For those who love practicing without standard guns, you need to get the best .45 for your law enforcement practice needs or your target practice requirements. These kinds of guns are perfect for all kinds of target practice and fun needs, and you will love having the right kind of gun on your side when you head out to practice or have fun.

If you have never bought a .45 ACP, you will want to use our top list that we have put together below. There are so many options on the market that it can be overwhelming to find the right gun or your needs. Not every .45 ACP is the same and you will need to know which ones are the best for your fun shooting and target practice needs.

Why Are .45 ACP so Fun?

This gun is really fun to shoot and you will get a lot of bang for your buck. This is a really compact gun that offers a lot of firepower in a compact package. This gun also has a lot less recoil than other powerful guns which can make it a great choice if you do not want to deal with a larger gun that has an uncomfortable recoil.

These guns also are easy to concealed carry and they can be used as an addendum to other weapons. They are also a really great beginner weapon because they are easy to use and easy to carry due to their more compact size.

This is still a versatile weapon that can be used for both close-up and long-distance range practice and you will have fun with this weapon in a whole variety of situations. There is something really enjoyable about shooting something with this much punch that is still easy to carry around.

How to Pick a .45 ACP

You should look at these factors if you are looking for .45 ACP. These items can make sure that you find the right weapon for your needs.

Rounds

This is a gun that can hold more rounds than other handgun style weapons and you will be able to enjoy many rounds per clip with this weapon on your side. You will also be able to carry replacement clips readily and this is a much better arrangement for your needs if you hate carrying around heavy ammo and get tired of complex loading processes to add ammo to your clips.

Weight

This is not a heavy weapon when compared to a shotgun and you will enjoy the accuracy that you will get from this weapon over both short and long distances despite its compact nature. You will get a lot for your money with this kind of gun and being able to carry it easily even when you have small hands. This is a really great versatile gun because of its size.

Barrel Length

This is a really well-designed gun that offers the maximum length for a smaller gun which gives you the ranged shooting option as well as the close-up accuracy that you need. The barrel length of a gun has a lot to do with accuracy and maneuverability and you will appreciate the balance of this weapon despite the fact that it is larger than an average handgun.

Gauge

This gauge is perfect for all kinds of uses and you will get the right gauge for the kind of shooting that you want to enjoy with this kind of weapon. This is the benefit of a handgun size weapon that is still this powerful. You will get a good gauge and also great handling for your shooting needs.

Cost

The cost of your gun can impact your purchase and you will find that this is one of the most affordable options if you have a budget that you need to stick to. This is a really affordable weapon for your needs and you will appreciate that you will get so much for your money with this choice.

The Best .45 ACP Pistols for 2023

The .45 ACP has never gotten old and many people still love this classic weapon for their target practice needs. You will get all of the best features with this kind of handgun and you will love being able to get the benefits of both accurate distance shooting and close-up shooting. There are few weapons on the market that offer the benefits of the .45 and you will get all of the right features and functions for your needs when you pick a .45 ACP for your target practice needs.

 1. SDS Imports 1911-B

This first item on the list is a really nice choice to make for your overall shooting needs. This is one of the best brands in the business and you will love the features that are offered on this weapon. This is a brand that is known for balanced weapons that shoot reliably and with great accuracy.

If you want to have a weapon that you can count on and that will have great accuracy, you want to pick this gun for your needs. This is a really nice model of 1911 that offers you the right quality features that are made for accurate shooting. You will get 8 rounds with this gun and you will love the accurate 3-dot sight.

The beveled magazine well is well-designed and you will get access to an advanced and well-engineered hammer and trigger. This offers superior shooting overall and the forged hammer will hold up to lots of use. This is a great gun that can be used for many years so long as you clean and care for it.

The slide release makes the level takedown easy to work with and you will get a very effective extended and ambidextrous thumb safety as well.

Specs:

• Price: $483.89
• Action Type: Single
• Barrel Length: 5 in.
• Overall Length: 8.6 in.
• Weight: 35.6 oz.
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Capacity: 8+1 Rounds

2. Wilson Combat 1911 X-Tac Compact

This is a really nice compact weapon that is made to offer all the benefits with accuracy and caliber that a regular .45 will offer you but with the benefit of being small and easy to handle. This makes this weapon perfect for the needs of those with small hands or people who want a more concealed kind of weapon to carry.

This gun offers superior accuracy and is second to none when it comes to performance for a small weapon. The grip is comfortable and you will love how easy it is to use the 4” carbon steel slide. The battlesight offers a great fiber optic front sight option and you will love the fluted barrel and fluted chamber that make for accurate and excellent shooting no matter what conditions you are using your gun in.

