While it is hard to find a truly small "subcompact" 45 and most of the small 45s marketed as "compacts" are still fairly large pistols, I am wondering what those who choose these guns are carrying?

I am using a S&W CS45 to meet my subcompact 45 needs. But it is a fairly large gun. I have looked hard at the XDs45 Mod 2. But striker fired plastic doesn't appeal to me and I hate the loaded chamber indicator.

I am looking hard at the Colt Defender - especially the new Combat Elite version. But I would need to take a requal on 1911 pistols as it has been decades since I carried one. And I am a lefty, so there is a need for an ambi safety.

So, what model subcompact/compact 45 are y'all using? Regards 18DAI

I own a XDs 45 but not the Mod. 2. I really like it, it's a good gun. Never had a malfunction. I do not carry it however because IMHO the capacity is just too low. I actually do not carry any of my 45's anymore for that same reason.

One of my frequent CCW's is my XDs 45 in an Azula OWB holster. The only upgrade is the addition of night sights.

i need the nearest gas station

When it's time to put a .45 on my hip, it's a PC Shield.

While they ran fine, I never personally cared for the somewhat vicious snap/recoil of the XDSs in .45 ACP.

The .45 Shield is a very pleasant and accurate shooter.

I used to carry a Detonic CombatMaster,

easy to conceal, if just a bit heavy (compared to modern stuff)

it shot very well,

when the Sear spring started to wear, and I could not find a replacement , I made it a range only gun and went a size up to a Colt Commander,

I've occasionally carried a Glock 30. But it's a bit too bulky for my taste. I had tried a Glock 36 several years ago, but that one didn't work for me either.

I have yet to find that "Goldilocks" compact .45 to fit me.

I don't find concealing a Commander 1911 to be all that difficult, though you definitely notice the weight after a while, and grip could be a bit shorter. So I think one of my next purchases will be something like an aluminum-framed CCO 1911, like a Dan Wesson Vigil CCO. Maybe with the slightly lighter frame and shorter grip, that'll be the ticket for a compact(ish) .45 carry gun.

I carry my Sig 1911 Ultra often because it has been 100% reliable. I had a Colt Defender a number of years ago and it was unreliable with a FTF every other mag.

Here is my Sig:



Jim

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
I've occasionally carried a Glock 30. But it's a bit too bulky for my taste. I had tried a Glock 36 several years ago, but that one didn't work for me either.

I have yet to find that "Goldilocks" compact .45 to fit me.

I don't find concealing a Commander 1911 to be all that difficult, though you definitely notice the weight after a while. So I think one of my next purchases will be something like an aluminum-framed CCO 1911, like a Dan Wesson Vigil CCO. Maybe that'll be the ticket for a compact(ish) .45 carry gun.

I have a G30, but I am hard headed and do not carry it ,
for both the reason you mentioned, and I am used to a 1911 or SIG as far as operating systems, and that hard head part means I don't want to train myself not to shoot myself with the Glock,,

I do have a pre series 70 LW Commander that I have shot a few times, but it is too nice to carry, my Series 80 steel frame commander is parkerized, so no worries on carry wear

My EDC is a 320C 45. 9+1 is good but the gun is a little heavy.

We own a Glock G30S and a Glock G36. Both hide well for us. We’ve owned the 36 since 2001 and prefer it.

We recently purchased a P320C in .45ACP. We like it but it has not found its way into the rotation, owing to being larger and heavier than the Glocks.

We trudge on.

While some may find it a bit large for CCW, I really like my P220 Carry SAO. It's small enough to carry well but large enough to shoot like a full size gun... which it, arguably, actually is.
It's also my only .45 ACP, so there's that.

If I feel like a .45 it’s usually my SIG. it was a birthday present so I try to use it often when I dress up.

Given the OP's pennant for third gen Smiths, why not a 457? I like mine well enough, though I have admittedly never carried it on my person for a whole day. Don't know if it would be a bit weighty or not.

I like shooting the plate rack at 50-60 yards with my XDs. Little gun that shoots like a full sized one.

g3 g30

so, mk23 does not count?

I happen to like the shield 45

One more vote for the Siv Ultra 1911 .45acp.

When I feel like something a little more substantial than my G26, my G30 fits the bill in a pancake. I’m interested in trading up to a 30S to narrow it down just a tad.

Not sure if it fits your compact/subcompact definition, but my usual carry gun is a Sig 1911 C3, officer length frame with commander length slide. Lately I have started carrying a Smith & Wesson Shield in .45.

Thanks all for the info and opinions! Much appreciated!

I have carried.....and still do, a S&W 457. Great and very underated pistol. I guess I am wanting something a little slimmer and lighter.

I work part time for a Sig Master dealer. I will check out the C3. Thanks again! Regards 18DAI