Compact .45 Opinions

[Yikes!]

I've been a fan of .45s for years. I have an XD .45 compact but it's too big/fat to tote. I inherited a Colt Model 80 1911 from my father in law awhile back and loved it so much I bought a gently used Kimber Compact Custom that is just a little smaller and easier to carry.

What I need help with is I am thinking of an even smaller/lighter .45 for my summer fashions:). I am considering another Kimber in ultra size possibly with laser grips or a Springer EMP but they seem to be hard to find in .45.

I want night sights and think the laser grips would be a plus as well.

I like to her what yall think...

[Guest bkelm18]

Do the EMPs come in .45? I didn't think they did.

[Sandman]

I have a Springfield Ultra Compact that I carry daily. I also added the Crimson Trace grips on it. I did change the springs out shortly after purchase to add a heavier pin strike. I have never had a misfire, FTF, FTE, etc... since the change. I sighted in my laser to 15 yards and can hit just about anything with it. I'm a huge fan and highly recommend a ultra compact 1911. It's not for everyone though. It took me awhile to get use to the cock and locked carry.

[Yikes!]

Do the EMPs come in .45? I didn't think they did.

You might be right, maybe that's why I'm having trouble finding one...

[Yikes!]

I have a Springfield Ultra Compact that I carry daily. I also added the Crimson Trace grips on it. I did change the springs out shortly after purchase to add a heavier pin strike. I have never had a misfire, FTF, FTE, etc... since the change. I sighted in my laser to 15 yards and can hit just about anything with it. I'm a huge fan and highly recommend a ultra compact 1911. It's not for everyone though. It took me awhile to get use to the cock and locked carry.

Cocked and locked is no prob. It just takes a lot of practice to remember you've gotta click the safety before you can pull the trigger. I also have a Sig p238 SAS for pocket carry in a Nemisis holster that I really like but it's only .380.

[Il Duce]

How big are you? I tote the XD45C around everywhere with ease

[Yikes!]

6'1 300lbs. I just like my guns like I like my ladies... slim. (My wife is not a member)

The XD is great for the bedside.

[Guest 10mm4me]

Double Action Colt New Agent

[GKar]

The Springer Micro Compact is the .45 equivalent of the EMP...very nice gun.

[tnhawk]

Ultra Compact - is a 3.5 " .45acp

The EMP is available in 9mm or .40

During hot weather I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP II or XD 40sc

[Oh Shoot]

6'1 300lbs. I just like my guns like I like my ladies... slim.

Ah, you need the

LM4 Simmerling

The legendary Simmerling is one of the smallest .45 ACP's ever made. This incredible vest pocket pistol has a 5-shot capacity, and the first round is carried in the chamber ready for instant use just like a revolver or a larger frame .45 Auto. The LM4 weighs in at just 24 oz., and is only 5.2 x 3.7 inches in size with a thickness of 1 inch. The LM4 will be produced in limited quantities.

- OS

[krunchnik]

Quite correct the EMP is only available in .40S&W or 9mm.This is the .40S&W

And one to consider would be a RIA CS-Tactical in officers size 3.5 inch barrel,pretty reasonable for around $500.00 and in .45ACP

[GKar]

Here's the Micro Compact and the EMP .40 together. They are virtually the same size - in fact, most holsters for one fit the other flawlessly.

[eastenn]

check out the Kahr PM45 also. I have been reading about the Kahrs, and considering the PM9 or the cheaper, slightly larger CW9 as a carry option for myself.

Michael's PM45 Range Report... - KahrTalk Forums

[Guest Doug]

I carry a Colt Defender with night sights and crimson trace laser grips in a Cross Breed IWB holster. I'm very happy with it. I occasionally carry other guns but I always go back to my Colt.

The Kahr in 45 would be a good choice. I have a Kahr in 9mm and they are great guns.

[Guest tbone]

+1 on the Defender. I had one for a while and it was a great carry 1911. It feed hollow points fine. I remember a couple of stove pipes, but I didn't count them because they occurred on the range with reloaded ammo. With factory ammo, that gun was a utterly reliable and amazingly accurate. Get a quality mag to feed it, like a Wilson Combat, and you will be good to go!

[laktrash]

S&W cs 45 Is a great little gun if you can find one. Is tha colt new agent a DOA gun ? I thought it a single action

Edited May 17, 2010 by laktrash

[Magiccarpetrides]

Ah, you need the

LM4 Simmerling

The legendary Simmerling is one of the smallest .45 ACP's ever made. This incredible vest pocket pistol has a 5-shot capacity, and the first round is carried in the chamber ready for instant use just like a revolver or a larger frame .45 Auto. The LM4 weighs in at just 24 oz., and is only 5.2 x 3.7 inches in size with a thickness of 1 inch. The LM4 will be produced in limited quantities.

- OS

Thats actually heavier then the 1rd higher capacity Kahr PM45 and CW45 (19.7oz)

[Guest pusherman]

Well, you said 45 but you didn't say what flavor:koolaid:. I have a nice 45LC BondArms cent2000. I carry it in my front pocket of my jeans. Light, smaller than a SW .38, nice little blaster.

Also have a 245Sig that I'm very fond of. Feeds like a dream, shoots where you point but its a little chunky. I cant carry this one with a tshirt and jeans.

[1gewehr]

I carry my old Star PD .45acp. Reliable, accurate, simple, and no plastic (except the buffer).

[KahrMan]

check out the Kahr PM45 also. I have been reading about the Kahrs, and considering the PM9 or the cheaper, slightly larger CW9 as a carry option for myself.

Michael's PM45 Range Report... - KahrTalk Forums

+1 for the Kahrs. If the PM45 is to small then check out the P45.

[Oh Shoot]

Thats actually heavier then the 1rd higher capacity Kahr PM45 and CW45 (19.7oz)

Just a hoot.

I think you actually have to rack each round in manually.

It's sort of "slide pump derringer".

- OS

[SL1M]

I don't know if I could recommend a 1911 that is smaller than 5" for carry as reliability goes way down due to barrel length. I'd carry a 5" 1911 if you need something thinner.

[Will Carry]

I carry a Glock 36. It's a single stack so it's slim. It's reliable, accurate and light weight. I have a CT sight on it. It ain't glamorous like a nice Kimber or Colt, but it's the smallest 45 I own.

[Il Duce]

glamour is overrated