Best 45 ACP Pistols of 2024 – Ultimate Review

Best Overall:
Springfield Armory 1911 Defenders

What Recent Buyers Report

New users were really happy with the pistol. Not only was it solid in construction and quality, but it was also a pretty awesome pistol to fire off. Most new users tested this out at the range and were able to land their shots with superior accuracy. At 40 yards, they noticed the shooting groups being consistently tight. One user said it has fast become his favorite pistol for competitive shooting. However, about half of the new users were using this as a concealed carry pistol.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The 1911 has long been one of the more reliable pistols made in the last century. While most were made by Colt, Springfield is another brand that started making them. The 1911 has long been a sidearm of many law enforcement, military, and government personnel. To this day, it’s also one of the more reliable sidearms for civilians that conceal carry. It’s a pistol with a trigger pull that allows for quick shooting (but without the sensitivity that could lead to accidental discharge). The fit and finish is sharp, aesthetically pleasing, and makes it look beastly. Of course, looks shouldn’t matter much. But its ability to be reliable and accurate even through 100 plus rounds provides a strong case as to why it deserves the best overall nod.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a reliable .45 ACP pistol that is excellent for both target shooting and self-defense applications, this might be right up your alley. It’s able to handle any intended use with ease providing you with reliable, consistently accurate shooting that will last as long as you take the best care of it. If you want one of the best pistols in the business in so many ways, this could be what you need.

Bottom Line

The Springfield Armory 1911 Defender Series .45 ACP is well-deserving of the top spot, and for good reason. It’s proven itself as one of the most reliable .45 ACP pistols on the market with its superior shooting power and accuracy (among a few other excellent attributes). It will definitely meet the needs of anyone using it for self-defense or target shooting. 

Runner-up:
H&K HK45CT Tactical V1

What Recent Buyers Report

According to new users, they had nothing but positive things to say about this pistol. From the first shot, they fired off a good number of shots that lead to insanely tight shooting groups from between 30 to 50 yards. The recoil wasn’t too sharp out of the box, thus making it really easy to control. One user said he was using this for concealed carry purposes, but also goes to the range once a week to keep himself in tune with his run and gun skills. So far, he’s able to accurately hit targets and maintain control of his pistol while in motion.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you are in search of a pistol that is simple to fire, this is the one. With this pistol you won’t have to struggle with a heavy trigger pull (but the pull weight isn’t sensitive or light either). You’ll get quick shots (as well as follow-ups). It puts speed and time in your favor, thus giving you the upper hand against an assailant that is stupid enough to mess with you. Of course, if you are using it for competitive purposes, you’ll have a bit of an edge over most of your competitors. In a life and death situation or when the competition is on the line, this pistol is something you can rely on. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for an excellent multi-purpose pistol, take a look at this H&K as a possible option. This will give you ten rounds of superior accuracy and reliability. So if you find the right .45 ACP rounds, you'll fire off some consistent shooting groups that will look great on paper. And if it looks good on paper, it will be accurate and reliable if and when you need it in a self-defense application.

Bottom Line

The HK Compact Tactical .45 ACP pistol might be the runner-up on our list, but it might be number one in the hearts of many concealed carry and competitive shooters. It’s no slacker when it comes to reliable and accurate shooting no matter what the application is. Fit this into a sturdy holster no matter where you go and you’ll have a pistol you can be proud of whether you use it daily or at the range.

Best for the Money:
FN Pistol FNX .45 Tactical FDE

What Recent Buyers Report

To sum up how the new users felt about this pistol, one word emerges; stoked. They were quite excited about the overall ability to shoot this pistol in target shooting applications. The accuracy was consistent and allowed for tight shooting groups ranging at distances from 30 to 50 yards. One user said the shooting groups got tighter the farther it traveled. He added that it was a ton of fun to shoot in a casual target shooting situation, thus, making it his go-to pistol for the sake of self-defense.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Typically, tactical pistols are often relied upon for the sake of self-defense. This means being able to get a quick shot off in a life and death situation. Timing is everything in that kind of application, so if you are looking for a pistol that will give you a bit of an edge against your assailants, this could be the best option. If you are looking for something affordable, reliable, and a force to be reckoned with, then you may want to consider the idea of investing in a pistol like this.

