There’s no denying the feeling of potential instilled by a handgun. And when that gun fits your hand just right, the feeling is even better. The last decade has seen a resurgence in the popularity of the .45 ACP, a round whose reputation has been built by more than a century of proven results. Here are 5 .45 ACP concealed carry pistols that push the limits of form and function.
[one_half]
#1 Springfield Armory XDS 3.3” or 4.0”
Let’s start right at the top of the list and avoid the artificial drama. The XDS.45 has proven to be durable and reliable. I’ve had my copy for a couple of years now, and I’ve fed all kinds of ammo through it. I’ve yet to have a failure of any kind. The slimness of the XDS is now legendary at exactly 1”. And at just under 4 ½” tall it disappears when carried. Add a crisp short-stroke trigger and great stock sights, and it’s a born shooter. Down sides to the XDS include hard recoil and low round capacity (5+1 with the flush mag). Tiny enough to carry inside the waistband (IWB) in any weather, no manual safety to manipulate under stress, and the reliability it has demonstrated make this my first choice every time. MSRP ranges from $600 to $650, depending on finish.
[/one_half][one_half_last]
Popularity of the XDS is no fluke. This is a high quality and ultra-concealable .45
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
#2 Glock 30S
One thing the Glock 30S is not – slim. It’s a double-stack .45 ACP with a grip circumference to match. But in every other way it is about as svelte as the Glock 19, and just a hair thicker at the slide than the Springfield XDS. At 1.18” the 30S is not at all uncomfortable to carry nor especially hard to conceal. Smart holster choice and proper cover garment selection, and even the rotund grip becomes a non-issue. What you get in return is eleven (10+1) rounds of .45 ACP! And that’s in the standard magazine. Did I mention that the G30S will also accept the standard mags for the G21/G41? Yep. So your backup magazine can hold 13 rounds, and if your duty weapon or home defense pistol is a full-frame Glock, the G30S will integrate nicely as a backup or alternate. Easy to field strip, easy to maintain, and easy to shoot (downright fun, actually). I put the Glock 30S at number two because I consider it to be the most reliable, durable, and best compromise of caliber and capacity out there. Should be priced under $600 at your local shop.
[/one_half][one_half_last]
The author has previously nicknamed the G30S, “the IWB sledgehammer”.
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
#3 Kahr PM45 / CM45
Kahr Arms has been making some superb firearms for some time, and the PM45 is no exception. The CM45 is not as refined, and relies on forged rather than milled primary components – but that aside, there is no evidence I’ve seen to suggest any deficiency in performance. I include them both as #3 with it coming down to a price range choice.
Kahr makes a finely engineered and constructed pistol. And tight. When I purchased a Kahr years ago, it took several hundred rounds before I didn’t bruise my fingers just trying to field strip it. Tolerances are taken seriously at Kahr, and it shows in performance. The PM45/CM45 uses the double-action-only (DAO) trigger. The pull is heavy and very long, but silky smooth. It is also very thin, at 1.01” and the height is about 4 ½” exactly. The Kahr holds 5 in the mag and one chambered, and extended magazines of up to 7 rounds are available. There are several configurations, with prices ranging from $855 to $1,022 for the PM45. The CM45 is more budget friendly, at $460 – but only comes in one flavor.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Among the high-end options, the Kahr PM45 is superb.
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
#4 The Ubiquitous 1911
Which brand 1911 and in what length would be a long story on its own. So I’m lumping them all together. I know guys that carry a full size 5” 1911, people who prefer the commander length (4 ¼”), and many who love the 3” ultra-compacts. The 1911 in most any configuration has one common trait – it’s thin. Even the tiny versions usually accept 7 round magazines. The platform is so well supported that parts, accessories, and options are virtually limitless. What it usually comes down to is this – “cocked n’ locked.” You are either comfortable with that or you’re not. Unlike all the previously mentioned guns, the single-action-only 1911 requires some extra skills and training to make it a safe and effective choice. Among the 1911’s I personally prefer the commander length – 4 ¼” barrel, for carry. The 3” models can be extremely finicky (the Browning design never intended it to be that short). A couple of brands have mastered it – a gunsmith I trust swears by the Kimber when it comes to 3” models – but most others will malfunction. For those who train to carry and use the 1911, there are endless variations and options out there and probably always will be.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
A full sized 1911 has been the carry gun of choice for many since long before the author was born.
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
#5 Glock 36
The G36 is a polarizing conversation piece among gun folk, some love it and swear by it, and some don’t see why it exists. I’m somewhere in the middle of that debate, but I do think it belongs on the list. The G36 is about the size of the G19/23 in both frame and slide. This makes it very appealing for concealed carry – especially in the thickness dimension. Glock kept the polymer frame as thin as possible. So, why doesn’t everyone just carry a G36 instead of a 9mm G19 or the .40 G23? Mostly – capacity. The 36 is a 6+1 capacity handgun and there are no alternate magazines for it. The mags for this pistol are not compatible with any other Glock, and vice versa. But if you’re okay with that, it is a reliable and dependable Glock that is easy to carry. Expect retail to be closer to $550 on this one.
[/one_half][one_half_last]
Limited only by its maximum 6 rounds, the G36 is a thin Glock .45 ideal for carry.
[/one_half_last]
There you have it – my list of the Top 5 .45’s for concealed carry. Disagree? What would your list be?
From Gun show to gun show 380s 9mm and 45s Have tried and liked most of them.. 12 different brands in the last 6 years, Right now have three favorites, Micro Kimber with CT sights, a S&W Performance Center M&P and very favorite 45 Colt Defender 1911 with CT grips. Also a Sig 40 stashed by my front door… Just hate to have to sell one to afford another. 🙂 I enjoyed them all and shot them all well. I think maybe the Kimber DCR revolver may be next on the list..
I had one for a year and sold it! Damn thing jammed once every box of 50 rounds. I tried different ammunition three magazines!!! It doesn’t belong on this list! Worst gun they make!!!
Very good choices, but I love SA/DA. Too bad SIG discontinued their P220 Compact. The shorter handle was nice.
I really like the S&W Shield .45 for small of back conceal.
I at times carry 1 of three different 45\’s Citadel Officers model ( 15yds – 1.25\”), Para-Ord P14-45 (about the same to little larger) and last but not least Sig P220 ST (1.1+@15yds) these are all measured with digital calipers center to center on the widest wholes full magazine except Para held to 8 rnds to be fair.
Umm. Beretta has some of the best ergonomics in the business. I loved my 1911 in the late 1980’s and my Star PD in the early 1990’s, (along with a couple of Charter Arms to keep from wearing a hole in my hip from carrying concealed for years…) but Beretta feels better and doesn’t wear as quickly. You won’t have fumble for the Px4 storm, it doesn’t wear in the first year and it shoots exactly where you point it. Just a comment to consider.
I use an OTW belt slide for either a Star PD or KelTecPF9, extra mag for each, neither has ever hiccuped, both tiny considering power. Where I live is Hot, most of the time, light print shirt gives great cover.
I carry the compact xdm .45 – 9+1, or 13+1 with the extended mag. I would choose this over the xds – if I was content with just 6 rounds I think I’d go with a revolver.
I have owned or currently own all of these. Here is my experience. I love the Springfield XDS. Only problem with it is if you do not rack the slide really hard when chambering a round it will hang up on the feed ramp. Never done this firing a shot. My Glock 30 has never missed a beat. Great gun. Only issue is it is the grip is a little slick. Fixed with skateboard tape. I have had 3 Kahrs. I love the way they feel but all of mine the mag release was way too light. Most times i took it out of my pocket the magazine had been partially ejected and had to be put back in. Sold all of them. Not as reliable as Glock 30 or Springfield. Glock 36 is the only Glock I have ever had a problem with. It jammed all the time. Gaston missed something on this gun. I love all of my 1911’s. Smith scandium commander is great carry gun. The best of the bunch is not on the list. I bought a S&W performance center shield. That gun shoots like a match pistol. I am going to get a SIG 320 45 next. Feels better in the hand than the glock 30 and only gives up one round.
XD® MOD.2® – 3.3″ Sub-Compact Model .45ACP makes more sense to me ~same size, almost double ammo cap.
