When it comes to handguns…nothing is more of an American classic than the .45 ACP. It’s been an American icon since Colt released the M1911 over 100 years ago.
But .45 ACP isn’t relegated to just 1911s anymore. We’ve put together a list of a handful of .45 ACP guns that we think are some of the best in the biz.
We’ll walk you through the pros/cons of the models and why we think they’re cool, and hopefully set you on the path to grab a new gun!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Single Stack CCW
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Best Target Pistol
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Best All-Around Pick
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Most Reliable
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Highest Capacity
Table of Contents
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Best .45 ACP Pistols
1. Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield Performance Center
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield Performance Center Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to conceal
- Lightweight
- Excellent sights
Cons
- Low capacity
- Stiff recoil
Specs
Features
The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield Performance Center is a stellar carry gun that doesn’t get nearly enough props.
If you are interested in using a .45 ACP gun for your everyday carry, this gun fits the bill. It’s a single-stack, striker-fired polymer pistol designed to withstand daily carry and frequent use, and it gets the job done.
The gun ships with one 6-round magazine and one 7-round magazine, so capacity is a bit limited, but it has the benefit of increased concealability.
We like the Performance Center model, which includes a 3.3-inch ported barrel and ported slide, and a Performance Center-tuned action.
You also get upgraded sights in the form of a green fiber optic front and a red fiber optic rear. The standard aggressive grip texture is present, which ensures that you have positive control regardless of how sweaty or wet your hands get (trust us, it is hot here).
Between the writers and PPT staff, we have various M&P Shield models, all of which have been reliable. The .45 ACP model is no exception.
Recoil is a bit stiff with the gun being so small and lightweight, but the accuracy is still solid, and this is by far the easiest .45 ACP pistol to conceal on this list, thanks to its thin profile.
2. Sig Sauer P220 Legion
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Sig Sauer P220 Legion Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Optics-ready
- Great accuracy
Cons
- Low capacity
- Expensive
Specs
Features
We love the original Sig P220, but their Legion version is our pick.
It’s a good-looking gun thanks to its Cerakote Elite Legion Gray-finished slide and frame, and black G10 grips.
There’s more to the Legion line than looking pretty, though. The P220 Legion’s greatest feature just might be its P-SAIT trigger — smooth and consistent, crisp break, short reset.
The P220 Legion is hammer-fired and is available in an SAO model with a thumb safety and a DA/SA version without a safety. We prefer the DA/SA version as it offers a bit more flexibility over a 1911.
The X-RAY tritium night sights are fantastic, and the trigger undercut and extended beavertail offer improved ergonomics over the base model. Both iron sight-only and optics-ready versions are available.
Despite still only having an 8+1 capacity, the P220 is still a very large gun at 7.7 inches overall length and 30.4 ounces. However, the size and weight really help soak up a lot of the recoil that .45 ACP has.
We love our P22X Legions here are PPT, with various models being owned across our team. Bottom line? The P220 is a well-made, reliable pistol with stellar performance, outstanding accuracy, and an excellent track record.
3. Walther PPQ 45
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Walther PPQ 45 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great trigger
- Ergonomic
- Excellent accuracy
Cons
- Higher bore axis
Specs
Features
Walther manufactures some stellar handguns, and the PPQ 45 is among the models we favor. It may not have the aesthetic appeal of guns like the Legion, but man, does it run!
This is a 12+1 capacity double-stack gun that is between full-size and compact in size, leaning more towards the full-size category.
The grip is contoured extremely well for a very comfortable grip, the controls are large and easy to reach, and the trigger is amazing — breaking cleanly at around 4-4.5 pounds with a reset of only 1/10 of an inch!
An ambidextrous slide release, reversible magazine release, and interchangeable backstraps ensure that this gun is lefty-friendly.
Our editor, Wyatt, has had his PPQ 45 for about 7 years. He enjoys it for its reliability, ergonomics, and exceedingly good accuracy.
While it is a bit big for concealed carry, it can still be done, but it truly excels in home defense and general range-use roles.
4. Glock 21 Gen 5
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Glock 21 Gen 5 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-notch reliability
- Good aftermarket
- Optics-ready
Cons
- Mediocre trigger
- Stock sights aren't great
Specs
Features
To no one’s surprise, our next entry is the .45 ACP Glock 21. Living up the the Glock reputation, the Glock 21 is a true workhouse in every sense of the word.
