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Is the 45ACP the best handgun?

4K views 35 replies 19 participants last post by  j427x 
#1 ·
If you could have any caliber handgun, what would it be? If I had an unlimited budget for buying guns, I would select the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). This would absolutely be my first choice. It is big and slow (so is a big boulder), but it can do the job.
Because of the weakness of the .38 in use at the time, John Browning designed a new auto handgun. This was around 1905. It took a few years and some modifications, but the US Army adopted this gun as the “U.S.Pistol, Automatic, Caliber .45, Model 1911 in that year. Around 1926 there were a few modifications made to the gun and it became the M1911A1 which remained in service until the mid 1980s. Even though the Army adopted the 9MM as their handgun caliber at that time, a lot of special units continued to use the .45. Why? Because it WORKS! It remains one of the longest-lived handguns of all time.
Nowadays it seems like everybody and his brother are building a copy of the old 1911--Colt, Ruger, Remington and other domestic and foreign gun makers. You’ll never go wrong copying the best!
Ruger also makes a single action revolver that is chambered for the old cowboy .45 (.45 Long Colt) and the .45 ACP, one gun--two calibers. That would be a wonderful working gun.
I don’t currently own a .45 (I have in the past, but, being the dummy that I am, I either sold or traded it). A couple of years ago I went out looking for a .45 or possibly a .40 S&W, but a Ruger 9MM kind of dropped into my lap. I was able to make a trade and thus the 9MM became my main handgun. If I didn’t have so much ammo in that caliber I might try to trade it on a good .45 auto. But, short of winning the lottery, I don’t think I’ll be able to buy a 45. I think that the 9MM will work (especially with Hornady’s Critical Defense rounds) but, I do believe that the .45 is better.
 
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#3 ·
it is tough to beat a 1911 in 45acp for those close in defense chores.

i have more 45acp pistols than any other, mostly 1911s with one steel witness and a plastic turdus wonder gun--

all of them shoot well.

i am sort of fond of the 10mm and its bastard kin like the 40 and the 357sig --of course i still got posters of 90s hot chicks on the wall too--LOL
 
#4 ·
Depends on what you have in mind and your tolerance for size, weight, concealed carry, ease of use, recoil tolerance, capacity requirements etc.,
1911 is a very good proven design firearm. But there are dozens of others that suit different needs or requirements. Just sayin.
 
#5 ·
IMO THE 45 ACP IS NOT THE BEST CALIBUR FOR A HAND GUN . EITHER DEFENSIVLY OR FOR SPORTING USE.

THE 357 MAG HAS A HIGHER RATE OF ONE SHOT ONE KILL PERFORMACE FOR EXAMPLE
IT ALSO HAS A BETTER RANGE.

THERE ARE A FEW CALIBURES THAT I THINK MIGHT BE BETTER AT CERTAIN THINGS.

THE 45ACP IS A GOOD ROUND DONT GET ME WRONG BUT IM NOT SURE ID CALL IT THE BEST.

THE 1911 IS A GREAT GUN BUT IT HAS A SMALL MAG CAPACITY ITS HEAVY AN ITS BIG. THERE ALSO EXPENSIVE FOR A GOOD ACCURATE ONE. THE MILLITARY VERSION IN STOCK SPEC WERE NOT THAT ACCURATE. ID LOVE TO HAVE ONE HOWEVER.

IMO AMERICAS LOVE AFFAIR IS DUE TO THEM BEING A ISSUED WEAPON AN VERY COMMON . I DOUBT IF IT HAD NEVER BEEN ISSUED AN WAS JSUT ANOTHER MODEL ON THE SHELF FOR SALE IT WOULD BE SO POPULAR. SORT OF LIKE AMERICAS LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE AR IT LOOKS LIKE A M 16 AN YET ITS LIKELY THE MOST CONSTANTLY RETROFITTERD , TWEAKED ,IMPROVED, FIXED, KNOWN TO HAVE ISSUES. GOOD GUN IF IF IF RIFLE IN MILITARY HISTORY. THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE PLATFORM FOR WHAT 45 YEARS NOW?????? YET AMERICANS LOVE THEM.