Who Will Use This Most

This pistol might be one of the best for beginner users. If you want something that will be newbie-friendly, reliable, and won’t suck the life out of your bank account, then this pistol that will fulfill all your shooting needs (for target shooting and even defending yourself against assailants that are dumb enough to attack you). If you want a .45 ACP pistol that will function flawlessly and make every shot count, this could be exactly what you are looking for.

Bottom Line

The FN FNX .45 Tactical 45 ACP Pistol is one of the best available options in terms of affordability. It’s a pistol that will prove its dominance in the reliability department (and also prove its worth accuracy-wise). Best of all, it’s affordable for most budgets. Don’t break the bank when it comes to finding one of the best quality .45 ACP pistol. Find the best one you can afford in terms of quality and performance.

Best .45 ACP 1911:
Colt Gold Cup National Match

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, a lot of new users were competitive shooters looking for a pistol that was the epitome of a true competition pistol. They said with this pistol, the trigger pull was light and easy, the ability to get a shot off was quick, and it accepted a good number of shots that made groups consistently tight between 30 to 50 yards out. One user said this was the best pistol he’s used in a competitive shooting application (plus, it has constantly kept him ahead of the curve in most competitions). 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Have you ever wondered about how a competition pistol works in action? This is your chance. This pistol is built for keeping you ahead of your competition. It will allow for quick shooting (and of course follow-up shots) while being able to hit exactly where you want your shots to go. If you want to hit the bullseye or close to it, this might be the perfect choice for you. You’ll know that you’ve made the right decision as soon as you pull the trigger for the first time and test it out. If quick, accurate shooting is what you need in a competition-grade pistol, give this pistol a try.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are a beginner in need of a competition pistol or a seasoned competitor looking for an upgrade, this pistol is the no-brainer choice. You’ll get superior shooting and overall control, thus, giving you the chance to shoot straightforward, accurate shots. You’ll feel like a psychic when you know where the shot is going to land before pulling the trigger. Excellent control, consistently tight shooting groups, and overall enjoyment are what you’ll get in this pistol.

Bottom Line

If you want a pistol that will be fun to shoot while being able to put you ahead of the competition, the Colt Gold Cup National Match will definitely be head and shoulders above the comparable pistols that fall short in some way. Once you put this in your hands and get a few test shots off, you'll know you’ve made the right investment. 

Best 1911 .45 ACP Under $1000:
Sig Sauer P220 .45 ACP

What Recent Buyers Report

According to most users, quick shooting was possible with the use of single-action mode. Also, they utilized this for the purpose of concealed carry (while about half of new users used this as a casual target shooting pistol). One user said he was able to shoot tight shooting groups with consistency and without a single malfunction through 100 + rounds. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This pistol is no joke. It’s the kind that will make sure you can pull the trigger quickly (in a single-action setting). If you intend to use this pistol in a concealed carry session, why bother pulling the hammer back before taking a shot? Just pull the trigger with enough pressure and you’ll be able to ward off any attackers. This is also a plus in other applications like target and competition shooting. Whether you use it in single-action or double-action mode, this pistol will deliver superior accuracy and reliability no matter the application. 

Who Will Use This Most

This multi-purpose pistol is one of the best available at a price most can afford. Yes, it’s south of $1000, so it will certainly fit a good number of budgets. If you want a pistol that will prove itself as a reliable, sharpshooting force to be reckoned with, you’re definitely going to want to put this to the test. After shooting off an entire magazine, you’ll want to reload this sucker and shoot more rounds. Be warned, after shooting off round after round at the range, you won’t be able to get enough. 

