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Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: From the Mailbox on April 13, 2008, 10:59:40 AM

Title: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: From the Mailbox on April 13, 2008, 10:59:40 AM

From: Ovie
Date: 4/11/2008 9:50:39 PM
     
Mr. Bane
 
    I am in no way new to guns and rifles, but I am new to concealed carry. My question to you would be what type of gun do you prefer in a concealed weapon chambered in 45? A friend and I have been going to gun shops and gun shows right now it looks a glock,or a kahr. I have been trying to read up on these and many other but after so much reading they all start to look good and bad at the same time. NEED HELP OR AT LEAST A DIRECTION.
                                                            Thanks Ovie.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: gunman1911 on April 13, 2008, 11:12:50 AM
You are asking a Sig fan?
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: baershooteer on April 13, 2008, 12:01:21 PM
Here are two suggestions from a 1911 fan.  I usually carry either a commander size 1911 (an Ed Brown Kobra Carry or Kimber Pro Elite) or what I feel is the best compact based on the 1911 platform: a Detonics CombatMaster.  Just my opinion, for what it's worth.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Outlaw on April 13, 2008, 12:04:54 PM
Is price an issue? If so, Glock is probably as fair and dependable as it gets. Some folks that carry IWB worry a bit about the Glock safety setup. Your call on that one.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: 2HOW on April 13, 2008, 12:56:34 PM
Im a huge fan of the millinium pro series ,the PT145 from Taurus. And dont believe the bad press on these, that was the first series I bet my life on mine (PT140) and will soon have a 145. Good luck OBTW you cant go wrong with a 1911 either,  ;D
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: someguy on April 13, 2008, 01:41:07 PM
IMO, you've made the right first step by deciding that the carry gun needs to be a .45.  Best advice I can give
is to find a range, if possible, that can rent you several widely varying styles.  I tried 1911's, double-stack guns,
other single-stack guns, DAO triggers, single-action triggers...  You need to find what conceals well, fits your
hand well, and allows for a natural trigger movement that you can develop good habits with.  As you are no
doubt aware, any single gun recommendation might turn out to be a gem or a turd in your hands.  I settled on
a Sig P220 Compact Carry in a Milt Sparks VMII IWB holster.  I wear a suit everyday; your normal will likely come
into play on some of these decisions as well.

Try as many as possible before buying, is what I'm trying to say.  Good luck, and thanks for carrying.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: CurrieS103 on April 13, 2008, 04:38:01 PM
I carry a Kimber Ultra-Carry in an IWB.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: gunman1911 on April 13, 2008, 07:12:44 PM
Yes the .45  caliber choice is a great one and so is the 1911 platform as I carry a Kimber IWB with no problem but it still comes down to personal choice.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: TAB on April 13, 2008, 07:31:32 PM
I use to carry my colt combat commader... that was until I bought my 1st delta eilte...

1911 tend to CC better then pistols of simlar size and weight.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: .45 on April 13, 2008, 09:00:14 PM
I highly recommend the GLOCK 30.  Light recoil, accurate, and holds 11 rounds of .45.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: m25operator on April 13, 2008, 09:24:45 PM
First, concealed carry has nothing to do with caliber... It has mostly to do with your build and environment.

Let's talk about your choices, semi auto, revolver, single stack or double stack semi. Your choice of concealment depends on your build. Thinner people have more options than heavier people. What you have to do physically has a lot to do with how you will carry, regardless of what you carry. Do you have to bend over a lot? Do you wear a suit? Do you have to lay down on the ground, face down or face up very much?

1) wear a suit, nearly the sky's the limit, long coat tails to cover your pistol, probably not laying down anywhere. Inside the waist band, at strong side hip is optimal.

2) Like me, have to bend over a lot, lay on my back in front of people, or lay down in front of people not wearing a suit or jacket, pretty well makes me carry in the pocket or an ankle holster, ankle holster is also risky in my normal routine, so I carry in the front pocket. I have a C6 Para, that is indeed small, and will fit in a front pocket, but in a firing grip while in the pocket is nearly, impossible to draw.

3) Try different models, in the front position, iwb position, crotch carry, etc... and see what works for you, in your normal. everyday environment..

4) A belly band holster underneath your armpits is a very good setup, and works as well as a front pocket carry, and allows for larger pistols.


I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Diplomat on April 13, 2008, 11:53:21 PM

What ever hand cannon you are safe, comfortable and accurate with.