This is one of the best weapons to choose if you want to have access to a compact carbon-steel frame and the benefits of a Bullet Proof Round butt magazine well. This is a well-constructed weapon that will take care of many of your needs with ease.

Specs:

• Price: $3,975.00 – $4,080.00
• Brand: Wilson Combat
• Action
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Overall Length: 7.6 inches
• Weight: 2.3 lbs.
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Site: Fiber Optic
• Capacity: 7+1 Round

3. Auto-Ordnance 1911A1

This is a really great retro-styled gun that offers great and reliable shooting and a really nice heft and design. The grip is comfortable and the balance of the gun is excellent. This is a big gun but it feels comfortable and easy to maneuver no matter what size hands you have.

The comfortable grip is really excellent and you will love the 5” barrel which offers accurate shooting over long distances. The sight works perfectly and the carbon-steel construction feels nice when you operate the parts of this weapon.

This is a classic 1911 styled weapon that will make you feel connected to the origins of this weapon with ease. This is one of the best 1911 designs on the market and you will be pleased that you picked this gun for your needs.

The Auto-Ordnance 1911A1’s frame incorporates GI specs and features a matte black finish frame, barrel, and slide. The carbon steel slide, sear and disconnector are machined from solid bar stock and properly heat-treated to ensure durability over long life and thousands of rounds.

It’s 100% made in the USA, and features a thumb safety, grip safety and firing pin block. This particular model has wood grips.

Specs:

• Price: $773.29 – 813.99
• Brand: Auto-Ordnance
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.6 inches
• Weight: 39 oz.
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Capacity: 7+1 Round

4.Wilson Combat 1911 CQB

This is a really standard and excellent weapon for you to choose if you want the benefits of a .45 without the heft of one of the larger versions of this gun. You will get all the benefits of a .45 without having to struggle to carry or aim or sigh this gun.

The features of this gun are well-thought-out and you will get the benefit of a full-size carbon steel frame as well as a really excellent front strap. The grip safety works perfectly and you will love the ambidextrous thumb safety.

The starburst grips and the contoured magazine well make the action of using this gun easy and comfortable, even for small hands. You will love the fiber optic front sight and the barrel & brushing. The 5” carbon steel slide makes operation easy and you will get all the right benefits for a .45 without having to heft a large weapon around.

Specs:

• Price: $3,050.00 – $3,215.00
• Brand: Wilson Combat
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.7 inches
• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Site: Fiber Optic
• Capacity: 8+1 Round

 5. Springfield Armory 1911 Defender

This is a really nice classic design that is made by a quality company. You will get all of the right features and design functions from this gun and you will find that this limited-run weapon will take care of all of your needs with ease.

This is a simple gun with great styling that is all black. You will get a great long barrel length without added heft and fixed iron sights. This is one of those weapons that offer up a great classic shooting experience that you will not get from many other weapons. This is a really simple designed weapon and you will be able to use this gun with ease even if you are a beginner learning to target shoot.

This is a really great gun that is accurate at distance or up close and you can use this gun for all kinds of target practice and competition purposes. Springfield Armory makes some of the best guns in the business and you will find that this classic design is perfect for many people’s needs.

This gun will hold up to all of the challenges that you can throw at it and it is easy to care for and even easier to use. You will not need a lot of guidance to use this gun because it is so straightforward. There are few guns on the market that will offer up the best of both worlds between function and practicality of design.

Specs:

• Price: $619.99
• Brand: Springfield Armory
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.6 inches
• Weight: 2.43 lbs.
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Site: Fixed Iron
• Capacity: 7+1 Round

6. Dan Wesson Valor V-Bob 1911

The V-Bob is known as the little brother of the pistol. It is a Commander-sized pistol with a bobbed mainspring house and a Commander-size frame. This make it a great choice for conceal carry.

This pistol also comes standard with a tactical safety, match-grade barrel, and a recessed slide stop that allows for the attachment of aftermarket laser grip panels. Fixed sights include a tritum front and rear sight which are ideal for close-quarters engagements. Dan Wesson’s duty coat is a durable addition to the slide and frame made of stainless steel.

Specs:

• Price: $2,321.99
• Brand: Dan Wesson
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
• Weight: 2.4 lbs.
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 8+1 Round

7. Kimber Rapide 1911

Kimber’s Rapide 1911 is a combination of unrivaled design and enhanced functionality that will make you believe you are shooting a gun worth thousands more than the price you paid. The most distinctive feature of the Kimber Rapide pistol is its Titanium Nitride (TiN), barrel finish. This gives the illusion that it is made of gold. The TiN finish on the barrel is more than just aesthetic, it significantly increases durability and reduces friction.

