The good old 230gr hollow point. For some it’s the only logical last line of defense and the best pistol is always .45 ACP. So what are the best subcompact 45 ACP handguns out there?
Despite 9mm making massive ground in recent years, a bigger and heavier bullet is just a better starting point for some. And 45 ACP ballistics tech hasn’t exactly stood still in the last 50 years.
9mm vs 45 ACP Concealed Carry Pistols: The War That Never Ends
Stopping Power. There, we said it, once, and we’re done with that tiresome internet debate. You can go have the 9mm vs 45 ACP concealed carry war on the forums.
What is a subcompact handgun? The Definition…
Now we have to lay down some markers, because subcompact is a vague term. So a 3.5 inch barrel or less and a total length of 7 inches allows for a variety of options.
Any less and the choice would be dismal, excluding Officer sized 1911s. So that’s our definition of a subcompact handgun for this class. If you were wondering…
The Best Subcompact 45 ACP Pistols For Sale in 2023
1. Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact
- Price: $607.99
- Caliber: .45 ACP Pistol
- Barrel: 3.8 inch
- Slide Width: 1.2″
- Total Length: 7 inch
- Weight: 1.5lb
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1
This is the double stack 45 subcompact you’ve been waiting for with the full 10+1 rounds. So even though the barrel is a fraction too long for this class and it isn’t a true subcompact, this is the best gun here if you like a striker fired pistol.
The Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact is lighter than the subcompact 1911s here, smaller and that longer match-grade barrel helps tame the round.
It isn’t quite a true sub compact, but the Springfield XDM Elite is still the best subcompact pistol chambered in 45 ACP out there right now. Confusing, but true.
Handgun With Great Ergonomics
The slightly larger size gives this black polymer framed pistol brilliant ergonomics.
The high-quality metal slide gets a h
Some people scoff at two safety levers. But the Springfield Armory XD Mod 2 Subcompact and this spin-off are supremely popular with Law Enforcement, private security and more, precisely because of them.
A 1911-style grip and trigger blade safety were unique. Now others have started to copy this innovation, but this semi-auto striker fired pistol was and is one of the best. It also cuts down on limpwristing issues as you need a positive grip to shoot.
Incidentally you can still buy a much cheaper Springfield Armory XD Mod and Springfield Armory XD Mod 2 Subcompact pistols out there in the wild. But this is the new gun.
Good For CCW
It truly is one of the best subcompact pistol options and could slip in an IWB holster without printing.
The Springfield XD-M Elite is a small carry firearm, but the palm swell fits even larger hands. An extended mag capacity can give you a little more real estate to play with, too, and more rounds. Suddenly you’ve got 13+1 rounds in your extended magazine and an absolute weapon.
Until we see a Gen 5 Glock, this is the best 45 Subcompact pistol you can buy. Maybe long after that, and the larger competition pistol is also great for shooting sports. And there’s a 10mm auto version too.
2. Kimber Ultra Carry II – Kimber Custom Defense Package
- Price: $799.99
- Caliber: .45 ACP Auto
- Barrel: 3 inch
- Slide Width: 1.3″
- Total Length: 6.8
- Weight: 1.6lb
Kimber’s makes boutique guns that could easily qualify as jewelry, as well as personal defense. I mean the Kimber Ultra CDP II is definitely
It certainly feels like one of the more exclusive options.
Kimber vs Colt: Close With Custom Guns
Now Kimber vs Colt’s is the battle that defines the 45 carry firearm sector. Indeed you don’t have to look too hard for unkind words, rants even, about the Kimber Micro 9.
But the user reviews on the Kimber Ultra CDP II are a different story to the 9mm Kimber Micro.
This is a Kimber Custom gun, which means it gets that extra love and attention at the factory that results in a reliable,
Custom Shop Goes to Work on Lightweight Frame
Kimber starts with a KimPro II aluminum frame, marries that to a stainless steel slide and straps some low profile sights up top.
A full length guide rod and recoil spring,
Under the skin, it’s a
You’ll buy it because it’s cool, and you will be right. Kimber Custom’s full size pistols are a sight to behold, too. Read about the Kimber Rapide and the best Kimber 1911 pistols here.
