Best .45 ACP Pistols 2026: Top 8 Handguns Ranked (FNX-45, Glock 21, HK USP, SIG P220)

The .45 ACP has served American shooters for 115 years, from the trenches of World War I through 75 years of US military sidearm duty. The caliber trades magazine capacity for terminal performance: heavier 230-grain projectiles at subsonic velocities that suppress quietly and hit hard. This guide ranks the best .45 ACP pistols from modern polymer duty guns (FN FNX-45 Tactical, Glock 21) through premium DA/SA platforms (HK USP .45 Tactical, SIG P220 Legion) to the 1911s that defined the cartridge (Colt Government, Springfield Mil-Spec).

By AB|Last reviewed February 2026

Quick Answer: Best .45 ACP Pistols by Use Case

Best Overall: FN FNX-45 Tactical ($1,399) - 15+1 .45 ACP, factory RMR cut, threaded barrel. The most capable .45 on the market.

Best Value Polymer: Glock 21 Gen4 ($649) - Proven Glock reliability with 13+1 .45 ACP capacity and the deepest polymer .45 aftermarket.

Best for Suppressed Use: HK USP .45 Tactical ($1,449) - SOCOM-proven mechanical recoil reduction, factory threaded barrel, 12+1 capacity.

Best DA/SA: SIG P220 Legion ($1,299) - Legion trigger work produces the best factory DA/SA .45 trigger available. Single-stack for carry.

Best Value 1911: Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec ($849) - Mil-spec dimensions with full 1911 aftermarket compatibility at $150 less than Colt.

Best Concealed Carry: Glock 30S ($629) - Slimmest double-stack .45 available. The only .45 most people should carry.

Best .45 ACP Pistols (2026 Rankings)

Ranked by reliability, capacity, accuracy, and value across use cases. Every pistol on this list is chambered in .45 ACP with proven track records from military, law enforcement, or competition use.

FN FNX-45 Tactical

Best Overall - 15+1 .45 ACP with factory optic cut and threaded barrel

$1,399

45 ACP15+1Threaded Barrel

Pros

+Factory optic-ready slide with RMR cut
+Factory threaded barrel (0.578x28 LH)
+15+1 highest capacity in .45 class
+Suppressor-height sights included
+DA/SA decocker for safe carry with round chambered
+FN cold hammer forged barrel for longevity

Cons

−33.6 oz heavy for carry
−DA trigger pull heavier than striker-fired
−$1,399 premium price
−Limited aftermarket vs Glock

Barrel: 5.3"Weight: 33.6 ozCapacity: 15+1

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Glock Glock 21 Gen4

Best Value Polymer - Glock reliability with 13+1 capacity in .45 ACP

$649

45 ACP13+1Gen4

Pros

+Glock reliability proven across millions of rounds
+13+1 capacity competitive for .45
+Interchangeable backstraps fit multiple hand sizes
+Magazines fit G30 subcompact for unified .45 carry system
+Deep Glock aftermarket
+Dual recoil spring reduces felt recoil

Cons

−Gen4 no factory optic cut (MOS variant separate)
−Grip angle polarizing for some
−Heavier than 9mm Glock equivalent
−Largest Glock frame may not suit smaller hands

Barrel: 4.61"Weight: 29.28 ozCapacity: 13+1

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Heckler & Koch USP .45 Tactical

Best for Suppressed Use - SOCOM-proven .45 with factory threaded barrel

$1,449

45 ACP12+1Threaded Barrel

Pros

+SOCOM-proven design
+Mechanical recoil reduction improves suppressed shooting
+Factory threaded barrel
+DA/SA with decocker for safe carry
+HK build quality among the best in the industry
+12+1 capacity

Cons

−$1,449 expensive
−31.5 oz heavy
−DA/SA requires dedicated training
−No optic cut without aftermarket work
−Suppressor adds significant overall length

