One of the longest-standing American classics, the .45 ACP, has been a legend since Colt introduced the M1911 in 1911 as the standard sidearm for the U.S. military from World War I to Vietnam. But in April 2023, notice was given to a range of .45 ACP pistols that emerged from the shadow of the 1911 to take their own spotlight.
For concealed carry, the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 stands out. This polymer striker-fired pistol provides a firm grip with its aggressive texture. Its 6 to 7 round capacity and robust build with a stainless steel chassis and slide with an Armornite finish, make it one of the best everyday carry handguns. If you want an upgraded version out of the box, Smith & Wesson also releases the Shield 45 from their Performance Center with several pre-made upgrades.
The Sig Sauer P220 Legion is praised for its Cerakote Elite Legion Gray-finished slide and frame, black G10 grips, and the embedded Legion medallion that provides both a cosmetic and performance benefit. Its P-SAIT trigger provides a smooth and consistent pull with a crisp break and short reset, placing it as a well constructed, reliable pistol with an 8+1 capacity. Of interest, “it’s a hammer-fired DA/SA gun” and comes shipped with Sig Sauer Electro-Optics X-RAY hi-vis day/night sights.
Walther’s PPQ .45 ACP is another full-size pistol whose radius-shaped grip, cross-grip surface, and the 5.6-pound, surprisingly good trigger make it appealing. With an ambidextrous magazine release button and a 12-round capacity, the PPQ 45 has been praised for its smooth feeding and firing. Glock, too, enters the competition with its Glock 21 Gen 4, a gun that is renowned for being a workhorse. designed to do a specific job, and is true to its word in reliability and modularity with its 13+1 capacity.
Aside from the semi-automatics, the Ruger Redhawk revolver in .45 ACP provides a “triple-locking cylinder and no side plates,” highlighting its durability and capacity to endure recoil, with an exclusive DA/SA trigger system that provides a smooth, consistent pull and clean break. For tactical panache, the FNX-45 Tactical offers a chic choice with a threaded 5.3-inch barrel, 15+1round capacity, and suppressor-height Trijicon sights.
Though every .45 caliber gun comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, their choice depends on the personal preferences and needs.
