The United States has made significant contributions to the firearms industry. Cartridges such as the .30-06, .30-30, and various .45 caliber rounds have gained global popularity. Among these, the .45 ACP stands out as one of the most renowned, having maintained its popularity worldwide for well over a century, especially among civilian shooters. It remains a favored choice for self-defense, competitive shooting, and other purposes.

As a result, I am frequently asked by friends and colleagues about the best .45 ACP handgun and my recommendations. While I initially wrote about this in 2022, new .45 ACP pistols have since entered the market, causing my opinions on a few to evolve. Let's explore these changes and recommendations.

**The .45 ACP: A Legacy in Full Color**

In 1904, John Moses Browning answered the call of the United States government by designing the .45 ACP. Initial testing by Thompson and LaGarde determined that a robust caliber was essential for military use, given the limited understanding of terminal ballistics at the time. They found that larger, slower projectiles were more effective against live targets compared to older, smaller calibers.

Since its inception, the .45 ACP has remained largely unchanged. It served prominently in the M1911 pistol, as well as in the Thompson and M3 submachine guns. While it ceased general service in 1985, it continues to play specialized roles today, a testament to its enduring appeal.

While the concept of stopping power may be debated, the .45 ACP undeniably boasts longevity. Its 230-grain FMJ loadings are naturally subsonic, making it ideal for use with suppressors. The slow-moving, heavy bullet delivers a distinct push rather than a sharp recoil, enhancing shootability.

Classic firearms enthusiasts still hold the .45 ACP in high regard, as this caliber remains integral to many iconic designs.

**Choosing the Best .45 ACP Pistols**

Selecting the right pistol is crucial for close-quarters combat, self-defense, and competitive shooting. With over two decades of shooting experience and a Marine Corps background, I've tested numerous .45 ACP pistols to identify the best options available.

To ensure fairness, I enlisted the insights of professional shooter friends, combining their expertise with mine to compile a list of top .45 ACP pistols. Each firearm was evaluated based on shootability, reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and overall value.

Each pistol on this list is ranked from 1 to 7 and offers unique strengths suited to specific needs. Additionally, a comprehensive buyer's guide is included to assist in making informed decisions when purchasing a .45 ACP pistol.

Best 45 ACP Pistol

Here is my list for the best 45 ACP pistols:

Best 45 ACP Handgun Reviews

Sig Sauer P220 Review

The SIG SAUER P 220 is a legendary firearm that hit the world in 1975 and helped prepare the world for what was to come in modern handguns. The P220 brought the SIG Sauer system to the United States and would help kick off the DA/SA generation of pistols. Their P220 series has remained in constant production since 1975, and standard models now come with a Nitron finish and rail for accessories. 

In this era, the 45 double-stack magazines didn’t exist, and SIG wisely chose to use a single-stack, eight-round magazine to keep the grip from getting too wide. It’s remarkable that the P220 remains in production and has even outlasted the thicker P227. It’s one of the few .45 ACPs with an easy-to-reach trigger, especially when the weapon is in a single action. 

Speaking of the P220 series, SIG Sauer has always had a fantastic series of DA/SA triggers and one of the best de-cocker placements out there. It’s a great, ergonomic pistol, and easy to handle overall. The thicker grip really helps dissipate recoil and makes the weapon comfortable to shoot. 

They have ushered the P220 series into 2023 with optics-ready variations and Legion models with single-action-only triggers. It’s constantly expanded and kept up with most modern handgun features. The one downside many will face is the rather low magazine capacity. Beyond that, this is a proven and fantastic pistol, and it takes the top spot on my list.

2 M1911

M1911 Review

Of course, the M1911 has to make the list. It’s the first .45 ACP pistol and remains one of the most popular. Over a century later, dozens of companies are still pumping out 1911s in every configuration you could dream of. If you want a cheap 1911, that’s an option. If you want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on 1911, that’s also an option. The M1911 occupies pretty much all price points possible,. 

The M1911 series is a single-action-only firearm that uses single-stack magazines. Magazine capacity varies from seven to 10 rounds, depending on how crazy you want to get. The standard M1911 is not a little gun you’d often see. It comes with a five-inch barrel and full grip frame, but the compact Commander and Officer sizes exist as well. The standard model tends to be the most reliable. 

Although it’s a .45 ACP, the M1911 is well-known for its lithe grip. It fits the hand just right with its perfect grip size and is one of the strongest arguments for the gun. Ergonomically it’s quite sound. While it’s adorned with safety devices, none of them are difficult to defeat on the fly. Recoil is a short push rather than a snap, and it’s quite fun to shoot. 

I can’t help but feel like a World War 2 GI hunting down the enemies of democracy with my .45 ACP. The charm of the M1911 is evident, and it’s easy to see why the gun has remained so popular. Even the cheaper models of the M1911 have awesome triggers and give you that GI experience. Speaking of downsides, it only has an eight-round magazine and is a pretty heavy and inefficient option compared to modern pistols.

Glock 21 GEN 5

Glock 21 Review

Let’s follow the M1911 with its arch-rival, the Glock. In reality, they aren’t rivals, but Glock owners and M1911 owners certainly like to argue about which is better. Glock has made many notable advancements in the fighting pistol marketplace, and those come home to the .45 ACP in the form of the Glock 21. 

