Best .45 ACP Pistols (That Aren’t 1911s)

When it comes to handguns, nothing is more of an American classic than the .45 ACP. It's been an American icon since Colt released the M1911 over 100 years ago.

But .45 ACP isn't relegated to just 1911s anymore. We've put together a list of a handful of .45 ACP guns that we think are some of the best in the biz.

We'll walk you through the pros and cons of the models and why we think they're cool, and hopefully set you on the path to grab a new gun!

Best .45 ACP Pistols Comparison Chart

How We Picked the Best .45 ACP Pistols That Aren't 1911s

We looked for .45 ACP guns with a higher capacity than the 1911 because more is better, but quickly realized that didn't narrow anything down. Just kidding, just kidding.

Jokes aside, we at Pew Pew Tactical put our collective heads together to select the best 1911 alternatives based on the following criteria: accuracy, capacity, reliability, build quality, features, and overall value.

We also wanted to pick guns that are actually available. There are a ton of sweet .45 guns out there that they just don't make anymore or are absurdly hard to source. Window shopping is cool, but being able to reasonably buy a gun is even cooler.

Lastly, we wanted variety. We included guns that span a range of budgets and use cases. We compiled a list of .45 ACP pistols that cover everything from concealed carry pieces to suppressor hosts to target pistols.

Best .45 ACP Pistols (That Aren't 1911s)

1. Walther PPQ 45 - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Walther PPQ .45 ACP

$662

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$662 at GrabAGun

Guns.com (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
• Weight: 28.2 oz.
• Barrel length: 4.25"
• Overall length: 7.4"
• Width: 1.3"
• Height: 5.8"
• Capacity: 12+1
• Frame material: Polymer

Walther manufactures some stellar handguns, and the PPQ 45 is among the models we favor. It may not have the same recognition as some of the other guns on this list, but man, does it run!

This is a 12+1 capacity double-stack gun that is between full-size and compact in size, leaning more towards the full-size category.

The grip is contoured extremely well for a very comfortable hand feel, the controls are large and easy to reach, and the trigger is amazing. It breaks cleanly at around 4-4.5 pounds with a reset of only 1/10 of an inch!

An ambidextrous slide release, reversible magazine release, and interchangeable backstraps ensure that this gun is lefty-friendly.

Our editor, Wyatt, has had his PPQ 45 for about 7 years. He enjoys it for its reliability, ergonomics, and exceedingly good accuracy.

While it is a bit big for concealed carry, it can still be done, but it truly excels in home defense and general range-use roles.

2. Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield Performance Center - Best CCW Pistol

Best CCW Pistol

Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield Performance Center

$529

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$529 at GrabAGun

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Bereli (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
• Weight: 22.5 oz.
• Barrel length: 3.3"
• Overall length: 6.5"
• Width: 0.99"
• Height: 4.88"
• Capacity: 6+1, 7+1
• Frame material: Polymer

The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield Performance Center is a stellar carry gun that doesn’t get nearly enough props.

If you are interested in using a .45 ACP gun for your everyday carry, this gun fits the bill. It's a single-stack, striker-fired polymer pistol designed to withstand daily carry and frequent use, and it gets the job done.

The gun ships with one 6-round magazine and one 7-round magazine, so capacity is a bit limited, but it has the benefit of increased concealability.

We like the Performance Center model, which includes a 3.3-inch ported barrel and ported slide, and a Performance Center-tuned action.

You also get upgraded sights in the form of a green fiber optic front and a red fiber optic rear. The standard aggressive grip texture is present, which ensures that you have positive control regardless of how sweaty or wet your hands get (trust us, it is hot here).

Between the writers and PPT staff, we have various M&P Shield models, all of which have been reliable. The .45 ACP model is no exception.

Recoil is a bit stiff with the gun being so small and lightweight, but the accuracy is still solid, and this is by far the easiest .45 ACP pistol to conceal on this list, thanks to its thin profile.

3. Sig Sauer P220 Legion - Best Metal-Frame Pistol

Best Metal-Frame Pistol

Sig Sauer P220 Legion DA/SA Optics-Ready

$1299

at Bereli

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1299 at Bereli

GrabAGun (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, DA/SA or SAO
• Weight: 30.4 oz.
• Barrel length: 4.4"
• Overall length: 7.7"
• Width: 1.3"
• Height: 5.5"
• Capacity: 8+1
• Frame material: Alloy

We love the original Sig P220, but their Legion version is our pick.

