[Paul]

OK. I need some help. I have been itching to buy a .45 (ACP or GAP) to carry. I am ready to buy a good gun, not that my others aren't good, but I need a DREAM gun. The perfect carry gun. I would like some input. Here is what I want:
1. Must be .45 ACP or .45 GAP.
2. It must be concealable with a tucked in dress shirt. (Now if you think I can tuck and carry a full size 1911 fine, but tell me how.)
3. I am a lefty so it MUST have an ambisafety. (No safety preferred at least not one that requires me to do anything other than point and shoot)
4. It must have IWB tuck holster options that are built for the gun. Again remember I am a lefty....holsters ARE an issue!
5. It must be a proven gun from a reputable manufacturer.
6. Accesories and goodies are nice but not required.
7. Price is NOT an issue...remember this is the dream gun.

If you could have any gun that met this criteria what would it be? I really need some help. I have been looking at several different guns, but don't really want to settle for one. I need to find the perfect gun!

 

[Shaolin]

I really enjoyed shooting the Springfield XD 45 ACP, and it comes in a compact version with a 4" barrel, and it's a little bit slimmer to boot. It's on my list as well. Not sure if this one fit's all your critera, but the new S & W Model 327PD is an awesome gun, 4" Barrel, .357 Magnum, 8 shot, weighs about 24 ounces. Also on my want's list, lol

 

[GeneticsDave]

+1 on the XD compact

 

[tapehoser]

This is my 3rd post today on the XD45 Compact and my choice of holster. If I needed absolute concealibility with a below-the-waistline IWB, I'd go with the DeSantis 'Tuck This' holster.

http://www.desantisholster.com/n91.html

 

[Ruger Collector]

(Now if you think I can tuck and carry a full size 1911 fine, but tell me how.)

With this Front Line #3314 tuckable IWB. They're made in Israel, and I'm really impressed with the quality, they could easily sell for 3x what I paid. I haven't seen a south paw version though.

You may also want to check out this blog, which is run by a petite young lady who packs an "almost full size" (Wilson Combat w/4.1" barrel) IWB and a few other methods really well...

 

[xmirage2kx]

(Now if you think I can tuck and carry a full size 1911 fine, but tell me how.)

Crossbreed supertuck set to FBI style cant.

I have found with IWB barrel lenght is not an issue (up to about 7") only the grip and width are. By setting a heavy forward cant you can hide most grips, and the 1911 is slim enough to hide.

 

[Paul]

The XD45 compact is definetely on my short list. As is the Springfield Micro Compact 1911 loaded version. I really don't know that I want to carry a fullsize 1911 around all day...so the compact and smaller guns are more enticing to me.
Ruger, I really like the looks of that FrontLine holster, but alas, no lefty version that I can find.

Other suggestions?

 

[UtahCFP]

Have you tried out a Glock 30 to see how it works for you? 10+1 in a small package.

 

[Stenny4]

+1 for the XD 45 Compact, in either 4" or 5". I have one in 4", great gun. Easy to conceal with the compact magazine, and the full size magazine is great for the range. Can't go wrong with it.

 

[Paul]

Have you tried out a Glock 30 to see how it works for you? 10+1 in a small package.

No. I have never even shot a Glock. Every time I compare the Glock next to the XD at gun stores, the XD just plain feels better in my hand than the Glock. However, I haven't even held the G30. Maybe I need to look at the Glock's closer. My brother just bought a G26 and LOVES it. Problem is he lives in Nashville, so I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.

That G30 does look nice and purty though.

 

[roseblood]

I gotta say I love my G37 so much that I am getting a G39 for a carry gun. I like the feel of the XD, but I'm just a Glock guy since the days my mother carried one on the job.

 

[gramps]

Since you want something really concealable, you might take a look at the Kahr P45 or CW45. One inch thick, under 5" in height. I have the CW9 and like it a lot.

 

[Hunter]

Glock, Sig, S&W M&P, and H&K all have great .45's in different sizes and options. If you are ever around a Sportsman's Warehouse I would look at what theyy have. Their prices may not be the best , but they usually have a good selection of handguns.

 

[abrian8]

I have a Glock 30 that I carry everyday.I am not a tucker kind of guy so it works for me. I am shocked that nobody has mentioned a Kimber Pro Carry II. I think that one is the way sweet compact. If not check out Kimber's web site. That one is my dream but Sportsmans wants $1050 for it!

 

[Car Knocker]

I am shocked that nobody has mentioned a Kimber Pro Carry II.

Well, since PW Stated a preference for "No safety preferred at least not one that requires me to do anything other than point and shoot", I felt that pretty much precluded the 1911 platform, even though my daily carry is a Kimber Ultra Carry (pre-Series II).

 

[Paul]

I am shocked that nobody has mentioned a Kimber Pro Carry II.

Well, since PW Stated a preference for "No safety preferred at least not one that requires me to do anything other than point and shoot", I felt that pretty much precluded the 1911 platform, even though my daily carry is a Kimber Ultra Carry (pre-Series II).

No safety preferred is correct. However, the 1911's I've shot are one of the few guns that I can easily and quickly manipulate the safety to OFF so I would consider the small 1911's. I love the feel of the Springfield Micro Compact and have considered the Kimber Pro Carry II. Those are guns that I could feel confortable drawing and removing the safety in 1 fluid motion. My Ruger P89 though...no matter how I try I can't fluidly remove the saftey during a draw and point.

 

[Car Knocker]

OK, then! My KImber UC has almost 3,000 rounds through it without a hiccup; factory and reloads, FMJ, LSWC, LRN, 230gr and 200 gr. It is surprisingly accurate for a pistol with a short sight radius. Recoil is very manageable (my wife liked it better than her 4" barrel S&W 686). Most often I pocket carry in a custom leather holster and when I belt carry it's in a Milt Sparks VM-2.

 

[Paul]

OK, then! My KImber UC has almost 3,000 rounds through it without a hiccup; factory and reloads, FMJ, LSWC, LRN, 230gr and 200 gr. It is surprisingly accurate for a pistol with a short sight radius. Recoil is very manageable (my wife liked it better than her 4" barrel S&W 686). Most often I pocket carry in a custom leather holster and when I belt carry it's in a Milt Sparks VM-2.

Which Ultra Carry exactly do you have? Does it have the 3" barrell?

 

[Car Knocker]

Yes, it's the 3" barrel and the original UC Kimber made before incorporating the firing pin safety in the Series II. It has an alloy frame and a stainless slide. My kitchen scale shows a weight of 22oz. (no magazine).

 

[Ruger Collector]

Ruger, I really like the looks of that FrontLine holster, but alas, no lefty version that I can find.

It looks like they have lefty and kydex flavors for 1911s and many other models...
http://www.front-line.co.il/

To order a lefty model just contact one of the main U.S. distributors:

ALM Inc.

The Mako Group