Bottom Line

If you want a pistol that is affordable, the SIG Sauer P220 .45 ACP Pistol will, in all likelihood, be the go-to option for you. Once you load this sucker up with your favorite .45 ACP ammo, you will have a blast firing off this puppy. It may not be a cheap pistol, but it is one of the best .45 ACP pistols money can buy. 

Best .45 ACP Revolver:
Smith & Wesson Governor Handgun

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the new buyers were looking for a .45 ACP pistol that would be perfect for concealed carry purposes. With six shots at their disposal, this pistol, in particular, was quite a hit. They said one of the best features and characteristics included the easy loading and firing power that certainly packs a punch. One user said he is confident in the revolver’s ability to get him out of dangerous situations after testing this out at the range.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you like revolvers, you’re probably going to enjoy using this. It’s easy to load, shoot, and conceal. If that checks off all the boxes of what you are looking for in an ideal pistol, then you'll want this one for yourself. Yes, the firing power is robust and the trigger pull is clean, crisp, and light enough with the right amount of pressure applied. Even when all six rounds are loaded in the cylinder, it’s not all that heavy. That means better handling and control (which of course, equals accurate and precise shooting). 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a simple-to-use revolver for an EDC carry situation, you’ll definitely consider this as one of your top options. It’s small enough to provide maximum concealability, so if you want a pistol that is prepared for danger while not creating any bulges to attract unwanted attention (or questions about why you carry), this may be the kind of pistol you’ll want on hand.

Bottom Line

The Smith and Wesson Governor Handgun is one of the most reliable .45 ACP revolvers you can find anywhere on the market. And it exceeds a lot of expectations, as well. If reliable, accurate shooting and maximum concealability are some of the things you want in a pistol, this should be one of your shortlist finalists.

Best Compact .45 ACP:
Springfield Armory XD-S Mod2

What Recent Buyers Report

When new buyers were trying out this pistol for the first time, they concluded that it was perhaps one of the best investments they’ve made in a firearm. They were quick to point out the overall quality and said the pistol had a solid, sturdy feel to it, while maintaining a light weight, even when fully loaded. The shooting performance was consistent and many reported tight shooting groups with targets as far as 40 yards out. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

One of the great things about concealed carry is being able to carry a pistol by your side and being prepared for any danger. As such, it’s a lot better to carry a pistol when it doesn’t look obvious. If maximum concealability is what you are aiming for in a pistol, consider purchasing a compact-sized pistol like this one. It has the perfect size to remain under the radar, without attracting any undue attention or alerting anyone that you are carrying a weapon. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you hate having a pistol that bulges on you and doesn’t allow for true concealed carry, then it’s time to make a change. This pistol will undoubtedly change the game when it comes to carrying a pistol for EDC purposes. It’s good to be prepared, but it’s even better to be prepared without even setting off any alarm bells. If you want a pistol that will be your sidekick in a dangerous situation, why settle for anything less than this?

Bottom Line

The Springfield Armory XD-S MOD2 .45 ACP Pistol is at the right size for maximum concealability. But it can shoot accurate, precise shots like nothing else. You best believe this bad boy will be ready for any given situation. Don’t be surprised if this puppy outperforms any pistol you’ve ever fired. And yes, it will perform consistently at such a high level, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get this in the first place.

Best .45 ACP Concealed Carry:
Smith & Wesson M&P .45 Shield

What Recent Buyers Report

Most new users concluded that given its size, it’s the real deal when it comes to providing top-notch concealability. One user said he was able to slip this in his IWB holster and it provided no-bulge, comfortable concealment and under-the-radar carry for everyday purposes. He also added that shooting it was pretty fun while being able to hit your targets exactly dead on with tight shooting groups. Another user said he was able to consistently hit the bullseye from distances ranging from 25 to 45 yards out.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This pistol's barrel is measured at right around three inches. That’s the sweet spot if you are searching for something that will allow for maximum concealability. You want a pistol that will stay close to your side without giving away its carry position. No one will know you are carrying unless you draw the pistol. Having a concealed carry pistol is important to keep yourself out of dangerous situations. If you must defend yourself with a pistol, you must find one that will work to your advantage when it comes to overall performance. 