I carry a Bersa Thunder 45 Ultra Compact. Pros for me: Small, SA/DA, Decocker, 7+1 Double Stack, metal frame, night sights. Cons for me: A little heavy, no grip options, no extended magazines on the market
I have had two xds that had problems. I was thinking about trying a third time…Also i have to say i am sick to my fat stomach about people talking about “stopping power!” Explain to me what that is please in scientific terms!
Muzzle energy is the first and foremost determination of stopping power.
“Muzzle energy is the kinetic energy of a bullet as it is expelled from the muzzle of a firearm. It is often used as a rough indication of the destructive potential of a given firearm or load. The heavier the bullet and especially the faster it moves, the higher its muzzle energy and the more damage it will do.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzzle_energy
I have the walther PPQ 40 and 45, HK VP 40 and 9, Sig sauer 320, and a springfield XD 9, 5′ tactical. I like the Walther PPQ 45 the best
I have xd mod 2 40 and 45, kahr pm 45 (it sucks and unreliable – the company does not back there gun), glock 30s and M&P shield 9 and 40….I love shooting the xd mod 2 45…shoots well! but sometime I like carrying a lighter weapon and that is why I bought the shield…never had a problem right our of the box.
Totally disagree that Kahrs “suck” and are unreliable. I have carried a Kahr for almost 10 years daily, not having one problem after break-in period of 200-400 rounds. Also owned Glock and XDS 45. Great guns, too. Kahrs have a tight tolerance right from the factory that requires some fun time at the range. By the time you bond with the Kahr the break-in period is over and you’ve got a most dependable weapon. The company absolutely stands behind their product and I’ve had nothing but stellar service from their Customer Service Dept.
I also disagree. I have carried the PM45 daily for CC and spent countless hours at the range with it. It’s like a Glock but more accurate and feels better in my hand. After the 300rd break-in I have had Zero malfunctions of any kind. Customer service has been great for questions and I’ve talked to the at SHOT and NRA multiple times, great people.
I agree have owned several Kahrs. Still own a Pm45 and a PM9. Love both. Function great after the break-in period.
have had 2 cw380 Kahr.
Never could get them to shoot 3 times in a row.
Tried half a dozen makes of ammo.
Take the ammo that would not work and put it in the Sig p230
or Ruger LCp
and plain good shooting.
No love for the Sig 220 Carry?
My concealed carry is a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II .45 caliber – http://www.kimberamerica.com/ultra-crimson-carry-ii-a. Compact and fairly lightweight, 7+1, built in green laser in grip, night sights added, very accurate, and lots of stopping power. Not made for pocket carry due to 1911 “cocked & locked”, but small enough for an OWB holster.
Used to carry a Glock Gen 4 .40 caliber – https://us.glock.com/products/model/g23gen4. This was my original concealed carry gun. Great gun, no laser, night sights added, 13+1, accurate but larger and heavier than the others. Also lots of stopping power.
Beretta Nano 9mm – http://www.beretta.com/en-us/bu9-nano/. This was my second concealed carry gun. Small, lightweight, no laser, night sights added, and extended 8 round magazine (8+1) and grip added. Easy to conceal, but for me not as comfortable to shoot due to combination of small size and caliber, so not as accurate as Kimber. Also, no laser.
am 84 yr old ,korea war vet,carried one 1911 there ,was lost or stolen, obtained a ballester molena from the britts and was close to a 1911, except no grip safety,,carried that till went home ,loved it. still have 1911’s in my inventory ,are a small liscd gun dealer ,inactive ,but love my guns ,one 45 i realy like is the Star PD ,similar to 1911 comander size . 7 rds . never malf ,for me . was an EOD man and once at a britt outfit on an eod call left my carbine in the jeep and went above ground to the site desired when they were overrun by a small chinese cotingent ,,dove in a crater and was popping away at a china man running toward me with a mosin-nagnant ,with a long bayonet, was missing him till suddenly he went down like hit with ton of bricks ,,,thought at first i had scored ,,,wrong ,it was a britt with a 303 enfield that plugged him .dam good job too!
Much like many stories from WWII that we were told in boot camp. One ‘gunny’ entered a Japanese bunker, emptied his .45 at one occupant inside, ended up in a hand to hand life struggle because he had not hit the guy ‘one’ time from less than twenty feet! Hard to remember you ‘must’ pick up those sights, especially under stress or duress! Probably intently focused on the attacker not the sights on his weapon?? Funny, not in a combat situation, stories abound where deer hunting neophytes claimed to have ’emptied’ their rifle at a BIG buck without ever hitting it – one such, working a bolt gun, discovered his reason when all five rounds were found on the ground, having been ejected “unfired!”
better a rock then a glock. Carried a 1911 in VN and still do. Show me another on your list with over 100+ years of combat relevance and I may think of looking at it.
When the Glock came out in the ’80s, I viewed them, somewhat like I did the M-16 when it first appeared, like a Mattel toy – ugly, plastic junk. Thirty years later, my son talked me into participating in a GSSF (Glock Sports Shooting Foundation) match. Been a retread fan ever since!
I’m sure everyone knows what comes after someone says “this is no bull,” (Marine using PC speech!) some “fish” story gets told. Well, this is “no bull” and no fish story.
The G17 we compete with in these matches has run through in excess of 150,000 rounds, still has the original grip frame, slide and barrel, is still accurate! There have been several replacement parts in that G17, firing pins (aka strikers) and springs – that’s all – as anyone familiar with the function of a spring knows, you only get x-number of cycles with any of them. The slide bolt face does show an expanding firing pin hole and a beginning crack – Glock says, probably more to do with “dry firing” than the actual shooting. (?) Although he has several NIB 17’s, I think he is interested in seeing how far this thing will actually go. Almost forgot, we did have to replace the extractor twice, more to do with running 20,000 + rounds of that cheap steel cased stuff through it than anything, I think.
With it, a G26, and a G30, my son has won 30+ Glocks in these competitions, I’m old, and don’t like spending the “trigger time” to successfully complete with the ‘fast’ guys, so I’ve only won half a dozen. My carry piece is a full house G29 – ammo that mirrors Buffalo Bore 10mm. Even with my old eyes, I have no trouble getting it to consistently print 1/4″ groups @ 22 ft. with ‘my’ developed load – 180 SGDHP bullets.
Excuse the long post; however, you need only look around at all the “Glock clones” of striker fired pistols to understand that Glock absolutely did his homework before sending his “toy” out! I still love Rugers, Colts, S&W’s all steel stuff; however, the defender of my life is a Glock….
“1/4″ groups @ 22 feet” ? With a 10mm pistol having a 3.77″ barrel ? Sorry,but I ain’t buying it.
Maybe he meant 1 to 4 inch groups. 🙂
I carry a Ruger SR1911 and a Springfield Arms XDE 45 ACP. Reliable right out of the box. Never had a misfire with either of them or any 45 ACP ammo. Was a small arms instructor in the 82nd for a while and fell in love with the 1911. It knocks people down just fine. I think the other guns these guys have are great also. You just need to know your gun, take care of it, and practice, practice, practice. My dad left me a S&W 38 Spl Chief revolver and I love that pistol as well. It fits a pocket holster great. I carry mostly with a belly band and ankle holster. They are not match pistols; as long as I can hit 2 in. Groups in rapid fire at 10 yards, I am a happy camper.
I never liked glocks when i first touched one. But joined the Sheriffs office and that changed everything. Im not going to knock any guns like some know it alls do on these sites, but I have trusted glock to protect my life, my fellow coworkers, the general public, and my family with the glock 22 and 27. Im not changing a thing… I own numerouus glocks and trying to get one from each generation. I am not saying I wouldnt trust another gun, it is just when that is what you train with and you stick to it. I hate when these know it all weekend warrior gunsmiths crap on glock and say its junk and plastic etc. Just plain ignorance at its best…
I purchased the XDs 45 3.3 a couple of years ago. I carry it over all my other arsenal. It is the one I would grab if I had to leave.
My grandson exclaimed one day while we were shooting, “PePa, fire comes out of that gun this long—————————–. Springfield has a winner in this jewel. How do you define PROTECTION? XDs 45.
xd is nothing but a over priced Taurus i own a xd glock M&P and fns and several 1911s out of all my xd is my least faverote gun and accuracy sucks the best is my FNS most accurate too
na na na na na… The Springfield XD Mod 2 was gun of the year. I’ve carried one for over a year now, and the little sucker is accurate, easy to carry, well made and PACKS a WHALLOP in 45ACP. I get either 9+1 with the compact mag or 12+1 with the full size mag. I can carry comfortably concealed with either. Springfield XD Mod 2 are nice weapons.
