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Sounds like a Glock 30 or 36 to me.... I don't own one, but have shot one a few times and it performed really well.... The only drawback is that it is thicker....

I just picked up a Glock 36 a few weeks ago. Shoots comfortable, and grips are interchangeable with the Gen 4 models. If you have pretty good sized hands you will be fine for sure. I have relatively small hands (I carry both of my Gen 4's without ANY additional backstrap support), and it's perfect. Best thing about it is GT Distributers carries them, and if your military, retired military, or police you can get them for around $450 bucks.

Editing. Maybe Glock isn't what your looking for. They are hideous, forget about grip customization.....but I love my ugly glocks...they treat me well. I guess you could give them a fancy duracoating though :)

Springfield XD45 compact.

karder wrote:Springfield XD45 compact.

Gramps has this one full sized. It's comfy to shoot... and all the goodies that come with XD's is awesome.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =231365782

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =231919893

I hate it when I slobber on my keyboard!

You have described my wifes Taurus PT145 to exact specifications.

Her first handgun, she can drive nails with it, and I am so going to get another one. Just for me.

Model: 145BP Finish: Blue Steel, stainless
Caliber: .45 ACP Grips: Checkered Polymer UPC: 7-25327-31133-1
Capacity: 10 +1 Weight: 22.2 oz Rate of Twist: 1:12"
Barrel Length: 3.25" Construction: Polymer/Steel Height: 5.125"
Frame: Compact Width: 1.25" Action: DA/SA
Front Sight: Heinie Length: 6.125" Grooves: 6 Grooves Turn: Right
Trigger Type: Smooth Rear Sight: Straight-8 Safety: Firing Pin Block, Manual Safety, Trigger Block

Listed for $356 here: http://www.wholesalehunter.com/product. ... ctid=17245" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And you can use a Para Ordnance P-14 mag and increase your backup mag to 14 rounds.

stroo wrote:M&P 45c

Ditto. You won't find mother of pearl grips, but it can be painted any color you want.

CC Italian wrote: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.

Did you mean like the PM45, TP45, & P45?????

No, I meant the K series from Kahr. They don't have an all steel K series in 45acp. I have shot a few Kahrs but I don't like the polymer P series. Shooting a 13-18 ounce 9mm is a little silly to me and I wouldn't even bother with a 16 ounce 45acp. I rather carry a heavier 40 or 45acp and get less recoil. I have shoot the K series in 9mm and it was great and I have heard they have less problems but the p series are just to light and have an unnecessary amount of recoil. The PM9 has more recoil then my Glock 20 10mm. I don't mind small and powerful but I like a little weight to it. As long as its compact and I can conceal it I don’t care if it weighs another 5-10ounces. Plus like Ram4171 said many have had problems with them and I wouldn't trust one for carry. I know many think there great but honestly they have a lot of break in problems and for how much they cost I think it is a little ridiculous.

+1 on the steel khars my mk9 has been flawless. Great pocket pistol, about the same weight as a ss j frame, and stupidly accurate for such a small gun. But I digress the m&p 45c is the best compact 45 I've ever shot and goes with me almost everywhere.

An FN FNP-45? It's not particularly small, but it hits on the rest of them and has a 15(!) round magazine.

Another vote for the P220. My daily carry is a Compact (.6 in shorter barrel, .5 shorter height than a full size) in SAO, but they make them in DA/SA. There's also the Carry (.6 in shorter barrel than full size, same height) that's available in DA/SA, DAK, and SAO. They're beautiful, highly accurate guns. Downside is that they have an external hammer.

Two choices really. Glock 30sf. M&P 45c

I hope I'm not too late to this party.
The one thing I think is missing from your criteria is Trigger Pull.

I've shot many different models in different calibers, and everything said above is true for each person.
I've found that for self defense, I prefer a weapon with the same trigger pull for each shot. So, that knocks out several very good SA/DA autos. Finally, in the 45 caliber, I strongly recommend you borrow one and try it before you buy one.

IMHO, all of us have adjusted to the nuances of our carry weapons. Just starting out, I rented or borrowed about 15 different weapons before I found one I could learn to love. My two cents,
Happy Trails! N

...Ruger P97...I've put mine into the small and tiny hands of two family members, neither of which had fired a gun before, and both ladies emptied a magazine full of ball into a dinner plate-sized target at appx. 20 feet...smiled and told me how much fun that was....the P97 is light, smoothed and rounded for concealment...you can still find them used for around $350...worth every penny...mine are decockers but once had a DAO...trigger was too long to suit me...