THE 1911 IS A ICON LIKE THE PEACEMAKER 45 THE WINCHESTER MODEL 94 THERE GOOD GUNS BUT THERE LIKELY NOT THE BEST.

WITH ALL THAT SAID ID STILL LIKLEY SEEL ANY OF MY HAND GUNS TO GET A GOOD ONE IF IT CAME ALONG AT A GOOD PRICE.
 
#7 ·
Handgun Cartridge Power Chart

By Chuck Hawks



Caliber Load Bullet MV (fps) ME (ft. lbs.) Penetration (10% gel.) AIT (goats at Strasbourg) One Shot Stop % Test Brl.
.22LR CCI, Rem, Win Hi.Vel. 40gr.LRN 955 81 12.8" n/a 21% unk.
.22LR CCI,Rem,Win Hi.Vel. 37grLHP 975 78 10.3" n/a 29% unk.
.22LR Rem. Yellow Jacket 33gr.TCHP 1259 116 n/a n/a 33% 6" Colt
.22LR CCI Stinger 32gr.LHP 1262 113 9.8" n/a 34% 6" Colt
.22WMR CCI +V 30gr.HP 1450 140 9.2" n/a 40% unk.
.22WMR CCI +V 30gr.HP 1300 120 n/a n/a n/a 2" NAA
.22WMR Winchester 40gr.JHP 1400 174 13" n/a 42% 6.5" Ruger
.22WMR Winchester 40gr.JHP 1098 108 n/a n/a n/a 2" NAA
.22WMR Federal 50gr.JHP 817 74 n/a n/a n/a 2" NAA
.25ACP Winchester 45gr.Ex.Pt. 815 66 13.8" n/a 25% 2" test
.25ACP All 50gr.FMJ 760 64 18" n/a 23% unk.
.25ACP MagSafe Defender 22gr.Frag. 1610 n/a 6" n/a 41%est. 2.5" test
.32ACP Winchester 60gr.STHP 970 125 6.5" n/a 63% 3.2" Wthr.
.32ACP Magsafe Defender 50gr.Frag. 1250 191 7.8" n/a 57%est. 3.5" test
.380ACP Federal 90gr.JHP 1005 200 14.4" 11.06 sec. 69% 3.6" SIG
.380ACP Rem. Golden Saber 102gr.JHP 925 194 9.4" n/a 64% 3.6" SIG
.380ACP Remington 88gr.JHP 1000 195 12.8" 13.46 sec. 54% 3.6" SIG
.380ACP Federal Hydra-Shok 90gr.JHP 1007 200 10.5" 10.94 sec. 69% 3.6" SIG
.380ACP Cor-Bon +P 90gr.JHP 1041 217 9" 11.12 sec. 70% 3.6" SIG
.380ACP Fed, Rem, Win. 95gr.FMJ 955 190 17" 22.8 sec. 51% 3.6" SIG
.380ACP CCI Gold Dot 90gr.JHP 1030 212 8" n/a 67% 3.6" SIG
.380ACP Glaser Blue 70gr.Frag. 1313 268 5" 7.94 sec. 75% 3.6" SIG
.38Spec. Winchester +P 158gr.LHP 790 280 15.2" n/a 67% 2" S&W
.38Spec. Federal, Rem, Win. 158gr.RNL 587 200 n/a 46.58 sec. 49% 2" S&W
.38Spec. Remington +P 158gr.LHP 776 211 n/a 15.52 sec. 65% 2" S&W
.38Spec. Glaser Blue 80gr.Frag. 1350 400 6" n/a 77%est. 2" S&W
.38Spec. Cor-Bon +P 115gr.JHP 1243 395 14.2" 8.98 sec. 83% 4" S&W
.38Spec. Glaser Blue +P 80gr.Frag. 1667 494 7" 4.72 sec. 84%est. 4" S&W
.38Spec Winchester +P 158gr.LHP 996 342 15.2" 10.76 sec. 78% 4" S&W
.38Spec. Federal +P 125gr.JHP 945 248 12.2" n/a 73% 4" S&W
.38Spec. Federal, Rem, Win. 158gr.RNL 708 176 28.5" 33.68 sec. 52% 4" S&W
.38Spec. Remington +P 125gr.SJHP 1008 280 11.1" 11.74 sec. 69% 4" Colt
9x19 Glaser Blue 80gr.Frag. 1555 430 6" 7.42 sec. 94%est. 4" S&W
9x19 Cor-Bon +P 115gr.JHP 1321 454 14.2" 8.92 sec. 91% 4" Glock
9x19 MagSafe Stealth +P 64gr.Frag. 1950 461 10" 4.74 sec. 90%est. 4.25" SIG
9x19 Winchester 115gr.STHP 1225 383 8" n/a 83% unk.