Barrel: 5.09"Weight: 31.5 ozCapacity: 12+1

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SIG Sauer P220 Legion

Best Premium DA/SA - Legion trigger work and G10 grips in a refined .45

$1,299

45 ACP8+1Legion Trigger

Pros

+Legion trigger work is best factory DA/SA .45 available
+XRAY3 night sights standard
+G10 grips for positive wet-weather grip
+Slim 1.35" single-stack for carry
+SIG 40+ year production refinement

Cons

−8+1 capacity lowest of the group
−$1,299 premium
−DA/SA requires significant training investment
−Limited aftermarket vs Glock

Barrel: 4.4"Weight: 30.4 ozCapacity: 8+1

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Colt 1911 Government

Best Classic 1911 - The original Browning design with the deepest 1911 aftermarket

$999

45 ACP8+1Single Action

Pros

+The original .45 ACP platform
+Single-action trigger is a benchmark for competitive shooters
+Deepest 1911 aftermarket for customization
+All-steel construction absorbs recoil
+5" barrel optimal for accuracy
+Colt quality significantly improved from early 2000s

Cons

−8+1 capacity low by modern standards
−39 oz heavy
−Manual safety requires consistent discipline
−No optic cut without machining
−GI reliability requires quality mags and ammunition

Barrel: 5.0"Weight: 39 ozCapacity: 8+1

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Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec

Best Value 1911 - Mil-spec dimensions with full 1911 aftermarket compatibility

$849

45 ACP7+1Mil-Spec Dimensions

Pros

+Best value quality 1911 at $849
+Mil-spec dimensions for full aftermarket compatibility
+Parkerized finish durable in field conditions
+Established upgrade path for 1911 learners
+Springfield production QC reliable

Cons

−7+1 capacity with GI magazine
−Low-profile GI sights need immediate upgrading
−No extended controls
−Heavy at 38 oz
−Trigger needs polishing from factory

Barrel: 5.0"Weight: 38 ozCapacity: 7+1

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Glock Glock 30S

Best Concealed Carry - Slimmest double-stack .45 with G36 slide on G30 frame

$629

45 ACP10+1Best CCW .45

Pros

+Slimmest double-stack .45 available
+20.99 oz lightest in .45 class
+Accepts G21 full-size mags
+Glock reliability
+10+1 adequate for defensive use

Cons

−No accessory rail limits weapon light options
−10+1 lower than modern 9mm carry guns
−Larger than 9mm equivalents at same capacity
−No factory optic cut

Barrel: 3.77"Weight: 20.99 ozCapacity: 10+1

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Springfield Armory XD(M) Elite .45

Best Budget Full-Feature - 13+1 optic-ready .45 at $699

$699

45 ACP13+1Optic-Ready

Pros

+13+1 capacity at $699
+Factory optic-ready slide
+Match-grade Melonite barrel
+Fiber optic front sight standard
+Grip safety for passive carry safety

Cons

−Smaller aftermarket than Glock
−Grip safety feel controversial
−Limited holster selection vs Glock
−Heavier than Glock 21

Barrel: 4.5"Weight: 32 ozCapacity: 13+1

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Polymer vs 1911 vs DA/SA: Choosing Your .45 Platform

The .45 ACP market divides into three platform families. Each approaches the cartridge differently, and understanding these trade-offs is more important than comparing individual models.

Polymer Striker / DA/SA (Glock 21, FNX-45, HK USP, XD(M) Elite)

+Modern features: optic cuts, rails, high capacity
+10-15+1 capacity, the highest in .45 ACP
+Lighter weight, lower maintenance
-Fewer holster options for non-Glock models
-Less refined trigger than 1911 SA

Traditional 1911 (Colt Government, Springfield Mil-Spec)

+Finest single-action trigger in any handgun
+Slim 1" width, excellent for carry
+115 years of design refinement
-7-8+1 capacity
-Requires quality mags and ammo for reliability
-Manual safety discipline required

Premium DA/SA (SIG P220 Legion)

+Best factory DA/SA trigger quality of any .45
+Slim single-stack profile for carry
+XRAY3 night sights standard
-8+1 capacity
-$1,299 premium
-DA/SA training investment

.45 ACP vs 9mm, honestly: The 9mm holds a decisive capacity advantage. A Glock 17 carries 17+1 rounds of 9mm; the Glock 21 carries 13+1 of .45 ACP in a larger, heavier frame. Modern 147gr 9mm defensive loads (Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot) achieve .60-.65" expansion and 14-15" penetration in FBI-protocol gel, meeting the same standards as .45 ACP. For most buyers, 9mm is the better defensive caliber. See our caliber comparison guide for the complete data.