The G21 is a full-size, striker-fired, double-stack handgun with a 13+1 capacity.
Everything here is pretty standard Glock fare, including interchangeable backstraps, a reversible magazine release, and a well-textured frame.
The newer Gen 5 versions feature an improved trigger, front slide serrations, an ambi slide lock, and the Glock Marksman Barrel for enhanced accuracy.
Although they improved the trigger over the previous generations, plenty of people, us included, still don’t love it. But the good news is that you can easily go wild on aftermarket parts due to Glock’s popularity.
We’ve used and abused various Glocks here at PPT over the years, and they keep going. If you want a .45 ACP where reliability is your primary concern, the G21 has your back.
What’s your take on the Glock 21? Give it a rating below!
5. FN FNX-45 Tactical
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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FN FNX-45 Tactical Pros & Cons
Pros
- 15+1 capacity
- Optics-ready
- Suppressor-ready
Cons
- Trigger isn't bad, but could be better
Specs
Features
Everything about the FNX-45 Tactical screams tacticool — from the coyote coloring to the controls.
For starters, this thing beats out every other .45 ACP pistol on capacity, housing a whopping 15+1 rounds.
Features include an optics-ready slide, aggressive grip texture, interchangeable backstraps, suppressor-height Trijicon sights, and a threaded 5.3-inch barrel that is begging to host a suppressor.
Best of all, the FNX-45 shoots like a dream. Seriously, it feels better in the hand than it looks and also does a great job of delivering a pleasant recoil impulse. It is also fully ambidextrous, so lefties rejoice!
The biggest drawback, in our opinion, is the trigger. It’s not as smooth as the other DA/SA guns on the list, but it isn’t bad by any stretch.
That said, this gun is a workhorse. It’s reliable, high capacity, and flush with features. If you want to learn more about this, check out our full review here!
Notable Mentions
6. H&K USP 45 Tactical
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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H&K USP 45 Tactical Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ambidextrous mag release
- Excellent decocker/safety combo
- Threaded barrel
- Good trigger
Cons
- Expensive
- Proprietary accessory rail
Specs
Features
Few guns can go toe to toe with Glock for pure reliability, but the HK USP is definitely one of them.
The HK USP 45 Tactical is our favorite pick among the USP lineup for people who are looking for an all-purpose .45 ACP gun that is DA/SA.
Wyatt loves his USP 45 and Mark 23 dearly but relents that the 45 Tactical is the best of both worlds. You get some of the upgrades of the Mark 23 without the monstrous size and massive hit to your wallet.
The 45 tactical offers a threaded, o-ring-sealed, polygonal bore barrel that is wickedly precise. If you do your part, you’ll get your sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards.
The trigger has been upgraded to the match-grade version with an adjustable trigger stop, and the trigger guard is oversized to facilitate use with gloves.
A classic HK-style ambidextrous paddle magazine release is present, and the slide release is very large and easy to actuate as well.
We absolutely love the left-side combination decocker/safety lever. Seriously, it may be the most simple and elegant implementation of a combo-lever that we have ever used.
This model also features suppressor-height sights, with the rear being fully adjustable for both windage and elevation.
While the gun does lack a standard accessory rail and the overall design is a little dated, the pure performance and reliability more than make up for it, assuming you can handle HK’s price tag.
7. Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact OSP
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact OSP Pros & Cons
Pros
- Double stack sub-compact
- Optics-ready
- Flared magwell
Cons
- Taller bore axis
- Price fluctuates
Specs
Features
Looking for a concealed carry .45 with a bit more capacity than the Shield? Well, the Springfield XD-M Elite Compact has you covered.
Shooters get a solid capacity of 10+1 in a gun with a 3.8-inch barrel, overall length of 6.75 inches, and a weight of 25 ounces — still well within the reasonable concealed carry realm.
Other features include an optics-ready slide, a u-notch rear and fiber front sight setup, fully ambidextrous controls, and a removable flared magwell base.
Additionally, Springfield has incorporated their new flat-face META trigger for an improved pull and break.