9x19 Rem.Golden Saber+P 124gr.JHP 1180 384 12" n/a 83% unk.
9x19 Remington +P 115gr.JHP 1288 399 12.7" 8.98 sec. 89% 4" S&W
9x19 Federal 115gr.JHP 1175 341 14.5" 9.36 sec. 81% 4" S&W
.38Super Remington +P 115gr.JHP 1300 431 n/a n/a 88% 5" test
.357Mag. Glaser Blue 80gr.Frag. 1687 505 6" 4.82 sec. 89%est. 4" S&W
.357Mag. Federal 110gr.JHP 1295 410 10" n/a 90% 4" S&W
.357Mag. Federal 125gr.JHP 1442 580 13.3" 7.44 sec. 96% 4" S&W
.357Mag. Remington 125gr.SJHP 1468 583 13" 7.34 sec. 96% 4" Colt
.357Mag. Rem.Golden Saber MV 125gr.JHP 1220 413 13" n/a 84% 4" S&W
.357Mag. Remington Med.Vel. 125gr.SJHP 1205 413 15.5" 7.94 sec. 83% 4" Colt
.40S&W Glaser Blue 105gr.Frag 1449 490 6" 5.34 sec. 91%est. 4" S&W
.40S&W Cor-Bon 135gr.JHP 1300 507 9.8" n/a 96% 4" S&W
.40S&W MagSafe Defender +P 84gr.Frag> 1800 n/a 13" n/a 91% 4" S&W
.40S&W Federal Hydra-Shok 180gr.JHP 950 361 15" 8.32 sec. 89% 4" S&W
.40S&W Federal Hydra-Shok 155gr.JHP 1140 448 13.3" n/a 94% 4" S&W
.40S&W Rem.Golden Saber 165gr.JHP 1150 485 12" n/a 94% 4" S&W
.40S&W Remington 155gr.JHP 1140 447 n/a 8.40 sec. 86%est. 4" S&W
10mm Winchester 175gr.STHP 1250 607 12.8" n/a 92% 4.25" S&W
10mm Glaser Blue 105gr.Frag. 1624 615 n/a 7.60 sec. n/a 4.25" S&W
10mm Winchester 180gr.JHP 1055 445 15.5" n/a 82% 4.25" S&W
10mm Federal Hydra-Shok 180gr.JHP 980 383 15" n/a 87% 4.25" S&W
.41Mag. Winchester 210gr.JHP 1300 789 17.5" n/a 82% 4" S&W
.41Mag. Winchester 175gr.STHP 1250 608 14" n/a 89% 4" S&W
.44Spec. Remington 240gr.LSWC 851 384 n/a n/a 64% 4" S&W
.44Spec. Cor-Bon +P 180gr.JHP 1000 400 14.2" n/a 86% 4" S&W
.44Spec. MagSafe Defender 92gr.Frag. 1620 n/a 9.5" n/a 92%est. 4" S&W
.44Spec. Winchester 200gr.STHP 819 298 10.4" n/a 75% 4" S&W
.44Mag. MagSafe Urban 115gr.Frag. 1620 n/a 11" n/a 93%est. 4" S&W
.44Mag. Cor-Bon 180gr. Urban 1200 576 15.3" n/a 90% 4" S&W
.44Mag. Eldorado Starfire 240gr.JHP 1180 743 14.8" n/a 91% 4" S&W
.44Mag. Winchester 210gr.STHP 1301 788 15.1" n/a 90% 4" S&W
.45ACP Glaser Blue 140gr.Frag. 1355 571 n/a 4.72 sec. n/a 5" Colt
.45ACP Federal Hydra-Shok 230gr.JHP 819 366 13.3" 8.40 sec. 94% 5" Colt
.45ACP MagSafe Defender 96gr.Frag. 1660 n/a 10" n/a 93%est. 5" Colt
.45ACP Federal 185gr.JHP 1001 411 13.6" 9.24 sec. 87% 5" Colt
.45ACP Cor-bon +P 185gr.JHP 1150 544 11.3" n/a 92% 5" Colt
.45ACP Fed, Rem, Win. 230 FMJ 839 360 27" 13.84 sec. 63% 5" Colt
.45ACP CCI-Speer 200gr.JHP 975 422 9.4" n/a 88% 5" Colt
.45ACP Remington +P 185gr.JHP 1129 519 17.1" 7.98 sec. 86% 5" Colt
.45Colt Winchester 225gr.STHP 920 423 13.5" n/a 74% 4" S&W
.45Colt Federal 225LHP 900 405 19.5" n/a 78% 4" S&W
.45Colt Cor-Bon +P 200gr.JHP 1100 537 9" n/a 92% 4" S&W
 
