Lightweight .45 question

[Hapworth]

I am a fan of the LW CCO concept for carry. Mine is a Colt, but DW, Baer, and I think STI, among others perhaps, make versions of the same.

The Colts are good, but unfortunately I don't see them listed on the Colt site anymore. Don't know about STI. The Baer is, well, Baer -- they're great -- but all steel.

Alternate to the DW CCO is their new ECO, an officer's model 1911 (3.5 inch slide). Word is it's reliable, a feat for that size 1911, but it's a little too new for me -- I like carry guns to have plenty of time to establish themselves before I buy, much less carry.

With its track record, I'd feel very comfortable with a DW CCO.

 

[keith44spl]

I get along with the Colt Defender alright.......

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[JPB43]

Here's a nice Smith: E-series 1911SC Bobtail. This one is two tone, but there are other combos.

 

[photocosmo]

I have nothing but good things to say about my CS45; accurate, soft shooting, easy to control one-handed and it feeds everything from 230gr. hardball to lighter hollowpoints with narry a hiccup. I also like the saftey/decocker as I'm used to it on my 4506 and with 3 mags x6 plus 1 in the pipe I always feel "covered".

cheers, 'coz

 

[mc5aw]

I appreciate everyone's input and suggestions. At this point, I'm leaning toward the S&W Pro Series Compact or the Colt New Agent/Defender. Virtually identical prices, and configurations. I can only speak to the New Agent as I have the TALO Edition in 9mm, and it is one of the finest pistols I've owned. The same pistol in .45 will have more bite to it, but both the Pro Compact and NA/Defender are what I'm looking for in a semi CCW.

 

[Dave Nash]

This is probably not the place to get an unbiased opinion but I'll ask anyway. I'm thinking about options for a lightweight .45 CCW, and the most obvious choice is the 325 Night Guard. However, price-wise, size-wise, and weight-wise, a comparable consideration is a Colt New Agent. Mid-20 oz makes for some stout recoil in a .45 ACP platform, but both guns are suitable for close quarters. The big front site on the 325 NG is a plus, but the point shooting trench sight on the Colt is a feature I personally like. First hand accounts, opinions, discussion points, etc. are welcome as always.

I appreciate everyone's input and suggestions. At this point, I'm leaning toward the S&W Pro Series Compact or the Colt New Agent/Defender. Virtually identical prices, and configurations. I can only speak to the New Agent as I have the TALO Edition in 9mm, and it is one of the finest pistols I've owned. The same pistol in .45 will have more bite to it, but both the Pro Compact and NA/Defender are what I'm looking for in a semi CCW.

“mc5aw”:

It’s probably just because it’s early in the morning and I’m not quite up to speed but while that “trench sight” you mentioned is standard on the “Stock” Colt New Agent, I thought (and I could be wrong) that the joint Colt-Talo New Agents had an XS Front Sight that would be somewhat similar to the XS Big Dot blade as “seen” on the S&W 325 Night Guard.

If your Talo Edition New Agent 9mm does indeed have an XS sight on the front end (and if it is identified by Stock Number/SKU “O7812DXS”), you might find that its sister gun in .45acp (as identified by Stock Number/SKU “O7810DXS”) is just what you are looking for.

You might already know all about it and if you do, I am sorry for wasting your time but if you like the one you have and have grown use to its feel and features, the .45 caliber version might make for an easy transition.

 

[Srigs]

Another vote for a CS45. Compact 45 that eats anything you throw at it and keeps looking for more.

 

[chief38]

While I do not own a Colt Defender I have shot two (2) of them on a regular basis (friend's guns) and they have been nothing short of spectacular! They were 100% reliable out of the box, super accurate, very well made and the fit & finish was impeccable. The recoil with 230 grain FMJ was slightly more than a standard Gov't model, but nothing that was objectionable.

If this is the type of CCW gun you are looking for, the Colt is the ticket IMHO. Colt's quality has never been better than it is right now!!

Chief38

 

[Sayoc01]

I carry a Kimber Pro Carry 2 & love it!No problems with it!
Jim

 

[Mickey D]

I've been carrying this Colt New Agent for the past two years. Practice frequently with JHP and ball. Feeds every brand ammo I have tried and is a natural pointer.
Highly recommend this firearm for CCW.