Good list. Have to agree with you about the Springfield. Also glad to see two Glocks on the list. The Glock 36 may be the best concealed carry piece ever; it can handle almost any scenario the average Joe is going to run into. I also agree about the 1911\’s; there\’s too many of them out there to narrow down; it\’s got to be a matter of personal preference.
The Sig P220 has a great carry and if you are willing to consider high end, then my EB Kobra Carry is the cats meow
Ruger LC9-S
Best small 9mm imo
Sounds like another slam against metal framed guns.
“Striker fire” is OK for “spray and pray”, but I prefer a CHOICE when I shoot for accuracy.
No….just no.Striker is safe.And accurate.Less parts to fuck up as well.
I can’t believe you found the Glock 36 to beone of the best. I bought one because hada great feel and GLOC’s reputation – LEMON! I put a 1000 rounds through it and had a jam once out of every 50 rounds! I used various manufacturer’s ammo and a variety of loads, hard ball and hollow point. Nothing I tried remedied the issue, so I resold it back to them at a loss! Never again!
Well, I’m late to the party. Ran across this thread researching another question.
Anyway, Justin’s list is wrong and so are all the comments no matter what they said.
The best .45 for concealed carry is…a Glock 23 (.40 S&W for those of you who didn’t know). 13+1, and it always goes bang, and when you pick it up there safeties to manipulate or hammers to cock or slides to rack. Also, the .40 is the ballistic equivalent of the .45 (just ask anyone who’s ever been shot with both). So why handicap yourself with 6 less rounds (or 5 if you have 1+8)?
I found this very humorous, thanks for the laugh JoeBob.
You missed the title “Best 45s for concealed carry” not best 45s & 40 s&w” The 40 also IS NOT EQUIVALENT to 45. The 40 is in between a 9mm and 10mm. Quick history search of the round tells you this. I agree the 40 is a much better out and about when things go south round but you’ll never go wrong with a 45
That’s your opinion friend.
My five is
1. Ruger SR45
2. The 1911
3. The Ruger P345 and its P Brothers
4. Smith and Wesson’s 45 series
5. Remington’s 45 Range Officer
Glocks are like people they are all the same
Gen 1 thru Gen 6 sounds like a German experiment.
Easiest to detail strip and reasemble.OEM and aftermarket parts always in stock.A ton of models and calibers to choose from.
Not cheap in quality.Maybe not the best but not cheap in quality.
More likely to not have an issue than other brands right out of the box.I have owned well over 700 guns.
I have 200 in my collection.Sure, not even Glock was once what it was.But who is?
ALL manufacturers have issues.
Period.
The one gun manufacturer that is best for the bang for the buck is Kahr.
I own 6 of them.Zero issues.
Can’t say that about the Rugers,Kimbers,S&W,Bersa,Beretta,Tri Star,CZ,Springfield,Kel Tec,Diamond Back,Rock River Arms,and many others I have had.
People sure love to bash Glock.
Haters gonna hate.
And people say H&K was in the poly game ten years before Glock
Well,Glock did in their first year what H&K couldn’t do in ten along with these other crappy companies.
Bash away.
Glock and Kahr are the only two I have never had to send back.
Over 60 Glocks.Over 30 Kahrs.
Luck?
No…just better quality and design.
Glocks are Austrian, not German. I love my German pistols….HK p30, and FN .45 tactical. Being ambidextrous myself, I make sure I get pistols that are also. Also make sure they have second strike capability and no magazine disconnect safety, just in case.
FNs are made in either Belgium or the U.S., not Germany.
I would certainly agree on number one being the XDs. Adding night sights and a laser makes it near perfect. However, I would argue about number two. I think consideration should be given to the S&W 325 Night Guard. Easy to cary, 6 shots, front night site, fires every time with any 45 acp cartridge, easy to clean, quick reload with moon clips and you can just about drive tacts with it in single and double action.
In reference to the comment about Kimber’s being one of the few 3″ 1911’s that work, that was true years ago but no longer. Modern 3″ 1911’s are very reliable across the board with exceptions being those that don’t work well instead of those that do. The Kimber’s continue to be very reliable as are most brands. A quick poll among gun forums will show you responses from owners who have had no issues with their compact 1911’s. The only times I hear folks talk about 3″ 1911’s not being reliable is from people who don’t actually own one of these guns but continues to repeat old news as if it were still true.
I’ve owned an STI Elektra .45acp for about three years now and it’s been 100% reliable. That’s not an over dramatization either, it has literally never malfunctioned and quite the contrary, it’s run beautifully. Granted it’s a little more pricey than the average compact 1911 but the far more affordable models are also very reliable. Every compact 1911 owner I’ve heard speak up in the last 4-5 has done so to contradict those that still claim these guns are unreliable. It’s time that old news goes into the wastebasket.
I also own a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II and, as mentioned, it is a very reliable compact 1911. It’s small size combined with the Crimson Trace laser grips make this particular “mini 1911” a fantastic self defense weapon. We also own a Glock 30SF with it’s large capacity for size which, while being a bit thick, is an awesome carry gun.
I’ve long dismissed Springfield’s XD and XDm series guns but articles like this are slowly bringing me around, great read.
In this article and every comment afterward, until I hit yours, no one else mentioned the STI. I have had my eye on a compact 45 and I just like the idea of the quality controls and more or less hand made aspect of this weapon. In your opinion, is it worth the higher price? I have no problem paying a premium for higher quality and having a unique and exceptional, heirloom quality handgun, but, I also don’t want to be stupid. These things don’t grow on trees apparently, since I’ve been trying to find one for months so I would like a pep talk before pursuing the purchase further.
I would appreciate anything you can offer in the way of advice.
Thanks,
rc
The Sig 1911 Ultra 3″ is a beauty to behold and shoot. Zero malfunctions or issues with any (non-reloaded) ammo I have tried. Astonishingly accurate. A winner!
Oh…and expensive! I should have mentioned that. However, build quality and fitment are excellent.
I love my AMT 45 DAO. It is smaller, dependable and more concealable than any other 45, yet has enough SS heft to quickly get back on target.
I`m a reader of gun test and read that the Kahr has a jamming problem and was wondering if you`ve had any of these problem`s while firing any of the kahr
George – the only time I’ve had any jams or failures to feed with any Kahr is when I try to manually run (either via slingshot or overhand method) the slide to chamber a round. Kahr recommends – and I have learned it is good advice – to use the slide stop release to chamber the first round. Aside from that I have never had any problems.
After shooting and carrying H&K ct .45 sold all my Kimber’s bought more H&K’s with the money
How odd.Shot my buddies Kimber,sold all my H&k and Glocks,except one G17,which I gave my father-in-law.
Bought Kimbers,and Sigs with the money.”What are you afraid of,bro? Not a fuckin thing? .
“1/4″ groups @ 22 feet” ? With a 10mm pistol having a 3.77″ barrel ? Sorry,but I ain’t buying it.
S&W 5906 9mm best weapon ever made. Yes it is large, but I am a big man, and it is easy for me to conceal it. Thanks
I think you would be hard pressed to find a company as well rounded as Sig. I LOVE my 1911 and plan on going the 250 or 220 route along with a smaller 1911. Still have a Glock and Beretta’s shot many others and can’t keep my mind off those Sigs.
😂😂😂😂😂😜😜
I was trained on DA/SA pistols. I carry a CS45. I keep a loaded 4513TSW by the bed, and a 4506 and several Walthers in my safe. I imagine the change to DA only pistols was manufacturers fear of litigation by people who were not trained properly. Since I am, that is what I prefer.
The Star PD .45. Put 50 rounds thru it and just carry it. Lightweight, no need for a 5,000 or 10,000 round “torture test” and its bargaint price will save you a bundle compared to the pricier big name brands
I was wondering when someone would mention the Star. I own two (M40 and M45) and absolutely will never sell them. Tack drivers, solid build, great feel, fun to shoot, extremely dependable and sorry the economy in Spain went belly up to close down the manufacturing. Love the PD 45!
Love my Star PD, but getting magazines is tough.
