Thinking about a compact .45 for concealed carry

[ronzorelli]

Hey y'all.

Looking for some input. Currently I own a S&W Sigma 9mm, but I'm thinking about going with a bigger caliber, compact weapon for my concealed carry.

I've got as few handguns that I'm considering but I'm leaning towards the Taurus Millennium Pro PT145.

Anyone have this one? Or any other suggestions for relatively inexpensive compact .45?

[joe817]

I've got as few handguns that I'm considering but I'm leaning towards the Taurus Millennium Pro PT145.

I don't blame you! A good friend of mine has one, and I'd like to add that to my collection as well. It's just the right size, a VERY good s.d. caliber, and affordable IMO. Good choice!

But there are a lot of others as well. It just depends on your budget, the feel, etc.

[USA1]

Hey y'all.

Looking for some input. Currently I own a S&W Sigma 9mm, but I'm thinking about going with a bigger caliber, compact weapon for my concealed carry.

I've got as few handguns that I'm considering but I'm leaning towards the Taurus Millennium Pro PT145.

Anyone have this one? Or any other suggestions for relatively inexpensive compact .45?

i have been nothing but happy with mine .
just make sure its the third generation .

if you purchase new , it will more than likely be the third gen .

[ronzorelli]

But there are a lot of others as well. It just depends on your budget, the feel, etc.

Yeah, I've got bigger hands, but the PT145 feels like a perfect fit. Much better fit than the Sigma 9mm.

[mikeintexas]

I have had a PT145 for a couple of years and use it as my first choice for carry. Like you said, small enough to conceal, 10 in mag and one in the chamber and fairly priced.

I carry it in a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB, dress pants and button down shirt tucked over it.

[74novaman]

I have had a PT145 for a couple of years and use it as my first choice for carry. Like you said, small enough to conceal, 10 in mag and one in the chamber and fairly priced.

I carry it in a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB, dress pants and button down shirt tucked over it.

Exactly what he said, except I can carry in tshirts and shorts with no problems at all.

Almost 400 rounds through mine, never failed to feed any kind of ammo, only time I had any problems at all, it was locking the slide back with one left in the magazine. It did this two or three times total. If I had been careless and just racked it forward instead of visually inspecting the chamber, I would have had one in the pipe without knowing it. That's enough to make you sweat a bit.

I figured out what was happening was I was engaging the magazine release enough to let it drop the mag a fraction of an inch, enough for it to lock the slide. Changed my grip and I've never had another problem.

[NTexas_V-Star]

Hey y'all.

Looking for some input. Currently I own a S&W Sigma 9mm, but I'm thinking about going with a bigger caliber, compact weapon for my concealed carry.

I've got as few handguns that I'm considering but I'm leaning towards the Taurus Millennium Pro PT145.

Anyone have this one? Or any other suggestions for relatively inexpensive compact .45?

I've been handling one at my local gunshop recently, andi'm digging it. I'm probably going to have to pick one up after the first of they year.

[mikeintexas]

I agree, novaman, I had shorts and an untucked shirt last night (and often is the summer) and it does just a well.

[lrb111]

Totally satisfied with mine. I would pick up another in a heartbeat.

[Pete92FS]

I've had the PT145 PRO for about 3 months. The first 50 I put through it I had multiple failures, it would lock with the slide back with some still left in the mag., a couple of times had a failure to feed with the cartridge stuck at a 90 deg. angle with the lead sticking out of the top, the mag release sticks out too much for my fat fingers; accidentally released the mag a few times while firing.

Turns out one of the mags was defective - factory sent me a new one at no charge with a 10 day turnaround. Good customer service. The about solved the FTF with only one with the second 50, the same 90 degree angle. I was probably doing the same thing 74novaman was doing and unknowingly putting pressure on the slide lock (release) with my fingers; didn't have the problem with the second 50 but I still have the problem with my thumb releasing the mag when I don't want it to.

All in all it's a good economical compact .45 until I can save up for a compact 1911; then it's up for sale.

If plan on getting one Academy probably has the best price on a new one. I got mine there for $329.99.

[UpTheIrons]

All in all it's a good economical compact .45 until I can save up for a compact 1911; then it's up for sale.

That's exactly what I did. It's a nice shooter, for it's size, but I just couldn't get used to that DA trigger. I like my 1911 much better.

At the risk of thread drift, anyone have opinions on the Glock 36? I know 1911s and Glocks don't really go together but, I'm still curious about anyone's experience with it.

[ronzorelli]

If plan on getting one Academy probably has the best price on a new one. I got mine there for $329.99.

Yeah, I've been watching Academy's prices on it. That's where I got my Sigma. Got a good price there.

[Reloader]

Don't discount the S&W 457. same as the 4516, but w/o the frills. I ahd mine accurized by novak and had night sites installed. It is my primary carry. It shoots better than I can hold. and is lightweight, compact and hold 7+1. Very reliable.

[.45mac.40]

ronzorelli

Might consider a Kahr .... most affordable of the line is the CW series .... CW45 ?!!!!
Love my CW40.... it carries well and works good at tha' range !

Mac .45 >>>>> %%%

[Mike from Texas]

Personally I am not a fan of the DA/SA action fro a defense pistol, but that boils down to personal preference. HOWEVER, my brother has one in a 40S&W and has had nothing but problems with his. His mag catch is constantly popping out of position and locking the slide back, and then going in under the slide rendering the pistol useless. It happened n several occasions at our last couple of range sessions. He's going to send it to Taurus and have them check it out.

I would look more toward the Kahr PM45, P45 CW45 or the Glock 36 depending on your budget.