Good report!

Remember, the measure of a carry pistol isn't just how well it shoots; you have to CARRY it, too. Full-sized 1911s like the Kimber have been carried concealed for many years/decades (probably since about 1912 ), but that doesn't mean they are EASY to carry concealed. It's not just the gun's size, but the weight when fully loaded that cause some folks' problems. You also must remember to thumb the safety on and off when needed (especially after shooting but before holstering), and the gun must have the safety in the off-safe position to load or clear/unload. Not ideal.

The SIG is smaller AND lighter, and SIGs are also great guns, in general. Most folks agree that a DA/SA auto requires a bit more practice and dedication to shoot well at high speed, as you have to learn to manage the transition between the long heavy double-action (trigger-cocked) first shot and the shorter/lighter trigger action for the second, single-action, shot. No manual safety to worry about here, but after shooting you must remember to de-cock the hammer prior to holstering, or you could end up with an unexpected loud noise (and maybe a hole where you didn't want one).

The XDs are fine guns as well, and although rather large, they should still be a bit lighter than a 1911 (I think? It's possible the larger amount of ammo would offset). The trigger pull is the same from shot-to-shot, and their reliability is good-to-great.

It pains me to hear that the Glock 36 is the one you shot to represent all Glocks. It is (and I say this as a huge fan of Glocks) the dog of the lineup. The small, boxy grip was made as small as possible to help concealment, but almost no one likes the way it feels/sits in the hand, even folks who otherwise like the gun's general characteristics. It is notoriously ammo-sensitive, and some G36s have demonstrated random stoppages that are hard to track-down and correct. The G30 is a better choice for defensive use in a Glock .45 in my opinion, but it IS quite a bit larger, and that presents another set of problems for concealment. Personally, I'd choose any of the smaller (sub-compact or compact) Glocks in 9mm, .357, or .40 caliber before I'd go to a .45 or 10mm, as the larger grip size can prevent easy shooting OR concealment for many people.

That's my 2 cents, might not be worth that much to some folks...

I only fired the classic because that was the only 1911 style pistol they had. I have been looking really hard at either the Kimber Ultra Carry, or the CDP compact. You are right about the classic- while it could be concealed, it would certainly be heavy. I came out of our CCW class pretty high on the XD, but after firing/handling several of them I just think they are too boxy/bulky for what I am looking for. The 1911 safety issue does not scare me- I come from a heavy competition background in Sporting Clays, and I have to engage/disengage the safety on my comp shotgun huundreds of times a day in a tournament. It is something that is already second nature for both of us.

I am going to go back this week and shoot only the Sig and the Kimber to get a better idea. yesterday I only shot 2 mags through the Sig. I want to spend a little more time with it.

Funny comment from my wife yesterday- When I rolled my first target back to the line to look at it she says- " boy that 45 makes BIG holes" lol

Hey Tropicmaster - are you sure your report is accurate?

Sig P239 is only offered in 9mm, 357 Sig and 40 S&W - not 45 acp - are you sure you are not shooting 40S&W?

Sig offers 45 acp in the P220, 1911, and P250 only as far as I know.

I have the P239 that I use for CC and I enjoy shooting it and carrying it is a breeze.

I also have a G23 and a P229 that I also carry but not as often as the P239. All are 40S&W but I have drop in barrels for the P229 and G23 that allow me to shoot 9mm at the range. That is part of the reason that I chose these weapons due to their versatility to change from one caliber to another as the P250 boasts.

If I had to choose the most comfortable for me to shoot and the one I enjoy the most it would be the Sig P229.

You know I cant find a Sig p239 in .45 anywhere on the net either. I just assumed it was an older pistol and was no longer offered in .45, but I guess the range guy had it mis labeled. It was definately .45, that is the only ammo I bought for my pistols. I bought 9mm and .38 for what my wife shot, but only .45 for me. Whateverer it was, it was really accurate and sweet to shoot. It was right on the edge of what I would consider concealable size however. When I go back this week I will positively ID it from the slide and report back.

Originally Posted by SaltyDog

Hey Tropicmaster - are you sure your report is accurate?

Sig P239 is only offered in 9mm, 357 Sig and 40 S&W - not 45 acp - are you sure you are not shooting 40S&W?

Sig offers 45 acp in the P220, 1911, and P250 only as far as I know.

(snip)

Wow. Good catch, SaltyDog; I missed that completely, and just zeroed-in and commented on on the basic/generic models.

Originally Posted by DJ Niner

Wow. Good catch, SaltyDog; I missed that completely, and just zeroed-in and commented on on the basic/generic models.

I get lucky every now and then

It is all how the gun fits you in the hand and how well you do or don't shoot it. Can't help on the .45 but have the Kahr PM9 and really like it.

Tropicmaster, I traded a mint Python and a guardian .380 for a Kimber and have never looked back. I know the gun in my hand is never worth what I think it is and the one in the case always costs more than I planned, but that's the nature of the beast. Anywho... I absolutely love my Kimber and it is the second most pleasant pistol to shoot that I own. (My fav is a .357 Ruger GP101 [I think]), but I carry the Kimber easily in a split belt-type holster, and it really doesn't seem heavy at all. Placement is slightly uncomfortable when seated, but not unbearable.