I have a 1911, and I like it, but it is a bit too bulky to conceal comfortably, so I find myself often leaving it in the car. I want something I can put in my pocket, inconspicuously, but that has dropping power, decent capacity and can be trusted not to jam. I want stopping power, and if it shot .45ACP also, it would simplify things for me. Range and accuracy are secondary. I dont mind buying used and am looking to spend from $350-500 or so? Ive heard great things about the XD45 and its variants, but they are pricey. I also think the Judge PD/UL are neat, but have heard mixed reviews, especially as a CCW. I live in Tx, if that matters for availability.
2010-11-19T10:02:30Z
Who thumbs downed MJ? Seemed like a good answer, he gave a link and all. Is it because you dont like that gun?
And Im not concerned about recoil.
?2010-11-19T10:51:57Z
Favorite Answer
Para-Ordnance make a compact 1911 with a 10 round mag in .45 they also make a full sized 1911 with a 14 round mag
found a good link to one http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=7
I carry a 1911 .45 as well. For the times that it isn't practical, I can always find a pocket or boot or IWB for my S&W AirLite .357.
For your budget (and really, almost as light) is the S&W AirWeight series. At less than 15 ounces, it won't weight down any pockets or make you walk with a limp (if in the boot). If you get the Centennial style with the internal hammer, the entire cylinder can be fired from inside a coat pocket. Try that with any automatic. These will run about $450 in .38 +P.
The XD 45 will be thicker than the 1911. The Judge is all about marketing, not performance and will be especially large, especially considering it's less effective than a real revolver.
The BEST handgun is the one that fits your hand well, and the one you will actually carry.
If you like the 1911 features, there are several other manufacturers that make smaller frame, more concealable- .45ACP - Springfield, Kimber, Kahr, and others
Take a look at the Kimber UltraCarry line (a personal favorite of mine...) IT is more than what you want to spend, but it is a GREAT carry arm.
If you are open to other styles (grip safety, features, etc.) Glock, SigSauer, and even Taurus As the Answerer listed below, the Glock Model 36 and 30 are small, easy to carry choices (I like the Glock Model 30, .45ACP, as it was less expensive than the Kimber, and more in your price range)
Sounds like you want your cake and to eat it too. Concealability and stopping power are antagonistic to each other, anytime you improve one side of the equation you hurt the other side. If you are going to stay stuck on having a .45ACP then you may as well just stick with the 1911 as any other pistol chambered in .45 is going to have trouble being concealed comfortably as well. The Judge isn't going to be any more concealable than a 1911 either. Unless you are willing to compromise a bit more on stopping power and go to a 9mm with +P hollow point loads, or to a mid-frame revolver in .357 there is not much to be gained.
Stopping power, pocketability, and no jams? What about a .357Mag snubbie like the Ruger SP101 2 1/4"? Even smaller, and thus more likely to be in your pocket instead of the car, would be a S&W Model 60 in .357Mag. Be warned, though, a snubbie .357Mag is not pleasant to shoot, and might deter you from practicing and training as much as you should.