.45 ACP

Designed by the legendary J. M. Browning in 1904, the .45 ACP cartridge was created as the standard chambering for Colt’s M1911 semi-automatic pistol. This pistol, along with its later iteration, the M1911A1 introduced in 1924, served as the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. military for over 70 years before being replaced by the Beretta M9 9mm pistol in 1985. Despite the transition to the 9mm, the .45 ACP pistols in all sizes, from Government 1911s to subsompact 45 ACP polymer pistols, remain favorite among law enforcement officers and civilians alike for its power and reliability.

45 ACP Pistol: Best Uses and Potential Downsides

Though the 9mm offers lots of advantages and few downsides on which you can easily compromise, the .45 ACP cartridge is still very popular and has its advocates among both law enforcement agents and civilians. Such lasting popularity contributed to the development of various .45 handgun designs.

If you are a novice shooter with no experience in handling a .45 ACP pistol, then maybe consider some other options chambered for 9mm or even less powerful cartridges. Why? The .45 ACP gives more felt recoil which can lead to the development of flinch if you are new to shooting. The size and weight of a handgun can make a difference, though. The bigger the gun, the less recoil it will give.

One more downside of .45 guns is reduced capacity due to the diameter of the round. For example, a common 1911 pistol in .45 ACP holds 7+1 rounds, while Glock 19 in 9mm holds 15+1.

But, as far as home defense is concerned, .45 ACP is preferable. As the .45 ACP bullet is slower-moving because of the reduced energy, it is less likely to go through walls or furniture and hit your beloved ones.

A .45 semi-auto handgun is also easy to reload since the .45 ACP cartridge is straight-walled.

45 ACP Pistol Prices: Some Options to Consider

Polymer .45 ACP Pistols (non-1911)

Polymer-framed pistols are lightweight, durable, and often more budget-friendly all-metal options. Ideal for those who want a lightweight, versatile pistol.

Glock 21 ($600–$700): With a 13+1 capacity in .45 ACP and Glock’s signature simplicity, this pistol is a favorite for personal defense and duty use.
FN FNX-45 Tactical ($1,200–$1,300): Featuring a threaded barrel for suppressors, raised sights for co-witnessing, and a 15-round capacity, it’s a strong choice for tactical applications and home defense.
Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5” ($700–$800): Equipped with a match-grade barrel and a crisp META trigger system, the XD-M Elite blends modern ergonomics with superior performance.

Budget 1911 in .45 ACP

Tisas 1911 Duty B45 ($450–$550): The Tisas 1911 Duty B45 delivers the traditional 1911 feel with features like Novak-style sights and forward slide serrations. It’s perfect for shooters on a budget seeking tactical enhancements.
Rock Island Armory Ultra FS ($600–$700): This .45 ACP model features ambidextrous safeties, a full-length guide rod, and a smooth trigger pull. It’s a popular choice for self-defense and casual range use.
Springfield Garrison ($800–$900): A mid-range offering from Springfield Armory, the Garrison combines timeless design with skeletonized controls.
EAA Girsan MC1911 ($500–$700): The EAA MC1911 series includes various configurations, from the no-frills Standard model to the more tactical S and Match versions.

Classic 1911 in .45 ACP

Colt 1911 Government Model ($900–$1,200): Colt essentially started it all with the M1911, and their flagship Government Model retains its authentic appeal while incorporating refinements for modern shooters.
Kimber Custom II ($850–$1,100): Beautifully built with Kimber’s attention to detail, the Custom II series stands out with its clean lines, exceptional accuracy, and smooth trigger.

Classic Steel-Framed 1911 in .45 ACP

Smith & Wesson Performance Center 1911 ($1,500–$1,800): Designed for excellence, this pistol includes a precision-tuned trigger, enhanced grip texture, and adjustable sights for pinpoint accuracy.
Dan Wesson Valor ($1,500–$1,800): With a forged stainless-steel frame and hand-fitted components, the Valor is a prime example of craftsmanship.
Sig Sauer 1911 Stainless ($1,200–$1,400): Sig Sauer’s entry blends rugged steel construction with refined aesthetics, making it a superb option for collectors and practical users alike.