It's a good-looking gun thanks to its Cerakote Elite Legion Gray-finished slide and frame, and black G10 grips.

There’s more to the Legion line than looking pretty, though. The P220 Legion’s greatest feature just might be its P-SAIT trigger --- smooth and consistent, crisp break, short reset.

The P220 Legion is hammer-fired and is available in an SAO model with a thumb safety and a DA/SA version without a safety. We prefer the DA/SA version as it offers a bit more flexibility over a 1911.

The X-RAY tritium night sights are fantastic, and the trigger undercut and extended beavertail offer improved ergonomics over the base model. Both iron sight-only and optics-ready versions are available.

Despite still only having an 8+1 capacity, the P220 is still a very large gun at 7.7 inches overall length and 30.4 ounces. However, the size and weight really help soak up a lot of the recoil that .45 ACP has.

We love our P22X Legions here are PPT, with various models being owned across our team. Bottom line? The P220 is a well-made, reliable pistol with stellar performance, outstanding accuracy, and an excellent track record.

4. Glock 21 Gen 5 MOS - Most Reliable

Most Reliable

Glock G21 Gen 5 MOS

$620

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$620 at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
• Weight: 29.1 oz.
• Barrel length: 4.61"
• Overall length: 8.07"
• Width: 1.38"
• Height: 5.51"
• Capacity: 13+1
• Frame material: Polymer

To no one's surprise, our next entry is the .45 ACP Glock 21. Living up to the Glock reputation, the Glock 21 is a true workhorse in every sense of the word.

The G21 is a full-size, striker-fired, double-stack handgun with a 13+1 capacity.

Everything here is pretty standard Glock fare, including interchangeable backstraps, a reversible magazine release, and a well-textured frame.

The newer Gen 5 versions feature an improved trigger, front slide serrations, an ambi slide lock, and the Glock Marksman Barrel for enhanced accuracy.

Although they improved the trigger over the previous generations, plenty of people, including us, still don't love it. But the good news is that you can easily go wild on aftermarket parts due to Glock's popularity.

We've used and abused various Glocks here at PPT over the years, and they keep going. If you want a .45 ACP where reliability is your primary concern, the G21 has your back.

What's your take on the Glock 21? Give it a rating below!

5. FN FNX-45 Tactical - Highest Capacity

Highest Capacity

FNX-45 Tactical

$1199

at Midway USA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1199 at Midway USA

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Firearms Depot (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, DA/SA
• Weight: 33.3 oz.
• Barrel length: 5.3"
• Overall length: 8.6"
• Width: 1.58"
• Height: 6.5"
• Capacity: 15+1
• Frame material: Polymer

Everything about the FNX-45 Tactical screams tacticool --- from the coyote coloring to the controls.

For starters, this thing beats out every other .45 ACP pistol on capacity, housing a whopping 15+1 rounds.

Features include an optics-ready slide, aggressive grip texture, interchangeable backstraps, suppressor-height Trijicon sights, and a threaded 5.3-inch barrel that is begging to host a suppressor.

Best of all, the FNX-45 shoots like a dream. Seriously, it feels better in the hand than it looks and also does a great job of delivering a pleasant recoil impulse. It is also fully ambidextrous, so lefties rejoice!

The biggest drawback, in our opinion, is the trigger. It's not as smooth as the other DA/SA guns on the list, but it isn't bad by any stretch.

That said, this gun is a workhorse. It's reliable, high-capacity, and packed with features. If you want to learn more about this, check out our full review here!

6. H&K USP 45 Expert - Best Target Pistol

Best Target Pistol

HK USP 45 Expert

$1119

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1119 at Sportsman's Warehouse

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, DA/SA
• Weight: 33.5 oz.
• Barrel length: 5.2"
• Overall length: 8.7"
• Width: 1.26"
• Height: 5.7"
• Capacity: 12+1
• Frame material: Polymer

Heckler & Koch's USP has been a stalwart pistol since its introduction in the early 1990s. Although they are known for their legendary reliability, HK has expanded the USP line over the years to be more than just duty pistols.

We are specifically talking about the HK USP 45 Expert, which is actually one of the best target and match .45 ACP pistols on the market.

Wyatt loves his standard USP 45 and Mark 23 dearly, but relents that the USP 45 Expert is the best of both worlds. You get some of the upgrades of the Mark 23 without the monstrous size and massive hit to your wallet.

