I can't get very excited about any reduction in size that simply shortens the barrel.

The advantage of buying a compact model is in a shortened grip length, or a reduction in the thickness, such as might be gained from going from double-stack to single-stack mags. Both of these things make a pistol easier to conceal. Shortening the barrel makes very little positive difference, while shortening the sighting radius.

I would definitely take notice of a single-stack .45 with a shortened grip...basically their own version of a Glock 36.

Originally Posted by Bisley

I can't get very excited about any reduction in size that simply shortens the barrel.

The advantage of buying a compact model is in a shortened grip length, or a reduction in the thickness, such as might be gained from going from double-stack to single-stack mags. Both of these things make a pistol easier to conceal. Shortening the barrel makes very little positive difference, while shortening the sighting radius.

I would definitely take notice of a single-stack .45 with a shortened grip...basically their own version of a Glock 36.

I think the grip would probably be the same as on the 4.5 (if they follow the 9mm and .40 config.). But is their a so-called "better" length when it comes to shorter of longer? I guess it solely depends on if you're more into target/recreational instead of anything else, correct? Or maybe just like the looks of one over the other?

I was thinking of it in terms of concealed carry. A 4" barrel, or even longer, is fine for concealment, if the grip can be concealed. A longer barrel is most definitely a plus for marksmanship, because of the longer sight plane.

I don't mind a short barrel, because I have put in a lot of time and burned a lot of ammo learning to shoot them, but people who don't practice enough usually never shoot them very well. Any jerkiness in trigger pull, or error in sight alignment is 'magnified' with a short-barreled gun, and it takes a lot of repetitions to develop the necessary discipline, and to then be able to speed it up for self-defense type shooting.

Originally Posted by Bisley

I was thinking of it in terms of concealed carry. A 4" barrel, or even longer, is fine for concealment, if the grip can be concealed. A longer barrel is most definitely a plus for marksmanship, because of the longer sight plane.

I don't mind a short barrel, because I have put in a lot of time and burned a lot of ammo learning to shoot them, but people who don't practice enough usually never shoot them very well. Any jerkiness in trigger pull, or error in sight alignment is 'magnified' with a short-barreled gun, and it takes a lot of repetitions to develop the necessary discipline, and to then be able to speed it up for self-defense type shooting.

Thanks for your input Bisley. Again, the grip may be the same size as what's already on the 4.5's but who knows, they me be getting ready to release an altogether new smaller "compact" in whatever cal./size. Wish the c/s person could have given more info.