If you still want an opinion a good 1911 is my choice. Kimber Pro to be exact.  Pro has a full size frame for a solid grip and 4" barrol for easy concealment.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: HAWKFISH on April 14, 2008, 08:24:35 AM
 ::) I would recomend a Glock.[ Then you would have to decide which size, small-medium-or large. The G30 is tad small for a .45 in my opinion, while the G36 is not too big or not to little. It has a nice feel to it. You can carry IWB or whatever.."cocked and locked", just as long as you cover up the trigger guard while you are not holding it in you hand and it is safe. I"ve carried Glock for years, with one in the pipe, iwb mostly.. with no problems. It will not fire until you or something pulls the trigger all the way back. Hence and good trigger guard cover on a holster is criticial. I've dropped mine before, it didn't fire. They are as safe as anything out there as long as you are smart about them. XD's are the same way. M&P's are pretty much too. Hope all that helps some.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: RGJOHNS on April 14, 2008, 09:12:42 AM
It will be hard to add to much to what has already been said here. I have a Kimber which I like and also have a Para CCO with the LDA trigger. It is a single stack gun.  The double stack is to wide for my hand and a single stack just feels better. I do carry a second clip with me. Not that I think I will ever need more than 7 rounds. Don't think I am going to war in the places I go. But better safe than sorry. Have had a Glock,  Taurus 24\7 , found that I like the 1911 syle better.  The Para LDA has the same trigger pull each and every time. I can carry one chambered and not have To carry cocked and locked. You have to worry alittle about how what you do and how you carry on the part of The police. If you are pulled over and They asked if you have something on you. showing them your permit and they want to see your gun or if you have to go to court after something has happened. they might see cocked and locked as you were looking for trouble. How ever as it is said better to be judged by 12 then carred by 6. I am just saying there are things that need to be thought out. The Para for me allows me to have one in the chamber with the safety on so I can draw and drop the safety in you motion. This works for me. My Kimber which I will always have is single action. so you have to be cocked and locked or draw and pull the hammer back in one motion. The other is to pull the slide and chamber one in your draw having to have two hands free or some kind of way to rack one in. If it is dropped or the hammer is hit you could have a problem with it going off.
            It gets down to what you are comfortable with. What fits your hand. What you are comfortable shooting. ( you have to hit the target to do you any good)  These have just been my thoughts for you. everybody has there own opinions.  I hope this will help some. Ray.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: mutt on April 27, 2008, 11:30:01 PM
 I carry mostly a Kimber Ultra .45 . Have carried a S&W Mod. 49 .38 spec..  And then a  Colt SAA .45 at times . All are according to weather and comfort .............My lovely young wife carries two . S&W 49 38 spec. and a Beretta .25 Auto .
                                                     Mutt ;D
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: ericire12 on April 28, 2008, 08:31:57 AM
A lot of Kimbers being suggested, but I think personally I would rather spend that $1000+ and go buy two Glocks & some ammo.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: TexasAggie01 on April 28, 2008, 10:15:47 AM
A you've narrowed it down to Kahr or Glock, I'll leave off other suggestions. If you're open to the GAP cartridge, you might want to look at the 37, 38, and 39 Glocks, as you get a .45 in a smaller frame.

In .45 ACP, I'd shoot all the Kahrs and Glocks you can, and see what works best for you. Personally, I love my Glock 30 for carry, and suggest it, if you've had the chance to shoot one and found it worked well for you. As I have large palms and normal size fingers, the 30 fills and fits my hand better than most of the 9mm sized Glocks. The broadness of the grip really spreads the recoil, and having 10+1 rounds of .45 ACP in such a small package is nice.

If you want a slimmer gun, I really like Kahrs and will probably get another one either in .40 S&W or .45 ACP, depending on how my career progresses. I suggest trying the .45, as I loved my Kahr in .40 for everything but shooting! It's slim, relatively light, and carries a decent number of cartridges, but I could never shoot it well.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: uhpretired on April 28, 2008, 08:29:15 PM
CCW, I believe, is a lot like soft body armor...carry all the time.  Any type of weapon (gun) is better than a hand full of keys.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: tombogan03884 on April 29, 2008, 12:52:01 AM
CCW, I believe, is a lot like soft body armor...carry all the time.  Any type of weapon (gun) is better than a hand full of keys.

