Shooting a .45 ACP pistol can be a great way to pass the time, compete in shooting competitions, or have fun at the range.
Many people also choose to shoot a .45ACP pistol for self-defense purposes.
Even though .45 ACP pistols are big bore weapons, you can get compact models for an excellent concealed carry weapon.
Below are the 10 Best 22LR Pistols for 2022.
#1. FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Pistol 5.3″
- Capacity: 15 Round
- Barrel Length: 5.3”
- Overall Length: 8.6”
- Weight: 2.08 lbs
The FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Pistol 5.3” is an upgraded version of the FNP that was developed for the U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Program.
It shines in combat and is perfect for home defense and taking out targets at the range.
It comes with a cold hammer-forged stainless steel 5.3” barrel with a 1:16” twist rate, providing a durable barrel that will consistently hit your target.
They also threaded the barrel to attach a suppressor or other accessories to get the most out of your weapon.
It has an impressive 15-round capacity that is not typically found on a .45 ACP pistol providing you plenty of rounds between reloads, and it comes with two 15-round magazines.
With a double/single action and checkered polymer frame with a low-bore axis for reduced recoil, a natural grip angle, and high-profile night sights, you will have precise shots with reduced recoil and fatigue.
For additional customization, it is optics ready and comes with four interchangeable backstraps for the perfect grip.
If you are looking for the perfect combat pistol that is competition ready, the FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Pistol 5.3” is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Glock 21SF 45 Auto (ACP) 4.61in Black Nitrite Pistol
- Capacity: 10 Round
- Barrel Length: 4.61”
- Overall Length: 8.07”
- Weight: 1.82 lbs
With a lightweight polymer frame and durable hardware, the Glock 21SF 45 Auto (ACP) 4.61in Black Nitrite Pistol has been a go-to pistol for law enforcement.
It has a 4.61” cold hammer-forged barrel with a nitrite finish for added durability.
A great thing about this pistol is that you can rely on it when you need it the most.
The Glock 21SF 45 Auto (ACP) 4.61in Black Nitrite Pistol is a Gen3 Glock, which may seem dated for some shooters, but it is a high-quality pistol with a reputation for reliability and performance.
Gen3 Glocks have a molded grip for finger placement, which provides a better grip for those with small hands, but larger-handed shooters will feel like it bunches their grip up.
It is important to note that this model is California compliant.
If you have small hands or live in California, the Glock 21SF 45 Auto (ACP) 4.61in Black Nitrite Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#3. Springfield Garrison 5″ .45 ACP 1911 Pistol
- Capacity: 7 Round
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.6”
- Weight: 2.31 lbs
The Springfield Garrison 5” .45 ACP 1911 Pistol takes the legendary 1911 design and provides several modern upgrades to make it one of the best 1911s on the market.
Springfield equipped it with a 5” forged stainless steel match grade barrel with a 1:16” twist ratio for enhanced accuracy and longevity.
The frame has a forged carbon steel construction with beautiful thinline wood grips with a double diamond pattern for an excellent grip.
It comes with one seven-round blue magazine, which is reliable and rugged.
With solid low-profile combat three-dot sights, you will have an excellent sight picture right out of the box.
If you are looking for a high-quality, high-performance .45 ACP 1911, you can not get much better than the Springfield Garrison 5” .45 ACP 1911 Pistol.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Glock 36 .45 ACP Pistol W/ Rail
- Capacity: 6 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.78”
- Overall Length: 6.96”
- Weight: 22.4 oz
The Glock 36 .45 ACP Pistol W/ Rail is an excellent subcompact .45 ACP pistol that is perfect for concealed carry.
You get the power of a .45 ACP pistol with a lightweight polymer design, making it ideal for an all-day carry.
Glock designed it to fit most shooter’s hands with its SLIMLINE design giving you enhanced recoil management.
It comes with two six-round magazines, and it comes with fixed Glock sights.
It also has a rail on the bottom to equip a laser or light.
The Glock 36 is an easy-to-use pistol with a history of reliability and performance.
If you are looking for a concealed carry .45 ACP pistol, the Glock 36 .45 ACP Pistol W/ Rail is a simple choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. HK 45 Compact V7 LEM DAO .45 ACP Pistol
- Capacity: 8 Round, 10 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.94”
- Overall Length: 7.24”
- Weight: 1.78 lbs
The HK 45 Compact V7 LEM DAO .45 ACP Pistol was a candidate for the U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Program, and it comes with unique features that provide superior control and accuracy.