3. Colt Defender
- Price: $1,143.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
- Barrel: 3 inch
- Total: 6.75 inch
- Weight: 1.5lb
- Capacity: 7+1
If you want a subcompact 1911 45 ACP carry pistol, you really should take a look at the Colt Defender and the even more extravagant Colt Defender Combat Elite.
The Colt Defender isn’t a cheap handgun, but then you have to be really careful with 1911 style subcompact 45 ACP pistols for CCW. Don’t cheap out, only a few of them have a stellar reputation for reliability and contained muzzle flip.
Colt struggled when it chopped down the 5 inch cold hammer forged barrel to 4 inches, so we didn’t even get the Colt Defender until 2000. Now it is perhaps the finest of the breed and the Combat Elite is a refined version. So the Combat Elite should be the best here.
Although one or two companies do have something to say about that… And, well, you still have to find one. This search is done for you, some of the prices will make you laugh.
Old School 1911, Shrunk To Fit
It’s a traditional 1911 cut down to size, made from cold hammer forged steel, and it just feels different in the hand. We think the 9mm vs 45 ACP for personal defense is done and relatively dusted.
But personal and home defense handguns largely come down to the sense of security they impart. If you’re happier with 230gr on your hip, well that’s your call and it’s literally your life. If you want the lighter grain ammunition, you can get a 9mm Defender these days too.
The Series 80 Colt has the internal passive firing pin safety, an important safety feature for a gun that could be pointed directly at your nuts if you appendix carry, and you’re a dude, or identify as one…
Effective, Without Breaking the Bank
Fixed three dot Novak Carry sights are slimline and effective, with that rear sight designed for a smooth draw. This is not a tacticool gun.
You don’t need a strobe light on this, and an RMR would just look wrong without a real solid reason. You do need the deal recoil spring set-up, though, which helps kill muzzle rise in what could obviously be a supremely snappy handgun.
Colt Trigger Pull is Stuff of Legend
The trigger action is legendary, although the Series 70 pistols are generally considered smoother still. It’s a roll, rather than a break, and it will make your shooting technique better by default.
The Dual Spring Recoil System is a big deal for Colt and helps reduce felt
It’s not quite a Glock in terms of reliability, but then nothing is. For
Of
You can opt for a range of Cerakote finishes, polished metal, blued and more. A range of real wood grips mean it comes in just about every flavor and there’ll be a look to suit your mood. Or something….
4. Glock 30s
- Price: $549.99
- Caliber: 45 Auto (ACP)
- Total length: 6.97 inch
- Barrel: 3.78
- Slide width: 1.38
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1
- Weight: 1.43lb
Conservative minds might argue this is still the best gun here. Glock is a popular handgun in any caliber because it’s a safe option. But this is still the Gen 4, and that isn’t a perfect gun.
If you want a super reliable 45 ACP Sub-compact pistol that goes bang every time you pull the trigger, requires zero maintenance and can be relied on to survive a nuclear winter, then just save time and buy this Glock now.
These are the
Traditional Glock Handguns Strengths Work Here
We are not big Glock fans here, but this is a specific task. Reliability, accuracy
The overall length of the Glock 30s means the barrel isn’t a major issue. In fact it can help with recoil reduction, muzzle flip, a proper accessory rail and that other small detail – hitting the target.
So we gave the Glock a pass on the long barrel too. It doesn’t quite fit the rules, by the letter of the law. But then others don’t now either and it’s not quite a compact handgun either…
Gen 4 Glock Handguns Need Mods
The only real downer is this is the Gen 4, which had a notoriously mushy trigger pull. So you may end up replacing a connector plate, or the whole trigger group, to get the best gun possible.
No manual safety either, which is something you can cope with or you can’t. The Glock Safe Action is good, but not everybody trusts it.
Not the prettiest 45 ACP, But…
It’s your EDC, not your safe queen or Facebook profile picture. It doesn’t have to be pretty, it has to be effective. Glocks are still really good at that. Even the Gen 4.
