
.45 ACP
- In StockBOND ARMS Black Jack .45 Colt/.410Ga 3.5in 2rd Derringer (BABJ)3.5" Stainless Steel BarrelsBlade Front SightFixed Rear SightRebounding HammerRetracting Firing PinsCrossbolt SafetySpring Loaded Cammed Locking LeverTrigger guardBlack Ash Wood Grips with ...$575.99★★★★★2 review(s)
- In StockBOND ARMS BARW Rowdy 45 Colt Derringer 3in 2rd Black Rubber Grip Pistol (BARW)Front blade, fixed rear sightsStandard grip sizeRubber grips Rowdy is compatible with all standard Bond Arms barrels for easy caliber conversions. The pistol has stainless steel double-barrel and ...$266.99
- In StockCOLT 1911 Classic Government .45 ACP 5in 7rd Stainless Pistol (O1911C-SS)Stainless Steel SlideRosewood Grips When you think of a 1911, you think of Colt. A tribute to the revered Commercial Government Model pistols of the past, the 1911 Classic features the Series 70 ...$985.99
- In StockSIG SAUER 1911 STX 45 ACP 5in 8rd SAO Pistol (1911M-45-STX)Nitron stainless steel slide - a stainless steel slide coated in nitron resists wear and corrosionCustom burled maple grips - Hogue Burled Maple grips add a beautiful yet highly functional ...9% off$1,086.99$1,199.99★★★★★1 review(s)
- In StockCITADEL M-1911 Government 45 ACP 5in 8rd Wood Grip Pistol (CIT45FSP)Slide stop with groovesFlared ejection portFull length guide rodComes with (2) magazinesSkelentonized triggerBeveled mag wellGrip safetyExtended ambidextrous thumb safetySkelentonized hammer The ...$511.99
- In StockCHIAPPA FIREARMS 1892 Mare's Leg .45 Colt 9in 4rd Lever Action Pistol (920.332)9" BarrelFixed Blade Front SightShort Buckhorn Adjustable Windage & Elevation Rear SightWalnut Grip and ForendColor Case Hardened Receiver The CHIAPPA FIREARMS 1892 Mare's Leg Pistol is ...17% off$1,199.99$1,439.99
- In StockROCK ISLAND ARMORY TAC Standard FS .45 ACP 5in 8rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (51484)Most Versatile, All-Around 1911Full length under picatinny tactical rail allowing any choice of custom attachmentSolid 4140 Ordinance Steel5-in button rifled barrel supported by a full length ...6% off$529.99$564.00
- In StockDAN WESSON Specialist 45ACP 8rd Stainless Semi-Automatic Pistol (01802)Ambi Safety, Grip Safety: An ambidextrous safety allows for an easy to access to the safety for both left-handed and right-hand shootersFixed Night Sight: A Novak-style snag-free sight with ...$1,899.99
- In StockGLOCK G30 Gen4 45 ACP 3.77in 10rd Pistol (UG3050201)Safe Action SystemStriker Fired TriggerRight hand octagonal barrel riflingPolymer Frame The GLOCK 30 Gen4 in the 45 Auto offers excellent out-of-the-box precision paired with the ballistic ...$546.00
- In StockKIMBER Custom LW Shadow Ghost .45 ACP 5in 8rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (3700693)Match grade stainless steel barrelRed fiber-optic front sightBlack rubber grips with diamond checkeringAluminum frame Kimber's 1911 handguns are some of the best 1911's available, and the KIMBER ...$660.99★★★★★2 review(s)
- In StockAUTO ORDNANCE 1911 .45 ACP 5in 7rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (1911BKO)5" barrelBlade front sightDrift adjustable rear sight for windageAll steel constructionCheckered plastic grip panelsShips with one 7-round magazine100% made in the USA The AUTO ORDNANCE 1911 ...$696.99
- In StockCIMARRON 1911 Government Issue .45 ACP 5in 8rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (1911)5in barrelFixed sightsSteel frameDiamond checkered walnut gripsStandard Parkerized Finish The CIMARRON 1911 Government Pistol is a model favored by gun enthusiasts of many varieties. It was the ...$533.99
- In StockSAR USA K2 45 4.7in 14rd Black Pistol (K245BL)CNC machined forged steel frame and slide with crowned barrel for improved accuracyAdjustable rear sightAdjustable Rear SightManual safetyFiring pin block and hammer blockPicatinny accessory rail ...$599.99
- In StockAUTO ORDNANCE 1911-A1 Old Glory .45 ACP 5in 7rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (1911TCAC11N)5in BarrelNight SightsThumb Safety and Grip SafetyEngraved "Old Glory"Custom Engraved Aluminum GripsBurnt Bronze Cerakote Finish The AUTO ORDNANCE 1911-A1 Old Glory features a stainless ...$1,409.99
- In StockAUTO ORDNANCE 1911-A1 .45 ACP 5in 7rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (1911TCAC6N)5in BarrelNight SightsThumb Safety and Grip SafetyFiring Pin SafetySavage Silver Cerakote Stainless Steel SlideBlack Rubber Grips This AUTO ORDNANCE 1911-A1 Pistol features a stainless steel ...$1,045.99★★★★★2 review(s)
- In StockEUROPEAN AMERICAN ARMORY Girsan MC1911 Gold Lux .45 ACP 5in 8rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (390093)Gold ColoredCustom EngravedIvory Lite GripsAmbidextrous SafetyDovetail Fixed Front SightFully Adjustable Rear SightSkeletonized HammerDeep Slide Serrations Looking for a work of art that will ...15% offClearance$1,093.99$1,289.00
- In StockHK Mark 23 V1 .45 ACP 5.87in 10rd 2 Magazines Semi-Automatic Pistol (81000080)Threaded O-ring barrel with polygonal bore profileMatch grade triggerOne piece machined steel slidePatented HK recoil reduction systemCorrosion proof fiber-reinforced polymer frameOversized ...$2,699.00
- In StockSPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911 Garrison 45 ACP 5in 7+1rd Stainless Steel Pistol (PX9420S).45 ACP/Auto caliberForged stainless steel material7-Round stainless magazineCheckered thinline wood gripsLow Pro combat 3-Dot sights The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison 45 ACP 5in 7+1rd ...5% off$789.99$829.00
- In StockTRISTAR American Classic Government 1911 45 ACP 5in 8rd Bued/Wood Pistol (85601)Forged steel slideSemi-automatic with single actionFront and rear sightsGrip and thumb safetiesSlide serrations for ease of rackingCustom hardwood grips with logoComes with 1 magazine, gunlock and ...$510.99
- In StockIVER JOHNSON ARMS 1911 Eagle .45 ACP 5in 8rd Semi-Automatic Pistol (Eagle-matte)5in BarrelDovetail Front SightAdjustable Rear sightBeavertail SafetyFront and Rear Angled SerrationsWalnut Grips The IVER JOHNSON ARMS 1911 Eagle Pistol features a matte blued finish, 5" barrel, ...$644.99
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.