The 45 Expert offers a match o-ring-sealed, polygonal bore barrel that is wickedly precise. If you do your part, you’ll get your sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards.

The trigger has been upgraded to the match-grade version with an adjustable trigger stop, and the trigger guard is oversized to facilitate use with gloves.

A classic HK-style ambidextrous paddle magazine release is present, and the slide release is very large and easy to actuate as well.

We absolutely love the left-side combination decocker/safety lever. Seriously, it may be the simplest and most elegant implementation of a combo lever that we have ever used.

This model also features fully blacked-out target sights, with the rear being fully adjustable for both windage and elevation.

While the gun does lack a standard accessory rail and the overall design is a little dated, the pure performance and reliability more than make up for it, assuming you can handle HK's price tag.

7. SAR K2 45 - Best Budget All-Metal Pistol

Best Budget All-Metal Pistol

SAR K2 45

$557

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$557 at Kygunco

GrabAGun (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, DA/SA
• Weight: 40.2 oz. (full size), 38 oz. (compact)
• Barrel length: 4.7" (full size), 4.2" (compact)
• Overall length: 8.3" (full size), 7.8" (compact)
• Width: 1.3"
• Height: 5.7"
• Capacity: 14+1
• Frame material: Steel

Fans of CZ may have noticed the absence of the CZ 97 from this list.

Sadly, it was discontinued in early 2022, leaving a hole in that small market niche of double-stack, metal-framed .45 ACP guns that aren't 1911/2011s.

Luckily, the SAR K2 45 has been flying under the radar and is still around --- and dare I say, does it better than the CZ 97?

The K2 uses the classic CZ slide-in-frame design and is very reminiscent of the CZ 75 and 97 series, both in looks and function.

But don't be fooled, the K2 has some nifty tricks up its sleeve to make it more than a cheap clone. Namely, it has a whopping 14+1 capacity, far more than the CZ 97's 10-round capacity.

It also has a nice DA/SA trigger with a relatively smooth DA pull and feels good in single-action. A 4.7-inch barrel graces the standard full-size model (4.2 inches for the compact), and the gun also comes with a fully adjustable rear sight and a Picatinny accessory rail.

The best part? It is a couple of hundred bucks cheaper than the CZ was, making it a great value buy for those looking for a high-capacity, all-steel .45 ACP.

How to Choose a .45 ACP Pistol

The world of non-1911 .45 ACP pistols is actually a pretty varied one. There are quite a few different pistols that are aimed at different target markets.

First things first, decide what the mission of the gun is. Are you looking for something you can conceal carry on a regular basis? Do you want a fun range toy that is an absolute tack driver? Is the gun going to be used for home defense? Or maybe you want something that can flex into all of those roles.

After you have decided what you want the gun to do, the next thing to consider is features. Looking at things like hammer-fired DA/SA versus striker-fired action, red dot mounting capability, magazine capacity, threaded barrels, etc., should help narrow your choice down even more.

Once you find a gun that fits the bill for the mission and also has the features you want, the next thing is trying to see if the gun fits your hand. Everyone's hand is a bit different, so going to local gun stores or ranges to either test or at least handle the gun is always a good idea if you are able to do so.

Meet the Experts

This round-up was written by Pew Pew Tactical Editor Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a competitive shooter. He owns over 200 firearms, including several pistols in .45 ACP, and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales under his belt. Wyatt uses his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics. You can see some of his handgun knowledge in action in our 5 Best Hammer-Fired Pistols of 2024 article!

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers and fact-checked this article. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. Not to mention, she personally owns several 9mm handguns.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a number of excellent .45 caliber pistols available on the market. 

Each one has its own benefits and drawbacks, so finding the right one for you depends on what you’re looking for.

But at the end of the day, a good .45 ACP is a great gun to have. Not only can it be an excellent home defense tool, but it can also provide you with hours of enjoyment at the shooting range!

Do you have any experience with any of the guns on our list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you can't abide by the lack of 1911s, be sure to check our dedicated article on the Best 1911s.

Latest Updates

• July 2025: Replaced USP 45 Tactical with USP 45 Expert. Removed Springfield XD Elite OSP (discontinued).
• April 2024: Removed the Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP due to unavailability. Removed the Hi-Point JHP 45. Substituted Glock G21 Gen 4 for the newer Gen 5 MOS model.