The .45 ACP, designed by John Browning in 1905, is a cartridge that has earned legendary status in the firearms community. Of course, Browning designed the 1911 handgun for the .45 ACP, and we all know how that turned out.
However, some people want a handgun chambered in .45 ACP that is not a 1911 handgun, despite its storied legacy. While there have been tons of options over the years, it appears the options are growing a little slimmer.
A resurgence in 1911 pistols will keep the .45 ACP alive and strong, hopefully, but the comeback of 9mm hit the market with an iron fist. This happened for multiple reasons that include cost, ammo capacity, modern day advancements to ammunition, among other things.
I’ll admit, I got rid of all my .40 S&W and most of my .45 ACP handguns in order to consolidate to one ammo type. It’s just easier to buy and shoot 9mm these days, at least in my opinion.
But there is still a benefit to having a handgun chambered in .45 ACP. One of the primary reasons people choose it is for self-defense. It’s a big bullet that makes a big hole. We won’t get into the arguments of which caliber is better today, however.
Instead, we are taking a quick look at five great options for those wanting a .45 ACP handgun that isn’t a 1911. And while the list of non-1911 pistols in .45 ACP has shrunk some over time, we still have options, at least for now.
1. FNX-45 Tactical
The FNX-45 Tactical is a tough looking gun, and the .45 ACP only backs up this look. FN is a maker of military weapons so they know how to make a durable and reliable handgun. Made with a polymer frame, it’s not a heavy gun even though it looks like one.
A threaded barrel is standard on the tactical version, which allows for easy attachment of suppressors. The raised sights are designed to co-witness with most suppressors, so you don’t have to make an upgrade before using a suppressor.
The FNX-45 Tactical has a 15-round magazine capacity, which is impressive for a large round like the .45 ACP. That’s not far behind the standard capacity of 17 rounds for the smaller 9mm competitor.
The grip has an interchangeable backstrap for those needing to adjust it. Even though it’s a larger gun, the grip doesn’t feel bulky.
It has fully ambidextrous controls for right and left-handed shooters. The single-action/double-action trigger is nice and about what you would expect from FN.
Overall, the FNX-45 Tactical offers a combination of modern features, robust construction, and versatility, making it a top choice for those seeking a .45 ACP handgun that isn’t a 1911.
2. Glock 21
In our modern-day world, it’s hard to make a list that doesn’t include a Glock pistol. It’s just hard to beat the reputation and price of a quality gun from Glock.
While their largest selection pool consists of 9mm handguns, Glock has made sure to stay competitive when it comes to other calibers. For those wanting a .45 ACP, the Glock 21 a great choice.
As I mentioned above, Glock is known for its reliability and simplicity. Glock perfected the polymer handguns and the G21 is no different than the rest. It may not look as pretty as the FNX-45, but it’s about as rugged and reliable as it gets.
The Glock 21 has a 13+1 round capacity, which is just a little less than the FNX, but that’s still not too bad. A wide range of extended mags are available which is one of Glocks bestselling points.
Every Glock pistol has their “Safe Action System”, which includes three passive safeties. This keeps the gun from firing unless you pull the trigger. This is why Glock pistols do not have safeties on them. Even with this system, the trigger-pull is smooth and consistent.
One reason some shy away from the .45 ACP is because of its recoil. To some extent, there is nothing that can be done about this. But full-size guns, like the Glock 21 are a little easier to shoot because of the barrel length and weight of the gun. Rapid fire is still harder than it is with a 9mm, but you’re also sending a bigger bullet down range.
3. M&P 2.0 Compact 45
Smith & Wesson’s M&P 2.0 Compact 45 offers a modern take on the .45 ACP platform and it comes in a smaller package. Finding that balance of size vs ammo capacity is tricky with a .45. As the gun gets smaller, it holds less ammo, and the recoil becomes somewhat troublesome.
The M&P 2.0 compact is not by any means a micro-sized gun, but it’s not bad for those wanting something a little smaller but large enough to handle a .45 ACP. My first M&P was a .45 and I regret getting rid of it.