#8 ·
but you can't trust stats biggun--LOL !

you could say the 357sig is right up there with 357mag, 45acp and 10mm on one shot stops.

the problem is the 357sig is mostly used by a few federal agency types --the few places that use the 357sig also have a reputation for being very good shots. and having the best ammo.

you got a gang banger out spraying bullets with a 9mm --he gets a lot of bad hits when he does hit. and he likely ain't firing double tap or cor-bon either--

having more rounds don't make one pistol better than another. most of the time it is the first two or three that count --the most important one being the first one!

i don't feel undergunned at all with 45acp, 357sig, 40 short and weak, 10mm or any pistol that is accurate and can make an easy 500ft lbs energy.

police have carried the 357 mag wheelguns for ages with only 6-7 rounds to boot. it is still very popular with people that have used them .

and there are a lot of 45acps that hold 12-14 rounds if you just got to have that.

the truth is any pistol with enough energy that you shoot well--that is the one to have.

most of the arguments that such and such is superior to the other one are just that.

the 9mm has got a lot of flack because of its somewhat dismal use in the ME wars.

it has still killed a lot of tangos --though there may have been some excessive shooting to get the job done.

if it takes two shots from a 9 and you got 15 rounds --how much better is it really than a 45 acp with 7 or 8 rounds?

probably the best all around would be the 10mm or 357sig --the deal with them though they were never common. and i think people tend to over think the whole pistol concept.

if things really go bad i'm gonna grab the best weapon i got handy --if all that is in reach is a pistol thats what i'll use-- otherwise a rifle or shotgun would be first pick.

personally 10 rounds is generally enough --6-8 rounds are plenty good if you got a powerful round, and can hit what you aiming at.

small bore rounds like the 7.62x25 tok and the 327 mag sometimes claim to have 500ft lbs energy.

i figure the tok does provided it is being fried from a burp gun with a 10.5" or longer barrel

from a 4.5" pistol probably 370ft lbs would be more realistic.