I carry a Sig Sauer P220 Match Elite. It is a .45 cal full-sized pistol with a 5″ barrel. I am not a 1911 fan–I strongly prefer a double-action/single-action that has a decocking lever. That way I can carry with one in the chamber with the hammer down and still be ready to fire when necessary. I don’t have to think about or remember to flip a safety before the pistol will fire. I believe this is a safe but effective way to carry so that I can respond quickly if the situation requires it. Some would say a full-size with a 5″ barrel is too large to carry, but I have found that it is not difficult at all once you get used to it. Most of my friends don’t know I have it on me, and those who do are friends I trust and have talked to about conceal-carry. If you have a good IWB holster, it’s not hard to carry even a full-sized weapon which most will never know is there.
Ya’ll missed the very best one. Smith and Wesson CS-45. They stopped making it in 2006. So what! Better than Kimber (yeah, you don’t have to run a hundred rounds through it just to break it in). Glock is just plastic junk. Kahr? Really? Just a wanabe! XDS is the only other real contender. I’ve been in the business over 30 years. I remember when you couldn’t give a Glock away. Yeah. Early ’80’s. Cops only carry them because the department makes them. Most cops, if they had a choice would either carry a Sig or a Smith. Your top five article was bought and paid for!
My dept carries Smith&Wesson M&P 40. I only wish they would switch to Glock.
From my personal experience, you can ask 20 different LEOs from 20 different departments and you will get at least 5 different choices on what all Leos should carry. I personally know a few who hate Glock so much they wouldn’t take one if you paid em. Couple others have M&P shields just as much. Some have The XD series. In today’s market, it’s hard to find 2 firearms you can truly compare apples to apples. I personally prefer a SD40VE for carry. I am looking at a XD 45 as main carry now and switch the 40 to secondary. It’s all in what’s best for each owner/Officer That’s why so many options exist.
There are a lot of good guns out there and the best one to carry is the one that can be concealed without clothing printing, with a good rig, and one that you have devoted a lot of range time to. There is no magic gun to fill everyone’s needs or expectations.
The five pistols I carry the most are;
1. Kimber CDP, original, not the II
2. Sig P220 Stainless Elite
3. Springfield Armory .40 cal EMP
4. Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627, .357, with a 2.5 in barrel
5. CZ 82 chambered in 9×18 Makarov with Hornady’s JHP self defense ammo. (This one might seem odd to some but it is totally reliable, 12+1, and I like the ambi safety/mag release especial when I’m out on my motorcycle.
Each to their own, enjoyed the article and comments.
You really missed a gem! The ParaOrd Carry LDA is a perfect gun. I’ve carried a 1911 since the late 1960s and never thought I’d like a double action trigger, but this LDA system is beautiful. The gun is light weight and short enough to carry in a pocket and there is no reason for condition 1 carry (which would really be stupid in a pocket) because the LDA trigger is always ready without a cocked hammer, Mine hits right where I aim it every time and has never had a malfunction with any kind of ammo. I wouldn’t trade it for any other .45.
I have a Sig P220 elite carry.Super hand gun and shoots amazing. I also have the FNX 45, it’s a little big for a carry sidearm but the FNX shoots amazing. When I go shotting with friend and the use any of my Sigs or the FNX, thay are just can’t beleive who weel they shoot.
Has anybody here ever heard of FN (Fabrique Nationale)? They used to make all of Browning’s guns! Today the make some of the finest pistols in the world, but all you hear about is Glock, Springfield, Sig, 1911’s and Glock! Don’t get me wrong, the aforementioned guns are all fine guns, BUT, I love my FN, and I love my 1911’s, but I sure would like one of these gun writers try out the FN’s, especially the FNX, which is one of the finest pistols I’ve ever owned. By the way, I carry a Springfield EMP in 9mm, because it’s so easy to conceal, and it has never jammed, ever!
I carry a Glock 36. Nice gun, carries well, fits the hand well. I added Pearce magazine extentions on the magazines, so they now hold 7 rounds, the same as the 1911. Anyone who complains about the capacity of the Glock 36 can say the same thing about the 1911, and it’s been a icon for 100 years now. If you need more rounds, maybe you need to shoot more…
The Sig p227 would definitely be on my list.
Awesome!
Sig P227 SAS.
I too own an XDS 45 but carry a Glock 27 in the Summer and a Glock 30sf in the Winter. Just my preference.
What is it with you GLOCK lovers Smith & Wesson, Ruger, FnH, etc make great products I carry a Ruger P345 and it feels great Let’s Try to Keep it all american OK.
You men are a bunch of 24 carat, gold plated idiots! 25 yards? 15 yards? Even 7 yards will guarantee you prison time. Cops, District Attorneys, and Prosecutors nearly always use the “15 foot” rule. You’re supposed to be self-defense only, CC holders. Generally, anything farther is considered John Wane/Bounty Hunter territory, and the DA will gleefully add you to his list of convictions to parade in front of the electorate come November. Lasers are likewise considered offensive hardware and are a Prosecutors delight. In a high stress, close range shootout, trying to get the laser turned on, or the single action unlocked will get you KILLED! At the distances you are considered “legal” to kill another human being, you don’t even need sights…it’s 15 feet max. Practice waist level firing positions…or on your back from the floor (the best legal defense…think about it.) Don’t scream at me …make an appointment with the local DA/PA and ask him. Don’t let your friends and neighbors take turns in your bed while you are in prison.
You make a somewhat valid point but do you know how fast someone armed with a knife can cover 30ft? The answer is pretty damn fast. If you perceive someone is armed, armed being the key word, and intending harm, I don’t think that is the time to get your ruler out. By that time it’s shoot or be shot/sliced and diced.
The rule of escalating force generally only applies to law enforcement, check your state’s laws. I know that my state (Indiana) if someone is threatening me with a weapon of any type I have the right to defend myself. Personally, to use a old and worn phrase, “i’de rather be tried by 12 than carried by six.
Texas has a “No Duty To Retreat” law that states you do no need to attempt to escape or be at a certain distance. We just have to know/believe we are in direct danger. (Not exact wording, just way I put it) If I feel if my/someone near me, life is at risk I will pull my weapon. Let see how well you protect yourself from a man armed with any sort of weapon (ESPECIALLY a gun) if you going to wait until they are at 15 foot.
I am a retired deputy sheriff. I do not like DA only handguns. We always carried S&W DA/SA .45 pistols, once we changed from .357 revolvers. Our first duty gun was a 645, when I retired they had changed to the 4506 six months before. Mine had been to the range once, and as was customary they gave me my duty pistol upon retirement. My 4506 was cleaned and rests in my safe. I carry a CS45, and have a 4513TSW by my bed.
Dan Wesson ECO
Ed Brown Kobra Carry Lightweight
Sig Sauer P245
S&W Shorty 45
Never a malfunction with any of them (yes, even the ECO). These will go with me to my grave.
STI Ranger, can hit 1 inch groupings at 20 feet, holds 6+1, at 6 feet, bet I could make just 1 or 2 repeat holes.
I own 3 of the 5, G30S, G36, and a S&W 1911 DK. I agree with your choices. I carry concealed every day. If I’m not wearing one of the .45s, they’ll always be close by.
colt defender.the first,the best,as far as I’m concerned.accurate, strong.comfortable.
colt defender.the first,the best,as far as I’m concerned.accurate, strong.comfortable.
Kimber CDP II (4′ barrel and carry melt) for me. I picked it up in the store and immediately fell in love. Bought it on the spot. It shoots where I point it and fires every time. Couldn’t be happier.
IMHO, one of the keys to being happy with your EDC is the holster. After going through a box (or more) of them I finally settled on a Del Fatti Leather ISP-LP. Not cheap, and the wait (not the weight) is insane. But it’s the best combination I’ve ever owned or used. The proof? After getting this combination I stopped looking for another EDC gun or holster – and that has been years.
However, I *am* still looking for the perfect backup .45 to compliment the Kimber. So far I am not happy with anything I have found…
Beretta PX4 Storm 4in barrel 10+1 .45acp+ or the Colt Defender, the Colt had some break in issues with a few stovepipes but its good now for the last few years and 2,000+ rds the Beretta has never failed.
I carried a Colt Combat Commander for years but have switched to the HK USP 45 Compact and can easily hide it in appendix carry and it holds 10 rounds.
Finally!!! Amen brother. USP…. The greatest polymer handgun ever made. I’ve got a full size USP and two compact USPs one in 9 and one in 45 with a stainless slide, threaded barrel and an Osprey 45 can. Never so much as a hiccup with any of my USPs. I used to carry a Glock and still respect flocks for what they are but the moment I racked my first USP slide I was sold. Cheers.