And the G30 Gen5 MOS with a red dot sight could put Glock back on top.
5. Rock Island Armory BBR 3.1
- Price: $622.99
- Barrel: 3.1 inch
- Total: 7
- Weight: 2lb
- Capacity: 10+1
This is the Holy Grail: the 10-round subcompact 1911 45 with the double stack mag. It’s also a Rock Island Armory, and that’s a bold strategy.
RIA has taken some massive steps of late and this is the first genuine Officer size 1911 that gives you a full 10 rounds. It’s a cool gun and if we had more balls, it might be number 1.
Now this hammer-fired BBR 3.1 is an all-metal handgun that still weighs in at just 2lb, even with the additional girth to accommodate the fatter staggered mags.
BBR 3.1 Also Looks Good
You also get quality night sights up top, and sexy grips. It’s a nice gun too.
Technically, it proves my point about the Springfield XD-M Compact, though. This is the same size, and that’s a better gun. That, availability, and just the fact that the Rock Island hasn’t had time to prove its reliability mean its down here for now.
But this could be a future winner. It may be badged as an Armscor, but it’s all the same. Buy with confidence, and enjoy.
6. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
- Price: $500.99
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel: 3.3 inch
- Overall Length: 6.5
- Weight: 1.29lb
- Capacity: 7+1
The S&W M&P is another multi-caliber star and this personal defense legend is one of the most compelling pistols in 45 ACP.
In fact in this company this might be the micro compact 45 pistol that at least some of you are still looking for.
The S&W M&P is a slim, lightweight handgun that is easy to conceal without printing. It has just enough detail on the slide to make it easy to work with at the shooting range.
It also has just enough bullets to send most intruders on their way. The safety on this version of the S&W M&P Shield subcompact pistol is a nice touch. And there’s a loaded chamber indicator oin the Smith & Wesson shield too..
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is Great in All Calibers
It’s a black polymer special and is designed not to stand out, but the Smith and Wesson is a great little semi-automatic pistol that has proven itself over the years.
The full-sized version and the Smith & Wesson compact aren’t too shabby as
This is the Shield 2.0 and it continues to be a sales sensation for the firearms manufacturer. At this price, it’s certainly one of the best concealed carry pistols for CCW here in terms of value, and maybe just outright ability.
7. S&W Performance Center SW1911 Pro
- Price: $1,282.99
- Caliber: .45 ACP Pistol
- Barrel length: 3 inch
- Total: 6.9
- Weight: 1.6lb
- Capacity: 7+1
The latest S&W Performance Center 1911 could be the best Officer-sized 1911 on this list. It might not have the cache of the Colt in this weight class, but technically it’s a match and more.
Supply is limited, demand is high, you know the Covid 19 story of 2021 by now. If you see one of these, don’t sit and think for too long. if it’s out of stock, well we’re doing our best to find more.
In time we might swap them and take the heat. This little beauty from the Smith and Wesson Performance Center is really that good.
This gun gets a full-length guide, oversized extractor and other premium touches. It also packs in one more round than the Colt, which is seriously important. It’s just one more bullet, but it’s also 15% more ammo.
It’s a match for the obvious rival everywhere. The design looks a little more cohesive and aimed at a younger crowd and we could see ourselves with this high quality carry pistol before a Defender.
8. Glock G36
- Price: $563.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Barrel Length: 3.8
- Slide width: 1.18
- Total: 6.75
- Weight: 1.3lb
- Capacity: 6+1
Only a true Glock guy can tell you the difference between the Glock 30s and the Glock G36. Basically the G36 is 4 ounces lighter and 0.1 inches thinner and carries less ammo.
The end result is a gun that carries one less round and produces more recoil. It is also harder to find and tends to be more expensive as a result.
Except for those small issues, it’s all win. We’d get the G30, every time. The extra ammo is worth the weight and marginal extra on the hips and an extended mag is easy to source.
Aside from that they’re almost indistinguishable. 2 blocky handguns with a melonite finish slide.
