Carry/Full size .45 recommendations

[Vanguard]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a .45 soon and I want one that I can carry if I ever get a CCL. I also want a full size one so maybe I'll buy two.

Which do you guys recommend, both full and carry size? I realize that people have different preferences so please tell me the features you like about the handgun you suggest. Please no pissing contests, everyone has different reasons for what they like to shoot. .45s only please, I already own a 9mm. Thanks in advance.

[will227457]

any of the sub compact 1911 will be a good choice.....I like Kimber.....CDP maybe...real nice handgun

[Sam]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a .45 soon and I want one that I can carry if I ever get a CCL. I also want a full size one so maybe I'll buy two.

Which do you guys recommend, both full and carry size? I realize that people have different preferences so please tell me the features you like about the handgun you suggest. Please no pissing contests, everyone has different reasons for what they like to shoot. .45s only please, I already own a 9mm. Thanks in advance.

Well I guess I will give my obvious answer and tell you to get a gov't size 1911. Choosing one will open up a whole new can of worms from the forum members I'm sure. I carry a Wilson CQB in a Milt Sparks VMII. It carries comfortably, easily and I feel there is no other pistol design more confidence inspiring than a full size 1911 on my hip. The 1911 is very flat so that it lays close to the body and in a VMII the grip is angled and hidden well. In an IWB setup you don't really need to worry about the barrel/slide length.

[will227457]

also G30, g36, para warthog, 10 rounds of 45 in a 1911 package.....kahr in45acp.......lots of good options is there any special style of gun that you like?

[Sam]

any of the sub compact 1911 will be a good choice.....I like Kimber.....CDP maybe...real nice handgun

Personally for me anything with a shorter grip than a full size frame leaves my pinky hanging off. If I'm going with a full size frame IWB then I might as well go with a full size barrel/slide. Of course, people are different and it would be best to try different sizes out at a shop.

[Vanguard]

also G30, g36, para warthog, 10 rounds of 45 in a 1911 package.....kahr in45acp.......lots of good options is there any special style of gun that you like?

Man, that Warthog is nice. I'll have to check that out.

[1911su16b870]

Carry the largest bore, smallest frame gun that functions 100% reliably and that you can shoot accurately

Hits with a 9mm > misses with a 45ACP!

Clint Smith-ism, if you need to pull out a gun, pull out a big one!

[Wayneard3413]

It is generally accepted that the all things equal the full size guns tend to run more reliably and stand up to abuse better

That said, I am a fairly small guy and have no problems carrying a 5" gun... It is more about the holster/belt combo and careful selection of your clothing

[PolishMike]

Man, that Warthog is nice. I'll have to check that out.

Check my sig

[popndrop]

I'd say 1911 is the way to go. Brands and such vary greatly depending on your willingness to fork out the dough. I really like the Semi-custom's - Nighthawk or Wilson, and have heard good things about Les Baer. They're all going to be north of $1500 at this point - but IMHO worth it.

[cineski]

Full size: HK45, USP45, XD45. Compact: XD45c (although not all that easy to conceal). The G36 is probably best at this, or the Kahr P45. The XD is quite a bit more ergonomic than the G30, so I chose not to go with one of those. If you don't shoot a 1911 now, don't start for a defensive weapon.

[Sobriquet]

HK USP Compact in .45. Done and done.

[Mr. Magoo]

The problem with buying a 1911 is that you may be buying it for defense now....but trust me it will turn into an ugly addiction. Just an FYI...

[RogueSniper]

.45s have a bit of a heft to them, especially mine. I have a wide body .45, steel frame, and holds 15 rounds, it rests in a slider holster (if I'm carrying) to minimize additional weight. I don't carry a spare magazine, but I'm considering of a single carrier. Holster and carry position PLUS gun weight will help you decide.

Or, go for a single stack 1911-type and carry two magazines. It's slim enough for concealment and the total weight will probably be less than mine.

I like the 1911 because the .45 are more tameable with that beavertail and heft. I like the trigger pull on the single action, too. I shoot a .40 with a comp but the .45 is easier to keep on target. It doesn't feel as snappy.

My .02

[Juicymeat]

I'm a pretty small guy and I can conceal a full sized 1911 way better than I can conceal my Glock 21. Length is a lot easier to hide than width. A double stacked .45 is going to be printing a bit unless you're a larger guy or have more clothes on.