My wife is searching for a new carry gun

[Chief-USN]

 My wife now has it in her head she wants a .45 Cal. Carry gun. (She would carry it in a Conceal Carry Purse/Holster) She loves the balance of the Kimber Ultra CDP and is wanting to see the new  Kimber Ultra Super Carry as well as an STI Electra.  The Rourbaugh is too hard for her to operate the slide, she likes the idea of putting big holes where the Crimson trace dot goes. The Aluminum framed Kimbers come in at 25oz. the STI Electra at 21oz.    Anything else you guys think she should look at? Trying to set a budget of $1300 or so.

  Chief

[kjtrains]

Chief.  I'm all out of ideas.  Thought I had you covered with finding those Lady Hawks.    

I'll be on the lookout, though.    

[Chief-USN]

 She decided the Lady hawk was too big, like the Officer size better.

[yankee2500]

I had a new STI a few years ago, that I purchased from a dealer out of state, and the slide release was scratching the slide. I called there customer service and asked what they could do, and they said they could refinish the slide, if I paid for the work and shipping both ways. I asked to speak with a supervisor and he told me the same thing. I sold it to a local shop the next day, and will never own another STI.

Check the Para line, here is info on an PDA LDA (light double action) they are now made in NC.

PDA (.45 ACP)
When you need to respond in seconds and outside help is minutes away, the Para PDA .45 ACP is your able companion. A full 6+1 rounds of potent .45 ACP firepower are on tap when you squeeze the smooth LDA trigger. It won't weight you down at 24 ounces.

Full Capacity
Product Code: CWX645R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Rounds: 6+1
Barrel: 3"
Weight: 24 oz.
Length: 6.5"
Height: 4.75"
Hammer: Spurless
Sights: Night Sights
Receiver: Alloy
Finish: Duo-Tone
Magazine: PNM645P
MSRP: $1,269.00

John

[Chief-USN]

Thanks, I'll check them out, had not thought of Para

[Prescottian]

I have owned a Kimber Stainless Steel Ultra Carry .45ACP with Crimson Trace Lasergrips for about ten years. Its a series I-no fring pin block safety- model and I've been completely satisfied with it and with Kimber's and with Crimson Trace's customer service/support.
Reliable, precise, and well worth the money.
It is one possible definition of the ideal carry gun. A case can be made for the 9mm version as can a case for the Para LDA.

[Dino]

Chief, I have owned a  Loaded Springfield Micro 45 ACP for three years now, same size, price and overall weight as the Kimber.

You may want to check it out.  I love mine and it shoots like a 5 incher.

[JHatmaker]

I've owned a Kimber Ultra Crimson and Ultra SIS and loved them, but they could be a handful when I would shoot during the summer and my hands got a little sweaty.  I don't think you could go wrong with any of the 3" Kimbers.

Never shot a 3" Para but I've heard good things.  Is she leaning towards a 1911 for carry? Wasn't sure if a sub-compact Glock or Springfield XD were in the mix.

[Chief-USN]

 She is going to carry in a special carry purse w/ built in holster w/side access.  The Glock grip is too thick for her, she pretty much needs to stick w/ single stack mags.

[MrsFosforos]

I have a Colt Defender .45 and like it a lot, it has managable recoil and is accurate, and is fun to shoot and easy enough to conceal IWB;  but I wouldn't want to have to lug it around in a bag. I am not trying to talk her out of it, but one thing to consider is a loaded .45 IS HEAVY for purse carry.

Not that you asked, but it were me, I'd go with a Rorhbaugh 9mm or Seecamp .32 if I wanted something to keep in a purse.  

[kjtrains]

She is going to carry in a special carry purse w/ built in holster w/side access.  The Glock grip is too thick for her, she pretty much needs to stick w/ single stack mags.

Wishing you the best in this search!  Gotta please that wife!    

[tracker]

MrsFos tells it right.

[kjtrains]

Still gotta please that wife!    

[tracker]

Especially if she is packing and may have issues with you.

[kjtrains]

Now we don't want that to happen!