5 Best .45 ACP Pistols

Sig Sauer P220 Legion

Action: Double Action

Barrel Length: 4.4"

Type: Semi-Auto

Capacity: 8+1 round

Brand: Sig Sauer

The P220 is an excellent firearm and one that would be a great choice for self-defense. The Legion is even better.

The first thing you will notice is the finish. The Cerakote Elite Legion Grey-finished slide & frame, black G10 grips, and embedded Legion medallion are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The finish will protect the firearm from damage, prevent corrosion, and allows for a solid grip even when wet.

Once you handle the Legion you will realize it about more than looks. The DA/SA action is smooth. Trigger pull is steady, crisp, and re-sets quickly. The thumb safety is easy to reach with a standard grip and operates smoothly. Finally, there are the Sig Sauer Electro-Optics X-Ray hi-vis sights. The Legion ships with these Tritium day/night sights and there are nice! In daylight, the front sight is green and easily picked up. At night, the rear sights glow as well. The combination allows for quick, easy target acquisition under any conditions.

Underneath it all, there is a solid alloy frame, stainless steel slide, and carbon steel frame. Make no mistake, this is a big gun. But, thanks to modern materials, weighs only 30.4 ounces. Still heavier than other options but not so much so that it is too bulky to carry regularly. With the right setup, it can also be concealed, although it would not be the first choice for most shooters.

The bottom line, this is a well-made, dependable firearm. It will perform exceptionally well in the hands of someone who can take advantage of what it has to offer.

Glock G41 Gen4

Action: Safe Action

Length: Barrel - 5.31" | Overall - 8.90"

Weight: 27.0 oz

Capacity: 13 + 1 round

Brand: Glock

The G41 is not your grandfather’s 1911. Nor it is trying to be. Glock is a manufacturer known for being different. Glock is also a manufacturer known for quality.

Although Glock’s signature models center are the 9mm they have adopted their design to handle larger calibers, including the .45 ACP. With a weight of 27 ounces (36 loaded) and length of 7.56” this not a small frame pistol. This is compensated for with a slimmer profile which does make the overall package more manageable.

Even with a 13-round magazine, the G41 is slightly forward heavy. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, it aid is managing recoil and lets the shooter get back on target quickly. Recoil is also reduced due to the double recoil spring which absorbs a lot of the normal .45 ACP punch.

Like all Gen4 models the G41 includes an accessory rail, interchangeable grip adjusters, magazine loader, cleaning rod, brush, and case. Standard trigger pull is 5.5 pounds with 0.49 inch of travel. The short reset allows for smooth reengagement. If course, it also utilizes Glock’s three stage safety.

For those searching for the perfect combination of power, modern design, and increased capacity it will be hard to beat the Glock G41 Gen4.

Springfield Armory XD-S Mod. 2

Action: Double Action (USA Trigger System)

Length: Barrel - 3.3" | Overall - 6.5"

Weight: 21.5 oz

Capacity: 5+1 round

Brand: Springfield Armory

For those who looking for a viable concealed carry option, but who still prefer a .45 ACP, the hunt can be frustrating. While full-size .45s can be concealed it is not that easy. But Springfield Armory may have the answer – the XD-S Mod. 2.

The XD line has been extremely popular, especially with the fans of the polymer frame designs. Like the Glock, there is a trigger safety. However, there is also a backstrap safety. This combination almost eliminates the possibility of an accidental discharge while holstering or handling.

As well built as the XD is the Mod. 2 is even better, especially when you are planning to practice concealed carry. Springfield utilizes a single stack magazine and thinner slide for a reduced profile. The overall size is much smaller than a full-size auto with a 3.3" barrel, an overall length of only 6.5", and a weight of only 21.5 ounces.

Additional features include a loaded chamber indicator, fiber optic front sight, and textured grip. These features increase safety, allow for quick target indication, and positive grip even when wet.

If there is one feature that is not attractive it would be the reduced capacity of only 5+1. Fortunately, as personal protection or backup firearm, the chances of needing more than 6 rounds are limited.

For the perfect combination of firepower and concealment, it is hard to bet the XD-S Mod. 2 by Springfield Armory.

FN FNX-45 Tactical

Action: Double Action

Barrel Length: 5.3"

Weight: 33.6 oz

Capacity: 15+1 round

Brand: FN America

The FNX-45 is another full-size, combat pistol that sets the bar high. As with other combat designs, this pistol is meant for the serious shooter who expects a lot from their sidearm Trust me when I say it will not disappoint.

This DA/SA design includes 4 interchangeable backstraps for a more precise fit, fully ambidextrous controls, and an accessory rail that can be fitted with a light, laser, or any number of other items. One feature that is sure to delight shooters is the 15+1 capacity, almost unheard of in .45 ACP pistols. Finally, there is the threaded barrel. It is available in 4.5" or 5.3" and both are ready to accept a standard suppressor.

Surprisingly, the FNX-45 is not only smooth to shoot, but also has a lighter than expected recoil. This is due to a combination of design & weight and provides an opportunity for more shooters to enjoy the benefits of a large caliber pistol.

But this pistol is about more than looking good. It is designed to shoot, shoot well, and shoot often. The cold hammer-forged steel barrel, polished chamber & ramp feed reduced feed or extraction issues. The slide is serrated on both sides for a solid grip even when wet. The standard 3-sot sights are raised to allow use with a suppressor. Everything about this gun says, "shoot me".

There is little doubt as to why the FN line is a favorite among law enforcement and the military. The same features that allow professional warriors to depend on the FNX-45 make it a solid choice for you as well.

Kimber Ultra Raptor II

Action: Ambidextrous thumb safety

Overall Length: 6.8"

Weight: 25 oz

Capacity: 7 round

Brand: Kimber

Kimber's Ultra Raptor II is what fans often wished the 1911 could have been – an ultra-accurate, concealable .45 ACP built in the traditional design. It will allow you to have that old-school look and feel with the improvement that makes it ideal for concealed carry.

The Raptor II uses a compact, aluminum frame, 3" barrel, and shorter grip receiver. This makes it light in the hand and comfortable on the hip, while still providing reliable performance. The match0grade trigger is constructed from aluminum and includes three holes with a fine grooved face. Trigger stop can be adjusted without disassembling and the average out-of-box trigger weight is 4 pounds.

The pistol utilizes a firing-pin safety, deactivated by a grip safety. Additional features include the distinctive Kimber scale pattern grips and slide serrations. While this may be done for looks it also performs well and provides superior purchase even when wet or when wearing gloves. The lowered, flared ejection port prevents malfunctions, and the Tactical Wedge Sights are adjustable for windage and include 3 dot night capability.

The Ultra Raptor II by Kimber allows you to carry concealed carry while still enjoying the dependability and firepower of a .45 ACP.