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In recent years, a lot of pistol caliber emphasis has focused on the 9mm round. We are seeing law enforcement agencies moving from .40 S&W to 9mm for their issued duty sidearms due to advancement in the 9mm bullet weight, along with the increased magazine capacity the 9mm offers.
The same concept has struck the civilian market, as the 9mm has become a popular favorite round with those who carry a gun on a daily basis.
We are watching firearm manufacturers introduce their new models in 9mm first, and six months later send their .40 S&W and .45 ACP models into the market.
In short, when studying the pistol caliber wars, the 9mm cartridge has dominated the handgun market in the law enforcement and civilian population.
However, there are many people who love the slower and larger bullet that the .45 ACP offers.
There is just something about the .45 ACP 185 grain defensive load that hits the comfort zone that people are looking for with their CCW handgun choice. They believe, and rightfully so, the .45 ACP slug will take care of defensive business quicker with that large slug aiding in ending a defensive threat quicker with fewer rounds spent. This same thought process exists with duty purposes. Whether it’s a duty-issued firearm or a home defense choice of pistol, the .45 ACP load suits the bill for those who believe the ballistics of the .45 ACP cartridge is superior.
As for range training and shooting accuracy, the 1911 models, along with several other longer barrel pistol options, make the .45 ACP an excellent choice for hitting the target right at the point of aim. And sure, in many cases, the .45 ACP will lack the magazine capacity compared to the 9mm load, but to a large segment of people out there, the .45 ACP is their choice for carry, duty and the range.
I decided to show off my favorite .45 ACP handguns for carry, duty and range accuracy.
These handguns vary from a little 2.5-inch barrel Bond Arms derringer to a beautiful, full-size Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 with a 5-inch barrel.
Watch the video and let us know if you agree with the choices and what your favorite .45 ACP handgun is for the carry, duty and range categories.
While full-well knowing that any pistol choice is not a “one size fits all,” it is sure fun to get the conversation started and learn from other people why they select a certain gun and what is important to them.
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