A great feature set, optics capability, and solid capacity in a small package make the XD-M Elite Compact the ideal gun for someone who wants to cut down on size without sacrificing some of the niceties.
8. SAR K2
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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SAR K2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- 14+1 capacity
- All-steel construction
- Affordable
Cons
- Holster options are slim
Specs
Features
Fans of CZ may have noticed the absence of the CZ 97 from this list.
Sadly, it was discontinued in early 2022, leaving a hole in that small market niche of double-stack, metal-framed .45 ACP guns that aren’t 1911/2011s.
Luckily, the SAR K2 has been flying under the radar and is still around — and dare I say, does it better than the CZ 97?
The K2 uses the classic CZ slide-in-frame design and is very reminiscent of the CZ 75 and 97 series both in looks and function.
But don’t be fooled, the K2 has some nifty tricks up its sleeve to make it more than a cheap clone. Namely, it has a whopping 14+1 capacity, far more than the CZ 97’s 10-round capacity.
It also has a nice DA/SA trigger with a relatively smooth DA pull and feels good in single action. A 4.7-inch barrel graces the standard full-size model (4.2 inches for the compact), and the gun also comes with a fully adjustable rear sight and a Picatinny accessory rail.
The best part? It is a couple of hundred bucks cheaper than the CZ was, making it a great value buy for those looking for a high-capacity, all-steel .45 ACP.
How to Choose a .45 ACP Pistol
The world of non-1911 .45 ACP pistols is actually a pretty varied one. There are quite a few different pistols that are aimed at different target markets.
.45 ACP Ammo In Stock
First things first, decide what the mission of the gun is. Are you looking for something you can concealed carry on a regular basis? Do you want a fun range toy that is an absolute tack driver? Is the gun going to be used for home defense? Or maybe you want something that can flex into all of those roles.
After you have decided what you want the gun to do, the next thing to consider is features. Looking at things like hammer-fired DA/SA versus striker-fired action, red dot mounting capability, magazine capacity, threaded barrels, etc., should help narrow your choice down even more.
Once you find a gun that fits the bill for the mission and also has the features you want, the next thing is trying to see if the gun fits your hand. Everyone’s hand is a bit different, so going to local gun stores or ranges to either test or at least handle the gun is always a good idea if you are able to do so.
FAQs
Are compact handguns better for concealed carry?
Compacts guns are easier to conceal by nature. But keep in mind that hot .45 ACP ammo can result in stout recoil in platforms that are smaller and lighter.
What size handgun is a compact?
A compact is smaller than a fullsize but larger than a subcompact or microcompact. They mostly come with barrels in the 3.5-inch to 4-inch range.
Is all .45 ACP ammo subsonic?
The standard 230 grain .45 ACP loading is inherently subsonic, and majority of factory ammo is as well. However, some +P and lighter loadings can reach supersonic velocities.
Is .45 ACP stronger than 9mm?
Both can be very close in foot-pounds energy, depending on the specific loading, and wounding channels in ballistic gel are very similar.
Does .45 ACP have alot of recoil?
While .45 ACP typically has more recoil than 9mm or .40 S&W due to the larger bullet, many guns chambered in .45 ACP are heavier or feature different recoil springs to help alleviate recoil. This varies from gun to gun.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a number of excellent .45 caliber pistols available on the market.
Each one has its own benefits and drawbacks, so finding the right one for you depends on what you’re looking for.
But at the end of the day, a good .45 ACP is a great gun to have. Not only can it be an excellent home defense tool, but it can also provide you with hours of enjoyment at the shooting range!
Do you have any experience with any of the guns on our list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you can’t abide by the lack of 1911s, be sure to check our dedicated article on the Best 1911s.
Latest Updates
April 14, 2024: Removed the Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP due to unavailability. Removed the Hi-Point JHP 45. Substituted Glock G21 Gen 4 to the newer Gen 5 MOS model.
341 Leave a Reply
Have and love the XDM .45 compact but looking at a Bersa TPR 45c. I hear It's a very popular all metal pistol throughout Central and South American military and police forces. Also in the 4 to 500 dollar range.
I might be a bit biased because I own one, but I think the HK45 deserves a place on this list.
