The 1911 platform is synonymous with two things: a John Moses Browning and .45 ACP. Yes, it’s true the 1911 is now offered in other calibers, but the .45 ACP is definitely the One True Caliber. What if you love the .45 ACP but not the 1911? What if you want that heavier bullet, but in a different handgun? This is our top five list of 45 ACP handguns that aren’t 1911s. We think you’re going to love it.
1. SIG Sauer P320 Nitron Compact
The SIG P320 is an incredibly popular pistol, but you usually hear its praises being sung in 9x19mm Parabellum. However, there’s a .45 ACP model, too. The P320 Nitron Compact, which is the more carry-friendly size, is offered in .45 ACP and with all the great features we love about the model. This pistol has a 9 +1 capacity, so while it isn’t the highest-capacity handgun ever, it does hold more than the average classic 1911.
With its 3.9-inch barrel, 5.3-inch height, and 7.2-inch overall length, the P320 Nitron Compact in .45 ACP can be easily concealed. It weighs in at 25.8 ounces empty, which gives it just enough weight to slightly offset felt recoil and muzzle rise. Angled serrations at the front and rear of the slide make it easier to manipulate the slide. An M1913 accessory rail in front of the trigger guard means you can add lights and lasers as desired. This is a great little striker-fired pistol that’s fantastic for concealed carry, and it comes in 45 ACP.
2. Heckler & Koch HK45 Compact
Looking for a high-end handgun that could take your shooting to the next level (as long as you bring the shooting skills to back it up)? Check out the HK45 Compact. It’s sized for concealed carry, chambered in .45 ACP, and designed to be impressively accurate on target. This gun has a 3.94-inch barrel and an 8 +1 capacity. It’s a hammer-fired gun and the hammer itself is ridged for no-slip use.
The HK45 Compact utilizes the Browning linkless recoil operating system, so it does have a touch of John Browning to it. Controls are ambidextrous, making it simpler to run with either your right or left hand, and the magazine release is enlarged for easier use. The factory three-dot sights are drift adjustable. It’s worth noting this gun isn’t optics-ready right out of the box, but if you prefer iron sights, you’re good to go. The HK45 weighs 28.48 ounces, empty. It has a polymer frame with a textured grip and an accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard.
3. Walther Arms PPQ M2 SD with Threaded Barrel
For shooters looking for a full-size handgun with a threaded barrel, there’s the Walther PPQ M2 SD. This .45 ACP chambered pistol is suppressor ready — that or whatever muzzle device you prefer — and the ergonomically designed grip makes running the gun comfortable. It has a 12 +1 capacity which is pretty nice for a .45 ACP and ships with two magazines.
The Walther PPQ M2 SD has a 4.875-inch barrel, 5.8-inch height, and an 8.0-inch overall length. That doesn’t mean it can’t be concealed, only that it presents a bit more of a challenge than compact models. And really it isn’t the overall size that makes concealment a little tougher, it’s the threaded barrel. You can do it, but it’s not quite as comfortable as standard handguns with barrels that don’t extend beyond the end of the slide. This would be a great option for home defense and range use, and because it’s Walther you know it’s going to be a reliable, well-made gun.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P45 M2.0
The M&P M2.0 line from Smith & Wesson is popular both among self-defenders and those focused on home defense. Plus these guns are great for range use. This particular model is chambered in 45 ACP. It has a polymer frame and a grip that’s aggressively textured, giving the shooter a good hold on the gun even with wet or sweaty hands. This is a full-size gun with a 10 +1 capacity. It has a height of 5.6 inches and a length of 7.9 inches with an empty weight of 29.8 ounces.
The barrel length on the M&P45 M2.0 is 4.6 inches so you’re getting solid ballistics from the pistol. Smith & Wesson markets this gun as having a low bore axis and 18° grip angle, both features that make it comfortable to shoot and natural to aim. The gun ships with four interchangeable backstraps/palmswell inserts, so it can be fit more precisely to the shooter’s hand, and that can mean greater accuracy on target.
Features include a rigid embedded stainless steel chassis that’s designed to reduce movement and flex during live fire, a corrosion-resistant finish, and a 1 in 15 twist rate for improved bullet stabilization and accuracy. And while this is a full-size handgun it’s still possible to conceal it if you are so inclined (yes, it’s possible to concealed carry a full-size handgun with the right holster and belt).
5. Bond Arms Roughneck
You might be surprised to find a derringer on this list but hear us out. The point is to bring not-a-1911 guns in .45 ACP to your attention. The Bond Arms Roughneck has a two-round capacity — because it’s a derringer — and it’s extremely compact. This is a gun that’s great for things like protection from snakes or as a backup gun. Plus, it’s just fun to shoot. It has a 2.5-inch barrel length but Bond Arms does make other barrel lengths available, and swapping barrels on their derringers is pretty straightforward.
The Roughneck ships with a fixed front blade sight. It has a patented rebounding hammer, retracting firing pins, and a cross-bolt safety. The safety is easy to manipulate without significantly adjusting your grip. It weighs 19 ounces empty, which doesn’t change much with two rounds of .45 ACP in it. The locking lever used to load and unload it is spring-loaded, and even if you’re not familiar with how to run a derringer, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. This is a logical, easy-to-operate platform designed with an eye for detail and a serious dedication to quality. Bond Arms makes what just might be the most well-made derringers on the market today.
So, do you really need a .45 ACP?
There’s a lot of debate about the usefulness of the caliber, especially with the advances in ballistics that have made smaller calibers more effective on target. Yes, .45 ACP still has a place, so long as you’re selective with your ammunition choices and choose a good gun. If it’s what you prefer, use it. It’s a great caliber that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
What’s your favorite 45 ACP? Tell us in the comments.