What’s most notable about the Glock 21 is that it brought double-stack magic to the .45 ACP cartridge without an absurd-sized grip. It’s big but manageable. The Glock 21 holds 13 rounds in its flush-fitting magazine. The SF, or Short Frame, model trimmed the grip a bit from the original G21 to make reaching the trigger for smaller hands a little easier. 

The Glock 21 is now in the5th Gneration, and it’s the one to purchase. These variants have ambidextrous slide stops, a redesigned, more ergonomic grip, a match-grade barrel, and more. Perhaps most importantly, there is an MOS variant that makes adding an optic easy. Add a light and red dot, and you have a very modern pistol for defensive purposes. 

If I had to go to war today and had to choose a .45 ACP pistol, it would be the Glock 21. The Glock series of pistols are incredibly reliable. They just don’t stop. They don’t require much maintenance, don’t mind nonpermissive environments, and are the preeminent choice of special operations troops.
One of the big downsides to the Glock 21 is going to be its crappy plastic sights. Why such a nice gun has such terrible sights is beyond me, but there is no shortage of great options to upgrade them.

FNX 45 TACTICAL

FNX 45 Tactical Review

The modern handgun market has become dominated by pistols with rails, an optics-ready design, and a threaded barrel for suppressors and compensators. It’s nuts how far ahead of the curve they were and how little we recognize them for it. The FNX 45 Tactical is still a brilliant pistol and a very modern .45 ACP design. 

This polymer frame pistol has a 10-round flush-fitting magazine to give you a few extra rounds without creating a massive grip. However, if you want more, there is a 15-round magazine with an extended base pad. The gun uses a DA/SA system with manual safety for cocked and locked carry. It’s one of the few guns I consider optics-ready out of the box. 

I mean that FN includes suppressor height sights that allow for clean co-witnessing through the optic. This can be valuable when your optic breaks or the battery dies, and you must revert to iron sights. Speaking of, the FNX 45 Tactical does come with two plates to fit a variety of optics, including options from Holosun and Trijicon. 

I did accuracy testing on this gun, and it performed admirably. It’s fairly soft shooting, easy to handle, and delivers excellent accuracy. While the single action is quite crisp, the double action leaves something to be desired. It’s not terrible, but I’ve handled and experienced better options.

**Buyer’s Guide for the Best .45 ACP Pistols**

If you're considering purchasing a .45 ACP pistol, several key factors can help you choose the ideal option for your needs. Here's a comprehensive buyer’s guide to assist you in making an informed decision:

**Factors to Consider When Buying a .45 ACP Pistol**

**Intended Use:** Determine the primary purpose of your .45 ACP pistol—whether it's for self-defense, competitive shooting, or recreational use. This clarity will guide you towards models that best suit your intended activities.

**Action Type:** Consider the operating mechanism you prefer. Some pistols, like the classic 1911, feature a smooth single-action trigger for precise shooting. Others, such as the Sig Sauer P220, offer a double-action mechanism for enhanced safety and ease of use.

**Capacity:** Decide on the magazine capacity based on your preference for shot count before reloading. High-capacity options like the Glock 21 provide more rounds, advantageous in critical situations, while single-stack magazines like those in the 1911 offer a traditional feel.

**Ergonomics:** Assess how comfortably the pistol fits your hand. A well-fitted grip promotes better control and reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions. Test various models to find one that feels natural and comfortable to hold.

**Reliability:** Opt for a pistol with a proven track record for reliability. Research reviews from other users to gauge real-world performance and durability under different conditions.

**Accuracy:** Evaluate factors such as barrel length, sight options, and trigger quality to determine a pistol's accuracy potential. Longer barrels typically enhance precision, while high-quality sights and triggers contribute to consistent shot placement.

**Value:** Consider the features and performance relative to the cost. Some pistols may offer advanced features but at a higher price, while others provide excellent performance at a more affordable rate. Choose based on the features most important to you.

**Aftermarket Support:** Assess the availability of aftermarket accessories and customization options. Models with extensive aftermarket support, like the 1911 and Glock 21, allow for personalization with aftermarket triggers, sights, and grips.

**Personal Preference:** Ultimately, the best .45 ACP pistol for you is one that feels comfortable and performs well according to your specific requirements. Take your time to explore different models and select the one that aligns best with your preferences.

**Conclusion**

The .45 ACP, while venerable, faces competition from modern projectiles in defensive applications. Despite debates about stopping power, it remains beloved in the civilian market for its historical significance and enduring popularity among shooters.

**FAQs - Best .45 ACP Pistols**

**What is the best concealed carry pistol for .45 ACP?**
Popular choices for concealed carry in .45 ACP include compact models like the Glock 30, Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2, and Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield, depending on personal preferences for size and comfort.

**Which are some famous pistols chambered in .45 ACP?**
Iconic pistols chambered in .45 ACP include the Colt M1911, SIG Sauer P220, Glock 21, FN FNX 45 Tactical, and HK45, each renowned for their performance and design.

**What is the service life of a .45 ACP handgun?**
The service life of a .45 ACP handgun varies based on usage and maintenance. With proper care, these firearms can last for many years and thousands of rounds, maintaining reliability through regular upkeep.

**What’s the best .45 ACP handgun for cowboy-style shooting?**
For an authentic cowboy shooting experience with .45 ACP power, consider the Ruger Vaquero. This single-action revolver pays homage to the classic Colt Single Action Army, perfect for enthusiasts of cowboy-style shooting.