Just out of curiosity, UHPRETIRED, Would that be "Utah Highway Patrol"?
nd yes, I have to agree, .22 in your pocket is a better "manstopper" than a .44 magnum you left home.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: uhpretired on April 29, 2008, 10:08:58 PM
Just out of curiosity, UHPRETIRED, Would that be "Utah Highway Patrol"?
nd yes, I have to agree, .22 in your pocket is a better "manstopper" than a .44 magnum you left home.

Yes...
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Walter45Auto on April 30, 2008, 10:41:54 AM
From: Ovie
Date: 4/11/2008 9:50:39 PM
     
......
    I am in no way new to guns and rifles, but I am new to concealed carry. My question to you would be what type of gun do you prefer in a concealed weapon chambered in 45? A friend and I have been going to gun shops and gun shows right now it looks a glock,or a kahr. I have been trying to read up on these and many other but after so much reading they all start to look good and bad at the same time. NEED HELP OR AT LEAST A DIRECTION.

Well, I have the GLOCK model 30, .45 ACP Subcompact. I LOVE it. It's an excellent gun, and I reccomend it. I have a cousin in law who has a Kahr P45, and he loves it. Says it's been reliable, accurate, and it's lighter and thinner than the GLOCK. I've held his Kahr, and it feels good in the hand. I'll probably get the smaller size Kahr .45, the PM45 when I do get one. The Kahr's advantage is it's thinner size and lighter weight (Don't get me wrong, the G30 is a good light gun, too.). It woud be the easier of the two to conceal. The GLOCK 30 is an awesome gun, but it's a FAT gun. However, that fat gun holds 10 rounds in its magazine, as opposed to the Kahr's 5 or 6 rounds. And the GLOCK 30 can accept 13 round GLOCK 21 magazines.  A friend of mine has a Taurus Mellinium .40, and he likes it a lot. The main gun I carry is a Taurus 617 .375 Mag snub nosed 7 shot revolver. My dad has a Kimber Ultra Carry that is an excellent gun. If It's between the GLOCK and Kahr, if you need the extra concealability, get the thinner Kahr. If you want something with more than 5 or 6 rounds, get the Glock 30.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: hodman on April 30, 2008, 11:37:50 AM
I carried a Kimber ultra CDP for years in 45ACP. I just changed over last year to a Karr P45 and love it. I would also look at the PM 45.

My 2 cents worth

Jon
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Dougdubya on April 30, 2008, 01:24:38 PM
Anyone find the 3 inch Springfields reliable?  I really like their features and how they fit my hand.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: hodman on April 30, 2008, 01:38:26 PM
Anyone find the 3 inch Springfields reliable?  I really like their features and how they fit my hand.

That was my issue with Springfield’s small guns some of them had issues. But I know as many who loved them and thought they were a bargain. I will stick with my original statement the more you get away from the original design (size and caliber) the harder and more expensive it is to make run

Jon
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: ellis4538 on April 30, 2008, 01:49:00 PM
I carry a lightly modified LW Colt Officers ACP on a regular basis with either Wilson or Chip McCormick 7 round mag and it has been 100% with factory ammo except Speer "Flying Ashtray" 200gr. HP.  All other HP ammo works fine. 

Richard
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: m25operator on April 30, 2008, 02:36:06 PM
I have a Para c-7 LDA,  that is a joy to carry and shoot, I do use an IWB HOLSTER for this. I also have a C-6 LDA, and it is hard to get a good grip from the holster because the butt is so short, but it really hides well. Everyone who has shot either of mine are very surprised at the recoil characteristics, very controllable.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Burt Gummer on May 02, 2008, 09:08:49 PM
For CC I am a fan of the G30. Glock has a modified G30 called the G30 SF which is a smidge smaller in some dimensions than the G30 and also there isthe G36. I have not carried a G36 but I understand it is thinner since it is a single stack.

Also Kahr has a compact 45 model out I have yet to get trigger time on.

