Short barreled 45 vs single stack 9mm?
I believe I’d rather run a 45 ACP than a single stack 9mm for personal defense. When I say short barrel, I am referring to *less* than 4”, and more like 3” barrels. Are there performance issues with less than Commander-length slides? Reliable ammunition performance? I’m looking at a S&W Pro Series 1911 45, the one with a 3” barrel.
I use a Glock 30s, Kahr PM45, and P9 Covert
The 30s is a 11-shot .45, 3.8” barrel, the Kahr is a 6-shot .45 and 3.25”. In .45 the velocity performance is not much different with this small barrel difference from a 5”. The heavier the bullet the less the difference. I’ve always felt the farther you get from the original Govt. 1911 pattern (on that chassis), the more attention to detail needed for absolute reliability.
The 3.25” 9mm also shows little performance loss with the barrel an inch or so shorter. Just today comparing my pocket gun to a full size Glock the difference was Winchester Service Grade - 115 gr. 1225 fps / 1290 and 115 gr. Monarch Target - 1025 / 1085 fps. A surprise was the Monarch 124 gr. ran faster in the Kahr at 1085 fps. Same speed the 115 ran in a full size Glock?!
It’s a personal decision. Could be a very important one. It can be fun too.
Mid-size guns are not too bad these days. Still, they require some practice and are more sensitive to “limp writing”, compared to big guns. Bust loose with that 16 oz. Kahr pushing a 115 over 1200 fps, it lets you know it. However the same basic gun (slightly longer grip) in .45 ACP is much easier on the hand. More of a firm push.
I took a couple comparisons to what sizes we are considering. The Glock 30s actually has a longer barrel than this Ruger compact 1911. The Kahr 9 and .45 are basically the same size. This pic is a P model with the full hand size grip frame shared by the P9,P40 and basically the PM45.
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I have a Glock 30
Not the “S,” but the regular frame. I was more interested in a single stack like the Smith & Wesson Pro which has a 3” barrel. Springfield used to make a short barreled 45, but apparently dropped from production today. I would look at the Kahr, but it’s not a 1911, of which I am more familiar.
Yeah the Kahr is not for everyone, but
For a very compact .45 it’s pretty exotic. Would have been unthinkable back in the 1970’s-80’s. 1” wide and only 16-18 oz. Very accurate. Trigger is basically like a DA revolver but totally smooth and consistent all the way through. No safety needed, no matter if it’s dropped, etc. the CW45 is a bargain to try. It has plastic riveted on front sight. The fancier PM45 has dovetail steel night sights and fancier Walther barrel, some cast parts rather than powder formed.
I found they can take US GI Spec. 1911 mags for back up. They have terrible resale value (?) so a fantastic bargain can be found.
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I will certainly be on the lookout.
I see them from time to time in 9mm or 380, but have never seen one in the wild in 45.
Just so you understand what I’m talking about
The PM45 or CM45, they are tiny, and reliable too. In their own class.
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