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If someone told you that he would outright give you any gun you wanted, no strings attached, as long as it met the below criteria, what guns would you be considering? Obviously, ease, comfort, recoil, gun choice, etc are highly subjective so please use whatever definition makes sense to you.


MUST BE
-.45 caliber handgun
-small in size in comparison to other .45s (compact most likely, but a "full size" model that is comparable in size to compact is OK)
-subjectively "easy" to shoot (low perceived recoil in comparison to other .45s, "comfortable" grip, etc)
-very reliable and not finicky or picky
-semi-automatic

MUST NOT BE
-1911 style
-Single-action only
-Outrageously priced (like, if I were a billionaire fantasy guns)

ALL THE BETTER IF
-It is low in weight
-It is able to have custom grips (like mother of pearl or other pretties)
-It does not have an external hammer

I didn't know there were any .45's that aren't 1911's!

The small size and low recoil are pretty much mutually exclusive requirements, but if I were looking for guns that were the closest to your criteria I'd look at compact polymer guns--XD45 compact, M&P45c, Glock 30.

To me, the answer is easy. The Sig Sauer P220 is available in several different sizes and configurations. You are almost certain to find one you like.

As a personal testimony, my son (RottenApple) wanted a .45 but didn't know which one. I took it upon myself to buy him this full-size P220 for his birthday. He loves it.

Are you making me an offer?

sjfcontrol wrote:Are you making me an offer?

I'm making myself an offer and am wondering what choices others would make if they had the same offer.

I think I know the choices in this range, but want to make sure I'm not overlooking possibilities.

Just going to throw a few that might work out there. Sig 220, S&W 4516 or CS45. Sig 220 is a great firearm! I think Mr. Camp did a review on one not to long ago if you want to take a look.

Taurus 24/7 c or the Milpro both are available in .45. I have the Milpro is .40 S&W and is very easy to shoot.

Smith & Wesson M&P45c

M&P 45c

e-bil wrote:Taurus 24/7 c or the Milpro both are available in .45. I have the Milpro is .40 S&W and is very easy to shoot.

Whereas I am typically a fan of Taurus (got 3 PT1911's), the 24/7 Pro is a bit problematic for smaller hands. I bought one for my daughter, and though accurate and fun to shoot, she often hit the mag eject on recoil due to placement and grip size. There was no way to alter her grip to improve this. I ended up buying her a G36 as well.


Gotta be the Glock 36!

hirundo82 wrote:The small size and low recoil are pretty much mutually exclusive requirements, but if I were looking for guns that were the closest to your criteria I'd look at compact polymer guns--XD45 compact, M&P45c, Glock 30.

This - and also the Glock 36.

also consider - to a lesser degree, IMHO, but you might like them better ...

Sig 220 compact
Beretta PX in 45
HK45 compact

If it was a 9mm or .40 S&W the Kahr K9 would probably win in all categories except I can not speak to reliability. They are very thin, feel great in the hand and weigh 25 + ounces. Wish they made one in a .45acp. As for recoil, well I think .45acp is easier to shoot then .40 given a firearm with similar size. For what its worth it seems like you are looking for a single stack .45. As for double stack S&W M&P 45 are the best double stack mag guns that still feel good in the hand that I know of. With the smallest backstrap it almost has that great single stack feel to it.

+1 for the M&P 45c.
Kahr does have the P45 and the PM45. I had trouble with mine after about 1000 rds., sent it to the factory twice, lost confidence and swaped it out for something much nicer.

Since I own a Sig P220 Compact, I would wholeheartedly echo the folks who have already nominated this choice. If price is a strong factor, for about half of the Sig P220 cost, you can get a Bersa Thunder 45 in a standard or high cap mag model. Just another option.