The XDs is a great cc pistol. It disappears nicely even under a light T shirt. I also own the XD compact. Another great shooter with more capacity (10+1) and a spare extended mag with 13. Conceals well in my comp-tac minotaur.
Glock 36 is a genuine POS! I had one and a Taurus PT145 and had to sell one gun. I kept the better one…..the Taurus! The 36 grip is so small that I couldn’t hardly hold onto it. Plus it felt like the frame would tweek every time I shot it. Bought it new and hated it. I have a Glock 22 in .40 cal. Much better gun. Oh BTW…..there are practically no accessories for the 36. Holsters like the Serpa are pretty much non existant!
Bet you think you’re a bad ass when you walk around in Walmart.
I am a fan of the Sig 227, like all the sig sauer line…
All these high dollar guns are great and some not so high dollar. But I love my Ruger P345 never fails to function, accurate and nice looking. I was in the market for a new side arm and looked at a lot of guns. I have a Ruger P89DC looked at the M&P’s and very nearly purchased but looked at the P345 thought about how good my P89 was and figured I couldn’t go wrong and I was correct what an incredible gun my P345 has turned out to be. People who have never fired a handgun before have been impressed at how easily and accurately they can fire this weapon. I’d recommend tho gun anytime!
+1 love mine as well. For me it’s just a tic too large for easy concealment so I will get the XDs when I can.
I’m an old school but I would bet on my S&W 38spl snub-nose revolver anytime against these motherF! With or w/o holster, I can put it behind my buckle and still be able to tie my shoes. I don’t have to worry of any bullet case coming out and I use multi-shock ammo so it’s completely untraceable. I’ve already put 2 before they can even draw theirs’.
Bet you think you’re a bad ass when you walk around in Walmart.
You left out what would be my number one. The Boberg XR45-S. Smaller than your number one with a longer barrel for better accuracy and ballistics. Rated to handle all .45 ammo including .45 +p and .45 super.
I have a Colt New Agent. It’s basically a baby 1911.
I really like it & would definitely recommend it!
I have a Para-Ord. 3″ 1911. Not one problem with jamming or misfiring. Well built gun
YOU MISSED THE MOST IMPORTANT MINI CARRY .45. SMITH AND WESSON CS-45. I HAVE TWO. ONE BLUED AND MATT STAINLESS. NEVER MALFUNCTIONED. YES, IT’S ALL METAL. STAINLESS. A LITTLE HEAVY BUT WEIGHT IN A .45 ACP IS YOUR FRIEND. RECOIL IS COMFORTABLE. SO THEY STOPPED PRODUCTION IN 2006. SO WHAT? GO TO A GUN SHOW OR ONLINE. THERE’S PLENTY OF THEM OUT THERE. THEY NAMED IT CHIEF’S SPECIAL FOR A REASON. IT IS THE “CHIEF” OF ALL MINI .45 ACP’S!!!
XDs .45 is really a great shooting small frame gun, and well of course any of the glocks are hard to beat all around! No issues being accurate with any of them.
Nobody commenting so far has mentioned the FNX-45 Tactical. Mine came with three 15 round magazines, is threaded for a suppressor, has Trijicon raised nightsights and is tapped on top to take a Trijicon red dot if necessary. Of course it also has a rail on the lower front for a light if you so desire. My FNX-45 cost around $1000.00 and is worth every penny. Consider the fact that I own the following .45’s: Para 1911 Custom, Kimber Ultra Carry, Glock 30s, Colt Commander 80, Ruger .45 and XDS 45 – I still choose the FNX to protect me when the SHTF. You can brag about your STI’s or any other 6-10 round handgun, but the FN is as accurate, more versatile and brings 45 silenced targeted rounds to the party. CAN YOUR .45 DO THIS?….. ENOUGH SAID.
I’m quite late to this party, but the Internet is Almost Forever, so here goes:
1. FN FNX-45T is hands-down my favorite 45. Not a CC gun, IMHO, especially with the Trijicon and a suppressor! So a big “thumbs-up” to you, Ringo.
2. XDs and Mod.2 45 are very fine CC weapons along with many others mentioned. Love how the XDs disappears under almost all my “garb”.
After reading this article I decided to chime in with my two cents. I’m a .45 guy, and have two carry guns. A G30 that I carry in the cooler weather and my Kimber Ultra Carry 2 during the warmer season. (I have a small frame and it’s hard to conceal the G30 with a tee shirt. IWB works but I don’t want to buy pants the next size up just to carry the G30).
That said, I’d like to add that I’ve owned the G30S and got rid of it due to the fact that Crimson Trace doesn’t make a grip laser for the G30S, only the G30. Even with smaller hands, I felt more comfortable with the larger frame. (I tried the guide rod laser and felt it was pretty much useless and cumbersome to turn on and off).
As a “shooting enthusiast” people always ask me what they should buy/carry. I tell them the same thing every time, shoot and handle every gun you can get your hands on, pick the one that you are comfortable with, the one you can shoot well, and the one that you can conceal easily. Then pick the largest caliber that you are competent with.
I’ve got the SIG P220 ( 45acp ). Will take from 7 to 10 round mags, single stack. Made in West Germany. Bought it about 15 odd years ago. 28 ounces with empty magazine, 4.4″ barrel, black stainless. Reliability, Operational Ease, & Accuracy are all as flawless as the sun rising & setting.
I owned the XDS 45 and went through the recall process. After getting the gun back and spending time at the range, I was very dissatisfied with my ability to shoot the gun accurately. I traded it on a Sig 1911 Ultra, and am quite happy with the change. I either carry the Sig or my Nighthawk T-3 Comp with a 4 1/4″ compensator barrel. If clothing dictates something smaller, I’ll slip my Sig P238 into my pocket. I can shoot all three of these guns more accurately than the XDS, and they’re all 7+1 capacity.
Just because it’s a big seller, doesn’t make it a good gun. I believe it is only popular because of the huge numbers of new ccw holders, most xds’s are bought for the small size, none are bought for how good it shoots! they all think the smaller the better. I was the same way at first. I too spent over 3 months waiting for my xds to be fixed and returned. during that time the springfield armory customer service was the worst I have ever dealt with. The gun was worse after I got it back so I sold it and bought my Para Elite Officer 1911. I will never buy another springfield armory gun, just because of their horrible customer service. and Now that I have a 1911, I can see why everyone loves them so much. Best gun I have ever owned. the 1911 platform that is. wish I had got one a lot sooner!
I have really found a winner with my Kimber Master Carry Ultra – it is finally a 3″ that I have 1000% confidence in. Previously my Les Baer commander was as small as I had faith in, but this Kimber has allowed me to finally cut down on grip length & pistol height & barrel length. (Of course I carry larger (8 round or 10 round) backup mags to boost firepower.) I like this Kimber’s durable finish, reliability, how it shoots!, and the new Crimson Trace Master Series grips are just excellent. It has taken years, but I finally have a true “compact” 1911 — and the best thing is that after packing around the commander size for years, this Kimber feels noticalby smaller.
Anything past this new Kimber-size pistol & I drop down to 9mm. I much prefer the 9mm Sig P938 to any of those tiny 45’s like the Kahr, XD-S, etc. But then again, you can also tell by now that I am a SAO type guy!
One vote here for the S&W Bobtail Commander. Really like it. It has a scandium frame, not as light at and old Colt Lightweight w/5 in bbl, but not a heavy as all steel 1911s and “pretty” too. Gotta say, I have a Springfield XD, the full size tactical version w/ 5 in bbl, and with over 2,000 rounds thru it, NOT ONE freakin’ hiccup. No misfires, misfeeds, no problems. But, it’s NOT a carry gun. Too big and bulky for that.
None of those pistols listed are as good as a Gen. 3 Taurus PT-145 Millennium Pro. You get 10 + 1 rounds in a package about the same size as the XDs. It’s slightly taller and slightly shorter. But that’s almost double the capacity. I have an XDm that I love so I’m definitely not anti-SA. But my PT-145 has never failed to function even once through several thousand rounds, it’s more accurate than my Springfield, and it has a lifetime warranty. It has a rail too. But the thing I can’t get past is that it puts 10 rounds in a double stack that isn’t as thick as many single stack 9mm pistols. It’s 1.25″. The pistol weighs less than the XDs too.
