Thin, Compact .45acp Wanted!

[Silencer]

I'm looking for a great quality, thin, compact, single-stacked .45acp pistol. I'm not sure what to look for. 1911 pistols are too big, no Glocks or double-stacked pistols. New preferred, but would consider a used pistol no longer made.

Got any suggestions?

[Helix_FR]

An officers model 1911 is too big? Like the Springfield EMP or STI elektra? The SW M&P 45 compact is pretty thin.

[flintlock]

A Semmerling LM-4. I don't believe there is a smaller .45 ACP out there. I heard it was being made again, I think by a division of Charter Arms.

[Helix_FR]

There is the new Heizer derringer. They are really thin but only 2 shots
http://www.heizerfirearms.com/20111025/

[RunningOnMT]

Kahr CW 45

[pkcgbifaid]

Another vote for the Kahr.

[Silencer]

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

An officers model 1911 is too big? Like the Springfield EMP or STI elektra? The SW M&P 45 compact is pretty thin.

No, a 1911 is too big. The handle is too long and too wide. Not what I'm looking for.

Originally Posted by flintlock

A Semmerling LM-4. I don't believe there is a smaller .45 ACP out there. I heard it was being made again, I think by a division of Charter Arms.

No, not what I want. Something high quality and reliable. That doesn't look like either. Sorry, but no.

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

There is the new Heizer derringer. They are really thin but only 2 shots
http://www.heizerfirearms.com/20111025/

No, again, I'm looking for a semi-automatic. About 6 or 7 rounds with a thin profile and narrow handle built for small hands.

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

Kahr CW 45

Originally Posted by pkcgbifaid

Another vote for the Kahr.

Now we're talking! This pistol looks like the one I need! Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it.

Any more suggestions, post them up!

[graehaven]

Glock 36.

Here's a comparison of the two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHF4s1B4yPg

[Inthewind1976]

Star Firestar - available in 45 acp, very close in size to a Bersa 380, and a very solid chunk of steel. They are reliable, strong, and comfortable in the hand.

[Silencer]

Originally Posted by graehaven

Glock 36.

Here's a comparison of the two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHF4s1B4yPg

I watched this already. Great clip about the differences in the two pistols. I'm not much of a Glock fan, but I like Kahr.

Originally Posted by Inthewind1976

Star Firestar - available in 45 acp, very close in size to a Bersa 380, and a very solid chunk of steel. They are reliable, strong, and comfortable in the hand.

Star Firestar and Bersa are not the quality I'm looking for. I want something a lot smoother easier to control.

Kahr is out on top, so far. I haven't heard about Walther, or any other slim .45 pistol. So, I'll wait and see.

Thanks again guys for the great suggestions.

[hardluk1]

graehaven Thats a good compairison between the two .

[Helix_FR]

Springfield has a single stack XD coming out. That might fit your thin requirement.

[Silencer]

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

Springfield has a single stack XD coming out. That might fit your thin requirement.

Well, I can't wait to take a look at that. I like Springfield. Kahr is OK, mind you, but I think Springfield is better.

[bakerconch]

Kahr CW45. My son has the CW9 and it is a great shooting, easy to conceal pistol.
I will be purchasing one from Double D soon.
BTW, he has a great price and I'm sure he will ship to your FFL.

[312shooter]

Here is the new xd micro, what a gun!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/springfield-armory-xds/

[Inthewind1976]

Im sorry to hear that you discount modern production Star pistols out-of-hand. Thats unfortunate. I wont argue that the Bersa is inexpensive, but in comparison, I beg to differ, that any Star product produced since about 1968 is of comparable quality, reliability, material construction and serviceability as any manufacturer that you can name. Star got a reputation for "soft steel" and crude manufacturing based on revolvers produced (not necessarily by STAR by the way) in Spain from the turn of the century until late 1950s or so. The products you see today, such as the PD, BM, BKM, BSM, and A, B, and Super B are certainly NOT "cheap quality" firearms. I understand that you have made the decision to pay top dollar for (imho) overpriced pistols, and thats your choice. However, if you would take WHATEVER you eventually choose to purchase and fire it side by side, for thousands of rounds, I would like to see which one "hiccups" first - your "choice" or a Firestar.

[Old Guy]

If you like Springfield and you like the slim 45, March/April is not too long to wait. We Americans are an inpatient sort and I include myself in that category. However, patience will pay off if you let it. I have several guns that I can use for concealed carry. Are they 45's? Nope, but they are more than adequate to fill the bill. I like the XD manual of arms, I like the 45 ACP round, so I am willing to wait. After all, I have been waiting for 6 months for a Ruger SR 1911 and am beginning to wonder if they are even building them!!! I could have bought another brand but I want the Ruger.

[sctt77]

i would say the star i had a firestar plus in 9mm an it wasnt bad at all i carryed it all the time best shooting gun i ever owned. does anyone know about the eaa 357 im thinking of buying one to carry for my wife

[WWhunter]

The Kahr PM45 and 'hopefully' they'll make a CM45 soon. The afromentioned Colt Officers Model .45 is much smaller than your typical Colt Government .45 and was my primary carry gun for nearly 30 years. I replaced it a couple of years ago with the PM45 and couldn't be happier. It is lighter, shots VERY accurately, and is as compact a pistol as most people would want in a .45. What more could you ask for?
I also own Glocks and and NOT a Glock lover either, sure can't understand it when someone asks for a recommendation on these forums for a handgun and specifically states they don't like or want a Glock....but yet, they still get responses telling them to get a Glock.
Glad I'm not the only one that doesn't drink the Glock kool-aid.

I like the Kahr pistols so much I have 3 of them. Two Pm9's along with my PM45. They are all superbly build guns.
Good luck in your search.

[PanhandlePop]

I had a Kahr CW and it was okay, but I just couldn't warm up to it. I think my problem was too short a reach to the trigger for long fingers. Anyhow, it is gone and I've gone to a CCO-sized 1911--Officer grip length and LW frame. If you haven't looked at them (available new Colt, DW, STI, and probably others), you might want to before you pass on 1911s altogether. If possible try those you are considering before plunking down the cash.

[Silencer]

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

Springfield has a single stack XD coming out. That might fit your thin requirement.

I've seen it and it has a grip that is too short. It's only a five shot magazine. That's tiny!

I see Beretta has a 'bug Nano' out, that looks pretty good. But, it's a 9mm and not a .45 auto colt pistol.

[graehaven]

Check out the slim hawg:

http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=61

[brad87]

Silencer, have you looked at Kimber's '1911s' that are compact/subcompact? They have some very small ones, although its been too long since playing with one, so I don't know if they shortened the length of the grip much.