9 Best .45 Pistol For Self-Defense – 2022

In the world of firearms handgun is one of the most famous and highly demanded arms. There is a lot of variants available in the market but the best .45 pistol has a different fanbase, we know the size of .45 ammo is big so the fewer cartridge can be load at a time. But instead of all this, there is a lot of advantage of this ammo that can be explained.

In the same way, a classic 9 mm pistol also has a large demand and used by most of the officials. If you go for personal use than .45 can give you more superiority than the 9 mm. But there is always a discussion about the price so .45 pistol is a bit costly than the other variant because of its look and performance.

So being popular in the market it doesn’t mean that you can buy anything, so it is important to choose the best .45 pistol only. Here is the guide where you can find the best fit handgun for you.

TAURUS - PT-1911 5IN 45 ACP BLUE

Our Suggestion-

Taurus PT – 1911


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  • Novak Front and Rear Sight.
  • 9 Round capacity.
  • Lifetime warrenty and Transferable.

List of Best .45 Pistol available in 2020:-

1- HECKLER & KOCH – HK45 TACTICAL (V1)

HECKLER & KOCH - HK45 TACTICAL (V1)

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This gun is the upgraded version of USP generation guns. The combined action spring unit with buffer compensation on recoil. The frames are designed by polymer for tough operations and anyone can give maximum marks for its grip.

The trigger is also fully polymer made and easy to pull from the finger without giving strain on the finger or hand. Thus it increases the stability and accuracy of the gun. The trigger areas are good and fit to any size of the finger. 

On the bottom laser or light can be mount easily for new users or accuracy. Only 3-4 lbs of pressure are required to pull it. On the other hand, safety is on the top and very easy to switch the mode. The inbuilt sight comes with 3 yellow dots for aiming but only the rear sight is adjustable.

But good enough for the tactical shooter. The barrel is threaded and the external look is a popular dark earth shade and only 5.16″ which is quite cool and easily modified into other lengths.

Overall this brand offers the world-class gun with a changeable barrel a magazine capacity. There are many colors in which it is available like black, flat dark earth (tan), and green.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 5.16″
  • Capacity: 10+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Blue
  • Front Sight: Night Sight
  • Length: 8.03″
  • Rear Sight: Night Sight
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 1.95 lbs

2- FN – FNX-45 TACTICAL – Best .45 Pistol

FN - FNX-45 TACTICAL

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This is a tactical 45 Auto pistol made from the polymer. This is made not only for victories but also to survive during the tough time. The technology used in this is advanced and modern. There are 2 option double and single-action pistol available in the market.

For the safety side, you will get a lever with slide stop functionality and a magazine ejector. My thumb easily reaches there without changing the grip my hand. All the mechanical parts work well and smoothly. For color, you can have dark earth finish and black.

The frame is designed to reduce recoil and make it work well in all weather conditions. If we talk about its handgrip, it is fully polymer made and fits easily in hand. You will also get a high-quality night sight red dot.

In the bottom, there is a small rail where you can also attach some lights or laser which can increase your efficiency. My fingers get a better grip and I have a reach on its trigger easily than I do with my other firearms. Its wide magazine port helps easy to put the bullets in so help a lot in faster reloading.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 5.3″
  • Capacity: 15+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Flat Dark Earth
  • Front Sight: Extra Tall Fixed Night Sight
  • Length: 7.9″
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 2.1 lbs

3- SMITH & WESSON – M&P 45 SHIELD W/SAFETY 45CP



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We all know that this brand is very famous for handguns and also make lots of variants with different size ammo like 9mm, 45acp, 308, etc.

So having .45 pistol should be the best present in the market. Many person need a pistol with their own demand so pistols should also be the same as the personality of the user.

For example, if Dwayne Johnson doesn’t look cool with small firearms unlike in the movie. Apart from this the polymer chassis give the best performance. To make it better it has a lot of erogenic features.

There is no doubt about the performance of these arms. The rail can be easily mounted with any of the attachments. The lifetime service can diverge the user to buy this. Due to its short barrel, it can be used in various places like for self-defense, tactical shooting, and its weight and size are also suitable for the women.