9. Kahr CW45
- Price: $421.99
- Barrel: 3.64 inch
- Overall: 6.32 inch
- Weight: 1.19lb
Kahr Arms has plugged away at the
The slim line single stack Kahr CW45 is a double action only pistol with a locking breech. Some people will love the accessibility and user friendly feel that goes with that. The Kahr CW45 is the point and shoot of the polymer framed pistol world, it’s a soft, none threatening trigger action and recoil is damped too.
Packaging wise, this gun is a minor miracle. We had to give it a pass on the length of the barrel, because the Kahr CW45 actually 3.64 inches. But the whole gun is just 6.32 inches long, so this is a lot of gun in a relatively small footprint. We’re impressed, even though it means the design is a little square.
Narrow Gun, Which Prevents Printing
The width is the maddest thing here. This gun is an inch thick at its widest point and that means it stows like a dream. The longer barrel certainly feels more accurate while range shooting and the stippling fits your hand just right.
You can get high up on the grip, the bore axis of the gun falls into place and recoil fades as if by design.
The Kahr PM45 is the classic 45 ACP polymer frame handgun. That Kahr PM45 is another multi-caliber pistol that covers everything from a 9mm pistol right through to 230gr .45 Cal and it’s a great backup gun
The Kahr is still available on Guns.com and you can pick one up for just over $300. There isn’t much else in that price range at all. We prefer the newer guns, though, and think the Kahr Arms PM45’s time has come and gone now even though it gives the best deals.
10. Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 Undercover
- Price: $1,061.99
- Barrel: 3 inch
- Total: 6.85 inch
- Weight: 1.61lb
- Capacity: 6+1
Magnum Research, the company behind the infamous full-sized Desert Eagle .50, also does a rather splendid line of 1911 handguns. This subcompact 1911 CCW is absolute gun porn, and the finishing touches hint at a custom gun.
The adjustable rear sights, checkered front and back straps, flared magwell and high-ride grip safety really do look the part.
The frame is machined from billet aluminum and the slide is carbon-infused steel. The aluminum trigger, skeleton hammer and G10 grips are all quality items and this gun stacks up pretty well against the Colt in the looks department.
This subcompact 1911 has a lot going for it and, like the Desert Eagle .50, we think it’s going to be a sales sensation.
11. Kimber Aegis Elite Ultra Compact 1911
- Price: $969.99
- Barrel: 3″
- Total Length: 6.8″
- Weight: 1.56lb
- Capacity: 7+1 Rounds
We went with the Kimber CDP up top, because we think we should. But man the Kimber Aegis Elite Ultra is a pretty little gun.
It’s cheaper, too. Just…
The fiber optic front sight is an accent touch in itself, as well as providing excellent sights. They sit atop an alloy frame and some of the most seductive 1911 grips in this whole post.
We would still take the CDP, because that’s a full Kimber Custom Shop gun and we get the impression this single stack is a halfway house. It looks like a designer gun, built to a price point.
The Kimber Aegis is achingly beautiful, though, right down to the magazine release, and we could see why you’d choose this as an EDC.
Kimber has some truly stellar 1911s aimed at home defense and shooting sports. Check them out if you have a moment..
12. Charter Arms Pitbull Revolver
- Price: $467.99
- Caliber: .45 Cal ACP Auto
- Barrel: 2.5 inch
- Total Length: 6.5 inch
- Weight: 1.38lb
A carry revolver is an interesting choice of compact handgun to begin with. If you then opt for a 45 ACP revolver in your carry holsters, you’re surely just messing with people…
44 Magnum rules the roost when it comes to revolvers, with 357 Magnum a close second. A double action/single action 45 ACP subcompact pistol is not even on the radar of most serious revolver shooters. It really is a round that was designed for semi auto handguns.
But it works here and it works well in the multi-caliber revolver that is the Charter Arms Pitbull. You can find this handgun in the usual calibers, and oddities like this one and a 9mm pistol. Why? Because people buy them and seem to like them.
It’s a large caliber oddity, a curiosity and yet it’s certainly an option if you’re looking for an alternative carry gun and the usual Glock rival pistols just don’t do it for you.
