An accurate carry .45

[5-Shot]

I might be on a fool's errand here, but what the heck, I've been here before. I'm looking for an accurate 45 acp that's suitable for CC. CC isn't all that difficult a hurdle because sloppy dress is pretty much the norm among my peers. About anything more portable than my old Colt 1911/Jimmy Clark bullseye gun should be just fine. The Clark might even be OK but I hate to abuse it.

Accuracy, on the other hand, could be a little harder. As Col. Whelan said, "Only accurate guns are interesting." I agree. (You do know who Col. Whelan is, don't you?) If a handgun can't shoot 5 shots into 2.5 inches at 25 yards, I'm not interested. You can argue until the cows come home that that kind of accuracy isn't needed in a carry gun and I'd agree...but, that's what I want. Heck, my mule deer rifle regularly shot five shot groups "in the .03's". How much sense does that make?

The reason that I'm seeking help from you guys is that my exposure to Smith autos is pretty limited. I've been shooting handguns since the late 50's and over that period I've owned exactly four S&W autos. I still have my ancient model 46 and the 52 hung around for decades. The unspeakably crude but deadly accurate 22A (1.5 inch 50 yard groups) is still here too. Sadly, the 4506 was a major disappointment (apologies to all the dedicated 4506 fans on this forum). I tried several different loads through her and nothing was acceptably accurate. On a typical trip to the desert (I lived out west then) I'd take several handguns. All of the others would turn in nice 1 to 2 inch 25 yard groups but the 4506 never got under three. Before long it became a down payment on a wonderful 696 which I still cherish, so all was not lost.

So there you have it. I don't have any idea of what's out there. Does the gun I want exist? Does Smith make it? Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[epj]

I have recently acquired a 4566 TSW. I have not really tried it at 25 yards yet, but preliminary indications are that it is as accurate or possibly more accurate than my Kimber Pro Carry. The Kimber is capable of the kind of accuracy you are looking for. The TSW models apparently have some accuracy enhancements not present in the standard models.

 

[Matt C.]

45xx TSW should fit your criteria.
I have a 4553 that is accurate,concealable,and reliable with any ammo.
(Yes, if you clamped it in a vice it will shoot 2.5@25yds.)

 

[18DAI]

Try a 4516. Mine is more accurate than my Colt Gold Cup. Regards 18DAI.

 

[SW CQB 45]

Shorty45 or CQB45....if you can find one.

 

[Sarge45]

Smith and Wesson 457S from Buds Gun Shop. Very easy to carry and very accurate too. A direct descendent of the 4516. I love it. Not many left if you are going to get one.

 

[rbert0005]

Any 945 would fill your wants.

Bob

 

[Simmy952]

Love my 4516. Never tried at 25 yds. Have to give it a go and see what happens.

 

[4864]

Another vote for a 4516. Great carry .45.

 

[bronco45]

By the way; Ed. The name is Townsend Whelen, Colonel Townsend Whelen a stellar rifleman of the early 20th century.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

+ for the 4516, I think that an S&W 1911sc would also fill your bill, I have both and they are both accurate enough for your requirements.

 

[LuddhaBuddha]

My 1911Sc commander is more than accurate enough to do what you want and is pretty comfortable to carry, S&W doesn't make the Sc model anymore but you can find the 1911PD pretty easily.

 

[5-Shot]

Right you are Bronco. Spelling was never a strength of mine. Whelen was one of my hero's. Heck, my favorite deer rifle is my .280...just like old TW recommended. On the other hand, I thought highly of your neighbor down the road and play around a lot with a .375 and a .458.

As to the rest of you. Thanks for the input. The 4516 sounds really good. I'll be on the lookout.

Ed

 

[Timber Wolf]

I can't speak to the level of accuracy you describe but I know I shoot my 457 the best of all my major caliber (begins with a "4") semi-auto pistols.

 

[Catshooter]

Ed,

I was on the same quest some years back.

Bought a used Shorty 45 ($600).

Went to the range and loaded eight of my 255 grain Keith handloads in her. At 20 yards those eight rounds made a group that would completely hide behind a US quarter.

They also fed just fine, in fact this pistol will feed an empty case.

I've never looked back.


Cat

 

[SW CQB 45]

Shorty45 is a alloy framed, fitted gun with a briley bushing-ed match barrel that is 4516 size. it uses 4516 mags.

its basically a lwt match 4516!

 

[borntoraisehogs]

Right you are Bronco. Spelling was never a strength of mine. Whelen was one of my hero's. Heck, my favorite deer rifle is my .280...just like old TW recommended. On the other hand, I thought highly of your neighbor down the road and play around a lot with a .375 and a .458.

As to the rest of you. Thanks for the input. The 4516 sounds really good. I'll be on the lookout.

Ed

What , no .35 Whelen ?
Many of the new 1911s are capable of fine accuracy and unbelievable reliability .

 

[TSQUARED]

I carried a Glock-36 but never tested it at 25 yards. It provded ca 1 inch groups off a rest at 10 yards. I now carry a Kahr PM-9 which will grouup 7 shots offhand easilly inmto a 3 inch circle at 10 yards that's amazing accuracy for a pocket pistol. you might want to check out the Kahr 45's.

 

[M29since14]

So there you have it. I don't have any idea of what's out there. Does the gun I want exist? Does Smith make it? Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Ed

The gun is out there, but I doubt you're going to be happy with an S&W. Call up Les Baer and have him send you one of his Commander-size guns in either steel or lightweight. If you have been shooting since the late '50s, I don't think you're going to be happy with a 4516. Those things feel like their made of kryptonite, or something. I have never understood how such a small gun can be so heavy! Trigger action is typical S&W auto (which is to say, not good). But in its defense, I will admit mine was a pretty fair shooter.

If you feel adventurous, you might consider this S&W:

Product: Model SW1911

and have a good smith tune it until it shoots to your standard, which I agree with 100%. You might get lucky and find it will do it as-issued, with certain ammo. S&W just sent a test target when they checked out my SW1911 and they were using Winchester USA45JHP. Sent two pretty good targets - the 25-yard one being 1.5". LRH, whoever he is, can shoot!