I actually intended to buy a Glock the day I bought that Taurus but I couldn’t find one that fit my hand. What I found was a pistol my LGS gave me a 30 day money back no questions asked guarantee on because the owner knew I would love it. It was half the price of the Glocks I looked at too. I just stuck all that extra money back in my pocket and took the Taurus home and I haven’t regretted it one second. I’ve hit empty .45 brass at 20 yards and more than once in a row. In fact I hit both the ones I shot at. I don’t know what more a person could ever ask out of a pistol. I guess the range isn’t as good as my Sig P220 and I’m sure it won’t stand up to the same abuse that Sig will. But it’s one heck of a nice CCW piece. I’ve actually gone with carrying the XDm in the winter because of higher capacity for a .40S&W and because that caliber will do certain things a .45 won’t. I carry a Ruger LCP in the summer because it’s much easier to conceal with light clothing.
But for a .45 carry pistol it’s almost impossible to beat that Taurus Mil. Pro.
Without a doubt the Kahr P45 is my pick for concealed carry; light, easy to hide, and in the last 5years has never let me down.
Fires first time, every time and with an extra mag or two it will do the job. Add to that the fact that it will accept any 1911 magazines, and works with all ammo types…. that says it all. !
I agree with Donn on this, my Kahr CW45 performs flawlessly ever time out of the holster. And can accommodate many different other manufacturer’s mags. I liked the CW45 so much that I sold my S&W40 in favor of a Kahr CW40. I’ve fired a Glock in 9mm, 40sw, & 45acp. But I cannot justify spending the money for 1 Glock when I can buy 2 Kahr’s for the same money and without having to swap out the polygonal barrel to fire lead cast bullets.
# 1 Boberg XR45 (simply nothing better)Go see for yourself—>
http://www.bobergarms.com/#!reverse-feed-technology/cn7g
full review —> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ZJkG3g-4-UU
# 2 Glock 30S you’ve seen it
# 3 Para-Ordnance : P10.45. Warthog 3″ Barrel, 11 Rounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HlhOWB9hjK0
I really don’t have a Top 5 list.
In fact the Boberg 45 is the only CCW 45 I would concider.
After that I like the Glock 29 10mm. It makes perfect sense to me for CCW.
10 mm pounds bears, let alone humans, so carry it anywhere.
And the Glock 20 looks and feels better to carry than the G30S. Nothing sticking out
Check out these two ballistic gell tests.
One with 45 acp spear 200g +p gold dot, and the other 10mm 170g JHP
45acp = https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=A8XqAMn4Wqo
10mm = https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8z49Lbnt16M
I would rather carry the 10mm…..how about you?
Really? Two Glocks? No Sigs, Baby Eagles? Wow! The Springfield XD one of the top five? Seriously?
Long out-of-print….but still available…. Star PD. Smaller than a Commander and about as big as the 4″ bbl XD-S. Classic Colt 45 build architecture but no grip safety. Doesn’t need one too….as it has a superior thumb safety ( a la 1911 style), but unlike a Colt 45, the Star PD hammer is completely lifted off the sear and the sear is locked when the safety is engaged. Very safe. 110% reliable too with all ammo. Had mine NiB treated and it is simply awesome. The Nickel Boron is very wear resistant ( like hard chrome) and slick as Teflon. Helps prevent wear on the aluminum frame and feed ramp too. Very under-rated and under-appreciated gun, but a superb piece !!
I find nothing wrong with the Ruger SR1911 .45acp Commander, both in firing and in concealment. I feel it should be among the top five!!
My normal CCW is a Kahr MK40, but because of capacity and size I usually carry a Taurus PT145 millennium Pro. I prefer the Taurus because of the patterns I get shooting within 20-25 yards.
I open carry a Sig P220 Nighttron in a drop holster, but when I carry concealed I carry a Taurus PT-145 Pro. The size of the 145 and additional capacity plus the great patterns I shoot at 35 ft makes it my standard concealed carry weapon!
XDs absolutely, Kahr… not so much so. Kahr .45s are known (common gun store knowledge) to be unreliable in .45. Based on my experience with the P45 3.5″. It’s incredibly difficult to fire the Kahr 45s reliably with two hand much less single handed. The CW and PM although I’ve not fired them, have no feature, size or weight difference that would suggest a different outcome. The Kahr 45s can be fired reliably with strict concentration and perfect conditions so as not to cause a misfeed from the recoil. But that’s not the demand of a concealed carry. The cc has to be reliable in imperfect conditions, under pressure, with the grip you achieve, and fire reliably double handed or single handed and under concealed carry conditions… not range perfect target shooting. Kahr .45s cannot hold up to being reliable under concealed carry conditions. My skill is intermediate, took gun safety and target shooting in the police academy and qualified once a year for 15 years. Then I went to Front Sight Training Academy in Parhump, NV for 4 days defensive handgun training with the P45. We fired 600 live rounds and another 600 dry-fire routines. The Kahr P45 could not perform reliably. So I hear I’m limp wristed, looks that way with the Kahr but not the XDs 3.3. I fired a rental both hands, single handed both sides and not one misfeed. I think why you see so many Kahr CW 45s for sale is folks just can’t shoot them reliably… and there are an awful lot of them for sale. We rarely see a Kahr 45 in P, PM or TP-4″ for sale because their just are not that many sold compared to the low cost CW. I went to a Glock Day at the range and had no problem with their sub compact 45s either. Kahr has inspected the weapon, replaced the slide release and recoil spring and found it to operate properly. Looks like I have an offer of $475 for the P45 so as soon as it’s done I’ll purchase the .45 XDs-4″ because I liked everything about the 3.3″ .45 XDs I fired. But I’m glad to see you came to the same conclusion as I did. BTW… what’s wrong with the hand gun industry… you can’t shoot it before you buy it. If we all weren’t so eager to buy without firing the weapons we are interested in, manufacturers would start putting demo’s in every store or range. You wouldn’t purchase a new car without a test drive, why to we wimp-out and buy hand guns that look and feel good in the hand, love the trigger pull and striker fire design… but I can’t shoot it. Let designate Oct-Nov-Dec ‘No Try-No Buy’ to make a point and see how quickly all manufacturer handguns start showing up in the rental inventory. Makes sense to me!
I own and carry a Kimber Raptor II, what a great gun for concealed carry and staying on target. Like they say, use a .45 and you don’t need a 15 round mag., it only takes one .45 to knock them down. I also sometimes carry a Ruger LC9 which is easy to carry and accurate for its size.
Hilarious! Another guy that can defy the laws of physics and “knock down” a person with a handgun. IF there was a handgun powerful enough to knock someone down……….
Pearce +1 magazine extension for glock 36 increases cap to 7+1 and adds just 1/2 inch to grip. Also not expensive.
I’ve carried and competed with a Taurus PT145 MilPro for several years now and after the first 200 rnds, haven’t had an issue. 10 +1 standard or go for the 14rnd Para mags or even the 20rnd ProMags as back up. To each their own.
That gun seems nice Mikel.
I like the capacity.
The sights might need a little paint.
But then again , who’s aiming when the bad guy’s on your ass.
Anyway thanks for sharing. I’ve never seen it.
Oh,I see it comes with better sights called; Heinie Sights.
Those are great.
Not to mention pretty cheap price Under $350. What a deal!
Only one problem….can’t find 1 for sale. The words out I guess.
Well I am looking for a small 40 or 45 . I am going to look a lot harder. your list of 5 went to about 20 and everyone likes his the best!
Ron, see my #1 pick below in my comment…..
It’s this —-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ZJkG3g-4-UU
But if you go .40 look into the Walther PPQ M1 (not M2 unless you like old school mag release)
That’s what I carry.
It’s the best pistol I’ve ever held.
I only wish they made it in .45
My Baby Eagle should have been on that list.
I also like the Taurus 24/7 Pro G2 Small, SA/DA with second strike capability and a decocker to relax the spring tension. Very safe, carries 12+1 and accurate and under $500.
Taurus PT-145 is smaller and lighter, still has double strike. It will accept G1 12 round .45 acp mags.
I think you’ve forgotten the best conceal carry .45, as I’ve owned all the ones listed above, none even come close to comparing to the Smith & Wesson M&P .45 compact. But that’s alright more for me 😀 it even looks more unique!!!