Who Will Use This Most

If concealability is what you are looking for in a pistol, you’ll get it with this Smith and Wesson M&P pistol. It will definitely stand out as one of the best options you can find, not just in terms of concealability, but also as a pistol that will have the ability to shoot accurate, precise shots and hit targets from a seriously impressive distance. For a pistol that will up your level of preparedness, consider this one as a possible option. 

Bottom Line

If you want a concealed carry pistol that is proven to be reliable, accurate, and provides a great deal of concealability then you’d be hard-pressed to find a pistol like the Smith and Wesson M&P .45 Shield. Some concealed carry pistols may give this a run for its money, but it may fall short in some aspects. 

Best Glock .45 ACP:
Glock 21 Gen 4

What Recent Buyers Report

This Glock pistol was a hit with many users and for a few good reasons. Starting off, the reliability was top notch. Not a single malfunction occurred with these pistols through nearly 500 rounds or more. They also managed to land their shots with precise accuracy with distances ranging from 25 to 35 yards (or more). One user said it was one of the best pistols he’s fired in a long time. Additionally, he purchased this as an upgrade since he purchased one a few years back that gave him nothing but problems. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It’s no secret that the Glock brand is known for making some pretty dang good pistols. It’s a brand name that will be on par with names like Smith and Wesson or SIG Sauer in the battle for most reliable. If a malfunction-free pistol is what you intend to find, there’s a good chance you’ll land one with this model right here. With excellent quality and superior firing power, this bad boy is the total package. No other pistol in the .45 ACP class can match the reliability of this Glock. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will be a great pistol if you want nothing but the best in reliability. Likewise, it’s a dang good pistol to have if you want something that can hit hard and shoot sharp. There is no underestimating a Glock. If you are seriously impressed with its capabilities, you may want to consider purchasing this pistol for the purpose of concealed carry, target shooting, or both.

Bottom Line

The Glock 21 Gen 4 .45 ACP Pistol is undeniably one of the dark horse candidates to take over the best overall spot at some point in the future. Because of its reliability, accuracy, and firing power, this bad boy will be a lot harder to resist once you see it in action. By the time you pull the trigger and hit your shots, you know you’ll want to fire it more often.

Best .45 ACP Pistol Under $500:
Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Subcompact

What Recent Buyers Report

New users were able to utilize this pistol for most concealed carry and target shooting purposes. The concealability was one of the major attributes a lot of people were happy about. It didn’t bulge or expose the pistol in any way. New users also reported that the pistol didn’t malfunction through a hundred plus rounds and it delivered accurate, tight shooting groups on targets up to 35 yards. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Like Glocks, the Smith and Wesson brand is perhaps one of the best names when it comes to reliability. You can’t have a conversation about guns without mentioning those two names. It might come down to a debate between these two in the future (although you may be siding with one name or another). But if you fancy yourself a fan of the S&W brand, it should come as no surprise that this puppy is reliable. It’s also got the right measurements to ensure that it can be concealed and out of plain sight without making it look like you are obviously carrying something.

Who Will Use This Most

If you’re in search of one of the most reliable pistols on the market at a price that will be affordable for most budgets, then odds are you'll find this to be a perfect match. It has fast shooting ability plus unmatched accuracy. You’ll have full faith and confidence in this pistol once you go through a few test shots. Once you are able to harness the power of this .45 ACP pistol, you’ll be ready for any kind of dangerous situation. Any attacker would be stupid to take on someone who is packing a pistol with great firing power and quick shooting. 

Bottom Line

The Smith and Wesson M&P M 2.0 Subcompact is proven to be one of the best in concealability and reliability. And you get both in a nice little package for a price that cannot be beaten. If you want a pretty solid .45 ACP pistol that is priced south of $500, you’re looking right at it. You’ll probably think it should be priced higher for the value it offers.