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Hoi Polloi wrote:This goal isn't a primary carry gun. I have one I can use for that. I'm disappointed that my gun doesn't have any way to make it purty and want one that looks as nice as it shoots. It's a second gun so I can be picky and care about such trivialities, right? Who among you will tell me it's a bad reason for acquiring another gun?

Far from me to question anyone's reason for buying a gun. Heck I've bought them just because I wanted to try one out.

Based on your comments above, nothing is more beautiful or customizable than a finely crafted 1911.

Other than your desire for changeable grips the way I see it your choices are (smallest to largest) Kahr PM45, M&P 45C and Glock 36.

The Kahr by far is going to be the smallest and lightest, but at the expense of some added recoil which is to be expected. I shoot 185 grain Speer Gold Dots in mine and the recoil is very manageable to me. Every person perceives recoil differently as evidenced by CC Italian's post above comparing the recoil of his PM9 to a Glock 20 in 10mm. I have both of those weapons as well and I think the PM9 is very soft shooting for such a small pistol. My wife and daughter have no problem shooting it comfortably.

I don't really consider the M&P45C or the Glock 36 small guns. Yes they are smaller than some but to me they are larger than an Officer's size 1911. But depending on your application they may fit well for you.