LOOKING AT POCKET 45's

[TACC1]

I'm considering getting a "pocket" 45. The CS45
weighs in at around 32oz. Kinda hefty for me.
Was wondering whether any Forum members could
comment on reliability of some of the current run of
45 autos. There's the M&P 45, the XDs-45, the Glock 30s,
and the Bersa 45. All look interesting, but there's nowhere
near here to rent one to check them out.
TIA, TACC1.

 

[AlaskaDawg]

Have range worked the Glock and the Xd in 45 and I have a Seattle Detonics which sadly is no longer made. Have to say the Xd is the best for light weight and slim. Most easy to carry and conceal. The Glock feels puffy and bulky compared to the other two but may be the accurate at more than 25 yards. the Detonics is the fastest and most accurate at 20 yards or less and the most beautiful which SHOULD not matter but pretty makes me want to take it out more. The Detonics and the Xd have the best triggers for me. The Glock 30 carries more rounds so you can spray and pray more I suppose. Hope this helps as you sort through things. Oh the Xd is the most recoil snappy, while the fat rear of the Glock broadens the recoil across more hand. The Detonics stays, rolls gracefully and then returns to target. You might note a bit of bias but really the Xd for small and the Glock? I would go with their new slim 45 which I have not tried out.

 

[Pisgah]

I've been trying pocket .45s since there was such a thing. I have liked many of them, but the XDs wins hands-down on every count -- size, weight, accuracy, shooting comfort, reliability.

 

[Pointblank2U]

I would avoid the Glock 30s like the plague. The slide is based on the Glock 36 and has a reputation for being unreliable over time.

 

[TSQUARED]

I carried a Glock 36 for several years and still have it in the car. At that time it was the only small 45ACP semi auto pistol. Now I would also consider the Kahr and Springfield Armory versions.

 

[SMSgt]

I would avoid the Glock 30s like the plague. The slide is based on the Glock 36 and has a reputation for being unreliable over time.

HUH? "Initial" production 36s has "some" issues but have long since been resolved. All the reviews of the 30S has been very positive, as has my G30.

The first thing to look for when considering a .45 for pocket carry is pants with large, strong pockets.

 

[18DAI]

OP, Out of all the models you mentioned the only one I see as being a pocketable 45 is the XDs45. In fact, I slipped an empty XDs in the back pocket of some 511 work pants. It was doable. But I'm a big guy, 6'1" 235.

I had it in a DeSantis pocket holster. I worked but was alot to carry in a pocket , for me. I'm going to go with an ankle holster for the XDs45........if I finally decide to go with that model as a BUG.

The other guns you mention, G30, m&p45 and the Bersa, I don't see any of those as "pocket pieces". They are all too big or bulky, for me. But anything is possible I guess.

The m&p is too thick through the slide. The G30 too. The Besrsa is a little thinner through the slide, IIRC, but still pretty big and tall for a pocket.

Have you looked at belly band holsters or "holster T-shirts"? Good luck with the search! Regards 18DAI

 

[Erich]

Realiable and pocketable - not much on firepower

 

[Simmy952]

Have tried a G30 and G36. For me, the compact Glocks are the most uncomfortable .45 to shoot there is. They are bulky and do not conceal well for me. The S&W M&P45c is easier to shoot and conceals a little better. Just picked up a XDs 45 and I am impressed. That coming from a Glock owner. The little XD handles the .45 round very well and conceals like a 1911. With the two interchangeable palm grips, you can customize it to your liking. I have no problem spending some range time with the XDs. The Springfield has my vote.

 

[Bat Guano]

Got a Kahr CW45 about 18 months ago. I was very impressed with the great trigger and accuracy out of a pretty small gun. Unfortunately reliability was not so good and after about 325 rounds it went on consignment. It's still there but it's not coming home.

On the other hand my wussy little 442 has never faltered. We're in this together to the end.

 

[ibewbull]

45

I'm considering getting a "pocket" 45. The CS45
weighs in at around 32oz. Kinda hefty for me.
Was wondering whether any Forum members could
comment on reliability of some of the current run of
45 autos. There's the M&P 45, the XDs-45, the Glock 30s,
and the Bersa 45. All look interesting, but there's nowhere
near here to rent one to check them out.
TIA, TACC1.