Glad to see that you included the H&K USP which is the most accurate pistol in my collection.
I have taken family members who have never shot a gun before and they can shoot bulls-eye's with the H&K!
Can't comment on if it's more reliable than our Glock as both are reliable, but in so far as accuracy: the H&K wins hands-down!
Well we have both the FNX and the HK , my personal Fav is the FNX it's heavy even wo a mag in it .
However it's a shooter .!
Just my preference
I have 3 .45 now: Baby Desert Eagle gen 1, Springfield 1911, and a Walther PPQ M2 .45.
The Walther is my hands down favorite, and it is my favorite ccw. The trigger is tops, and it fits my hand better than any other platform.
Mike, those are all excellent pistols. Glad to see another Walther enjoyer out there though!
I regret not getting the CZ 97B when I had the chance.
David, I feel you. The going market rate of $1000-1200 is just too steep for me when the SAR K2 is out there for half the price. I really regret not getting one of the CZ Custom 97s in 10mm.
Options are frequently limited here in California. I walked out 30 days later with a CZ 75B SA in .40S&W. It's strictly for this old guy to use for home defense.
I carry (depending on occasion, among other calibers) an early G21 or G30, no problems… of course sometimes I carry a S&W model 1917. It all comes down to individual preference and more importantly, individual proficiency. Good article as always!
Monte, it is always cool to hear people carrying around the oldie-but-goldies like the 1917! Thanks for checking out the article.
Handsdown BEST non-1911 .45acp handgun: 1st-Gen SIG P220, ca. 1987.
The old German-made Sigs are great. I'd love to pick up a Browning BDA in .45 to experience the pre-Sig branded Sig P220 too.
You have a nice list of good firearms, however I have problems with two in the list. First: the Glock 21 is stupid big. You mention 'comfort', yet it fits very few hands. Comfort isn't the right word it's about 'fit'. You rightly describe it as ugly, ok, my word, not yours, but you danced around that in a polite manner. Second: You have, and I can't even say the name because I just can't say it out loud as 'honorable mention'. In your defense, you really said it's only attribute is it's crazy low price. It's inexpensive for a very good reason...
Love my Glock 30!
I love mine also !
The XDM Elite in 45 Auto was my fourth XD in the 45 Auto caliber. I carried the XD full size with the compact in a BUG (back up gun) carrier on my vest. The XDM Elite is the best iteration of the Springfield Armory yet. My last assignment was in the firearms laboratory where firearms used in the commission of a crime were test fired. For comparison purposes we had an extensive "library" of firearms. Having test fired each of the listed firearms side by side with the XDs, I would not give up my Springfield to any of them. Color me biased! Interestingly enough, the only hit Points that came into the lab were from the gang bangers. No self respecting gangster, though, would steal one.
Thanks Pew Pew Tactical for an awesome article!
I'm happy with my XD Mod2 which is pre XDM Elite and before optics What nice is you can also use the full size double stack mags which boosts the capacity even higher. Also carry the XD Service 4" which uses the full size mags and nice balance. I had an HK USP45 and sold it didn't handle as well as the XD Service. Home defense is still the Combat Commander 70 series with Crimson Trace laser grips. Interesting article. They just had a sig mobile range at a store, they tried to get me to try out some Sigs asked why I'm never going to spend that kind of money on a handgun. They weren't impressed, but it's the truth I pick up my Colt or my Springfield I know where stuff is going down range. Wife carries a Hellcat w/optics.
Steve, the XD goes unsung by a lot of people. I think they are solid firearms and I like that they are offering some features with the new Elite line that no one else is in guns that size. Thanks for reading!
I've got a Sig P220 compact and upgraded to the Sig Short Reset Tigger kit, and a Grayguns flat straight adjustable trigger and Trijicon night sights. The reset is great half of what the original reset was.
I own a Beretta PX4 Storm chambered in. 45 ACP and thoroughly enjoy shooting it. Recoil is manageable thanks to a rotating barrel design, and this 10-round DA/SA pistol with decocker can be customized with parts from Beretta as well as noted aftermarket suppliers. The pistol gets great video reviews. It is a larger piece, but replaceable grips make it easy to handle. Maybe include this nice pistol from a reputable maker in your next roundup?
