Springfield Armory .45

[Toof]

Have the option of getting it tomorrow morning in either a 5" (which I'm leaning heavily towards) or a 4" compact. The compacts with a bit of a mag extension (which SA actually provides (one) for if you purchase the compact) will carry the 13+1, god forbid I ever need 14 rounds of .45 ACP.... They are 10 +1 with the standard compact mags, although they are interchangeable. The full size (5") feels better in my hands, but seems a little unwieldy for CC...

Do you go for the more accurate full-size that you "can carry concealed" or the 4' which is the same bulk at capacity that you can "definately carry concealed".

In my particular situation, I'm currently in an apartment. Being 26 I have no real need to carry the gun outside of the home except for to the range and/or if I do infact decide to take a CC course and be legally liscensed to carry it.

The 5" seems more practical to shoot and have as a home defense weapon. The 4" seems to fill that role as well, but doesn't feel as comfortable in my hands. Both are the same price, and unless someone convinces me otherwise, I'll be picking up the DE/BS .45 Tactical tomorrow bright and early.

[Treize69]

Just personal preference, but I'd go with a long barrel .45. Those short ones just don't feel right in my hand, and the two I've test fired seemed far less accurate. I've been carrying a Colt Mk.IV for several years now, have no problem keeping it concealed under a shirt or light jacket all year. Mine only carries the standard 7 rounds, I can't see ever needing more than 7 hollow-point .45 ACP rounds at one time.

[Toof]

Thanks for your reply.

I almost expected the grip of the 5" to be too big for my small hands. After handling it and turning it around a few times, and then handling the compact, the larger one feels better. I'ts a damn small frame for 13+1 .45. I'm with you on the never needing more than 7 .45 rounds to do whatever job you need done. Those extra ones there are insurance (in a .45, you should only need one of it's on target). Actually gave that a bit of foresight as far as carrying a 13+1 .45 in a CC role. Don't think I'd ever stack a carry mag past 5-6. If your point isn't made on the first 1, you still have some backup, without the legal implications of "he carried a hi-capacity magazine designed to kill x member of authority".  And the lengths this particular firearm can go to provide "insurance". You can be almost deaf dumb and blind and still put 1 out of 13 .45 rounds into a close range attacker.

I'm still baffled as to how much different the XD.45 felt in the 5" and 4" varieties. The 4" felt too small for my hand (I'm sure you can get mag extensions, it may even come with one). And i've got small hands. The full size 5" fit like a glove though. I'll be picking up the 5" tomorrow bright and early. Wish I could post a picture of what it looks like...

Maybe that link will work.. Basically even without taking it out to the range(being that I don't own the damn thing, yet) I'm already pleased with it. If anyone has any arguments about the 4" vs. 5", please say so now

[Treize69]

Mines this.

[SFRT - Frenchy]

My friend carries one of those, awsome to carry and pretty balanced/accurate for a 3". I find the 1911s to have a skinier grip than the XDs, better to hold and easier to conceal.I conceal my 5" and it's a squeak because I'm pretty skiny. The only way is inside the pants and still the grip marks the clothing. The 3" is awsome for Conceal ... and hell ... for self defense, meaning buying enought time to retreat to safety, u don't need a sniper rifle.

[Shuffler]

Single stacks do have marginally smaller grips than the XD 45. You simply have fewer rounds. I really like my XD45 with 5". I've been eyeing the XDm now with match grade barrel and more rounds. It is all a matter of preference though.

[Coshy]

The difference between 5" and 4" accuracy at typical self defense ranges wont make much of a difference. If you intend to conceal, go with the one that will conceal better. Printing, depending on your state, can cause problems with law enforcement. If however you decide to trust your personal safety to law enforcement (when seconds count, they are only minutes away) and use the gun for range duty only, then absolutely go with the 5".

[1pLUs44]

Is your .45 a 1911? I've never heard of a 1911 with 10+ rounds. (even though I've seen a 9mm with 17 rounds in the magazine)

Our 1911's extended mag only holds 8, and the regular holds 7, but again, I don't think you need 17 rounds of .45 to protect yourself. Hollow point or not.

[Golfer]

I use a 3" 1911 (Kimber) as my every day carry gun.  I'm not skinny like Frenchy so I have to be a little more picky about how I carry it.   

[RipChord929]

Well, ppl have their own preferences, to be sure..
I own a large selection of pistols, carried them all
at one point or another.. 45's, 9mm's, 357's, 44's, etc..
Auto's and wheelgun's, short ones, long ones, stainless,
parkerized, blued and alloy, old style and new fangled...

My age, and experiences with the ugly side of life, have
brought me to the conclusion, that what really matters is
your willingness to use the weapon when the situation
demands it... Not what kind of pistol you carry... Mental
prep, and knowlege of your legal limitations, and liability,
is FAR more important, than punching holes in paper...
THIS IS GOSPEL!!!

Been thru a few military and civilian bullet swapping contests,
so I know what I'm talking about... Been there, done that!

I'm a simple no BS kinda guy.. Very mellow, good natured, but I
Don't take alot of crap from ppl... I'm a BIG guy as well, USMC Ret, and
I NEVER allow someone to foist their will upon me... NEVER!!!
Violent altercations have always been between myself and 2 or 3 ppl,
(bringing their buddies is the only way the weasles stand a chance)..
And I have always walked away,(sometimes bleeding and limping),
but always under my own power..

For the last 10 years, I have been carrying a 410gauge 2 shot
derringer... Fits in my pocket, and the palm of my hand.. When my
alarm hairs on the back of my neck start standing up, I casually slide
my hand into my pocket, and just wait patiently, until 1 of the fools
comes within arms reach.. (Idiots always have the need to, "get in your face")!
The ultimate stupidity! Then grab them by their adams apple, and ram
the derr into their eyesocket... Then ask him, and his buddies, to
make their choice... Again, speaking from experience!!!
And you better be mentally prepped to follow thru, if they make the wrong one!!!
Because they will eat you alive if you don't!!!


My opinion; If you are HAVE to sport a 1911, get a full size
model.. Simply because they shoot better than the shorties..
When ya have a carry licence, its bulk won't matter anyway...
But they do get a little uncomfy after awhile!!!

RC

[Rash]

Longer the better, least chance of shooting your finger off, but if you have short fingers I would go with the short barrel.

[Dago]

If you buy the long barrel, you won't regret it.  The same may not be true if you buy the short barrel version.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

My 1911 pattern 45 ACP holds 14 rounds, 13 in the magazine and one in the chamber.

[Halo]

Congrats on your XD .45 ACP.  The 4-inch is my favorite.  Even better with Glock laser/light. 

[Maverick]

My preference would have been for the compact or even sub compact since I no longer carry a duty weapon. I had plenty of practice with a full size 1911 as well as the Officers model. I am definitely in favor of the composites like the XD and Glocks. Lot's lighter for carrying.