Sub compact 45 choice?

[edfardos]

Do you carry a 45acp-chambered pistol here in the golden state? if so which, and why?

I have a full size 1911, which is just too big and heavy. I IWB in the summer, and OWB in the winter. I also enjoy activities like sitting down, and wearing seatbelts.

so, having said all that, is there a (sub)compact 45acp pistol that fits the bill? I'm assuming double-stack, 6-10 rounds. Polymer is fine, light-rail a plus.

• Glock 30SF
• Springfield XD45-something?
• Springfield EMP4 1911 (too heavy, i have this in .40 now)
• other?

curiously,
edfardos

[Quiet]

I have my Glock 30 Gen 2.5 listed on my CA CCW permit and it's the second most pistol that I carry.

I carry it because it's compact, accurate, and reliable.

It has the same footprint as a Glock 19, but it's way heavier when loaded.
But, I do tend to carry it more than my Glock 19 Gen 3, which is also listed on my CA CCW permit.

The only gripe I have with it is the weight and that's not really a real compliant given the weight of .45ACP ammo, since any double stack .45ACP subcompact pistol will weight more than a similar sized pistol in a smaller caliber.

[edfardos]

Thanks for the feedback on the Glock. I'm an aspiring glock owner, but it appears you're a glock-amorer, could you tell me with confidence if there is a 9-round magazine for the glock30SF? I see them on ebay, but not sure if it's a glock-part. The magazine that comes with the 30SF seems prohibitively long, protruding out of the handle.

thanks again!
-edfardos

[Quiet]

Thanks for the feedback on the Glock. I'm an aspiring glock owner, but it appears you're a glock-amorer, could you tell me with confidence if there is a 9-round magazine for the glock30SF? I see them on ebay, but not sure if it's a glock-part. The magazine that comes with the 30SF seems prohibitively long, protruding out of the handle.

Glock does make a 9 round magazine for the 30.
It's a lower production item, since the 10 round magazine is standard and more preferred by users.

The 10 round magazine provides a three finger grip and the 9 round magazine provides a two finger grip.


GunMag Warehouse currently has factory Glock 30 9 round "Gen 4" magazines in stock.

Quick summary on Glock magazine generations:
Gen 1 = NFML + left side mag catch
Gen 2 = FML + left side mag catch
Gen 3 = FML + left & right side mag catch
Gen 4 = FML + left, right, & front mag catch
Gen 5 = FML + left & right mag catch + orange follower (currently only available in 9mm)

[Title1guy]

The Glock 36 and Springfield XDs are two subcompact models worth looking at. I think one version of the 36 is off roster. All versions of the XDs are off roster. Another one that is a sub-compact is the Kahr PM-45. All of these are low capacity (5or6+1) vs. double-stacks though. A Glock 30S is a desireable off-roster choice for its 10+1 capacity and thinner slide; but larger than the other models.

[ironhorse1]

If you haven't ever fired a compact .45 I would suggest you might want to try one first.

The most tolerable .45 is the Commander Lightweight which I do own and is very controllable.

I have shot the Officers model in stainless and even though it is heavy the short grip makes the pistol brutal to shoot more than a magazine full.

Just a FWIW. Until you try the smaller .45's you won't know how much recoil is acceptable or tolerable.

irh

[Quiet]

The Glock 36 and Springfield XDs are two subcompact models worth looking at. I think one version of the 36 is off roster. All versions of the XDs are off roster. Another one that is a sub-compact is the Kahr PM-45. All of these are low capacity (5or6+1) vs. double-stacks though. A Glock 30S is a desireable off-roster choice for its 10+1 capacity and thinner slide; but larger than the other models.

Glock 36 = on-Roster
Glock 36 FGR = off-Roster
The main difference is the Glock 36 FGR has the Glock accessory rail and the Glock 36 does not have an accessory rail.

Glock 30S is more ideal for conceal carry than the Glock 30/30SF, due to the 30S having a slimmer slide and less weight than the 30/30SF.
Before Glock released the 30S, people were making their own by taking the slide assembly from the 36 and installing it on the 30SF frame. Glock released the 30S due to LE request for a factory made version of this.
In 2013, the LAPD SIS unit ended up replacing their Kimber 1911s with the Glock 30S.

[edfardos]

Thanks for the magazine truth table,

essentially the gen4 mag is backwards compatible with gen3. So if i see side-catches, it's good in the glock 30SF?

[Quiet]

Thanks for the magazine truth table,

essentially the gen4 mag is backwards compatible with gen3. So if i see side-catches, it's good in the glock 30SF?

Yes.

[Quiet]

Just a FWIW. Until you try the smaller .45's you won't know how much recoil is acceptable or tolerable.

I have a .45ACP S&W Model 325PD (2.5"), compact revolver with a scandium frame, titanium cylinder, and steel barrel.
The revolver fully loaded, feels like it weighs less than a fully loaded 10 round Glock 30 magazine.
The felt recoil is very stout and after 30 rounds, I'm done shooting it for the year.


If I wasn't carrying my Glock 30 (which I would like to replace with a 30S or 29SF), my choice for a .45ACP compact carry pistol would be a H&K USP-45 Compact (on-Roster) or H&K HK-45C (off-Roster).

[Humboldter209]

[edfardos]

Spectacular wealth of information guys - thanks, I should have come here first.

I think glock30sf is in the lead, with the glock36 close behind, though I can't find a CA-legal version?

I really like looking at the HK, even the revolver option!

Commander lightweight, I'm not sure is light enough. I love the 1911, but for edc, i might have to let it go. I'm going to carry an Sprg EMP4 in 40 today, just to see, really have to tighten the belt.

my current ccw is a Sprg XD40, which works for me for the most part

cool,
-edfardos

[9Cal_OC]

While a 1911 is large and heavy, I remember carrying an M&P45 which was very manageable and lighter. It’s slim profile still helps conceal over larger shirt and jacket.

And capacity it 10rds with the standard magazine. It is off roster but the premium isn’t much, at least when I got mine. The recoil is controllable.

I tried a G30 and it wasn’t for me, so as always, try before you buy.

[Brother_Hesekiel]

I also enjoy activities like sitting down, and wearing seatbelts.

You're a pretty kinky fellow, it seems, but who am I to judge.

I suggest you look at the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 45. It should server your purpose well.

[onelonehorseman]

When I had my CA permit, I had a Glock 30SF, and a H&K USP Compact, on it.

Most of the time I carried the Glock.

Both can be a little heavy when fully loaded, but once you find the best holster for your situation, it's manageable.