Replacement for .45 acp Colt Lwt. Officer Model?

[KCAutoBob]

It pains me to even think about this question, but I recently have discovered that the .45 acp Colt Lwt. Officer's Model which I've carried off-duty for about the last 12 years is not an allowable carry option for me anymore because of a dept. rule which forbids modification (exceptions being sights and grips) of a weapon carried off-duty and concealed. Mine has some modifications which are not allowed. I'm afraid of the legal consequences if I ever had to use it. So, now I'm faced with the question- what for a replacement of an old friend? I recent bought a PM9; ran several hundred rounds thru it and have fallen in love with it. I especially like the trigger pull. I'm new to it, but I'm addicted already. So, now I'm thinking about the Kahr P45. It's got the same length barrel, less weight (O.M. weighs 2 lbs. loaded) smaller overall, and only gives up 1 round capacity. And basically a good improvement in concealability. Then there's the PT45 which has a 4" barrel (like my other 1911, but even lighter with a 4" tube.
The two main things I'm concerned about are (#1) reliability, and (#2) concealment (and weight). I'd like to hear your opinions and comments as to these two pistols. Are the triggers like the PM9? Both the same? Different? Reliability? Oh, and what about the CW45? Is it as good a bargain as some claim, or do you get what you pay for? Are the P45 and PT45 a real step up in quality?
I think I'd really like another Kahr, you know, to keep it in the same trigger design and feel. I know there's other quality guns out there, but I'm here first and this is a very good forum. I need help with this.

[CJB]

Pm45

[KCAutoBob]

CJB, my own past experience with 3" .45's has left me with distinct mistrust of very short-barreled .45 like Kimber or SA micros. I've got a Kimber, and although it shoots accurately, reliability scores low. I don't carry it. Have you any comment about that problem with the PM45?

[OldLincoln]

I'd lean toward replacing a great gun with something that shoots smoothly as your Colt does and carries as well too. You may be right on with the PT45 if you can hide the grip. It doesn't look any larger than my Commander but I don't know about the Officer model.

[CJB]

CJB, my own past experience with 3" .45's has left me with distinct mistrust of very short-barreled .45 like Kimber or SA micros. I've got a Kimber, and although it shoots accurately, reliability scores low. I don't carry it. Have you any comment about that problem with the PM45?

Couple of things to think on -
First off the 1911 was never designed to be a 3.5" pistol, and the Kahr was. I built an Officers 3.75" .45 before Colt had theirs ready to market, thanks to the late Irving Stone who did up some "test barrels" for Colt's. That gun, and the three or four Officer's length have been ok for me. The problem comes when you go shorter than that on the 1911, as there begin to be ejection and pickup problems. They reduce the overlap in the feeding, and cartridge rise in the magazine becomes super critical. Integral ramps help to a degree in the 1911. Kahr - all of their 45s - have minimal overlap but seem to cycle that way just fine. The PM does suffer from unfired long ammo getting caught in the port, just like the Colt, but to a lesser extent because of the way the Kahr locks up into the port instead of with top lugs on the barrel in the 1911.

Second - my own two PM45's have been nearly faultless. I had one that bobbled a few times, bought new, but smoothed out with just a little shooting. It then chewed a frame rail up front (the slight was not quite right). Kahr replaced frame and slide, and most internals, and the pistol has been 100 percent upon return. The used one I bought - which is really my daily carry, every day, all day, except when sleeping - has been 100 percent fully, zero issues. The PM9 also used - zero issues. I carry them in my front pocket, and have stopped by the range to fire a few at times even after front pocket carry (lint, dust, etc). No problem, just shoot and try and hit the target (old eyes). I can do a silhouette just fine, but them little fuzzy bullseyes are a pain. Fortunately BG's are not little fuzzy bullseyes.

Lots of folks here have zero issues with short PM45s. But... a few... not many... do. There are, I think, some guns/shooters that just dont work well together. Not to scare ya off... but, I think thats the case. I'm rather "recoil proof" from years of shooting everything under the sun, with 12 years of my life enjoyed playing at a very busy range/ammo maker/gunsmith shop, so... I'm fully biased. Consider that too.

Best of luck!

[jocko]

PM45,the best way to go,

[JohnR]

Why not a Colt Defender?

[Short Bus]

I would say CW45 and if you need the extra round you could get a 7 RD mag for it

[yqtszhj]

PM ow CW 45. The trigger is long buy very smooth and my CW45 is very reliable. Smooth shooter too.

[Dirt doc]

I am also partial to the 45 acp. I have a kimber ultra carry that I love to shoot and a PM45 that I also love to shoot. i am able to shoot both equally well and both have proven reliable. However the Pm45 is more comfortable to carry. If the PM45 round capacity concerns you go with the P45 or CW45. The one thing I don't like about the Kahr 45's is the magazine base plates. They are not flush like the PM9 and sometimes the spare pokes me in the side.

[muggsy]

I'd be interested in knowing what modifications were done to your officers model and why they aren't allowed by the department? If you are going to replace it I'd stick with another Colt. It's better to stay with that which you are familiar is a SHTF situation.

[gb6491]

FWIW, here's a CW45 and Colt OACP side by side:

They're about the same thickness in the slide. The CW is thinner through the grip and lighter overall.
Regards,
Greg

[GUNGHO58]

Kahr 45

I have owned a several Colt's, Kimber, Wilson and 3 Les Baers. Well built guns and very reliable and accurate, and I shoot them aften. But I like the safety of a double action for carry purposes because of the long trigger pull.
I switched from a Glock 23 and 27 once I saw the Kahr 45 line. I now own and carrry either the PM45 in an Alessi ankle holster or the Kahr P45 in a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 or a Mitch Rosen belt holster.
I have shot them regularly and take them to some steel plate matches in the area. Since owning them at least 5 or 6 members of my shooting club have bought the same models. I am very satisfied with both that I have, and if you have any issues with them, Kahr does a good job of standing behind them.

Hope that helps.

God bless America and our troops....U.S.M.C.
.
.:80:

[scattershot]

I'm not sure I would look at the CW.45. I bought one, and I'm having reliability issues. I'm about to get them worked out, but in your case, I'd keep the Colt and restore it to stock.

[Bawanna]

If the Colt needs a good home, I'm available and could probably come up with most of the shipping cost.


Wheeeew, I beat Greg! YES!!!!!!!