Carry .45 ACP

[toad]

I'm thinking of acquiring another .45 for my collection. And wondered what people thought of the brands Sig , Kimber and Para. Mainly for reliability and to carry.

[ellis4538]

I carry a lightly modified Colt LW Officers ACP.  Looking to pick up a SA EMP in 9mm JFTHOI.  I know, I know, it's not a .45 but  I don't have a small 9.

FWIW


Richard 

[Ping]

I carry a Glock 30SF or a Glock 21SF. Always dreamed of owning a Kimber.

[Ichiban]

Here's my thoughts, FWIW:
Sig - No personal experience.  Owners seem to be happy with them.  Don't know how well standard after market 1911 parts fit them.
Kimber - They get bashed a lot in various forums.  I have had four (still have two) and have had no operational issues with them.  I don't like the fact that their 4" Pro versions require a special take down tool (a paper clip works as well) to field strip.  Some complain about the amount of MIM used but I've not had a problem.
Para - Mixed feeling here.  I had one (a double stack) that was very ammo sensitive.  Had an LTC that I really liked - accurate, fun to shoot, and felt like it was part of my hand.  Too bad it went back to the shop twice (replaced the hammer, sear, and disconnector) and then the Regal finish started coming off in sheets.  It took 16 weeks to get them to refinish it.  For some strange reason I didn't like it as much after all of that and got rid of it.

For carry I definitely recommend a commander size 1911, preferably with a bobtail.  I carry IWB and find that a 5" gun hits the seat before I do when sitting and drives the grip into my ribs.  A bobtail makes it more comfortable to carry and easier to conceal.  I also think the commander has a better balance.  YMMV.

Now for the unsolicited advice:
If you want to stay in this price range, I'd recommend looking at Springfield or S&W.  Great guns with good warranties.  I'm really liking the the new S&W "E" series.  If I were in the market for a new carry gun I'd be looking at the S&W 1911SC "E" series really hard.  It has a "bobtail" and a scandium frame that make it great for carrying.  I'd avoid the scandium frame for competitive shooting or putting tens of thousands of rounds through it although they are supposed to handle it okay.

For a little more money, Dan Wesson is hard to beat.  After that you start getting into the higher end Wilson, Ed Brown, Les Baer, and others.


Sigh, so many 1911s and so little money.   

[tombogan03884]

Coonan Arms. It isn't a 45, but I guarantee folks will take notice when you shoot it 

[Sponsor]

[robheath]

When you say a .45 do you meen a Sig P220 or a 1911?  I carry a Para single stack 7.45 and I love it. The Sig 1911 has an external extractor and I've had trouble with them in the past, not the Sig but others.  I also have the P220 and I like it for smooth operating but it's too thick in my opinion for concealed carry.  Just my 2 cents.

[CJS3]

I carry a PT145. Light, compact, a couple of thousand rounds with no issues. I've carried a Sig, but not a full sized (239), and in 9mm. It was nice, but someone offered to buy it, and I couldn't pass up the deal.

[WatchManUSA]

Coonan Arms. It isn't a 45, but I guarantee folks will take notice when you shoot it 

I sold a new Coonan this weekend.  Our shop just started carrying the Coonan's.  Dan Coonan was in our store this weekend promoting his guns at our gun show.  He makes .357 Magnum 1911's.

http://www.coonaninc.com/

[tombogan03884]

Yeah, I know 

[ske1eter]

You didn't mention one on your list  but my SW1911PD worked like a champ in some Tactical Response fighting handgun classes.