 

[Neumann]

A 3" 1911 is way to big for pocket carry. It's the grip, not the barrel, that's hard to conceal. If I'm going to wear one on my belt, I'd pick one a little longer for control and reliability. A SW1911PD Commander, with an aluminum (scandium) frame weighs just 30 oz. I can conceal it in a Sparks VM2, under a T-shirt if necessary. This holster holds the slide and grip into my side.

For something really small, I chose a Springfield XDs. People ask about the recoil, which is a personal judgement (physics aside). I think it shoots surprisingly soft. I put 200 rounds through it in the last week, in each of two sessions, none the worse for the experience. It fits my hand better than the Commander, which can sting a bit after a while, despite being 10 oz heavier.

 

[mduncan915]

If you are looking for a everyday carry, you should check out the Chiefs Special .45. That is if you can find one at a reasonable price. I purchased one over a year ago. I have carried it every day since. Never once have I felt tired of carrying it. Many times I find myself touching my side to make sure it is there. Very comfortable to carry. Then shooting it is amazing. Very accurate. Very comfortable to shoot as well. I had multiple surgeries on my wrist, and most small .45's wreak havoc on my wrist, not this one. The only problem I have had is finding accessories, like a good ccw holster. So I went to my leather guy, and he made me a tuckable for $45. And by the way I only paid $300 for the gun, and yes at a reputable shop.

 

[haggis]

My carry gun is highly weather dependent. The hot summers around here require a small gun - mine is a 642 loaded with 125 grain Silver Tips or 135 grain Gold Dots. In weather that allows a jacket for concealment, I either use a 25 ounce Kimber Ultra CDP (Series I) with 185 grain Gold Dots or XTP's, or a 25 ounce 625-10 with 200 grain XTP's or 200 grain Speer "Flying Ashtrays" (I still have a few). The latter combination is particularly impressive when viewed from the front.

On rare occasions, I will augment these with a 1966 Chinese T-54 bringback loaded with 86 grain steel core bullets at 1650 fps, if I suspect that the local orcs may be wearing body armor. This stuff will burn through a Class III vest.

Buck

 

[striking]

1911 in a concealed carry officer's configuration: 4.25 inch barrel commander slide; smaller officer's frame.

Concealable and reliable, and with an aluminum frame, lightweight.

Dan Wesson CCO gets consistently good reviews.

Alternately, a Glock 36, which is basically Glock's CCO.

I second this recommendation. I recently bought a DW Valor V-Bob and I really like it: shoots great, looks good, accurate as can be!

 

[doc540]

Colt CCO fits the bill here

 

[kcode]

I will also suggest the CS45, weight is around 24 oz empty, 6 round mag, alloy frame with carbon or stainless slide. Traditional double action with slide safety. There is enough grip to not beat the heck out of the wrist when shooting. Works real good in a Bianchi Size 11 Inside the waist holster.

 

[tom turner]

To the original OP, I don't think you can go wrong with any of 'em. Us gun folks sell and trade various guns fairly regularly until we find what works best for US.

Still others trade simply to try everything out there.

My point is this . . . if you purchase quality handguns that are well-respected, and if you take good care of them, you won't lose much money when you sell or trade them. After the initial investment the selling and trading is a pretty cheap hobby!!!

Have fun learning what works best for you! I'd tell you what I'd found out for MYSELF . . . but we all have to find these things out via our own experience. It's fun!!!

Good luck!

 

[photoman]

I'd say try a S&W 4516 but it's not really lightweight. They sure are a nice gun though.

Edit to add: Consider the 4513TSW.

 

[Rob22]

4513 TSW

There is a 4513TSW on gunbroker right now. Auction number 306995571. It is the original 6 round cutaway grip with no rail. I'm not the seller but if I had the funds right now I'd be a buyer.

 

[GLV]

No pictures, because

My 625-10 is so ugly it would break the camera. I call it the 'Wort Hog'.

It is loaded with 6 CB DPX and with the Crimson Trace stocks, weights 27oz as it sits in my holster. One of my favorite carry guns.