Who still chooses .45 ACP: Suppressor users get genuinely quieter performance because standard 230gr .45 ACP is inherently subsonic at 830-850 fps, requiring no specialty ammunition. USPSA Single Stack and IDPA CDP competitors shoot 1911s in .45 ACP because the division rules favor the platform. Handloaders appreciate the large case capacity and low operating pressure. And for shooters who prefer the 1911 single-action trigger, .45 ACP remains the definitive chambering. Neither caliber is wrong. They serve different priorities. For our 9mm recommendations, see the best 9mm pistols guide. If you want more velocity and capacity from a similar-size frame, see our best 10mm pistols guide.

How to Choose a .45 ACP Pistol

Platform Type

Three camps. 1911: single action, manual safety, 7-8+1, slim 1" width. The best trigger in any handgun, but limited capacity and requires safety discipline. Polymer DA/SA: HK USP, FNX-45. Higher capacity (12-15+1), decocker for safe carry. DA first pull is heavy, SA follow-ups are clean. Polymer striker: Glock 21, XD(M) Elite. Simplest manual of arms, highest capacity in the budget tier, deepest aftermarket.

Capacity

.45 ACP capacity ranges from 7+1 (Springfield Mil-Spec with GI mag) to 15+1 (FNX-45 Tactical). If capacity is your primary concern, the FNX-45 is the clear winner. If 1911 tradition matters, accept 8+1 and carry spare magazines. Double-stack polymer options (Glock 21 at 13+1, XD(M) Elite at 13+1) split the difference between modern capacity and reasonable size.

Suppressor Use

.45 ACP subsonic is inherently suppressor-friendly. Standard 230gr loads run 830-850 fps, well below the 1,125 fps speed of sound. Both the HK USP .45 Tactical and FN FNX-45 Tactical have factory threaded barrels. Neither needs specialty subsonic ammunition. Any box off the shelf will be quiet through a suppressor.

Optics Ready

Only the FN FNX-45 Tactical and Springfield XD(M) Elite have factory optic-ready slides. The Glock 21 Gen4 requires the MOS variant or aftermarket slide milling. 1911 platforms require slide milling ($250-400) for optic mounting. If a red dot is a priority, the FNX-45 or XD(M) Elite save you money and hassle. See our pistol red dot guide for optic recommendations.

Price Tiers

$629-$849: Glock 30S, Springfield Mil-Spec, Glock 21, Springfield XD(M) Elite. Best value tier with proven reliability. $999: Colt 1911 Government. The classic at a middle price. $1,299-$1,449: SIG P220 Legion, FN FNX-45 Tactical, HK USP .45 Tactical. Premium tier with factory threaded barrels, optic cuts, or Legion-grade trigger work.

Holster Availability

Glock 21 has the deepest polymer .45 holster market. 1911 Government has a deep traditional holster market with hundreds of Kydex and leather options. FNX-45 Tactical and HK USP .45 Tactical have limited holster options, particularly with threaded barrels and suppressors. Verify holster availability for your preferred carry position before buying.

Quick Comparison: Best .45 ACP Pistols

Rank	Model	Price	Barrel	Capacity	Weight
1	FN FNX-45 Tactical	$1,399	5.3"	15+1	33.6 oz
2	Glock Glock 21 Gen4	$649	4.61"	13+1	29.28 oz
3	Heckler & Koch USP .45 Tactical	$1,449	5.09"	12+1	31.5 oz
4	SIG Sauer P220 Legion	$1,299	4.4"	8+1	30.4 oz
5	Colt 1911 Government	$999	5.0"	8+1	39 oz
6	Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec	$849	5.0"	7+1	38 oz
7	Glock Glock 30S	$629	3.77"	10+1	20.99 oz
8	Springfield Armory XD(M) Elite .45	$699	4.5"	13+1	32 oz

Pistol Red Dots for .45 ACP

The FN FNX-45 Tactical and Springfield XD(M) Elite come optic-ready from the factory. A micro red dot delivers faster target acquisition under recoil, which matters more on a .45 than on a 9mm. These optics fit RMR-footprint and popular multi-mount plates.

