. Besides my ex-service Remington 1911, I prefer the lighter
S&W 1911PD1 for power size and weight, but as I am getting older. having trouble cocking it, so added a S&W Governor for ability to cock and carry a variety of shells!
 
I only have 3 45acp guns a 625-2 1988 for range fun a 325sc 2.75" & a 325pd 4". I do carry the 325's sometimes but they are big guns even though they are light. I really need to get a 45 1911.
 
I prefer the 1911 and .45 combo over all others, and do think it's superior, but i carry the others. K,L & N frame .44s, .357/38s, 10mm 1911s. I'll carry the 9mm IF if the pistol has a higher capacity like a 226/228, otherwise I don't have the confidence in the 9mm.
 
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This is very interesting. Its the Ford vs Chevy thing. In my opinion if you don't want to carry a gun, for God's sake don't have one. 22, 25, 32, 380, 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 mag, 45 ACP or the 45 LC... they all will shoot and hit the paper target just fine.

But how will you do in a cramped 7-11 store, gas station next to a pump, 11 PM at the cash machine, walking down a busy sidewalk downtown or when some thug waving his gun sideways in your face. Yes it is different with paper targets, they don't yell and fire back. Shoot or don't shoot.

Will you or wont you? That is up to you, that inner guy who's screaming HIDE- GET DOWN- OH ****!

Full disclosure.... I have never shot anyone or an animal. But four time I have pulled my gun to stop an aggressive person or persons. One was a black bear. And I was ready to kill, or shoot my gun at them. However each episode ended with no blood.

With that in mind, I know where I am. I carry a Colt Defender 45 or a S&W 686-4 Plus 2.5 357 mag. Right or wrong that is what I am comfortable with. And you should be to, confident with your choice.

Note: Never give up, never surrender your weapon to the bad guys, and never touch your defensive ammo, ever.

Now go outside and have fun.
 
Yes and no.....

Well, there really is not a "no" but I just do not like 1911s all that much. However, you said .45 caliber, you didn't say 1911, and while I admit this very pretty Model 25-5 does not get used much for home defense or EDC it certainly qualifies for home defense and field carry, .45 Colt being my idea of a REAL .45 caliber - - but .45 ACP cannot be gainsaid - - and the CS-45 in that latter caliber......well, YEAH! I used to carry that little puppy routinely. And I will carry it again - I have been considering it for awhile, now. :cool:
 

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Donn said:
I'm never sure if a thread like this is square business or a troll trying to start a caliber war. I EDC a 9mm or 38spl. I lose no sleep over either of those choices. They'll continue being my sidearm of choice until my LGS gets a shipment of Shields in 45acp. From what I've heard, that won't happen any time soon.
Click to expand...

I took it as an honest question.

All I really carry these days is .38 Special. Sometimes 9mm.
 
Anything less than a .45 is a copmromise

Makes not a lot of difference whether it is an 8 3/8 revolver or 3 inch barreled one. a .45 means serious business.
I personally like my little 3.3 inch Springfield XDS for EDC concealed carry, but to each their own!
 
Knock down?

Muss Muggins said:
I'd be willing to bet you saw at least an equal number of victims of the lowly .22 LR . . .
Click to expand...

Depending on any pistol round is not in your best interest. When I went through the LE academy I was told by a FBI instructor that if you want to be sure of knocking a person down ever time they are hit nothing short of a garbage truck will do it. That is still true.
 
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