Can someone recommend a solid compact .45 for carrying?

[bstewrat3]

I would recommend the Kahr CW45. I have been carrying one as my bicycle gun for awhile now and have just over 3000 rounds through it and haven't had any problems. I was even able to use modified 1911 mags that I picked up in the classifieds in mine reliably.

 

[RLC]

I carry the Bersa Thunder 45. Inexpensive, light, recoil isn't bad either.

 

[church]

Heres another vote for springfield xds .45!

 

[Robert Richardson]

Look at a Rock Island 1911,Compact Tactical.

 

[Shoots4Fun]

Look for a Sig P220 compact. If you find one used you may be able to get close to the price point. Definitely different and much heavier than the XDs but probably more comfortable to shoot.

 

[SmokinSigs357]

That SIG looks NICE!!!

Anyway, I've been carrying a HK USP 45 Compact over the last several weeks and really like how it carries and REALLY like how it shoots.

 

[DustyDawg48]

If you are going to carry on a belt, and you definitely want a 45, I'd look at the Glock 30. It is somewhat of a thick gun, but can be carried IWB, etc, and then you can also have Glock 21 mags as extras/reloads.

If pocket carry (with a proper pocket holster) is a real consideration, then you might look at the XDs.

Personally if you are going to carry on the belt, I don't see the benefit of the very small pistols such as the XDs that give up so much capacity to another decent sized gun that you could put on the belt. However, that is my opinion, and you really need to see what sized gun you are comfortable carrying in a quality holster/belt combination IWB, etc.

If you look to change calibers that opens up a bunch of other possibilities.

If you are not going to stay with a platform (i.e. same mags, holsters, etc as an existing pistol) then changing caliber now may not be that big of an issue, especially if you don't reload.

+1 for this. If pocket carry is your primary concern then I'd almost say to look at something in 9mm or even .380 since you'd get more rounds in an even smaller package. If sticking with .45 is the primary concern then I'd opt for the Glock 30 or the XDS and look into carrying OWB or IWB with a good pancake-style kydex or leather holster.

 

[Big Ram]

If you're a big enough guy to conceal and compact I would go with that over a subcompact. The xds is a great gun but I'd prefer the Xd compact over it. Higher mag capacity and more stable when shooting.

 

[cosermann]

Glock 30 SF.

 

[cbseniour]

1911 Defender or Commander.

 

[DMND1]

GOT 2 glock 36's love em they do the job ,but are glock's bastard child trick out parts are hard to come by . unlike my g19's not bad for plastic weapon's

 

[mfd111]

I have the XDS 45 & use a detroit holster IWB. Shoots nice and is accurate

 

[Lebowski]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will start looking into them.

I suppose I would also consider a revolver, I quite like the S&W hammerless ones though I am seeing a lot of comments about capacity, so I doubt you guys would recommend a revolver. They just seem simple/reliable.

I guess getting a non .45 would be okay. The preference only had to do with consistency when buying ammo. Would be nice to get one box of ammo that works for more than one gun, but I would be open to hearing suggestions for an affordable pocket carry pistol of any caliber. I know the Ruger LC9(?) is a popular option, as well as some Kel-Tecs.

 

[mammynun]

Kahr PM45 works for me.

 

[Sniper 79]

Para makes some nice stuff. I have been liking my Kahr CW45 and recently fired a XDs at the local range. It didnt do anything my Kahr couldnt do better. I cant see spending the extra coin for the XD although I loved how the grip was shorter and a mag ext could be added for range shooting.

 

[digitalphoenix]

Compact 1911. Colt Defender.