The .45 ACP pistol is considered an “American icon” or “American classic”. It has seen international conflicts, such as the Vietnam War and World War I.
Here, we've compiled the 10 best .45 ACP pistols of this year to help you grab one of your own.
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Top .45 ACP Pistols to Own | 10 Best .45 ACP Pistols Today
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1. Colt Defender SS (45ACP)
The Colt Defender is a 1911 with an aluminum frame and stainless steel finish. This handgun barks and delivers power each time you use it.
It's a workhorse that offers you nearly flawless performance. It provides precision and reliability, and it can stand up to radically extreme settings. Additionally, its sights help you acquire your target easily, and its beavertail grip makes the gun comfortable to hold.
Loading this handgun with .45 ACP makes it a bit heavier, yes. But you'll still find it easy to shoot and carry, making it a perfect option for everyday concealed carry.
2. Ruger SR1911 Commander-Style
This Ruger model is a classic pistol with a deep history. It served as the sidearm and go-to firearm of the United States Armed Forces for more than 70 years (1911-1985).
It has a traditional design, with a body that's made of stainless steel. But its grip panels are replaceable, and its trigger is skeletonized and made of aluminum. This makes the trigger pull crisp and light.
In addition, this .45 ACP pistol accepts standard accessories of 1911, so you won't have a hard time replacing, customizing, or upgrading its parts. What's more, you can even make this handgun your new go-to 1911.
3. Kimber America Pro Covert
This .45 ACP pistol is popular among law enforcement officers, as they use it as their duty handgun. It's easy to carry, making it an excellent choice for duty and defensive applications.
It comes in a machined frame that's made of a single solid block of aluminum, which provides the pistol with strong construction. This also improves the toughness of the frame. Meanwhile, its barrel is made of stainless steel, which enhances the pistol's overall durability.
But despite this construction, this .45 ACP pistol remains lightweight, and you can still carry it comfortably all day long.
4. GLOCK G21 Gen4
This list wouldn't be complete without including the GLOCK 21 Gen4. It's long-lasting, reliable, and accurate. In short, this is a handgun that suits both military and civilians well.
This handgun may not look as stunning as the other .45 ACP pistols, but it still does its job, and it does it well. Its “Marksman” barrel accurately delivers the power of the cartridge. Its dual recoil spring makes the recoil light and manageable.
Furthermore, it features a magazine release that's reversible, which makes it an ideal option for left-handed shooters. Plus, you get drop protection, trigger safety, and firing pin safety as its safety action system.
5. Kahr Arms CW45
The Kahr CW45 is one of the most inexpensive .45 ACP pistols on the market. But despite its low price, it doesn't sacrifice its quality. Its trigger is long but unbelievably smooth.
It's also one of the smallest handguns on this list, with a barrel length of 3.64 inches. This makes it an excellent weapon for concealed carry.
However, keep in mind that this pistol isn't designed to be a target gun. It's meant to be used up-close and personal. Although it can still shoot at 15 yards, it's still better off as a self-defense firearm.
RELATED: Modern Self-Defense: .45 ACP
6. Dan Wesson Valor
When you buy a Dan Wesson Valor, you can expect a .45 ACP pistol that's been enhanced in every way possible. These new and improved features make this handgun top-quality and versatile.
Shooters generally use this handgun for defense purposes, but it can still serve your other needs, thanks to its forged frame construction. Additionally, its ceramic-based coating protects the pistol's surface against corrosion and scratches, even if you use it in harsh conditions.
Moreover, its night sight is adjustable, and it has a self-luminous component. These features allow you to use the pistol in extremely low light conditions. They can also refine your shooting accuracy.
So, if you need a pistol that can accompany you to your various shooting activities, then this model can fit your lifestyle.
7. Walther Arms PPQ 45
Walther Arms manufactures some of the most outstanding pistols in the biz, and the PPQ 45 is on the top of that list.
Similar to GLOCK G21, this .45 ACP pistol may not have that aesthetic appeal, but don't underestimate its power, as well as the nitty-gritty details on its exterior.
Its curved, non-slip grip, coupled with sloping and wide finger grooves, allows you to grasp the gun firmly. Additionally, its mag release is ambidextrous, and its trigger pull is crisp and smooth, which can help you in rapid-fire shooting.
8. Heckler & Koch Universal Self-Loading Pistol (HK USP) Tactical
The HK USP Tactical is a compact and more affordable version of the HK Mark 23, but it still offers a number of features.
Its bore barrel is polygonal and precise. Its trigger is suitable for a competitive match. And its trigger guard is generously-sized, so you can still comfortably hold and use the gun even when wearing gloves. Plus, the mag release is ambidextrous, and the slide release is extended.
All the metal components of this .45 ACP pistol are corrosion-resistant, and its surface is protected by a nitride finish. Meanwhile, its interior is also coated with anti-corrosion chemicals to lessen friction and minimize wear and tear.
9. Beretta Px4 Storm
Beretta made sure that this .45 ACP pistol would appeal to all types of shooters as much as possible. That's why this handgun is one of the top choices of military and police officers worldwide, as well as civilians who are serious about self-defense.
One of the features that you'll love the most with this gun is its accessory rail. It's ideal for the attachment of different kinds of accessories, such as laser sights and tactical lights.
Furthermore, you'll find this model easy to handle and use, as the safety lever is ambidextrous, and its firing pin block is visible.
10. SIG Sauer P220 Legion
Last, but definitely not the least in this list, is a solid and good-looking gun from SIG–the P220 Legion. But there's more to this handgun than its pretty face.
It's designed with superior materials and engineered to exceed military standards. It comes with a thumb safety, which a lot of shooters prefer. And its most highlighted feature–its trigger–is crisp, consistent, and smooth.
However, take note that this is a full-size pistol, which means that it can be challenging to make this handgun a concealed weapon.
There's a wide range of excellent .45 ACP pistols out there. And each model has its unique purpose. That's why choosing the right handgun for you depends on your situation or shooting needs.
Here's an infographic guide that you can use. Feel free to download, save and share it with your loved ones:
For instance, if you need a firearm for self-defense, then we recommend getting a .45 ACP pistol with a high-capacity magazine and low recoil.
You may also go to a range and try out various .45 ACP pistols. This can help you figure out your handgun preference, as well as how each weapon operates.
But regardless of which model you choose, you don't have to worry, as the .45 ACP pistol is one of the most trusted and most impressive handguns in the firearms world.
Loading ...Which .45 ACP pistol best suits your lifestyle? Please let us know in the comments section below!
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