13. Ruger SR1911 Officer Style
- Price: $869.99
- Barrel: 3.6″
- Total Length: 7.25″
- Weight: 1.94lb
- Capacity: 7+1 Rounds
Ruger might actually deserve to be higher. A triple spring recoil reduction system looks like a real tangible advantage and the standard gun comes with a brushed steel finish that looks just as good as more expensive rivals.
The company then went to town on the finishing touches. The hammer and trigger are skeletonized and those 1911 grips are pure gun porn.
This is a Series 70 1911 Officer size compact pistol with just a little more barrel, without adding too much to the overall weight. We have to be honest this gun is the same length as a Glock 19. But it’s sexier, so much sexier.
A lowered and flared ejection port, a titanium firing pin, checkered mainspring housing and that pronounced memory bump on the beavertail grip safety show just how far Ruger has gone to incorporate custom handgun touches.
This gun is technically every bit as good as the leading lights. If you can live without the badge snobbery, you’ll save money and arguably finish up with a better gun.
14. Tanfoglio Witness Polymer
- Price: $547.99
- Barrel: 3.6 inch
- Total Length: 7.3
- Weight: 1.75lb
- Capacity: 8+1 Flush fit magazine
Update: We can’t find one right now, but this gun is reappearing as the RIA MAPP Series in a 9mm pistol. If and when the 45 hits the market, this will be right back towards the top.
We’re pushing the very limits of sub-compact, we know. But if you can handle concealing a slightly larger gun, or indeed prefer to, this is a much more complete defensive pistol than most here.
It’s not just us that really like this thing too.
RIA MAPP Series is the Tanfoglio Polymer, Yes…
In fact it so well designed that Rock Island Armory have bought the rights to reproduce the 9mm pistol only so far. You should look out for the RIA MAPP Series, as well as the Italian Tanfoglio.
They’re basically the same gun and one should be about $100 cheaper. You can guess which one…
It’s a DA/SA pistol that we think outdoes the Glock in more or less every critical area.
Perfect Carry Gun, From Design to Execution
The ergonomics are world class, borrowing heavily from both 1911s and the company’s competition pistols that have fast achieved legend and Champion status.
The grip design alone makes this gun worth considering and the beveled slide and chopped front are awesome from a quick draw perspective.
A manual frame mounted safety and chunky slide stop is also a nice 1911 touch brought up to date.
You even get a proper Picatinny rail slung under the barrel. That’s rarely a dealbreaker in this class, but it’s nice to have.
This is a great gun. Arguably it’s the finest carry 45 ACP here and only a conservative nature is keeping it from a podium position. It even gets an additional round compared to some. And there’s no denying more bullets do give you more stopping power.
A solid track record of reliability, and everybody else loving it as much as we do, could change that.
15. Remington 1911 R1 UltraLight Executive
- Price: $1,046.99
- Caliber: .45 Cal ACP
- Barrel: 3.5 inch
- Overall: 7 inch
- Weight: 1.75lb
- Capacity: 7+1 Flush fit magazine
Remington doesn’t get that much love on these pages with its 1911s, but we’ve noticed that personal bias and we’re doing our best to address it.
The truth is that Remington has become a real niche handgun brand, but when you look at the designs and the tech on each individual model then you struggle to see why it isn’t a bigger force generally.
Aluminum Frame
This is an aluminum framed 1911 45 ACP designed to fit into a small footprint, hence the rounded heel for CCW that helps keep a gun with a relatively long barrel stay at 7 inches long exactly. That’s decent packaging for a 45.
You get a match-grade barrel, Tritium sights, a drilled out trigger and hammer and a few other neat touches. The Remington is pretty sexy, too, it has to be said. But we just don’t see them out in the wild. Try one, you might genuinely like it.
What about the most famous guns that just aren’t here?
Most 45 carry guns are too big for the subcompact class and even we were surprised by just how few of the established 45 ACP subcompact pistols from the likes of Sig Sauer and the likes of the H&K USP Compact came even close to the self-imposed size limit here.
They’d be much better for shooting sports and some of them are better guns. But, well, they don’t fit.
We expected the Springfield Range Officer to star here, as well, but we just couldn’t justify it. It’s not close. So the Springfield Range Officer will have to wait for another post. Along with the Ruger SR45.