I prefer the Para Warthog in .45, for concealed, carry. small, compact, but loads 10 in the mag +1 chambered. I have a friend that carries a Keltec 9 and my Para is not any bigger than his pistol. You can also get 13 rd mags for it.
Excellent choice with the Para Warthog 45. 10 + 1 and it shoots well and conceals easy.
H&K HK45…’nough said.
I like my Para Warthog
+ 1 for the Warthog
That’s a pretty good list. I carry a XDs .45 most of the time. I occasionally carry a Glock 29 (10mm) or Springfield Lightweight Champion Operator (4″ 1911). These are all great choices for the summer months. In the winter I tend to carry a Sig P229 or XDm, (both in .40) or a Glock 20 (10mm) along with my XDs in a pocket holster.
I have carried a Colt Defender .45 for years. It has always been reliable with all ball, HPs, and my practice reloads. It’s a great little gun.
As I can have more than one, I do, so there is no compromise or argument from me. Although I’m a 1911 born and bread, if I could only have one, it would be the Glock 30S. Why? Because as with several other Glock models, by switching barrels and magazines you can effectively have more than one.
I have a Glock 27 and as everyone knows it is the same as a Glock 26 except for magazine, barrel and a couple of small minor parts. When my wife wants to carry it she swaps out the G27 barrel and magazine for a G26 barrel and magazine and it works 100%. The recoil spring is the same part number for both and it will take any length magazine for either 9MM or .40 Cal. The Lone Wolf 9MM barrel is surprisingly accurate and even with +P loads it is easy to shoot.
There are only good guns on the list and I would feel well armed with any of them but the versatility of most Glocks is a winner for me. Easy to maintain, cheap to maintain, 7 different magazines and two different calibers in one minute is a winner for me. I even have a suppressor with a dedicated 9MM 41/2″ bbl for when it is used as extra house/bedside gun.
Don’t forget about the S&W Chief’s Special in .45 acp. Even though only made from 1999 to 2005, it is the perfect conceal carry .45 acp.
Won’t disagree with you, but, I have never had any trouble with my sig sauer 1911 ultra compact 45 or H&K P30s in 9mm iwb or shoulder holster horizonal.
I have the XDS 3.3″ and love it. I put some mag extender butt plates on and it doesn’t seam to take away from concealment and it does help with shooting.I found them on Amazon cheap and easy to install. With them on my pinky finger has a place to go. I only need it for my right hand I lost the left one years ago.
Springfield Armory 1911 .45 Micro Compact
I’m a Vietnam Vet and retired police officer. My carry conceal pistols of choice are the XD Compact and the XDs both in .45acp. Both pistols have had at least 1500 rounds, mostly range loads, through them and each has performed faultlessly. I usually load the XDs with a 7 round mag and the Compact carries a 13 round mag in it. My round of choice is the Hornady Critical Defense load. With the Springfield/Hornady combination, I feel very comfortable at home or when I’m moving around the city.
In 45ACP it’s a Glock Model 21. Duh!
What about s colt officers model or s volt Commander. I have and do carry both reliable accurate. Guns
Have both the Kimber TLE and Glock 30S. I love the feel and accuracy of the Kimber. It’s so easy to get back on target.
While the Glock is dependable, the kick is a problem and I have big hands. Takes a bit to get used too.
I own the XD5. I carried at Diamondback 9 for a while and a HiPoint 9. To me the XD has a better feel in my hands and the hard recoil I haven’t seen. Maybe I’m just accustomed to the recoil of the .38 or .357 that I carried before the 9’s. I agree it is a great gun for cc. I have a flashbang that I carry with. No one expects a woman to pull a gun out of her chest and shoot, but I go to the range every week and practice. I love it.
You left out the XDM compact…that’s my favorite ,I carry two….
Don’t forget the colt commander
Don’t forget the colt commander
I personally love the feel,looks and accuracy my Colt New Agent gives me, and can wear Concealed without any problems. Fired over 500 rounds of you name it Ive fired it and no jams, or misfires. Semper Fi.
I think you are right on with the XDs .45. I wear one every day. It is thin, light, and molds to your body IWB, comfortable to wear all day and is undetectable. I work in a small gun shop and we sell the XDs’s 2 to 1 over all other carry guns.
Who makes the IWB holster for that 1911 that is displayed in your article?
TH – that is a Bianchi IWB holster. Good rig, but should note that the front sight blade of many 5″ 1911’s will catch during draw. Sight channel is not as accommodating as it could be.
I owned a Kimber CDP Compact (4′ barrel and officer grip). It was very reliable with ball ammo (FMJ) but it wouldn’t reliably feed self-defense ammo (HP). Sent it back to Kimber and they said it was fine and fed all ammo. When I got it back, I still couldn’t shoot 100 rounds of HP ammo w/o a FTF. I had purchased the pistol to carry for self defense, but gave up on it as I wanted to use HP ammo for carry (I worry about over penetration with FMJ). I have since traded that Kimber CDP for a nice S&W revolver (plus cash). I still needed a 45acp for carry so I purchased a Glock 30s…. which has performed flawlessly with both FMJ and HP ammo. Over 1500 rounds fired w/o any failures. I still own a 5″ match Kimber which has served me well and I would never trade or sell, although I only shoot FMJ in that Kimber.
I have both a GLOCK 30(not the S), and a Springfield XDS .45 3.3″. I love everything about the 30, but the XDS, not so much. The funny thing is, I couldn’t even tell you why, specifically. But then I have been a GLOCK fan ever since the early 1990’s.
If you can find one, the most excellent S&W 457…
Robertson Trading post, they have the smith 45’s u speak of, police trade ins priced at 419. And they are excellent folks to deal with. 15 dollar flat shipping rate and u can buy extra mags, anything, shipping stays the same. One of the most interesting on line gun shops out there.
Odd there is no mention of the new Ruger SR45? It is slim, 4.5 ” barrel, 10 +1 capacity? Too new?
You’re right on, Randy.
When I was looking for a CC, I handled quite a few “small .45’s”.None of them felt quite right. When I put the SR45 in my hand,
I knew I had the weapon that I wanted. Weight, balance and capacity. As far as concealability? No problem .Accessability?No problem. I don’t want to be fumbling around trying to find a “mini” when time is of the essence.
I bought a Glock 30s precisely for concealed carry. My hands are small however the grip is more comfortable than the XDS (traded that in on the Glock) and lighter too. It conceals well. I’d put it above the XDS.
I have an STI Spartan III 1911 (3″ ) and even when filthy dirty after several hundred rounds through it, it has never.failed.to.go.boom. I would put it against any kimber on the market for reliability.
My choice for a carry 45, the Sig P250SC; the smoothest factory DAO trigger I’ve ever felt. You missed the mark…
or better the SIG P220 Compact is a 6+1 or 8+1 and better than all of these choices for carry and I’ve tried 4 on this list!
Yeah 220 sig is the best
The Sig Sauer P220 is outstanding. The Kimber Ultra Carry II is as well. I’ve never had a problem with either one.
Yes I have a full size p220 as well as a p938 and both shot great
I find two things amusing with this list. The first is the 1st. The XD? Really? With that short grip safety? I think not! I can shoot a gun pretty accurately even with a bad grip and the gun should not be the one in charge of the Shoot/Don’t Shoot decision. The XD is like a woman. If you don’t hold it the way it wants to be held you will get the silent treatment. The other issue I have is you did not include the H&K USP. I am an averaged sized person and no one sees my full sized USP unless I want them to see it.
Are you kidding? The XDs is so small, tell me how you could hold and fire it without activating the grip safety (assuming it would fire). You would grasp it so low on the grip that your hand misses the safety? IF it is at all possible to grasp the XDs in any manner that you might otherwise be able to shoot it from without activating the safety, then you need to practice your draw and presentation and get the muscle memory necessary to grip it properly without thinking about it.
I just tried to grip my XDs without depressing the grip safety. I have to hold it so low on the grip that even my ring finger isn’t on the grip (with a normal grasp, my pinky is usually not on the grip). If the gun were shootable with this grip, there’s no way it could be controlled after the first round.
I have medium size hands and it works well for me. I’ve never heard that complaint before. But I have friends that have paws v hands that may not fit the XDs either.
Yeah… I have “paws” and have no problem with the XDS grip safety. If you miss it, you dropped your gun!
