Rob

I'm looking for a 45 for ccw but I don't want a striker fired gun. I had a p345 and it was a great range gun but heavy for ccw. Any suggestions? I'm thinking dao because I'm a lefty and ambi safeties make the gun thick. Thanks for your help.

ShotgunWillie

I've been researching this and came up with the Colt New Agent. They make one in DAO as well as SA/DA. It's about an inch shorter in height and 3/4 inch less in length. Approximatley 7 oz. less in weight. Unfortunatley it's about twice the cost of the P345.

flc

HK45c LEM or SIG P220 DAK.

kingpins9

SIG P220 Carry:

P220 Carry

SIG P250 Compact:

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProdu...0-compact.aspx

I'm a lefty also, and both of these are fine pistols.

Clovishound

Go fire a few DAOs first, if you haven't already. I hate DAOs.

kingpins9

I'm sure your post has been of immense help to the OP.

jlh820

H&K or Sig is all I can think of. I just bought a Colt Defender 3" 1911 in 45. Their New Agent is very similar but it only comes with trench sights, which I don't like. I love my Defender but it was over $1k. You can get an XDs for half that, but it is striker fired. Springfield has great triggers on their guns, both hammer and striker. All are SA only. Why do you want DAO? It's virtually impossible to match the trigger to an SA.

If I wanted a DAO I would probably go with a Sig. Beretta did make an overseas version in the 92, but I don't know if they still make it.

Clovishound

Well, if the OP has not had some experience with DAO pistols, he may find that he really does not like DAO. The only way to find out is to shoot one or two. I have shot a few DAOs, and I find that I absolutely detest them. The OP may, or may not have the same opinion of them. Some people like them, some don't. One way to find out what camp you are in.

If the OP is experienced with DAOs, my apologies, otherwise I stand by my advise.

JohnR

Kahr CW45 is worth a look.

Benemorte

If looking for a compact .45 auto, take a look at the Para single or double stack 1911's. They are available in standard SA trigger, or their excellent LDA (light double action) trigger.


Here are their Double Stack compacts:
Warthog:


Warthog Stainless:


Caliber: .45 ACP
Rounds: 10+1
Barrel: 3"
Weight: 31 oz.
Length: 6.5"
Height: 4.5"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is their single stack compact:
Slim Hawg:


Caliber: .45 ACP
Rounds: 6+1
Barrel: 3"
Weight: 24 oz.
Length: 6.75"
Height: 4.75"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are their LDA trigger compacts:
LDA Carry:


LDA Stealth:


Caliber: .45 ACP
Rounds: 6+1
Barrel: 3"
Weight: 24 oz.
Length: 6.5"
Height: 4.75"

kingpins9

Advice, not "advise". The OP stated he was looking for DAO weapons. A DAO weapon has a trigger system much like a revolver. He apparently does not "detest" them.

He's not looking for opinions, he's looking for options.

Rob

Thanks for all the options. I really appreciate all the feedback. I hadn't thought about the para lda. I'll have to do some research. I like dao pistols because of the revolver like trigger pull. Smooth and consistent seems better for me than a lighter trigger pull. I prefer hammer fired primarily as a reholstering precaution thumb over hammer as gun is holstered just a better feeling for me. Thanks again for all the thoughts. Another question what do you think about the older Smith pistols with a hammer?

kingpins9

If you're talking about the 3rd generation pistols from Smith, they are built like tanks. I have rarely heard anything bad about them. Their construction is very 'SIG-like', and some of them even have a "SIG-style de-cocker." If you can find one priced right, snap it up, cause they don't make them anymore except in special order situations.

Here's the Model 4006 in .40:Smith & Wesson Model 4006 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rob

Thanks kingpins9

Benemorte

The older series double, triple, and quad numbered S&W pistols were very good pistols, the 5906 was sold in crazy numbers alone. Their trigger's were pretty horrible IMO, but otherwise damned fine guns.