For over 100 years, the .45 ACP cartridge has been a mainstay of American sidearms—relied upon by soldiers, cops, and civilian shooters.
The 1911 pistol is its most traditional platform, but handgun technology has progressed well past John Browning’s original design. Today’s shooters now enjoy .45 ACP pistols of greater capacity, better ergonomics, and advanced features.
If you’re looking for a .45 that delivers serious stopping power without being a 1911, here are seven standouts—from solid workhorses to the very best in the category.
7. IWI / Magnum Research Baby Eagle 45
Also known as the Jericho 941, the Baby Eagle 45 is a heavy-duty, all-steel sidearm rooted in the CZ-75’s proven design. Its slide-in-frame design has the bore axis low, which makes recoil easier to handle—a large benefit for quick follow-up shots. The DA/SA trigger offers choices, but the double-action pull may be a bit heavy. A 10-round magazine has a capacity that is small compared to more modern designs, but it’s rugged and has a solid, substantial feel in the hand. If you prefer a pistol with traditional weight and combat-proven mechanics, this one is worth checking out.
6. SAR K2 45
Made in Turkey, the SAR K2 45 takes the CZ-75 idea and turns it up with a solid 14+1 capacity—enormous for a .45 ACP. Its steel frame and slide-in-frame construction offer fine recoil control, and the DA/SA trigger is smooth and on-point.
The ergonomics are well-conceived for a double-stack .45, and it feels comfortable for its size. The only downside? Weight. This is not the lightest carry gun on the planet, but for range duty or home defense, it’s a force to be reckoned with at an extremely affordable price.
5. HK45 Tactical V1 / HK USP 45 Expert
Heckler & Koch also produces pistols that function perfectly even in extreme environments, and their .45 variants are no different. The HK45 Tactical V1 is designed with special operations in mind—threaded barrel, high sights for suppressor use, and removable backstraps for the best grip fit. The DA/SA trigger and decocking lever also make it versatile and safe to use.
The USP 45 Expert, on the other hand, is set up for accuracy and features a match-grade barrel and fully adjustable sights. Both firearms are tough, accurate, and durable—but that durability doesn’t come cheap.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact 45 / M&P 45 Shield Performance Center
The M&P line offers a new, polymer-framed take on the .45 ACP. The 2.0 Compact 45 provides a compromise package—10+1 capacity, compact dimensions, and a better trigger system. It’s large enough for duty, but still concealable with a good holster.
The M&P 45 Shield Performance Center is the reverse—thin, simple to hide, and designed for everyday carry. Its ported barrel aids in taming recoil, though capacity is a maximum of 6+1 or 7+1. For those requiring stopping power in a concealed package, the Shield is hard to defeat.
3. Sig Sauer P220 Legion
The P220 is a .45 ACP institution that has been around for decades, and the Legion iteration ups the ante. With its Cerakote Elite Legion Gray finish, G10 grips, and P-SAIT trigger tuned to perfection, it’s not only pretty but also very functional.
Offered in DA/SA or SAO versions, it ships with X-RAY tritium night sights and is optics-ready. Capacity is the classic 8+1, but the P220’s smooth shootability and mythic reliability see it remain on the short list of serious shooters.
2. Glock 21 Gen 5 MOS
If you need a .45 ACP that works like a dream, the Glock 21 is difficult to dispute. The Gen 5 MOS model includes ambidextrous controls, a better trigger, and the Glock Marksman Barrel for added accuracy. At 13+1 capacity and made of polymer, it packs a lot of punch without too much weight. Throw in Glock’s unparalleled aftermarket support and ease of maintenance, and it’s no wonder this is a popular choice both for law enforcement and civilians.
1. FNX-45 Tactical
At the top is the FNX-45 Tactical—a .45 ACP with modern combat in its sights. It has 15+1 capacity, a high-water mark in this caliber. Completely ambidextrous, optics-ready, suppressor-ready, and loaded with options such as Trijicon suppressor-height sights, it’s designed for flexibility.
The polymer frame keeps the gun light enough, and FN’s military heritage guarantees ruggedness. If you need a .45 ACP that can do anything—home defense, field work—this is it.
Each of these pistols tackles the .45 ACP mission in its unique way—some emphasize capacity, some concealment, and some pure precision. Your top pick will be based on your priorities: do you prefer a light frame, a best-in-class trigger, or carrying more rounds? Whatever you pick, these seven demonstrate that the .45 ACP universe is much larger than the iconic 1911.