Pistol Optics

Pistol Optics • $539

Trijicon RMR Type 2

✓3.25 MOA or 6.5 MOA dot
✓Patented housing design

$554.99

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Pistol Optics • $360

Holosun SCS Carry

✓Solar powered
✓MRS (2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle)

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Pistol Optics • $309

Holosun 507C X2

✓2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle
✓Solar + battery power

$232.99

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Pistol Optics • $549

Trijicon RMRcc

✓3.25 MOA or 6.5 MOA dot
✓Compact RMR design

$524.99

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Pistol Optics • $439

Holosun 509T X2

✓2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle
✓Enclosed emitter

$429.99

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Pistol Optics • $289

Holosun 507K X2

✓2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle
✓Shield RMSc footprint

$295.99

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Weapon Lights for .45 ACP Pistols

A weapon light is non-negotiable for any defensive pistol. The FNX-45, Glock 21, HK USP .45, and XD(M) Elite all have Picatinny or proprietary rails. The Glock 30S lacks a rail, limiting light options to rail-less solutions. See our pistol lights guide for complete rankings.

Pistol Lights

Pistol Lights • $269

SureFire XSC Micro-Compact Weapon Light

✓300 lumens
✓6,500 candela

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Pistol Lights • $99

Inforce APLc Compact Weapon Light

✓200 lumens
✓CR2 battery

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Pistol Lights • $149

Streamlight TLR-7 Sub

✓500 lumens
✓5,000 candela

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Pistol Lights • $169

Streamlight TLR-1 HL

✓1,000 lumens
✓20,000 candela

$185.99

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Pistol Lights • $139

Streamlight TLR-7A Flex

✓500 lumens
✓5,000 candela

$165.99

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Pistol Lights • $175

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X

✓1,000 lumens (SL-B9)
✓22,000 candela

$186.99

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Pocket Carry Option

Best .380 ACP Pistols 2026 - The lightest, smallest defensive handguns ranked for pocket carry and backup carry.

Caliber Comparison

.380 vs 9mm vs .45 ACP - Ballistics, recoil, size, and self-defense performance compared across the three most common handgun calibers.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the best .45 ACP pistol in 2026?

The FN FNX-45 Tactical is the best overall .45 ACP pistol in 2026 on pure specification merits: 15+1 double-stack capacity, factory optic-ready slide with RMR cut, factory threaded 5.3" barrel for suppressors, and DA/SA with decocker. At $1,399, it costs more than the Glock 21 Gen4 ($649), which is the best value .45 for most buyers. For those who want a 1911, the Colt Government Model ($999) is the most faithful to Browning's original design with the deepest aftermarket.

▶Is .45 ACP still relevant in 2026?

.45 ACP remains relevant for several specific use cases. For suppressed shooting, subsonic .45 ACP (230gr at ~850 fps) is inherently quieter than suppressed 9mm subsonic loads because it needs no booster port and produces lower exit velocity. For competitive shooting, 1911 platforms in .45 ACP dominate certain USPSA divisions. For military and law enforcement contracts specifying .45 ACP, there are no alternatives. For civilian self-defense, modern 9mm defensive loads (Federal HST 147gr, Speer Gold Dot 147gr) have largely closed the terminal performance gap, but .45 ACP offers large-diameter 230gr projectiles at moderate velocity with reliable expansion.

▶What holds more rounds: .45 ACP or 9mm?

