Like many things in life, the .45 ACP cartridge has seen dips and spikes in its popularity.
However, a few departments went with a new gun chambered for the .45 ACP.
During the 1990s, the fortunes of the .45 ACP began to change for the better.
The .45 ACP cartridge enjoys a favorable reputation with military units, law enforcement agencies and free citizens alike. But, does it hold up to the hype? Image: Hornady Manufacturing Company
In 1986, agents of the FBI were caught up in the most studied gunfight of all time.
[See Dan Abrahams article on10mm vs. No doubt, this boosted the popularity of pistols chambered for .45 ACP.
The classic pocket pistols were indeed handy, but reliability was suspect, especially when fed hollowpoint ammunition.
Shooting a pistol chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge isn’t as unpleasant as some people might have you believe.
So, what happened?
In short, more powerful cartridges generate slightly greater recoil and muzzle flip than the mild-mannered 9mm.
Four different scenarios inside of 7 yards were devised, and all firing was done at game speed.
Modern compact pistols like this Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 can be effective defensive firearms. Image: Springfield Armory
Can I Really Manage a .45?
Pistols chambered for the .45 ACP can be managed by most anyone who commits to a regular practice regimen.
Despite rumblings to contrary, this specifically includes smaller-stature people.
One of the things that sets the .45 ACP apart from others is the massive bullet expansion that is possible. Shown here is a pair of Federal HST .45 bullets that expanded into gel after passing through heavy clothing.
But is it manageable?
Ive run a steel-frame 1911 in classes, firing several hundred rounds a day with no ill effect.
However, when firing lighter and/or smaller guns, the game can change 180 degrees.
The M1911 style pistol is a popular platform for the .45 ACP cartridge. Shown is the alloy-framed Springfield Armory 1911 Ronin 4.25″, the author’s preferred lightweight carry 1911. Image: Springfield Armory
Surprisingly, polymer-frame pistols chambered for .45 ACP are actually quite pleasant to shoot despite their light weight.
The polymer somehow dissipates felt recoil, and thats okay with me.
Put a realistic size, humanoid target up and move yourself five yards away.
The micro-sized Hellcat offers users a powerful and extremely compact EDC pistol chambered in the popular 9mm cartridge.
Load and charge with a five-round magazine and place it in the holster.
Can you get it done in five seconds or less with all hits in the high-value area?
If so, you might be on to something.
These Hornady Critical Duty bullets showed excellent expansion in ballistic gelatin. Image: Hornady Manufacturing Company
Myth vs.
Heavy clothing has a nasty habit of fouling the cavity and retarding or totally preventing expansion.
But if expansion is compromised in any way, a larger diameter bullet will have an edge.
A full-size, all-steel 1911 like this Springfield Armory TRP can be a pleasure to shoot with minimal perceived recoil. Image: Springfield Armory
This may be a valid consideration for those who live in cooler climates.
Assuming equal penetration and optimum expansion, the larger projectile will cause greater damage to a target.
However, as much as I like the .45 ACP I dont attach any magical qualities to it.
Loads for the .45 ACP vary in velocity, with 850 fps being typical for 230-gr. bullets. Lighter bullets can be pushed faster as demonstrated with this Hornady ammunition. Image: Richard Johnson
However, I am not exempt from magazine capacity restrictions.
If Im restricted to carry a 10-round magazine, mySpringfield Armory XD Compact in .45 ACPwill get the call.
Go to forum thread
1911TRPTM Series
XD4" Compact, Low Capacity
