Help me help a friend

[dunndw]

Actually a client AND a friend. He's decided it's time to get his permit...but he doesn't own a handgun. He asked me to help him find something decent...comfortable to carry(he's skinny) and he wants a .45 (that's my doin)
The only rain in this parade, is I can't get him into a 4 inch 1911 due to costs. He has to go to NYC soon, so he's limited the budget to 600.00 or less.
I'm thinking...G36 or a G21SF if he likes them. I was leaning toward the PT1911, but I don't think he can conceal it very well.

I'm trying to get him to let of of 150.00 more..my old Stainless Pro Carry II is sitting in the display case where I traded it in for under 750.00
Any thoughts?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[retsupt99]

Comfortable, easy to carry and conceal, .45 power...and within the given budget...the Glock-36 is a great choice...I love mine!

[rangerman2003]

I just got a Taurus PT 1911 for 550 OTD with a thing of bullets... Not sure if he would go for that or not but its a .45 with some room for a holster or ammo

[P95Carry]

A good condition used or ex cop certified SIG 220 is another worthy of consideration (IMO). That would stay easily within budget.

[SleepingZ]

XD45 of any variation would fit the bill just fine, and also in his price range.


SleepingZ

[SIXTO]

Hmm... The G36 is a excellent choice. STI has that lower priced 1911 out now, the name excapes me at the moment though.
A used 220 is also a good option, but its a little tough to CC it.

[Longbow]

He says his friend is skinny. So he needs a beefy gun.
He will love the Glock30. They don't call it Glock perfection for nothing!

[fairway1]

+1 for the Glock 30. 10+1 rds of .45, easily concealed.

[dunndw]

I think a 30 might be a bit wide for his narrow...butt. The Sigs are a good choice...I'll have to add them to the list.
G36
Sig P220
Taurus PT
G30

How about the new Khar 45s..anyone have any experience with them?

[sarlady]

The PT145 (double stack) and the PT745 (single stack) are easily concealed. They are both compacts. I have the PT745 because the grip fits my hands better. I've had no problems with mine but I must admit the Heinie sights (straight eights) take some getting used to.

[ExSniper]

XD 45 Compact. With its 4 inch barrel and short grip it is easy to conceal. With the full length magazine it is 13 rounds of .45 ACP. Better ergonomics than most pistols and several nice safety features.

[Vaquero 45]

I'd go with the Springfield XD45 Compact. Just about the same size as a Glock 23 with the 10 round mag, good for concealed carry. Put the 13 round mag in the pistol and stick a flashlight on the rail...perfect home defense pistol!

Mags are fairly cheap also, just a tad more than Glock mags.

[msgt/ret]

I would suggest an SA GI in 4 inch, I have seen them average $450-$500.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=16

[ppkheat]

I don't know how skinny your friend is, but send him down here and we'll fatten him up with some jambalaya, and he can cc anything ............problem solved

Seriously, I think he's gotten plenty of good advice from the board to try already and I agree with it. I especially like the .45 advice you gave him. Personally I'm about in the middle of weight ranges and I cc a Defender or G27 without any problems.

Of course I don't know how your friend is built, but if he continues to have trouble cc, he'll probably have to make some wardrobe changes or step down to a smaller gun. My ppk is so thin is almost disappears on me, but of course it's a lesser caliber.

[JimmyC4]

Comfortable, easy to carry and conceal, .45 power...and within the given budget...the Glock-36 is a great choice...I love mine!

Same for me...the 36 is a nice lightweight carry with .45 punch...and the price wouldn't rule it out.