Kimber’s KimPro II black finish is applied to the frame and slide of the Kimber Rapide. It resists chemicals, moisture, salt and UV light. Both sides of the slide have lightening cuts that reduce the weight and speed up locking.

The Rapide has superior grip thanks to the G-10 WavZ tipped grip and front and rear strap texture. Tru-Glo’s TF X pro day/night sights are added to the pistol so that you feel confident in deploying it in any lighting condition. The Kimber Rapide is a 1911 that will exceed your expectations.

Specs:

• Price: $1,349.99
• Brand: Kimber Rapide
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Weight: 38 oz.
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 8+1 Round

8. Rock Island Armory 1911

The Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard FS Full-Size is a reliable handgun for personal defense. The FS is based on the U.S. GI-combat issues 1911, but features a threaded barrel with rubber grips. It has been hand-fitted to ensure reliability and performance.

The holster’s slim, smooth design makes it easy to pull. It also features rubber grips and fixed sights on top of a 5″ parkerized bar. The GI Standard FS is a Rock Island 1911, and comes with a factory 4- to 6-pound trigger. This ensures a great experience from the moment you open the box.

Specs:

• Price: $549.99
• Brand: Rock Island Armory
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 5 inch threaded
• Weight: 39.5 oz.
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 8+1 Round

9. Springfield Armory Garrison 1911

Springfield Armory proudly announces the Garrison in .45 ACP. Garrison 1911 is a 5-inch barrel pistol that combines modern construction and a more than 100-year-old heritage.

You can choose from classic hot salt-blued carbon steel or rust resistant stainless-steel. The Garrison 1911 is a sturdy 1911 that will last you a lifetime. Forged frames, slides, barrels and slide constructions make the pistols durable.

Springfield Armory’s Vice-President of Marketing Steve Kramer said that “The Garrison” is intended to appeal to those who are committed to tradition and value the Springfield Armory 1911 pistols. “This pistol is modernized and enhanced by a solid foundation of steel. It also features heirloom-quality construction.

Garrison will appeal to anyone familiar with the 1911 pistol. The Garrison pistol is classic with its barrel bushing system, wood grips and more than 100 years of service. Enhancements such as the match-grade stainless steel barrel, skeletonized drum, and extended bear tail grip safety with memory bump ensure maximum performance.

Specs:

• Price: $849.99
• Brand: Springfield Armory
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 5 in.
• Overall Length: 8.6 in.
• Weight: 37 oz.
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 7+1 Round

10. Taylor’s 1911 Standard

Taylor’s & Co. 1911 Pistol is reproduced with specifications from original government-issued models. It is chambered for.45 ACP and is a close copy of the U.S. Government Model 1911 semiautomatic pistol. This magazine-fed, single column pistol has an 8-round capacity.

Taylor’s offers a number of models in the 1911 style. One model has an arched magazine spring and one has a lanyard band. All these 1911 models come with a blued finish. They are compatible with series 70 and have wooden grips. Taylor’s 1911 comes with a black case and two magazines.

Specs:

• Price: $556.09
• Brand: Taylor’s & Co.
• Action Type: Single Action
• Barrel Length: 5 in.
• Overall Length: 8.6 in.
• Weight: 39.5 oz.
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 7+1 Round

11. Kimber Pro Carry II .45 ACP 1911

The Kimber Pro Carry II series is a collection of stylish 1911 semi-automatic pistols. Each pistol in the series features a 4″ match-grade barrel and an elegant fixed rear sight. Pro Carry II is a great carry weapon because it has a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. It weighs in at 1.75 pounds unloaded.

Both the trigger and hammer have skeletonization, the latter being also match-grade. Pro Carry II pistols’ mainspring housing is checked to ensure that it works in conjunction with the checkered grips. These can be purchased in rosewood or polymer and provide users with a firm grip on these 1911s when they are most needed.

Specs:

• Price: $804.99
• Brand: Kimber America
• Action Type: Semi-Automatic
• Barrel Length: 4 in.
• Overall Length: 7.7 in.
• Weight: 28 oz.
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 7+1 Round

Picking the Right .45 ACP is Easy

You will find that picking the right .45 ACP is easy with this list in your hand. From the larger versions of this gun to the smaller and more compact, there are many ways to find the right gun for your shooting needs. You will love these weapons for all kinds of shooting and you will find that there are many benefits to all of the guns on this list.

If you want to pick more than one of these amazing handguns, there is nothing wrong with that! You will get a great shooting experience from any of them and you might want to have access to a shorter barrel version as well as a classic long barrel version of this gun. There are benefits to both kinds of 1911 or .45 ACP and you will be glad that you picked this gun for your target practice needs.