Awsome article, as expected. One to add to the list: The FN 545 Tactical. I recently purchased one over the FNX 45 Tactical, bc of the better, in my opinion, ergonomics. It feels great in my hand. It shoots really softly, has 18 rounds in the mag and a really good factory trigger. Plus you have the threaded barrel and nice suppressor height sights. Finally, the msrp is a few hundred less than the FNX 45 Tactical. Newer doesn't always mean better. In this case, for me, it is. What do you say to a comparison of the two by the PewPew team?
I know it’s not popular but the Ruger American Pistol is a fantastic 45. I got a great price on one a few years ago and liked it so much I sold my HK USP. The trigger is much nicer, tear down is quick and simple, and it’s a modular design. The gun has been absolutely reliable and the build quality is very high. The worst thing I can say about it is that the slide is not cut for optics (it came out before that was really a thing) and the grip could use a bit more traction (I added grip tape). The magazines are also of excellent quality. Really not sure why it didn’t catch on
The Glock 21 is not reliable. They are known for weak ejection and poor extraction. I have one to sell.
The Hi-Point is fun and very soft shooting and when we take it to the range all the cool kids wanna shoot it. So there ya go.
Say whaaaaaat? You do mention the Hi-Point, yet don't mention the excellent Beretta PX4 Storm (from the world's oldest existing gunmaker no less)?? WTF seroiously!?!?!?
For the love of God, lose the flashlights, red dot sights, suppressors, bayonets, and anything else one could conceivably attach to it. It's a self-defense weapon. Learn to use real sights, in daylight or dark. (OK, I'll give you tritium night sights.) It isn't brain surgery.
Wrong! Lights are essential for a defensive weapon. Plus, a good weapon light can blind an intruder, giving you more of an advantage. These stupid fudd BS comments needs to stop.
You want to blind an intruder? Consider bolting a can of bear spray on your (fill in the blank) with an activation switch under your armpit. LEOs were once taught to hold a MagLite and use their sidearms at the same time, but it won't work for someone who can't walk and chew tobacco simultaneously, much less for those "I go to the range once a year to hone my shooting skills" folks. Would that describe you by any slim chance?
I have the JHP .45 High Point and yes it's crazy ugly. That said, this other than a boat anchor, is a house gun, ready to employ and make Bad Guy wish he chose a better employment. With 240 gr Ball it will stop any thing man or beast. Yeah only its mother could love its looks but as for going BANG with anything I feed it I'll take the jokes and jabs. SGT(ret.) US Army
While an enjoyable read, there are several possible honorable mention candidates. Yes they cost more than $200, but please,a high point, I've shot them. I'd rather have a Tarus G2 BY FAR, CLOSE to same $$$$. Much better option.
I have a Beretta 8045 F Cougar gifted to me by my brother. It appears in excellent condition although I have yet to fire it. I have registered it.
Could you provide me pros / cons of this firearm and a good choice of ammunition.
Also I do not have the manual and haven't found it online, would you know of a source?
Thank You
Tony
The Beretta Cougar is excellent, and the Beretta PX4 Storm is even better!
As someone already stated the P220 DA/SA does NOT have a safety the SAO (Single Action Only) version does. The heavier weight of the double action pull of the DA/SA variant serves to protect against inadvertant discharge.
My P220 has no external safety. It does have a decocker.
My favorites pistol to shoot is the FNX 45, especially for high round count classes (500+). It’s smoother than whipped garlic butter in my opinion. Most of my Sig or HK 9mm’s feel snappy in my hands by the end of a long range day, but higher grains than 115 help.
I’ve used my FNX-45 from CPL renewals to level four training without any hiccups except a rare failure to lock back when empty.
I liked it so much I bought the FNX 45 Tactical last year for home defense with a red dot. Unfortunately I’m still waiting for my pistol cal suppressor to clear purgatory.
My winter gloves are men’s large but my fingers are short; the FNX 45 is still comfortable to trigger a first shot. Sorry, but for me this is an amazingly smooth shooting pistol with any standard ammo like Federal or Winchester. I’d rather shoot this 45 than most of my 9mm’s.
Highpoint??? Seriously?
And yet no mention of another USA made ccw acp 45....khar cw45
Y'all should check it out!