You will get many opinions here on the best .45 but put your meathooks on some models and narrow it down for yourself.
Good luck.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: rojawe on May 02, 2008, 09:39:55 PM
I agree with the post above go to a range and rent several, since your new to guns a 45 might be a bit much for a starter. I have seen many at the range shooting something to big for them to start with and go away feeling this in not what they wanted. I don't care what you carry if you can't hit with it your screwed. Most at the ranges are eager to help and ask several, asking doesn't cost and it may save you big bucks. Guns are like cars what I like you may not and take your time. 8) :-X
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Lucas on May 02, 2008, 11:41:01 PM
Has anyone mentioned the Para Warthog?
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Gun Shooter on May 07, 2008, 05:24:28 PM
Pure Carry Defensive; Kahr CW45, Pure Carry Defensive (if he's not right on top of you) Kahr TP45 w/XS24/7 Tritium Big Dot 725mag (7rd) in both. PULL AND PRESS, PROBLEM ENDED!!!
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Solid on May 07, 2008, 10:25:32 PM
My conceal carry .45 is a 5" 1911 IWB.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Walter45Auto on May 12, 2008, 11:19:21 PM
::) I would recomend a Glock.[ Then you would have to decide which size, small-medium-or large. The G30 is tad small for a .45 in my opinion, while the G36 is not too big or not to little. It has a nice feel to it. You can carry IWB or whatever.."cocked and locked", just as long as you cover up the trigger guard while you are not holding it in you hand and it is safe. I"ve carried Glock for years, with one in the pipe, iwb mostly.. with no problems. It will not fire until you or something pulls the trigger all the way back. Hence and good trigger guard cover on a holster is criticial. I've dropped mine before, it didn't fire. They are as safe as anything out there as long as you are smart about them. XD's are the same way. M&P's are pretty much too. Hope all that helps some.

G30 is too small, but the G36 isn't???? The only dimension that is different, according to the GLOCK website, is the thinckness. The 36 is thinner. Wouldn't that make the G36 the smaller gun?
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: 2HOW on May 14, 2008, 05:36:51 PM
I just went back to my 1911( the one in my avatar)  for my EDC and gave my PT140 to the wife. And have come to the conclusion that even tho its longer and heavier ,its easier to carry . I carry appendix and it lays closer to the body, the 140 always wanted to turn outward (the handle) . I think I will buy another 1911 in a shorter barrell and build on it , another RIA. 8)
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Galeth005 on May 14, 2008, 05:56:27 PM
as i only have 3 guns... sr9, 24/7 compact in .40 and an taurus 85 .38 special.. i cary my 38, its the most comfortable to carry, sure only 5 rounds, but hey its what i like, and i like it alot, my fav is my sr9 but i locked it up pending its recall.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: CurrieS103 on May 14, 2008, 06:04:15 PM
I just picked up a Glock 30 as my new carry gun.  I wasn't at all unhappy with my 3" 1911.  I carry a G17 for work and train mostly with it.  It only made sense to carry a like weapon that I train with.  It seems the G30 has a bit more snap then my Kimber but not uncomfortable to shoot or carry.  It is just as accurate and has more rounds available. 10+1 and 10 more in the spare mag vs. 7+1 and 7 more in the spare.  In south Florida a little more in the mag seems to be a nessesity these days.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Frosty on May 23, 2008, 03:32:49 PM
I carry my NEW Smith & Wesson M&P .45 (I really, really like) 10 rnd mag. with 230g JHP
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: hardcurrency on June 02, 2008, 10:07:21 PM
I carry a Sig Revolution Compact C3 in a IWB. It works well and conceals very well.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Ckott on June 03, 2008, 02:20:01 PM
You'll get many different answers, so you may just have to see what works best for you. For me a Sig 1911
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: 2HOW on June 04, 2008, 08:26:38 PM
CKOTT is right, its trial and error mostly . depends alot on body type . But rest asured , there is a 1911 for you to carry  ;D
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: twyacht on June 04, 2008, 08:40:59 PM
I carry a Kimber Ultra-Carry in an IWB.

When I carry a .45 and its warm, the Kimber Ultra works for me.

Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 05, 2008, 01:58:56 AM
Up here in NH in the summer we can get 80+% humidity and 90+ degrees, I still carry my 1911 Govt. Model. A Hawian shirt will let me conceal a .500 S&W if I wanted to, but I realize many of you have jobs that require shirt and tie.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: tt11758 on June 05, 2008, 05:57:52 PM
It will be hard to add to much to what has already been said here. I have a Kimber which I like and also have a Para CCO with the LDA trigger. It is a single stack gun.  The double stack is to wide for my hand and a single stack just feels better. I do carry a second clip with me. Not that I think I will ever need more than 7 rounds. Don't think I am going to war in the places I go. But better safe than sorry. Have had a Glock,  Taurus 24\7 , found that I like the 1911 syle better.  The Para LDA has the same trigger pull each and every time. I can carry one chambered and not have To carry cocked and locked. You have to worry alittle about how what you do and how you carry on the part of The police. If you are pulled over and They asked if you have something on you. showing them your permit and they want to see your gun or if you have to go to court after something has happened. they might see cocked and locked as you were looking for trouble. How ever as it is said better to be judged by 12 then carred by 6. I am just saying there are things that need to be thought out. The Para for me allows me to have one in the chamber with the safety on so I can draw and drop the safety in you motion. This works for me. My Kimber which I will always have is single action. so you have to be cocked and locked or draw and pull the hammer back in one motion. The other is to pull the slide and chamber one in your draw having to have two hands free or some kind of way to rack one in. If it is dropped or the hammer is hit you could have a problem with it going off.
            It gets down to what you are comfortable with. What fits your hand. What you are comfortable shooting. ( you have to hit the target to do you any good)  These have just been my thoughts for you. everybody has there own opinions.  I hope this will help some. Ray.


Personally I always figured that if I couldn't git-r-done with the first 7 rounds, the second magazine would simply help cover my hasty retreat.  lol
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: RGJOHNS on June 05, 2008, 08:32:26 PM
 8)
I have a Para CCO  in  45 LDA trigger. I like it better than my Kimber. it is a single stack clip that fits my hand just right. easy to carry for me. The light double action trigger lets me carry one in the chamber and use the safety. 1911 style without being cocked and locked. Very easy in a draw to come on target while releaseing the safety. Works for me, You really need to try the trigger on it.  I have had a kahr 45 was not happy with the long trigger travel is not what I like.  but everyone is different in what they want , need and are good with. like others here have said you have to have it with you for it to be of use when you need to. my two cents Ray.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: wisconsin on June 05, 2008, 08:38:37 PM
8)
I have a Para CCO  in  45 LDA trigger. I like it better than my Kimber. it is a single stack clip that fits my hand just right. easy to carry for me. The light double action trigger lets me carry one in the chamber and use the safety. 1911 style without being cocked and locked. Very easy in a draw to come on target while releaseing the safety. Works for me, You really need to try the trigger on it.  I have had a kahr 45 was not happy with the long trigger travel is not what I like.  but everyone is different in what they want , need and are good with. like others here have said you have to have it with you for it to be of use when you need to. my two cents Ray.
How is your finish holding up on your CCO. I was told that the frame finish was a paint on?
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: ericire12 on June 05, 2008, 08:48:36 PM
8)
I have a Para CCO  in  45 LDA trigger. I like it better than my Kimber. it is a single stack clip that fits my hand just right. easy to carry for me. The light double action trigger lets me carry one in the chamber and use the safety. 1911 style without being cocked and locked. Very easy in a draw to come on target while releaseing the safety. Works for me, You really need to try the trigger on it.  I have had a kahr 45 was not happy with the long trigger travel is not what I like.  but everyone is different in what they want , need and are good with. like others here have said you have to have it with you for it to be of use when you need to. my two cents Ray.


Hazcat? Would you like to take this one?
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: Dougdubya on June 07, 2008, 03:33:23 PM
Aw, c'mon guys.  Everyone makes the clip mistake.  You guys were young once. ;)
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: ovie on March 20, 2010, 10:46:46 PM
 thanks for all the input, look and read then looked some more but finally decided to go with a citadel 1911 compact. once again thanks to all the input. yall were all a big help.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: garand4life on March 20, 2010, 11:18:44 PM
I know this thread is years old but just for future reference with the Small Grip on the M&P full size or for that matter any of the M&P45s almost mimics a single stack feel. After putting now almost 300 rounds through my new 45 I can say I shoot it better than a 1911 with faster followup shots and a more consistent double action feel. So for those who feel double stack 45s are too thick might be something to consider and it is going to cost a lot less than a Kimber or SA/SW 1911. Plus the reliability so far has left no questions about it's ability to keep up with the old steel frame big boys. Did I mention it's about as easy to conceal as a 1911 (Galco IWB). Available with or without the 1911 mimicking ambi thumb safety.
Title: Re: Concealed carry weapon in .45
Post by: tombogan03884 on March 21, 2010, 12:09:45 AM
Let us know how it works out for you.
I'm considering the "Wide body" 1911.