Why do you own a .45?

**Patrick Aherne** · 10-16-07, 13:49

I have to carry an issue USP .45 on-duty, off-duty, I carry a USP Compact .45 so I have the same system, controls, etc.

**DocGKR** · 10-16-07, 18:09

I like the large magazine capacity of a 9 mm and when using the right load, terminal performance is fine, although intermediate barriers can be problematic. Although I like to shoot the Hi-Power better, the Glock 17/19 are about the perfect out-of-the-box universally available pistols.

The .45 ACP definitely has a terminal performance edge, especially with ball, but at the expense of either a larger platform or reduced magazine capacity. I shoot better with a 1911 than any other pistol I have tried, but 1911’s do require extra effort and expense to get right. I have not gotten excited about other .45 pistols I’ve been issued or used.

I’ve always liked the terminal ballistic potential of .40 S&W, but have not liked the various pistols available—the S&W .40 M&P has solved that problem for me. It is hard not to like 15 rounds of 180 gr JHP in the magazine, especially in an ergonomic, low bore-axis, soft-shooting pistol with a 1911 grip angle; I am especially looking forward to the .40 M&P’s with ambi-safeties.

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For those folks incarcerated in states with 10 rd magazine limits, then I’d stick with a .45 ACP M1911, .45 ACP M&P, or a .40 S&W Browning High Power for personal use.

**Short Bus** · 10-16-07, 21:05

Not to hijack the thread but, I own neither a .45 or 9mm pistol nowadays. I was a dyed-in-the-wool .45 fanboy for many years before I discovered that the 9mm works just fine. My .45 ACP 1911 was retired and replaced by a Glock 19 for several years. I held off on the .40 S&W until I was satisfied that it was a mature cartridge and was going to be around for a while. (I've been around long enough to remember the 10mm ACP debacle...) Now, all I run in a first-line pistol is .40 S&W. The only debate I have anymore is whether to stick with the Glock or move to a 1911-style platform - in .40 S&W.

However, if I were going somewhere that .40 S&W was unavailable, I'd take a high-cap 9mm over a single-stack .45, provided that I could run the ammo of my choice. If I were limited to ball ammo, I'd take the .45 ACP. How's that for muddying the water?

**RogerinTPA** · 10-16-07, 22:42

My dad was a big .45 fan, but I trained on the 1911A1's prior to the big military handgun trails back in the 80's controversial switch to the 9mm's. What an on going debate that was and still is. I own the M&P9c, and an old S&W 6906, but own 2 .40's, Glock 23 and Beretta PX-4 Storm. I enjoy shooting the two calibers doing double taps, rapid fire, controllability and economy. It's all about shot placement, but I do have to admit, I'd like to own a high end classic 1911.

**R Moran** · 10-17-07, 06:15

Doc,
Thanks for the reply. You pretty muched sum up what I've been mulling over.

I've been shooting a 1911 for about 20 years now, but am willing to move into the new century. I shot my M&P45 at LAV class fairly well, it just seemed like it took more effort then with the 1911 the prior day.

Of course the M&P40 almost seems like the "Answer". I've got one of those, so maybe I should get the 9 also, and see how things shake out.

Either way, I won't be to far wrong.

Bob