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AR15.COM
3/2/2009 9:35:22 AM EDT
I have a Kahr P9 now and I really love the gun.  I picked it up as a general shooter and my carry gun
when my license gets here.

Here is my dilemna.  I also want to get a .45.  I like the Colt Defender, Kimber Ultra carry, and a few others.  Also how is the Taurus
PT45.
I always gravitate towards the smaller guns.  Am I ok having 2 smaller carry guns, or do most people have "THEIR" carry
gun and then have other guns in their collection.  Maybe I should go full size, as a SHTF gun or home defense.

Living in SW Florida I dont ever really wear heavy clothing so think that is why I look at the smaller guns.

I know some may say buy magazines and ammo for my P9 so I dont have to worry about buying 2 different calibers.

Any help or guidance is appreciated,

Natron
3/2/2009 9:43:58 AM EDT
[#1]
I "hear" Taurus customer service sucks so take it for what it's worth.(don't know personally).If you like the P9 then P45, same trigger, grip, etc.(try a handall Jr. grip sleeve on that P9).Other than that the Kimber UC, Glock 30, XD45c, etc. all good choices.
3/2/2009 10:53:57 AM EDT
[#2]
so you are saying If I like the P9, go P45.  I may do that.  It is just the Karh prices are getting on the high side.
I have heard the same thing about Taurus CS so I will probably stay away.

I think I was told about the S & W 4516, I believe.

I will keep looking around, to me that is the fun part.

Natron
3/2/2009 11:39:03 AM EDT
[#3]
Small semi-autos can be much more problem-prone than their big brothers so I'd recommend staying away from the Defender and the Ultra Kimber. And as for the Taurus, I'm gonna recommend you avoiding that one, too, as their reputation for cranking out lemons makes it too much of a gamble.

How about an XD, GLOCK, or an M&P? Or if you want a good 1911, how about a S&W, STI, or Springfield?
3/2/2009 12:07:37 PM EDT
[#4]
The 4516 is bulletproof. Mine is a great performer if a bit heavy.
3/2/2009 12:26:38 PM EDT
[#5]
a piece of advice, take it FWIW:  the smaller autos tend to get, the more finiky they tend to be (not to say they will not be reliable...they just need more TLC and such)––this esp, imo, applies to 1911s

if you opt for a very compact 1911, imo, colt is the better choice btw that and a kimber

i would pass on taurus...i'm not a fan of either thier QC or CS or general reliability/longevity of thier products––YMMV

try a few before buying, good luck

personally, if you want a really compact .45acp, i'd consider a glock 36 (or G30 preferably)
3/2/2009 12:56:42 PM EDT
[#6]
Get an HK45C
3/3/2009 6:35:24 AM EDT
[#7]
I think the 4513 would be a great choice for a carry gun. not sure about mag availability, but they have great ergos.
3/3/2009 6:52:31 AM EDT
[#8]
As a fellow Floridian, I'd recommend the XD9 subcompact.  I got one and, after seeing it and shooting it, my shooting buddy got one too for carry.

Small, concealable, and reliable while still using a good round.  XD40sc is another choice, but I went with the XD9 as I'd rather have faster follow up shots and more rounds in the mag.