Trying to decide on a .45

Hello everyone I have a Glock 30SF and I have an extreme urge for another .45, I normally don't like to post a "help me decide" type question because I know there are lots of varying opinions but I've run into a wall and would be grateful for some help through it.

I'll start with a few facts, first I have up to $800 set aside for this one and I'm not into 1911's. Next although Glocks are my preferred sidearm I want something different, polymer is fine and maybe even preferred just not another Glock.

Reliability is most important to me followed by accuracy and then size, I would like to put this new .45 in my carry rotation with my Glock 30SF but if it's a little bigger that's ok I'm more interested in reliability than size.

Guns I'm considering,

Ruger P345 - I've read up on these and they seem to be a very reliable .45 and not to bad for carry even though it's a bit large, it seems the width is similar to a 1911 which helps with carry.

M&P45 - I've owned several different 40 and 9 M&P's and like them but never a .45 it may be a great option.

Beretta PX4 Storm .45 - I don't think I've heard many negative things about this gun, seems like a good contender

Kahr CW45- Mixed messages about reliability here, I know very compact .45's need proper technique or they could malfunction and that is not a problem for me at the range but under certain stressful situations I have to wonder. I've owned a couple different P9's and loved how easy they carry

Springfield XDs - pretty much feel the same as I do about the Kahr above but of course I've never owned anything similar

So far that is my short list any comments about those weapons or other suggestions would be very appreciated, thanks.

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Originally Posted by jhc37013

Hello everyone I have a Glock 30SF and I have an extreme urge for another .45, I normally don't like to post a "help me decide" type question because I know there are lots of varying opinions but I've run into a wall and would be grateful for some help through it.

I'll start with a few facts, first I have up to $800 set aside for this one and I'm not into 1911's. Next although Glocks are my preferred sidearm I want something different, polymer is fine and maybe even preferred just not another Glock.

Reliability is most important to me followed by accuracy and then size, I would like to put this new .45 in my carry rotation with my Glock 30SF but if it's a little bigger that's ok I'm more interested in reliability than size.

Guns I'm considering,

Ruger P345 - I've read up on these and they seem to be a very reliable .45 and not to bad for carry even though it's a bit large, it seems the width is similar to a 1911 which helps with carry.

M&P45 - I've owned several different 40 and 9 M&P's and like them but never a .45 it may be a great option.

Beretta PX4 Storm .45 - I don't think I've heard many negative things about this gun, seems like a good contender

Kahr CW45- Mixed messages about reliability here, I know very compact .45's need proper technique or they could malfunction and that is not a problem for me at the range but under certain stressful situations I have to wonder. I've owned a couple different P9's and loved how easy they carry

Springfield XDs - pretty much feel the same as I do about the Kahr above but of course I've never owned anything similar

So far that is my short list any comments about those weapons or other suggestions would be very appreciated, thanks.

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There are many great choices out there for sure, I am currently looking to check out this sig 220 with a short reset trigger(srt)

P220 Compact SAS Gen 2 (click this link)

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Originally Posted by pic

There are many great choices out there for sure, I am currently looking to check out this sig 220 with a short reset trigger(srt)

P220 Compact SAS Gen 2 (click this link)

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Thanks for the info the 220 seems like a great gun and probably the one I would get but it may be out of my current price range, not sure I can get one for $800. The SAS Gen 2 variation seems like it has everything one could want, it seems like no matter how high your budget is there is always at least one gun that is just outside your budget.

The M&Ps are pretty good, I think (even though I dislike them) The XDm 45s are better from what I hear, pass on the Kahr, Ruger will work, and my special suggestion to you would be another glock like a G36 or a G21 (which 21 mags will be applicable with your G30 which is an awesome gun btw)

how small do you want to go?
if you aren't in a hurry check out the Springfield XDS - just out and on the cover of American Rifleman and smaller than the glock 26/27 6.3"
Kahr PM45 5.8"
med size:
Para Slim Hawg 6.8"
glock 36 6.8"
Colt Defender 6.8"

Either a S&W M&P in .45 or scrape a few extra $ and go first class with a Sig P220

All I can tell you is that I own and carry a Ruger P345 and I love it. It's affordable, reliable, and accurate. It is a tad large for concealed carry but it's been with me daily for months now and I've yet to have anyone indicate they know I'm carrying a gun. I actually bought it for home defense, but once I got a Don Hume IWB holster for the P345 it has been my constant companion. Good luck with whatever you select.

I have a Px4 full size and with the rotating barrel, it has less recoil than My XDm 9 mm. I think You will be impressed with how minimal the recoil is. This is My first .45 and I couldn't be happier with My decision to get this gun. Still would like to get the XDs and have as My CCW.

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions I went to the range/dealer today pondering what to do and I was looking at the XDs and asking if they had one to rent so I could give it a try, they didn't have one and I didn't expect them to being as it's so new and in demand.

However their was a really nice young guy listening to our conversation and he just so happen to be their shooting his brand new XDs and even though he had only put 50rds through it he cheerfully offered it up to me so I could try it out for myself, very nice of him.

I had no ammo on hand so the guy behind the counter gave me 50rds of Federal and a target and said go give it a shot. The gun ran flawless and the ejection was perfect every time (something I always worry about since my Gen419), anyway I walked out of the range back into the store and cheerfully thanked the man who lent me his gun then I walked over and bought my own.

It was a good experience and it all came together like I was meant to buy the XDs today, he didn't even charge me for the ammo or range time.

I've been looking at getting another .45 sometime soon too. I currently only have 2 handguns. I have a CZ 75 SP-01 (9mm) and a Glock 36 (.45). While I absolutely love the G36, I want a .45 for home defense that has a higher mag capacity. I've been looking at some of the other Glock .45 models, M&P, XD, and some Sigs but I have no idea what to go with. Too many options.