Pistols45

A lot of shooters still like a small, concealable .45, but they wonder about simplicity in operation: i.e., should they stick with the tried-and-true single-action 1911 cocked-and-locked formula, or go to a double-action trigger? In this test we will look at two competing ways to conceal and deliver the .45 ACP using a smaller-sized handgun, and also see how two new guns stack up against a previously tested gun of similar size and operation.

Our fresh test products were the Springfield Armory Micro Compact LW Bi-Tone Operator, a traditional single-action 1911 greatly reduced in size from a full-size gun, $1,247. The second gun was a Para Ordnance CCO CWX745S, $1,049, a full-time double action.

We collected using a 15-yard sandbag rest, but we also tried rapid repeat fire to gauge how the guns would work straight out of the holster, looking in particular at how the difference in the triggers would affect accuracy, rapid fire capability, and safety. To test the guns, we shot self-defense loads from Winchester (185-grain FMJ and 230-grain SXT JHP rounds) and 200-grain TAP FPD hollowpoints from Hornady.

Also, we evaluated these products from a historical perspective, gauging how they fared against a top-ranked gun we've already tested and liked. If the new guns offer performance equal to or better than what we've already seen, then they'll get our nod here. If not, we'll tell you what guns are better buys, and why.

Here's what we found:

HK's USP Expert 45 .45 ACP is a rugged combat pistol with accuracy and versatility. We can't recommend Kimber's Gold Match Ten II because of function problems we encountered.

Springfield Armory's Lightweight Champion GI wouldn't shoot hollowpoints, and we didn't like the laser grips on Smith & Wesson's 1911PD. The Kimber had but one easy-to-fix flaw.

Glock created the .45 GAP for its polymer pistols, but Springfield Armory's XD 45 puts the round to good use as well. What would happen when we compared it to the 21 and 21C?

Glock's 36 is barely okay, in our estimation, and we had doubts about the Para Warthog's ability to shoot comfortably.

Also, we loved Colt's Gunsite CCO, but it had what we thought was a fatal flaw, and S&W's SW1911 Sc may not go bang.

The new Taurus 24/7 is a great combat gun, and we liked Ruger's P345, but the person shooting the Taurus PT 945 must have big hands to get the right shooting grip.

Though the $2,000 STI Target Master was Our Pick, it cost twice as much as the Springfield Long Slide 6-inch .45, which we rated as a Best Buy despite some hiccups.

We review three high-end .45s from a single maker — Les Baer — asking, "Which model offers the most bang for the buck?" In this case, less is plenty.

We pit the STI Lawman and Springfield's ‘Loaded' pistols against the polymer-bodied Glock to see how they match up.

The $749 Para Ordnance LTC combined accuracy, reliability, and affordability into one nice package. The Rock River Arms $1,560 Commando Elite is a find, if you can find one. Kimber's lighter $1,060 Tactical Pro II might be best for concealed carry.