Compact .45auto for CCW

[DHart]

I've carried a variety of .45s over the years, mostly 1911s, and of those, Commanders more than any other size.

More recently, I've carried polymer striker fired pistols for CCW more than my 1911s. The Glock 30 was one which I carried for a good while. Great pistol.

With so many small .45s to choose from these days, I've drilled down to what, for me, is an ideal choice for a compact .45 for CCW: the M&P45C, with 4" barrel.

I prefer it to the small single stack .45s because capacity is better, rapid fire controllability is better (.45auto is a stout caliber to shoot!), terminal ballistics are better with the longer barrel (4" vs. 3" or 3.3"), longer range accuracy is made easier with a longer sighting radius, and recoil is dispersed throughout the palm more widely than with the thin backstrap of a small single stack .45.

And with all of that, the M&P45C remains very easy to conceal and unobtrusive to carry. It really offers a great blend of desireable characteristics for a fighting .45 that is conveniently compact.

There are several magazine choices with this gun, the most compact of which is the 8 round mag (giving 8+1=9 round capacity) which has a flat base plate. This is my favorite magazine with the gun as it is so compact, but still allows a full 3-finger grip on the gun, even for my hands which are large/extra large glove size. And interchangeable back straps on the grip allow customizing grip size!



The M&P45C is about the same size as a Glock 19.


There is also an angled pinky extension which can be used as a base plate if one needs more pinky support.


And there is the 10-round magazine (giving 10+1=11 round capacity)


My preference for carry is with the 8+1=9 configuration and having the 10-round mag as the spare.


My sample gun had a heavy 8+ lb. trigger. That was quickly and easily changed to a very nice 4.5 lb trigger by swapping out just the sear and striker block. Just these two small parts were changed. And the trigger pull now is excellent! There was no need for a complete (and expensive) "trigger kit" consisting of trigger, springs, and other small parts. Just the Apex sear and Apex striker block did the trick.

I also removed the ambi-thumb safety. It's nice to have the option to use it if you want to, or don't if your don't! And quick and easy to remove or install.

Holster is the High Noon Bare Asset, carried at 4 0'clock position. And I use the Talon rubberized grip accessory to add some additional traction and a slight cushioning.

This setup offers a very competent and yet very easy to conceal and carry .45auto CCW. If you're considering a compact .45 for CCW, the M&P45C is certainly one you should give serious consideration to. And, with the 10-round magazine, the pistol makes a very capable house/truck/RV defense pistol, as well. Kudos to Smith & Wesson for a job very well done with the M&P45C.

The pistol also carries well with the 10-round magazine.

[tuck]

I had a 45c for awhile and enjoyed it. It's practically identical in size to a G19. I wish S&W made a 9mm pistol that size.

A side note, you really need to clip your finger nails.

[556BlackRifle]

I've shot the M&P and man, it was a good shooter. The one my buddy has - has an Apex trigger and it's a pleasure to shoot over the stock configuration. I think you've done well. Congrats!

[Watrdawg]

I love my M&P 45 Middy. It's probably the most accurate pistol I have. I probably carry it as much as my G19 and it conceals just as easily. I've looked at other 45's and so far just don't see a need to try them out

[Helix12]

Nice handgun. And, as usual, you do an excellent job with photography.

[DHart]

A side note, you really need to clip your finger nails.

What? To please you, tuck? I think not; my nails are none of your business.

[DHart]

I've shot the M&P and man, it was a good shooter. The one my buddy has - has an Apex trigger and it's a pleasure to shoot over the stock configuration. I think you've done well. Congrats!

Thanks, 556BR. It's a great carry gun.

[DHart]

I love my M&P 45 Middy. It's probably the most accurate pistol I have. I probably carry it as much as my G19 and it conceals just as easily. I've looked at other 45's and so far just don't see a need to try them out

I can't say that I am most accurate with my 45C over all of my other pistols, but plenty accurate for sure. And, yes, the 45C carries almost effortlessly. I love it.

[DHart]

Nice handgun. And, as usual, you do an excellent job with photography.

Thanks Helix, I appreciate your comments. I do enjoy the photography aspect quite a bit.

[BuzzinSATX]

Nice rundown and pics. I really want to like a G30, but the grip just does not fit my hands comfortably (grip is too large). I recently bought a PPQ 45 and love it, bu it's just too large to CC for me. I was looking at the new .45 Shield, but and also going to take another look at the 45C based on your experience and excellent post. Thanks!