Paul,

I wish we had talked about this before I sole my Glock 30 and 36. You could have took them for a spin.
The G 30 was alright but nothing setting the world on fire here. It was a bit bulky. I just didn't use it much and not being a "pretty" gun by a long shot it is now gone. The G36 was too narrow and I could not hit well with it at all. The gun torked in my hand.
Call me sometime. PM sent
Steve

 

[TACC1]

Thanks to everybody for your replies. I wanted replies
from people who Knew what they were talking about, and
got just that. I think I'll ask my gunsmith what kind of a deal
he can get on an XDs. I did see that they're stamped "Made in
Croatia", but I've got other guns from Europe.
The comment about the 442 is right on the money. It'll
still go with me. Just want to go with a 45 whilst I still can.
If anybody is interested, I'm going to update this adventure
as I go.
TACC1

 

[gdnagle]

Got a Kahr CW45 about 18 months ago. I was very impressed with the great trigger and accuracy out of a pretty small gun. Unfortunately reliability was not so good and after about 325 rounds it went on consignment. It's still there but it's not coming home.
.

I also have a Kahr CW45, have well over 500 rounds down range with any ammo I could find with no problems even with reload lead semi wad-cutters. It's my EDC as I have no complaints with mine and have no plans to get rid of it. A little snappy with recoil for some, No problem for me, but can be expected for a 21 oz pistol.

 

[Chop]

I have an older Glock Model 30...not the newer Model 30S. It is very accurate, but quite heavy when loaded...certainly would not consider it pocket carry.

Also have a Para Ordance P10. Nice, expensive, and well made compact 1911, but again quite heavy when loaded with 10 rounds of .45 ACP..

Also have a new Gen 4 Glock 27. This is a compact .40 S&W with a 9 round mag. Smaller & lighter then both of my .45's. I would think that it could be carried in a pocket much easier.

Chop

 

[manyguns]

I had a Kahr PM 45 for a while. I could not manage the recoil. It twisted in my hand & pressed the mag release. I stayed with the Kahr PM 9 for pocket use. I prefer IWB for an STI Escort 3" .45. That small increase in size over the PM 45 solved the controllability issue. Is that a pistol in your pocket or just an odd growth?

 

[ultratec00]

Personally, I would never consider the 45 for pocket carry. That duty is best suited for my kahr cm9. The smallest 45 I own is a Sig Ultra. Awesome firearm for the price, accurate, and manageable. Still too big for pocket carry but great IWB.

 

[sodacan]

I have an older Glock 30 which is very accurate, and easy to shoot, but it's fairly heavy with a loaded mag and feels like a brick. My Kahr PM45 is lightweight, pretty accurate for its size and carries well, but required some practice to manage the recoil. It does conceal easily in a Desantis Superfly pocket holster. Good luck.

 

[Johnnu2]

'pocket 45'

I've got an XDS-45 (as well as a Glock 36) and my vote is unequivocally the XDS. It is manageable, handleable, reliable and extremely accurate. I have seen EVERY single person who has tried one at our range, immediately go out and purchase one....that quickly. If you want small, this is the baby. I love my Glock, but I have to describe its 'feel' as "like grabbing a 2x4 (the old ones).............John N.

 

[M29since14]

I have to jump in with the XDs crowd. I know it is foreign-made. Sorry about that, but it is an excellent weapon. There are some limitations. It is "a little heavy" (compared to a 340PD or 442), you are only going to have 6-rounds, and you have to carry a spare magazine rather than a speed-strip or two. If that is not a problem for you, then it has its place. My pistol is surprisingly accurate with many different types of ammunition, and I find it very comfortable to shoot. It feels like a 9mm.

I don't see it as a pocket gun. It's too heavy for that. For now I have been using the synthetic paddle holster that comes with the gun, but before winter gets here, I will have to get a proper leather holster for it.

Let us know what you decide. I think you will be favorably impressed with the XDs.

 

[TAROMAN]

Shortly after trading my Glock 30 in on a Colt Lightweight Defender, the LGS received their first shipment of the Springer XDs.45s
They loaned me one for a range test. Highly impressed with its function, controllability and accuracy.
A great pistol, for sure, but not quite a "pocket 45" at least in any pocket of mine short of a coat pocket.

Just read about a recall on some XDs serials. Sure Springer will make them right. No issues with the one I tested, however.