.45 ACP

Pistol

Heavy subsonic pistol caliber born for the Colt 1911: a symbol of American stopping power.

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Overview

Designed by John Moses Browning in 1904 after U.S. experience in the Philippines, where 9 mm and .38 Long Colt proved inadequate. Cylindrical case, heavy bullet (typically 230 gr) and subsonic velocity give excellent energy transfer at short range.

Specifications

Bullet diameter
11,5 mm (.452")
Case length
22,8 mm
Overall length
32,4 mm
Bullet weight
14,9 g (230 gr)
Typical muzzle velocity
260–290 m/s
Typical energy
≈ 570 J
Introduced
1904

Pros

  • +Excellent stopping power at short range.
  • +Subsonic: ideal for suppressed use.

Cons

  • −Lower magazine capacity (7–13 rounds).
  • −Curved trajectory beyond 50 m.

History and use

Adopted with the Colt M1911 and in U.S. service until 1985. Still used by special units and dominant on the U.S. civilian market.

Weapons adopting it (4)

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