327 mag?? --i doubt it passes what the tok can do.

i wouldn't want to get shot with either body armor or not--

pistols are sort of like underwear they ain't a one size fits all deal.

some are made to be small, others have to be able to kill a bear--others are made to hold lots of ammo. the big mag thing was more for survival of downed air-crews. for them having 15 9mm was better than a smaller number of more powerful rounds.

you see it is all a trade off. 9mm it self was 9x23 before ww1 --but it was made shorter to fit into the luger pistols of the day.

the 9x23 case was a better size sort of like how the 10mm is better than a .40 today.

the .40 was made to fit the 10mm round into the 9mm frame size pistols.

so it is like a 10mm light load--

a bigger case and round generally has more ability simply cause there is more room for powder.

and nobody has brought up the 45 super --it is just a high pressure 45 modern acp round. i been playing around with it a little it goes way beyond the minimum of 500ft lbs i mentioned--
 
#9 ·
In my opening post I was thinking mostly of semi-autos. I do have a .357 Magnum Ruger Police Service Six that I have had for nearly 40 years. I ;love this guy. I have shot it many times. If I thought that I only needed one shot, it would be the one I would grab. I have always liked revolvers better than semi-autos; I don't know why. But, I wish I again had a .45ACP in a good quality handgun. But, if wishes were fishes....well, you know! But, I thank all of you for your contributions. I appreciate all the help that I can get.
 
#10 ·
there are a few 45acp revolvers on the market. i would like to have one myself.

and a 10mm revolver is another good idea as it could shoot .40 and 10mm

provided the pistol was strong enough you could make some magnum type power with the 10mm and possibly with the 45 super load.

yea all the mall ninjas like the hi-cap auto loaders. for self defense though a 357mag wheel-gun --provided your a good shot --is going to hard to get anything much better--a 45 acp 1911 is a very good iron but if it is better than a good 357mag wheel gun really depends more on personal likes than facts.

to me the 1911 is a better carry-- than a colt python. but in a CCW concealment may be more important . and a glock conceals better than either.

i like the 1911 for the same reason i liked the AK and the ar-- because there one of the few firearms you can still get ALL the parts for.

i am working on a build right now--LOL!
 
#11 ·
well you got to look at stats some or you got nothing to compare.

I read in [/U]gun mags years ago the 357 had the highest percentage of stops
on real leve people. the above link isa test on goats. an there is one on pigs some were as well.

the fact is according tot he experts your more likely to die from a 357 vs a 45 acp round . so if you had to choose id take a hit from a 45 acp..

what type of gun is better can be depated all day . A auto is more likely to fail after its first shot IMO an revolver holdsd less rounds an is slower. how ever a double action revolver only need to have the trigger pulled for the first round were the 1911 will need to be cocked as its not DA,

In the middle of the night in my bed room if Intruder were to come in he will be met with a 4" 357 with hot loads. all I need to do is find it an squease. I used to have a model 39 S&W in 9mm in its place but after a bump in the night situation were I was naked half a sleep an droped the mag out trying recall how to use the dam thing I decided a wheel gun was a better in home set up. when I was married she was taught all you need to do is aim an squesee it was that simple . later she learned to cock it for a better aimed shot first.

IN a real world no leo situation I bet 99% of defensive shootings are less than two shots.

as far as the tokarev goes I have read a lot of times before the 357 mag came along it was the most powerful production hand gun round. at 1500 fps in a t33 its got a lot going for it . at 100 yards its still able to hit with very little compensation drop if any. I have no idea were it would place on the list above but it would be up there with hollow points IMO .

I have a 9mm largo ( 9x23) an its no slouch loaded right.

If I can ever find a non chromed lined barrel for a tokarev Im going to open it up to 9x23 Winchester an it will do every thing a 357 can in a auto . I have actually looked into a making a longer than stock barrel for it in 9x23 win or 38 super so it can also be used for hunting an have a compensator. were the 9x23 win rates is a good guestion but if a 1911 can be done in 7.62x25 it can be done in 9x23 win an im sure has been.

its my under standing a 9x23 is at 357 power or better . if it can be the same as 357 in power an load then you could have a your cake an eat it to.

more an more criminals have bullet proof vests an I also think in this day an age a rounds ability to defeat a vest needs to be considered as well as its ability to shoot through car doors an other things.