They equipped it with a cold hammer-forged 3.94” barrel for improved durability, and it uses HK proprietary O-ring barrels for precise barrel-to-slide lockup and optimal accuracy.
You can swap the barrel out for a threaded barrel if you want additional customization.
This model is a double-action only variant and uses an internal mechanical recoil system to reduce recoil by up to 30%.
It is perfect for left or right-handed shooters with ambidextrous controls and an interchangeable backstrap for enhanced grip and control.
It has two eight-round magazines, but you can also use ten-round magazines designed for the full-size HK 45.
The HK 45 Compact V7 LEM DAO .45 ACP Pistol is an excellent weapon for home defense or the range with its reduced recoil and up to ten-round capacity.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Rock Island M 1911 GI Standard 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Parkerized Pistol
- Capacity: 7 Round
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.54”
- Weight: 2.48 lbs
Rock Island’s M 1911 GI Standard 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Parkerized Pistol is a budget-friendly 1911 that shooters love.
Its hardware features a non-reflective parkerized finish for added protection, and its smooth wooden grips are beautiful and comfortable.
The pistol has low-profile fixed sights, which provides snag-free holstering.
With a 4 to 6 lb trigger pull and its well-balanced weight, you will have accurate shots all day long.
They designed the magazine release for right-handed shooters, but it is not too much of a reach for a lefty to engage.
It has a seven-round capacity and is California compliant.
If you want a 1911, but are on a budget, the Rock Island’s M 1911 GI Standard 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Parkerized Pistol is perfect for you.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#7. Springfield XDM Elite Compact .45 ACP Pistol
- Capacity: 10 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.8”
- Overall Length: 6.75”
- Weight: 1.66 lbs
The Springfield XDM Elite Compact .45ACP Pistol comes stock with excellent features on a compact frame.
With its compact polymer frame, you will still have a ten-round capacity, and it features a short magwell for fast magazine swaps.
It comes with two ten-round magazines, and you can purchase an XD-M Elite full-sized magazine to increase your capacity of 13+1.
It has a 3.8” hammer-forged steel barrel with a Melonite finish for increased durability and longevity.
The genuine star of this package is the included HEX Dragonfly optics.
The HEX Dragonfly has a scratch-resistant lens, an aluminum body, and a 3.5 MOA red dot sight for enhanced accuracy and target acquisition.
It also includes a rail for adding accessories such as a laser or light.
The XDM Elite is an excellent home defense weapon, and it includes a HEX Dragonfly optics make this the ultimate package.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Rock Island BBR 3.10 .45 ACP Pistol
- Capacity: 10 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.1”
- Overall Length: 6.85”
- Weight: 2 lbs
Rock Island’s BBR 3.10 .45 ACP Pistol is their smallest 45 ACP pistol, which packs a punch.
It has a ten-round capacity with a double-stack magazine for a compact frame with plenty of firepower.
You will have superior control with the G10 grip and a comfortable beavertail grip safety.
They equipped it with a dovetail fiber optic front sight and an adjustable MPS2 rear sight for pinpoint accuracy.
The frame and slides are constructed with black parkerized steel for enhanced durability.
If you are looking for a compact 45 ACP pistol that is perfect for close-quarters combat or home defense, the Rock Island BBR 3.10 .45 ACP Pistol is an excellent pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#9. Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield 45 Auto (ACP) 3.3in Black Pistol
- Capacity: 7 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.3”
- Overall Length: 6.45”
- Weight: 1.28 lbs
The M&P45 Shield 45 3.3in by Smith and Wesson is lightweight, thin, compact, and reliable, making it an excellent choice for a comfortable all-day carry.
Its ergonomic 18-degree grip feels natural in your hands, and all the controls are well placed to prevent snagging.
The 3.3” stainless steel barrel with an Armornite finish is durable, and the three-dot sight provides an excellent sight picture.
It is also backed by Smith and Wesson’s lifetime service policy.
The Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield 45 Auto (ACP) 3.3in Black Pistol is a solid choice if you are looking for a reliable concealed carry or home defense weapon.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#10. Kimber 1911 Stainless II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Stainless Pistol
- Capacity: 7 Round
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.7”
- Weight: 2.38 lbs
Made in the USA, Kimber 1911 Stainless II 45 Auto (ACP) 5” Stainless Pistol is a reliable and accurate pistol with a seven-round capacity.