Modern 9mm cartridges possess as much stopping power as the .45 ACP, so the latter should not be treated as some kind of ultimate knockdown round. Still, some people just love .45 ACP for what it is and that’s enough. You just need to know the pros and cons of it to have any situation under control.

Most popular .45 ACP chambered handguns are 1911-style, but due to the popularity of the cartridge the market doesn’t suffer from the shortage of various .45 ACP solutions like Glock G21 Gen4, FN FNX-45 Tactical, Sig Sauer P220 Legion, H&K HK45 Compact, and many others.

Gritr Sports carries a broad range of .45 ACP semi-automatic handguns manufactured by Glock, Springfield Armory, Kimber, Rock Island Armory, and other industry-leading brands. Here you can also shop the best .45 ACP ammo.

FAQs

Is .45 ACP pistol suitable for beginners?

It can be suitable, but it depends on the shooter. The .45 ACP has a manageable recoil, but it’s heavier compared to smaller calibers like 9mm, which might be easier for beginners to control. Heavier weight can reduce the felt recoil, but larger handguns are less comfortable for extended use or carry for first-timers.

What are the pros and cons of .45 ACP pistol?

Pros of a .45 ACP Pistol: Significant stopping power, reliable performance, and highly effective for self-defense due to decreased risk of overpenetration. Often used in trusted platforms like the 1911, it's versatile and proven.

Cons of a .45 ACP Pistol: Larger and heavier guns compared to calibers like 9mm, less magazine capacity, and ammo tends to be more expensive.

How does the .45 ACP pistol compare to other calibers?

.45 ACP offers more stopping power than 9mm or .40 S&W but has less magazine capacity. It's also slower than calibers like 10mm or 9mm, resulting in a larger bullet drop over distance. Shooters often choose .45 for its balance of power, recoil, and availability.

What are the common sizes for 1911 pistols?

Common sizes include full-size (Government model, with a 5-inch barrel), Commander (4 to 4.25-inch barrel), and Officer (compact size with a 3 to 3.5-inch barrel). There are sub-compact variants from brands like SIG or Kimber may go even smaller. The full-size is popular for range use, while compact versions are favored for concealed carry.

Are there 1911s chambered in calibers other than .45 ACP?

Yes, 1911 pistols are widely available in other calibers like 9mm, 10mm, and even .22 LR.

What makes the 1911's trigger popular?

The 1911’s trigger is praised for its crisp, short, and consistent pull. Unlike fulcrum-style triggers found in most modern pistols, the 1911 uses a linear “backward sliding” trigger. Its single-action design ensures that the trigger activates just one mechanism—releasing the hammer—which accounts for the clean pull and high accuracy. This design is especially valued in competition shooting.

How does .45 ACP compare to 9mm for self-defense?

.45 ACP delivers more stopping power, making it effective for quickly incapacitating a target. However, 9mm offers higher magazine capacity, reduced recoil, and faster follow-up shots, often making it the preferred choice for many self-defense scenarios.

Is the .45 ACP 1911 still relevant for modern use?

Yes, the .45 ACP 1911 remains relevant among enthusiasts, law enforcement, and certain military units. While modern striker-fired pistols like Glocks dominate the market due to lighter weight and higher capacity, improved 1911 models (e.g., double-stack 2011 versions) are keeping the design alive and well in competition, home defense, and concealed carry.

What are common problems with 1911 pistols?

Common issues include feeding and reliability problems with certain ammunition, especially in older or poorly maintained models. They may also require more regular cleaning and tuning compared to newer pistol designs. Additionally, some 1911s can be sensitive to magazines, making quality mags an essential choice.