I see in the list that that some 9mm loads are in the 90+ % range . not to shabby .

all of them are going to work if you place the round well.

inside noise an hearing damage are also a consideration . I don't want to be in a bed room when a 44 mag goes off your ear drums can be ruptured .

there are a lot of variables imo . im sure in all but long range the 45acp is going to do what you need it to do . you would not want to be standing 150 yards away if I was shooting at you with my tokarev or my 357 black hawk Im amaised how on they are at those ranges .

whats behind your target is also a concern will your round go throught the house an kill you neighbor .

if a were a leo id want to be able to shoot through a car door well. maybe through two. if im a home owner then I want it to no kill my son in the next room . again lots of variables.

there is if you carry the weight an size concerns . what round.gun combo can you live with day in an day out ????? the first time you don't pack that 45 acp 1911 because its to heavy or big will be the time there is trouble .

imo the best round is the one you are the best shot with that meets minmum guidelines or better. you got to hit it to stop it.
 
#14 ·
Although I cut my teeth on 1911 45 ACP pictols, my favorite is a CZ75 type pistol in .40 S&W. Excellent platform. Super reliable. Excellent man stopper round. Still decent capacity. Plus you can get compact models for CCW.
 
#15 ·
Just looking at so called stopping power or kill shots is only one aspect of a handgun use. And while important., it is only one part of a selection.
What is 'best' involves several factors. A 90 pound individual looking for a CC weapon will have different needs than a game hunter sidearm or home protection for a 6'2' skilled shooter type individual.

Concealed carry
Ease of use
Dual bullet/cartridge use., eg 38 Spc. and 357 mag.
Weight
Size
Sight radius
Operation simplicity
Recoil
Overall parts simplicity
magazine capacity
ergonomics of operation
hand size/grip size
 
#16 ·
i know a lot of people who carry those little kel-tek p-11 type pistols --most often the single stack one that holds 7 rounds of 9mm.

the trigger is hard and rough , accuracy is marginal beyond 10 meters , and 9mm from such a shot barrel is sort of --not in the big leagues.

so why is it so popular? cause is is as small as a deck of cards-- and it weighs nearly nothing as well.

it has more than enough firepower for a last ditch defensive pistol --beats the hell out of a derrenger--LOL--
 
#20 ·
Everyone should have a 22lr, 9mm,44mag, and 45 so they can make their own decision...''

If the rule comes down to limited mags. Then the .45 once again is king.
 
#23 ·
Friggen A Bro.. When those Moro monkeys were attacking our boys, Philippines. What stopped em dead in their speak chucking asses, friggen A. the .45..
When those nazie scum were hitting our trenches in WWI, what stopped em, dams right, the .45.. Hell yah.
You hit a commie in the torso with a .45, that commie is done..
I like the 200 grain round nose.. That is what Browning wanted to start with..
Good penetration and shock and awe..
Every American should have a .45.. One blast from the bad boy will stop a lion dead in its track..
I bounced a .45 off a Grizzle bears head in my driveway.. SOB was in my garbage. Never came back.
.45. For America, for Americans.. Best gun ever..
 
#27 · (Edited)
.45 Best gun ever..



Damn right.. The .45 is capable of stopping a freight train.. Go through an engine block like a hot knife through butter..
Hell no, do not use hollow points.. Not made for that.. When John Wayne in conjunction with Browning invented the .45.. Oh hell yah... Your talking the best weapon ever made. Ever..
One round from a .45, stops an Abrams tank.. Got to hit it in the side where the armor is weak.. Hell yah..
Any American who does not own a .45, is a commie..
Add: When you shoot from you balcony, as suggested by Joe Biteme..Your shotgun don't finish them. Bingo..Break out the .45.. Job done.. Biteme says so.
 
#31 ·
I agree. I never knew how hard it must have been to design the 1911 until I built one from oversized custom parts. Every part must work perfectly with the parts around it and those parts must work with the ones around them. If they dont it may work, but will fail prematurely. I had to study the design thru and thru and came out of it with a feeling of awe for John Browning. And I have a 1911 that I know is "perfect" for my troubles!
 
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