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Neil, several reliable models to choose from these days. There are many models - Top 5 picks are : (1). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/3900/SAI+XDG+MOD2+45ACP+3.3+BLK - (2). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/47140/Springfield+Armory+XDE45+XDE93345BE+3.3+6%2B1+45ACP - (3). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/46031/Kahr+Arms+PM4543+PM45+5%2B1+45ACP+3.2 - (4). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/35192/Rock+Island+51429+Rock+Standard+CS+Single+45+ACP+3.6+7%2B1+Black+Rubber+Grip+Bla - (5). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/34251/RUGER+AMERICAN+COMPACT+PISTOL+45+ACP

Springfield XDS .45 is the smallest I know of, but there are 3" 1911s in .45 as well.

Hi Neil, There are several factors to consider. As already mentioned, a Springfield XDS is one of the smallest available pistols chambered in .45ACP - in fact, I carry this gun myself, though I traded the 3.3" for the 4.0. The 45 is a heavy, slow bullet so maximizing barrel length is critical to its ballistic performance. The longer the barrel, the more time to accelerate the projectile. If you go with anything shorter than 4", you'll want to test the ammo and see how reliably it expands. I would recommend you choose a +P load to increase muzzle velocity. If you're new to handguns, I recommend staying with striker-fired (basically anything without an exposed hammer). Avoid 1911 pistols, as they have a steeper learning curve. Plus, the 1911 style has been proven to lose reliability when barrel length enters the subcompact zone (less than 4"). So, instead of recommending a specific model, I'm going to recommend specific traits that will help you identify the best option for YOU: 1.

Recommend coming to Bud's and test firing several available guns in 45 ACP and other calibers that are available for range use. There are dozens of 45 ACP options out there. The perfect carry gun is the one that YOU are most comfortable with and can fire safely and accurately. If you are not local to central Kentucky it is recommended you find a range in your area that offers the same test firing service as Bud's offers.

There's only ONE CHOICE when your LIFE DEPENDS ON IT .... The KIMBER Ultra Stainless TLE II 3" 1911. It's small enough to pocket carry if you have to, can handle all the +p+ you can throw at it, and is beefy enough to absorb a lot of that "micro .45" recoil. It comes with night sights, and I outfitted mine with the green Crimson Trace laser grips. Better than 1000 rounds down the pipe without a single ftf or fte.

several reliable models to choose from these days. I carry the RIA compact 1911 There are many models - Top 5 picks are : (1). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/3900/SAI+XDG+MOD2+45ACP+3.3+BLK - (2). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/47140/Springfield+Armory+XDE45+XDE93345BE+3.3+6%2B1+45ACP - (3). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/46031/Kahr+Arms+PM4543+PM45+5%2B1+45ACP+3.2 - (4). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/35192/Rock+Island+51429+Rock+Standard+CS+Single+45+ACP+3.6+7%2B1+Black+Rubber+Grip+Bla - (5). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/34251/RUGER+AMERICAN+COMPACT+PISTOL+45+ACP

Glock 19. Don't listen to anything else. Glock 19.

several reliable models to choose from these days. I carry the RIA compact 1911 There are many models - Top 5 picks are : (1). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/3900/SAI+XDG+MOD2+45ACP+3.3+BLK - (2). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/47140/Springfield+Armory+XDE45+XDE93345BE+3.3+6%2B1+45ACP - (3). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/46031/Kahr+Arms+PM4543+PM45+5%2B1+45ACP+3.2 - (4). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/35192/Rock+Island+51429+Rock+Standard+CS+Single+45+ACP+3.6+7%2B1+Black+Rubber+Grip+Bla - (5). budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/34251/RUGER+AMERICAN+COMPACT+PISTOL+45+ACP