The stainless steel frame and slides have a satin silver finish for a polished look, and the 5” carbon steel barrel has a match-grade stainless steel bushing to reduce recoil and ensure accuracy.
Its aluminum match-grade trigger gives you an easy pull of 4-5 lbs, while the synthetic double-diamond checkered grips are low profile for comfortable shooting.
This pistol comes with 3-dot white sights for quick target acquisition and features a full-length guide rod for reduced recoil.
It is also California compliant.
If you are looking for a quality .45 ACP 1911, the Kimber 1911 Stainless II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Stainless Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#11. Beretta PX4 Storm Full Pistol
- Capacity: 10 Round
- Barrel Length: 4.1”
- Overall Length: 7.68”
- Weight: 1.76 lbs
The Beretta PX4 Storm Full Pistol is one of Beretta’s best guns at an excellent price.
One thing that people love about the storm is their cold hammer forged rotary barrel.
The rotating barrel gives you less muzzle flip, allowing you to stay on target for consistent follow on shots.
It is an excellent pistol for left- and right-handed shooters with ambidextrous safety and a reversible magazine release.
For additional customization, it has interchangeable backstraps for improved grip and a Picatinny rail on the bottom for accessories.
This thing is reliable and has been seen to last over 150,000 rounds with no part breakages.
Its simple snag-free design allows for fluid drawing and holster of the weapon.
The Beretta PX4 Storm Full Pistol is an excellent option for any type of shooting, from home defense to plinking.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#12. Sig Sauer P320 Compact Pistol
- Capacity: 9 Round
- Barrel Length: 3.9”
- Overall Length: 7.2”
- Weight: 1.62 lbs
The Sig Sauer P320 Compact Pistol is a lightweight .45ACP handgun with an excellent modular design that lets you customize anything on the weapon.
The Marine Corps’ newly fielded pistol, the M18, is based on the P320 design but in 9mm.
It has an excellent feel to it and provides a wonderful shooting experience.
With a durable polymer frame, it is lightweight and easy to handle, and the slide operates on solid steel frames for enhanced stability.
It uses a striker fire operating system and comes with a crisp trigger with a pronounced reset for smooth shooting.
It has an ambidextrous slide catch lever and a reversible magazine release.
The bottom end also includes a Picatinny rail for your favorite accessories.
If you are looking for a modern striker fired .45 ACP, the Sig Sauer P320 Compact Pistol is perfect for you.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
Should I Buy A .45 ACP or a 9mm
It all comes down to preference, but 9mm and .45 ACP weapons have their benefits and disadvantages.
.45 ACP rounds are larger and heavier than 9mm rounds, which have a different effect on the round when it fires.
Since the round is heavier, it will have a lower muzzle velocity, meaning it is slower than the 9mm.
The 9mm is better if you want:
- Penetration: Since the round goes faster, it has better penetration.
- Have Less Round Drop: With a higher velocity, rounds go further without dropping.
- Higher Capacity: Rounds are smaller, allowing a magazine to have a higher capacity.
- Cheaper Ammunition: A box of 9mm rounds is cheaper than .45ACP.
The .45ACP is better if you want:
- Stopping Power: A .45ACP round will cause more damage to your target, and the bullet will expand further on impact than a 9mm causing more damage.
- Less Penetration: With less penetration, .45ACP pistols make an excellent home defense weapons because you do not have to worry as much about a round penetrating your wall and striking a loved one or neighbor.
- Noise Reduction: .45 ACP rounds are slower subsonic bullets preventing the rip effect of going supersonic. Paired with a silencer, you get a whisper of a gun.
Verdict
Both weapons are great choices based on what you want.
The .45ACP is the winner for a home defense weapon with its better stopping power and reduced penetration.
The 9mm is better for those who want to shoot at a further range with more penetration or want a larger capacity.
References / Resources
9mm vs 45 ACP: What’s The Difference?
45 Auto vs. 45 ACP: What’s The Difference?
See Also
12 Best Handguns For Beginners
12 Best 9mm Pistols For Concealed Carry & Home Defense
10 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
26 Best Concealed Carry Holsters
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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