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i currently carry a 40 but i just like the idea of 200 or 230 grain bullets for defense.
that said i'm looking at compact 45's for carry only; i have range guns i enjoy shooting.
right now i'm leaning toward the khar p45. i'd like any input before i make a decision.

seems like all 1911's are rather concealable. even the "full house" with the 5" barrel.
I have a buddy that carries a Taurus Millenium .45. thing's small, and shoots a big ol' bullet. lots of recoil, though.

Several companies make the little 3" barrelled 1911, which you could pert near fit into anything.

I'm on the fence also on which .45 Id like to get for a carry gun...
the Kimber, Khar, or a Colt commander.
I looked at a couple of ParaOrd pistols too (the Carry and the Warthog) but they just seemed too small.

I have large hands, so my main problem is finding one that fits well in my hand and is still relatively concealable...
My Glock21 fits well, but is not very concealable.

I carry an HK USP 45 fullsize with a Don Hume IWB. Yes it is big but with the right shirt it is hidden. I normally just wear a t-shirt or polo over it. IWB works better with it then the paddle holster that I have for it.

KungFu, since you have a Glock, check out a G30.
saj111, I have a Taurus PT 145 and I like it.($318 new) You may also want to look at the G30(double stack) or the G36(single stack) They are in the $500+ range. I liked the Springfield XD compact 40 alot. Now they have a compact 45. That might be worth looking into.
Good luck, OE

Was about to say the same thing. I carry a G30 myself. I find it concealable, but others might not agree. Guess it all depends on what you trying to wear. I personally wear dress pants and a slight oversized short sleeve button up shirt, untucked. Can't tell it's there. It is kinda thick, but it's also 10+1 ;)

Here's the .45 I'd like to carry someday when money allows...

That UCII is a nice carry. I have carried one for the last two years. I just bought a Sig P220R Elite Carry that I am going to break in and see if I can carry it. I may not be able to since it is commander size and I am used to the smaller and lighter UCII.

I am a certified 1911 "Nut" and have many, but I figured it was time to try something else and went with the Sig.

saj111 wrote:.....
right now i'm leaning toward the khar p45. i'd like any input before i make a decision.

I've carried a P45 daily for the past year because of the same reason you're thinking about carrying one. It works for me.

I carry a Kimber Pro Carry 2 in a Minute man OWB and a High Noon Closing argument for a IWB and its been easy to conceal.

I have been carring this for over a year with a Full size Gov.model or the Pro Carry.

300shooter

My carry.

Another option for you to mull over.

Colt Defender
3" 7+1

I traded the Hogues for Alumigrips.

Not fancy but the Defender seems to have, arguably, the best track record of the 3"ers.

There is a large following of the "no-barrel-shorter-than-4" (or 5")" mantra. The Defender seems to defy that cry.

Not trying to pick a fight with anybody, just gleaning information from other forums...as much as that is worth...and my limited experience.

If we all survive the "compact 45" debate then we can start arguing if you should be shooting a faster 185gr or the slower 230gr with a +P thrown in on both just for fun.

Seriously, I carry the Defender and I like it (with 185 +P Golden Sabers...this week). I have looked at Kimbers, Springfields, and Paras and figure I could carry one just as easily. All quality firearms. Still can't get my hand to feel right around a Glock...as much as I would like to...

The 1911 platform is about as thin and compact as you can get. As pbandjelly stated even a 5"er is not to big to conceal for a lot of folks.

Check out the nearby ranges and see if they have any compacts for rent and try them out. While your at the range watch for anyone with a compact and strike up a conversation. If all goes well, they may let you hold and fondle, they may even let you send a few down the chute.

I have a Kimber UC that I carry and it's conceals well. I also have a Glock 29 and due to the shorter grip, to me it conceals even better. So I say either a 3" 1911 or a Glock 30. Kahr might be another option for you.

Check out the STI Escort. 3" barrel. Its a pricey little beggar but is a FINE weapon! I just got to feel all over a Para Big Hawg and a Para Colonel while looking for a Warthog. The Big Hawg is VERY light, VERY concealable, and slim. Plus, it holds 14+1. The Warthog is 10+1. The Colonel is cool LOOKIN because it is OD Green, but I'm not a huge fan of the Colonel's trigger.

I don't suppose you're left handed? I've been looking to unload my USPc .45...