This particular model features a 4-inch barrel and a capacity of 10+1 rounds, striking that balance between concealability and firepower. Smith & Wesson added a stainless-steel chassis at the heart of the frame. Coated in polymer, this provides added strength and reduces flex during firing, contributing to improved accuracy.
With the M&P 2.0 series, you also get an enhanced trigger with a lighter pull and a more tactile and audible reset, enhancing the overall shooting experience. One of the things I love about my 2.0 Shield in 9mm is the smooth trigger pull. It’s possibly one of the best out-of-the-box models I have.
For those who prefer a manual safety, the M&P 2.0 Compact 45 is available with or without a thumb safety, catering to different preferences. Overall, the M&P 2.0 Compact 45 combines modern ergonomics, customizable features, and robust performance, making it a solid contender in the .45 ACP market.
4. HK-45 Tactical V1
Heckler & Koch’s HK-45 Tactical V1 is a feature-rich, precision-engineered handgun designed for tactical gurus or competitors. The HK-45 Tactical V1 has a threaded barrel for suppressor use and high-profile sights that are compatible with suppressors. This combination makes it an excellent choice for those who regularly use a suppressed .45 ACP handgun.
The HK-45 Tactical V1 features a polymer frame with replaceable backstraps, allowing users to tailor the grip to their preference. The ambidextrous controls, including the safety/decocking lever and slide release, so it’s ready to go for those left-handed shooters.
It has a 10-round magazine which isn’t impressive for the size of the gun, but it’s still not terrible either. The amount of ammo you want in your handgun will vary from one person to the next. But it’s five less rounds than the FNX-45, so it’s something to keep in mind.
Making up for a lower ammo capacity however, the HK-45 Tactical V1 has a superb trigger system. The V1 model offers a double-action/single-action trigger with a decocking lever, providing flexibility and safety in various shooting scenarios. The trigger pull is smooth in double-action mode and crisp in single-action mode, which isn’t always the case with DA/SA guns.
The HK-45 Tactical V1’s combination of tactical features, ergonomic design, and outstanding quality shouldn’t be overlooked, so add it to your list for checking out before deciding.
5. IWI/Magnum Research Baby Eagle 45
The IWI Jericho 941 earned the nickname “Baby Desert Eagle” because of its big brother looks. Imported by Magnum Research, it was originally modeled after the CZ-75 pistol.
In my opinion, the Baby Eagle is an often-overlooked gem in the .45 ACP world. This handgun is built on a robust, all-steel frame, giving it a solid feel and helping to dampen the recoil of the powerful .45 ACP round. We focus so much on light polymer guns, we often forget the benefits of heavier guns when firing larger caliber bullets.
One of the unique features of the Baby Eagle 45 is its slide-in-frame design, which came from the CZ-75. This lowers the bore axis on the handgun, which helps even more with recoil. In turn, this provides optimal accuracy with for a .45 ACP handgun. It may not compete with a 1911, but it’s still impressive.
The Baby Eagle 45 has a 10-round magazine capacity, which again is on the lower side for its size. Back in the day, it was plenty of firepower, but standards change as modern guns improve.
Like others on this list, the Baby Eagle has a double-action/single-action trigger. One of the first .45 ACP guns I owned was a baby eagle and the trigger was a little stiff in double action but great in single. Because the slide is shorter on the in-frame design, I found it easier to cock the hammer before racking the slide. This was just an extra benefit of the single-action mode.
The Baby Eagle 45’s durability and reliability are well-regarded, and its all-steel construction makes it virtually indestructible. For those wanting a somewhat Desert Eagle look in a .45 ACP handgun, this is a great choice.
Wanting a .45 ACP that’s not a 1911?
While the 1911 remains an iconic choice for those who appreciate Browning’s handgun and cartridge duo, it’s ok to want something else. I’ll admit I jumped on the 9mm bandwagon a little too fast. While I like 9mm and it makes sense for several reasons, I find myself missing my .45 ACP handguns.
There are plenty of other firearms chambered in .45, but this list contains some of my favorites. Check them out and see which one is best for you.
