For many gun owners, the .45 Automatic Colt® Pistol (ACP) cartridge is one of the most popular and celebrated calibers. While it has origins from over 100 years ago, many firearms today are still produced to fire this round, as it provides incredible stopping power. Below is a brief overview of the history of this round and why it remains prevalent.

Origins

The .45 ACP cartridge was designed by John Moses Browning, who is also famous for designing the M1911 pistol, the Browning® Hi-Power®, and other innovative weapons in the early 20th century. The .45 ACP cartridge was initially designed in 1904 for use in a prototype semi-automatic Colt pistol, which Browning was working on. This came at a time when the U.S. Cavalry was looking to replace other cartridges that were not strong enough in their battles during the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines.

Military Adoption

Before adopting the .45 ACP caliber and the M1911 pistol, the U.S. military issued .38 caliber guns as sidearms. While these were effective for a period, they did not provide enough power or penetration. To cater to this need for a stronger round, Browning and Colt modified the design of the .41 caliber cartridge prototype they had been working on. Through several revisions and variations, they eventually designed the .45 ACP.

This was similar to the .45 Long Colt, which the Army had previously used, except it was much shorter. Additionally, the .45 ACP could be fed through a magazine, while the .45 Long Colt was primarily a revolver round. Due to the increased power and versatility of the round, the military officially adopted the M1911 as the primary sidearm in 1911.

Modern Uses

The use by the United States military of the .45 ACP round and M1911 lasted until 1985, which meant it was the main handgun used in both World Wars. Today, the .45 ACP is a popular choice among large-caliber sports shooters, as well as individuals interested in home defense and self defense, thanks to its proven effectiveness. Tactical police forces also generally use this cartridge because it is more effective against soft armor than 9mm weapons.

Whether you’re interested in buying a gun, practicing at a shooting range, or undergoing firearms training, contact Shooter’s Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. This gun store stocks a variety of firearms and ammunition to help you find the perfect items for hunting, self defense, and target practice. They also host shooting competitions for all skill levels. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a team member about your needs.