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Currently have:

S&W 442 - Effortless EDC

Glock 26 - Car gun and starting to carry but have yet to find the perfect method.

Ruger SP-101 .357 3" - Not carrying for now but love the gun.

I'm pretty much set on a .45 ACP for the next gun and would like to keep the cost to around 600 or less.

I'm leaning towards a Glock 21SF, but am open to other suggestions.

If you plan to carry it, you might look into the G36 or even the G30. Personally, I much prefer the G36 for CC as it is slimmer. With a +1 mag extension (making it 7+1) it fits my large hands comfortably (no pinky hanging off) and hides well. The G30 (and I own both) is just a bit too chunky due to the double stack mag (10+1).

Glock 36 technical bulliten: http://www.glock.com/english/glock36_tech.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Glock 30 technical bulliten: http://www.glock.com/english/glock30_tech.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

i would just add a 1911 and call it complete....... oh yeah an ar and a shotty,, now it's complete. lol

1) a Glock 36 (around $500)

2) a S&W M&P45 or M&P45c (I own a full sized one that cost me $599)

3) a XD45 or XD45c

4) a Taurus PT1911

5) a RIA 1911-A1 Tactical ($478)

6) a Kahr CW45 (around $450, lighter, a bit smaller but with slightly longer grip, feels better in the hand, smooth trigger, same capacity as the Glock 36)

So, except for the RIA and the Taurus, which are basically the same gun, you have 6 different .45s, in 5 different configurations. The first 3 are double stack guns; the last 3 are single stack guns. Variety is the spice of life, and you should be able to acquire any one of these for a price within your $600 price limit.

Enjoy.

smith wesson 1911

I second TAM on the XD, M&P and 1911s.

My wife and I own all three of them and love them all (the M&P is a .40). The only issue we have had with any of them was with the 1911 but it was not the gun but a problem with a mag that I had bought for it

My favorite by far and EDC is a Springer 1911. Tried and true design. VERY accurate. Single stack so it's slim and VERY easily concealed in a variety of ways (the majority of the time I carry mine OWB strong side with two spare mags OWB on the weak side with a T-shirt on over them). Everyone makes a 1911 so the parts are very easy to find. I know you said that you want to keep it around &600 but the Loaded model (all the bells and whistles) is around $750 and that is a GREAT gun for that price.

The XD is another great gun. Double stacked so it is wider than a 1911. The grip was modeled after the 1911 so it has a more natural hold to it. It has the same style trigger as the Glock but has a grip safety too (no added work for you when shooting; it depresses when you hold the gun properly). Very accurate and reliable. A bit harder to conceal due to the double stack but can be done (When I carry mine I carry it both OWB and IWB).

The M&P is similar to the XD. It is a little slimmer design. Very comfortable in the hand. Interchangeable back straps. Very accurate and reliable. It too has a type of "safety" trigger but it is different than the XD and Glock triggers. With it being slightly slimmer than the XD it is a bit easier to conceal however it is still a double stack so there can be challenges.

You will not go wrong if you choose one of these models. As I stated we own and I have carried all three and absolutely love them all. I do prefer my 1911 but would trust my life with either of them.

Another vote for M&P45. Add the Apex Tactical action parts too.

...you can pick up a used Ruger stainless P90 or P97 for around $350, leaving plenty for mags,holsters, and ammo...the P90 is about the most reliable SA out there...if you look harder, you can find a decocker, no safety to fumble with in a situation...the P97 is a tiny bit easier to conceal...

I'll add another vote for the S&W M&P 45. Picked it up new for $500 + $15 FFL Transfer Fee.

+1 on the Ruger P90. The Ruger P345 is an excellent one also. I have both and love them.

The Taurus PT145 3rd generation is also a great cc gun. It's my EDC gun in the winter. In summer time, I carry the Ruger SR9c and I probably will get the SR40c to replace it.

A-R wrote:Another vote for M&P45. Add the Apex Tactical action parts too.

This along with a 1911 is solid advice.

I carry a G21sf for work. Most of us on nights put a TLR-1 on it. I love this configuration. When we moved from the G22 most people's qualification scores went up. I have fallen in love with the 21sf. Shoot it, a 1911, and an M&P and take it from there.

...the .45ACP is for sure a pushycat...easy for most folks to shoot well...tough on the receiving end...

I say a RIA 1911 or perhaps a Ruger SR1911.

The Annoyed Man wrote: 2) a S&W M&P45

3) a XD45

+1 to these two, as I own one of each. Very reliable weapons.

can2boy wrote:i would just add a 1911 and call it complete...

Can't say it any better than that...