9mm holds more rounds in equivalent pistol sizes. A Glock 17 (9mm) holds 17+1 vs the Glock 21 (.45 ACP) at 13+1. The wider .45 ACP case requires a larger frame for the same capacity. The FN FNX-45 Tactical achieves 15+1 with a notably wider and heavier frame than a 9mm pistol. For concealed carry, the Glock 30S holds 10+1 in .45 while a Glock 43X holds 10+1 in 9mm but in a significantly slimmer package.

▶What is the best .45 ACP pistol for concealed carry?

The Glock 30S is the best .45 ACP pistol for concealed carry. Its unique G36 slim slide on G30 double-stack frame produces the thinnest profile in double-stack .45 ACP at 20.99 oz unloaded. It holds 10+1 and accepts full-size G21 magazines for home use. That said, most trainers recommend against carrying .45 ACP for concealed carry when modern 9mm micro-compacts (SIG P365 XL, 12+1) offer higher capacity in smaller, lighter packages with equivalent terminal performance from quality hollow points.

▶Can .45 ACP be suppressed?

.45 ACP is one of the best calibers for suppressed use. Standard 230gr .45 ACP loads travel at 830-890 fps, well below the 1,125 fps speed of sound, making them inherently subsonic without downloading. Suppressed .45 ACP is genuinely hearing-safe with quality suppressors. The HK USP .45 Tactical and FN FNX-45 Tactical both have factory threaded barrels (0.578x28 LH thread pitch). Unlike 9mm pistol suppressors, .45 ACP suppressors do not require a Nielsen device (booster) because the larger-diameter can controls tilt sufficiently.

▶What is the best .45 ACP 1911?

For most buyers, the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec ($849) is the best value entry into quality 1911 ownership. Its mil-spec dimensions mean all standard 1911 aftermarket parts fit without gunsmith work. The Colt Government Model ($999) is the most historically accurate and has the best factory quality control in Colt's current production. For premium 1911s, Wilson Combat and Les Baer produce custom-fit 1911s in the $2,500-$4,000 range. Avoid budget 1911s under $600: 1911 reliability is heavily dependent on machining tolerances, and budget specimens often require gunsmith work before running reliably.

▶Is a .45 ACP more powerful than 9mm?

.45 ACP produces more momentum (heavier 230gr bullet at moderate velocity) while 9mm produces more velocity (lighter 147gr bullet at higher velocity). In terms of muzzle energy, standard pressure loads are close: .45 ACP 230gr at 830 fps = ~352 ft-lbs vs 9mm 147gr at 1,000 fps = ~326 ft-lbs. Federal Bureau of Investigation ballistic testing shows modern 9mm hollow points (Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot) expand to .60-.65" in calibrated gel and meet FBI penetration standards (12-18"), nearly matching .45 ACP performance. The practical difference in defensive situations is marginal; shot placement matters more than caliber selection.

Explore the Full Handgun Catalog

Explore all .45 ACP and 9mm handgun platforms in our catalog with detailed specs, capability scores, and side-by-side comparison. Browse Glock, FN, HK, SIG, Colt, and Springfield models.

Browse Handgun Catalog View All Guides

Complete Your Build

Essential accessories to round out your setup

Scroll

Illumination • $119

Streamlight ProTac HL-X

✓1,000 lumens
✓50,000 candela

View on Amazon

Slings & Retention • $75

Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling

✓Dual QD swivels
✓Convertible design

$66.45

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Iron Sights • $99

Magpul MBUS Gen 2

✓Polymer construction
✓Spring-loaded flip-up

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Slings & Retention • $22

Magpul QD Sling Swivel

✓QD swivel
✓Manganese phosphate

$13.95

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Slings & Retention • $69

Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

✓Padded
✓Quick-adjust

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Slings & Retention • $25

BCM M-LOK QD Sling Mount

✓M-LOK
✓QD socket

$17.85

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ABAuthor

Avid shooter with 9+ years of experience including competition shooting. Built 10+ AR-pattern rifles and several handgun platforms for home defense, competition, and suppressed night shooting.

9+ years shooting experienceCompetition shooterBuilt 10+ AR-pattern rifles

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