And we really did want HK represented here. We like Heckler & Koch, but the USP compact has a 4.4 inch barrel. So yeah, there’s that…
If you want the Sig P320, the H&K USP Compact and the legendary concealed carry, or even a Beretta PX4 Storm in your Alien Gear holster, check out our list of the 25 best compact 45 ACP gun reviews here.
Consider the 9mm Alternative
If you’re totally in love with 230gr hollo points, well we understand. But if you just haven’t looked too hard in recent times, well 9mm Luger has come a long way. And the likes of the best subcompact 9mm Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat have changed the game.
The Sig P365 was the first best-selling micro-compact pistol that slotted in beneath the subcompact pistols we all thought were as small as we ever dared go. A slimline slide width, small footprint and solid capacity mean this is the firearm most people buy these days.
Now the Springfield Hellcat has gone to war with the Sig P365, the Kimber R7 Mako, Beretta APX and lots more. They are State compliant by design and are perfect for slipping unnoticed into a IWB, purse or pocket holster. A polymer grip works in all seasons too.
So before you buy your cannon, consider a Sig P365 and the competition.
And Don’t Forget 30 Super Carry
We say don’t forget 30 Super Carry because we do forget about it. A lot.
30 Super Carry is a new defensive round introduced in 2022, but honestly it’s not getting near the traction it needs. 9mm and 380 ACP pistols are outselling it by orders of magnitude and it looks like 30 Super Carry really isn’t the smash hit we hoped it might be.
Parts and Accessories
You might want to enjoy shooting sports, or you might just have worn out your magazine release at the range, need a new flush fit magazine or need the best selling red dot sight. So you want parts and accessories. Our favorite gun parts suppliers are here:
Get the Best Carry Holsters at the Best Price
Don’t do all this research and spend the money on the right pistol, and then cheap out on your carry holsters. Get the best you can afford from the likes of Alien Gear, Crossbreed Holsters and more.
Try these live links for the best carry holsters in stock right now:
- Palmetto State Armory – Massive range of holsters and pouches. As well as rifles, shotguns, pistols.
- Sportsman’s Guide: Alien Gear, Crossbreed Holsters and many more IWB and OWB holsters.
- Sportsman’s Warehouse – IWB Holsters from the big names, and OWB holsters too.
And if you’ve made it this far maybe you want a little extra reading? Try these.
- The best MicroCompact 9mm Pistols on Sale in 2023.
- Cheap rifles, shotguns, pistols etc
- The best Glock pistols
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May I add one more option. I actually own a Para Ordnance P12 45 caliber 1911 style gun and would recommend it as a concealed carry:
https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/para-ordnance-p12-45/
I had a Colt Defender right after they came on the market. It had one terrible drawback, a weak extractor. Fire, stovepipe, clear, fire, stovepipe and so on. At the time nobody could lock the problem down. After much trial and error I fixed the problem by replacing the extractor with a Wilson Combat extractor. Performed flawlessly after that. One thing that surprised me to no end was even with that over tilting cut down barrel it was a nail driver.
CORRECTION: In regard to your saying that “the USP compact has a 4.4 inch barrel”…
according to the manufacturer’s website…
the HK USP Compact (.45 ACP) has a 3.78-inch barrel, whereas, for the record, the HK45C (also .45 ACP) has a 3.94-inch barrel.
The figure of a “4.41-inch barrel” is represented by the full-size HK USP (.45 ACP).
What about the Kahr pm45? It’s actually the subcompact kahr in this equation, not the cw??
I’m looking for a good subcompact 45ACP pistol. Any recommendations?
The whole post is kind of a list of recommendations, without seeming sarcastic. The Colt Defender is a classic, the Springfield Armory XD-M is the new wave, so really it could come down to a choice of those two extremes. If you just want to narrow the field, either the Colt or Kimber Custom 1911s are fantastic. The Springfield is arguably the best new polymer pistol, the Glock is the most reliable by the numbers.
Maybe that stream of consciousness helps, maybe not!
This is a great post abut gun culture.