Best Choice in .45ACP for Concealed Carry

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I good friend of mine told me that he was looking for a new gun to use for concealed carry, and asked me what he should buy. He's a big guy(about 6'8 or taller)with huge hands, so keep that in mind in regards to being able to grip the gun. This is what he's looking for in a gun: .45ACP, He doesn't want a really lightweight gun, but doesn't want it to be really heavy, and cost does not matter. Can you guys help me out? I was think something along the lines of a 3 or 4 inch Kimber Super Cary, but I'm open for any suggestions.

[Twinsen]

http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=67
24oz

http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=13
30oz

I like the Kahrs too. I really need to jump on one of these things and start carrying.

[700PSS]

For him...G21

[Bulwyeth]

For him...G21

+1

[Ctaylor]

As much as I don't like Glocks personally, they're good for people with big hands and who want something no nonsense that is guaranteed to work when the s--t hits the fan.

If he doesn't find the Glock very ergonomic (like me) a nice alternative is a Smith & Wesson M&P45 compact. The M&P45c isn't as a small as its .40 or 9mm counterparts, comes with three interchangeable palmswell grip sizes, and can be had with or without a manual thumb safety.

[Wahoo95]

Glock 30 or XD45 Compact

[silencertalk]

21_SF
Sig P220
S&W Scandium 1911

[Cobra700]

6'8, Huge hands, .45 and cost doesn't matter.......

MK23

[silverbulletexpress]

With a good belt and holster a big guy has no problem carrying a full size 1911, a lightweight Commander is a little easier.

If you feel you need more rounds, Springfield XD 45, Para Ord P14 or p13 if he doesn't mind sending it to a gunsmith who knows how to make it reliable and street ready.

If I had to carry a traditional double action for some reason it would be a Sig P220.


..

[bubabootie]

Glock 30 or XD45 Compact

I have a glock 30 and my hand barely fits on it. If this guy is 6'8, theres no way he can hold that.

I like the new Glock 22 RTF2 in 40 S&W.

Bottom line, he needs to go to a gun store and lay palm on steel. If he can get to one with a range, so much the better. The bond between man and pistol is sacred, and the one will choose him!

[Ben B.]

Aluminum frame bobtailed Commander length 1911. From Fusion, Nighthawk, something like that. Dave Erickson makes awesome carry guns, he's on this forum.

[Selectedmarksman]

I love my XD, but that's partially because it fits my small hands well. If your buddy has big hands, the XD may not feel right to him. The Glock 21 grip feels like a tree to me, so that may be a good choice.

+1 to what bubabootie said, he needs to 'try some on'. Find those that are comfortable, then select the ones with the features you want.

[jlwilliams]

MAC 10 in 45.

[texjames]

I just picked up a Kimber Crimson Trace Ultra Carry II yesterday for my new carry piece.Going to the indoor range today to ring it out.
Still need to get a holster...mybe a super tuck.Its feels good small of back, don't know if the super tuck can be worn there...
oh yeah i took off those silly stickers...



Update: shot 412 rounds through it and not one single malfunction. 230gr FMJ and a few hollow points and
Kimber Tac Pro mags and also some Wilson Combat mags.Kicks less the the .380 LCP. Wow!

[Thwik]

I'd vote for the Glock 30

[Golf_1911]

I recommend Sig P220 Carry

Full size of frame will comfortable to shoot .45ACP either 230gr Hydra-Shock or 230gr Golden Sabre!!!
Also the shorter slide will comfortable to carry in side.

[Poacher]

I would suggest a Nighthawk Talon II bobtail with a set of Heinie QWIK ledge straight 8 sights...but I'm sort of biased

Dave Erickson would also make you one heck of a carry gun.

If he is considering a 1911 I would not go below a 4.25" barrel for any serious defensive carry.

[MCFLURY]

springfield trp i know its hugh but its awesome

[coloradok9]

SIG P220 Carry Elite Dark, SIG 1911 Carry Nitron, or Kimber Pro CDP II These are my top 3.

[crang11]

My HK 45C is about right. Need to lose the safety though and switch to the light LEM trigger so it will lie flatter on my kidney. I use a Comp-Tac holster that has a Kydex 'bump' to cover the safety that is slightly annoying, although not bad enough I have changed it over the last year or so its been with me. Comp-Tac will make one without the bump if you have the LEM, so that would be ideal....

[SSDVC]

The MK23 is nice, but I would just defer to a good Ol' 1911A1. Reliable, a fairly straight at 10 yards and cheap to maintain (forgiving too). Being a big guy, it would be hard to notice if carried properly.

[silencertalk]

Others to at least look at:

HK45
HK45C
M&P 45
XDM 45
G36

I feel the G30 is too wide for its size. I have one but never shot it. It just looks wrong. The 21-SF I think might be good for him.

Two days ago I put my S&W Scandium 1911 on but really, it does not carry as well as a G19 or P7.

[Wahnsinn]

Others to at least look at:

HK45
HK45C
M&P 45
XDM 45
G36

I thought you meant the HK G36

[Greg Kulbick]

I love my Sig compact 1911. Its eaten everything I've fed it without a hiccup. Carries really well in a Crossbreed.

[JohnnyC]

I've got a Springfield LW Champion Operator. It's pretty sexy. I'm sending it to Chuck Rogers for his bobtail and golfball treatment. That plus a Surefire x300 makes a mean little package for carry applications day or night. A custom holster is probably going to be a must though when I start carrying it with the light.