A word about the XDs grip safety: I am teaching a friend to shoot, and with her very small hands the XDs is ideally suited to her. At the range a few days ago she had several instances where she was definitely holding the gun but it would not fire because she was not (dis) actuatiing the grip safety, even with a firm grip. It was an excellent reason to stress the importance of keeping her thumb straight and parallel with her trigger finger and the barrel. Once she mastered that, no more problems.
Ok, I have larger hands. I carry a XDs in a .45. I never had a lick of trouble with it. About 1,000 rds fired so far with every conceivable brand, including dirty Russian ammo. With Hornady Critical Defense ammo at 7 yrds i can put 5 rds in one ragged hole. I’ve let some pretty small gals (5 ft or so) shoot it . Nobody had a problem. A 1911 is my first love, but anything in the XD family you can stake your life on. Just my 2 cents worth. lol
I agree, I carry a first gen xd and have found it to be excellent !
I’m glad someone else brought up the USP
I’m glad someone else brought up the USP
S & W 4513TSW Pre Rail
I’ve carried a Glock 36 since 2004. To me, it’s the perfect carry gun. Glock reliability, thin and carries 7 rounds of .45 therefore lighter (why do you really need more). I carry one spare mag so I have 13 at my disposal. I can carry it around all day and never feel it sagging on my hip. The best part is I got it for free after winning in my division at a Glock match.
7 rounds? You could get out gunned quick. Every round isn’t a stopper. With 13+ a much better chance of survival exist. Reloading is over rated. There just might not be time. I hope you don’t have to ever find this out.
If you shoot regularly and keep the muscle memory fresh, you shouldn’t need 13+ for even two, or three targets. One well placed shot does the job, especially with .45.
Have an M&P .45C and love it. Surprised it wasn’t on the list.
Exactly.
S&W M&P”s are great shooters.
I’m just a hater of the mag safety.
But the grip is outstanding for a 45
My M&P has no magazine safety. I enjoy shooting it but my only gripe is the grip texture isn’t aggressive enough and feels a bit sick.
talongungrips.com rubber version is my favorite. heat with hairdryer and keep squeezing and it molds to the gun perfectly. Have them on all my polymer pistol frames.
The S&W models that have a magazine safety is great for LEO’s. If a bad guy does get your gun, and you are wrestling with him to get it back, just push the magazine release button and once the magazine falls the gun is just a heavy paperweight. I carry a CS45. I not only love DA/SA pistols, the magazine safety can be a lifesaver.
Second that one!
I also carry the M&P .45C and love it. I also installed an Apex Tactical forward set sear and trigger–which was a righteous pain in the @$$. But it’s the best trigger of any of my autos with the possible exception of my full size 1911.
I have a 30s and my son has an XDs45. I shoot both and love both.
Really loving my G30S – so much that I’m probably going to personalize it with some custom grip work. This one is a keeper.
I own a Kimber Warrior and a Raptor. I have put a couple thousand rounds through them (mostly range reloads) and have never had a malfunction. Both firearms are well made and durable. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for. It seems in any article I ready that mentions Kimber there is frequently some sort of negative remark about them. I’m a 65 year old Vietnam veteran and supported the 82nd, 101st, 10th SFGA 1st SF and carried a 1911 thru out my carrier. I am not a casual aficionado of the 1911.
Frank – I hope you didn’t take my reference to Kimber as derogatory. Quite the opposite, really – I noted that Kimber is one of a very small number of manufacturers that gets it right when it comes to the micro-1911 3″ variety.
I have a Pro-Carry II, & it’s a great gun. Feeds pretty much anything you put in it, including non-jacketed ball. However, it’s quote finicky with aftermarket mags. It only came with one, so I bought a (8 rd) Chip McCormick for it. When I put 8 rds in, it’s pretty much a guaranteed misfeed – usually about 3 or 4 rds in. If I only put 7 rds in, I still have misdeeds more than I would like. Factory mag almost never has issues – I just wish Kimber mags didn’t run $45 each.
I also had problems with Chip McCormic mag in my Kimber ultra carry, I switched to Wilson Combat stainless mags and never had a problem again.
Roger that. Wilson Combat in any Kimber. No failures, smoother feeds than Kimber mags.
I had problems with Chip McCormick in my Sig Ultra and went with ACT Mags and Mec Gars. They work perfectly and for $17-18 a piece I never buy anything else now.
I too use a Kimber Ultra Carry Pro. Commenters who complain about jamming did not properly clean and oil their pistols. I have used the cheapest ball ammo and never had a jam, plus the small size makes a good case for a daily carry. However, in the last year, I went with the Bersa BP9CC. It’s very inexpensive, surprising accurate and very comfortable in the hand. It too never jams. Back to my Kimber, I ONLY have used Kimber Mags, but I feel compelled to get some Wilson Combat Mags 🙂
I check out your review and was getting ready to say that my carry is not one of your but was a Kimber 45 that I love but you have a number of people that love there’s also.
Kimber is a fine weapon although most people myself included can’t justify paying 1000$+ for them. But if I had the means I’d definitely love to own one. Thank you for your service sir!
I have 7 Kimbers – 2 being Ultra Carry’s I don’t leave the house without one. I found that the little 3 inchers didn’t like Winchester Ranger +P’s or Federal HST +P’s, but all of them eat Hornady products (XTP +P and Critical DUTY +P) all day long. I tried messing with the springs and polishing the feedramp and tuning one of them up for the +P’s but it didn’t help. ALL of them have NEVER had a failure with Hornady XTP +P’s, and I shoot a few rounds – minimum of 500 per outing. Mike – US Army Pistol Team 1974 – 1977 (Vietnam Era Vet)
I myself prefer the Kimber for my CC.,,,,,,but I use the Kimber UltraII w/laser grip, or when I go small I have my Sig P938SAS
Regarding the Glock 36; it’s not limited to 6 +1. With a Pearce Magazine Extender +1, there’s the option of an additional round which also eliminates the gap that frequently causes the ‘pinky pinch’. With an extra mag in reserve (and who wouldn’t carry an extra mag?) that gives the carrier 15 rounds of .45 ACP. For a self-defense scenario, that should be sufficient.
t’s my understanding Pearce dropped the +1 floor plate . I have lots of calls for them and have come up empty handed
I carry a G36 everyday and have six magazines, all with the Pierce grip extensions on. I have big hands and that makes it much easier for me to get a good grip. I believe I purchased them through Brownell’s this spring. I carry mine in a Remora holster and I love it. I also carry a 1911 and a Sig P250 Compact all in .45.
What is the difference in 30s vs the 36? I know capacity but thought the 30s had same profile and slide as 36.
Frank, is that you from Phu Bai in ’70?
I love my 3″ Kimber Ultra. It has never failed to feed, fire or eject anything I’ve ever fed it, factory or reloads. These smaller semi-autos need a firm grip with locked wrists and elbows to recoil against. Limp wrist them and you will have problems. I am a retired police officer who started in that field back when only wheel guns were allowed. The minute that changed out came my 1911 and I never looked back.
i would love to win one of your guns , have gun permet sence 1967 love to target shoot as well. thank you for the chance to win one CHARLIE
i would love to win one of your guns , have gun permet sence 1967 love to target shoot as well. thank you for the chance to win one CHARLIE
Smith & Wesson Chief’s Special CS45.
I had one of these for a while. The grip is just so long from backstrap to front that it was uncomfortable. Great size but went to a Kahr PM45(since traded off -darned trade-bug- and now I have the CM45).
Now my EDC is my Sig Ultra nitron and I just acquired an ATI FX45 “Fatboy” to try out. If it is reliable, as I hope, it will become my EDC. 12+1 with the option of 14 round backup mags in an officer sized 1911 is just too sweet. I had a Para Ordnance P12 but it was so unreliable I had to get rid of it. Para was stingy on the features any way. The Fatboy has ambidextrous safety, beaver tail, dovetailed front and rear Novak cut sights and front serrations on the slide. None of which the Para boasted. Both have the 3.2(ish) inch barrel and light weight alloy frames. But I have already ordered a set of Truglo TFO’s for the Fatboy and two extra Mec Gar P14/45 magazines.
The 1911 has always been my pistol of 1st love since childhood. I’m a big guy so my 4.25″ lightweight scandium frame S&W 1911 PD disappears perfectly for my concealment needs. I’ve owned many compacts from various manufacturers in my life from H&K and Glock to multiple Kimber 1911’s but I’ve never owned a pistol more comfortable to carry than my S&W 1911 PD.