Since it uses 45 ACP so it increases its cost up to a few hundred dollars. The grip is changeable so it can be adjusted according to the size of a hand. The only issue I think is its magazine capacity which is just 6+1 so sometimes it gives some more effort in loading the bullets.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 3.3″
  • Capacity: 6+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Black
  • Front Sight: Fixed
  • Length: 6.5″
  • Rear Sight: Fixed
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 1.29 lbs

4- SPRINGFIELD ARMORY – 1911 DEFENDERS SERIES – Best .45 Pistol

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - 1911 DEFENDERS SERIES

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To promote the sales of the product company test the values in 1911s, This brand launches its second defense series sales in this Springfield Armory 1911 Defender. There may be limited series production of the gun like the previous version so you should get you as soon as possible.

If you think about reason not to buy this then I sure you won’t find any, except the silly one or due to the particular customer requirement. The sights are very old and used in WW-II times, sight is fixed but it is in the right place so no need a lot to adjust it.

Totally metal made its weight is not so heavy as all previous guns just 2.43 lbs, on the place of grip you will get the polymer strips to provide extra support to the hand and tightening the grip. The look is like the classic version of Colt guns used in world war. 

The only complaint I have is that the trigger required lots of pressure than normal, but maybe this is due to the trigger I used in soft pull. The barrel length is 5″ stainless steel produces greater accuracy in a classic gun at a very reasonable price and loaded with best .45 ACP pistol.

It can be loaded with a single 7 round magazine.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 5″
  • Capacity: 7+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Black
  • Front Sight: Fixed
  • Length: 8.6″
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 2.43 lbs

5- TAURUS – PT-1911 5IN 45 ACP BLUE – Best .45 Pistol

TAURUS - PT-1911 5IN 45 ACP BLUE

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Firstly, its look is amazing and like the antique gun which is collectible. Its quality is as high so it still used by the U.S. Army on a large scale. It is semi-automatic but can easily release all its ammo in a single lever pull.

It includes a patented Taurus Security System with 9 bullet capacity, with a reasonable price that is cheap than similar guns. Don’t worry if children touch this its safety features are at best and prevent accidental shots. The manual safety lever is present on both sides to increase effectiveness.

This is a time-tried and true fully metal frame. Taurus hammer-forges all their frames, slides, and barrels, and then machines parts to exactly the same as the standards. It’s got a soft, lightened trigger and comes with Novak front and rear sights which are fixed.

The pistol is both single and double-action means either you fire a single shot or a continuous shot without loading it manually. Every firearm comes with two keys, the same key will unlock Taurus’ semi-automatics, revolvers, and rifles. This is an excellent way to lock your firearm.

The unique trigger design looks different with 3 holes behind it. Its lifetime warranty, and easily transferable to the other owner.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 5″
  • Capacity: 8+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Blue
  • Front Sight: Fixed
  • Length: 8.75″
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 2.44 lbs

6- CITADEL MFG, INC. – CITADEL FLAG 1911

citdel 1911

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This is the full-size gun with the U.S. flag finish on the whole body and excellent choice for the duty, tactical shooting, and defense application. This is a government profile gun loaded with all the features a gun should have and o which you can trust upon.

The full-size gun has 5″ barrel which is similar to all other standard firearms. Skeletonized hammer and trigger, ejection port, and long-tail give shooter what they exactly want.

You will love this pistol from its patriotic look and cover, the handle is polymer and wood bases strips so can be easily replaced with the required design and material. For the safety you will get the lever to both side for faster action, The sigh is 3 pin aligned with no night dots just like the above version. The only thing I don’t like is its no space to attack torch or any laser.

The frame is metallic so it covered a lifetime warranty but I can’t say anything about the print on it but looks that it will last so long.

The weight is normal but the price is a little high than expected but due to its classic look, it is famous among all and 9 rounds of ammo which is something like usual.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 5″
  • Capacity: 8+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Flag
  • Front Sight: Fixed
  • Length: 8.87″
  • Rear Sight: Fixed
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 2.3 lbs

7- SPRINGFIELD ARMORY – XD-S MOD2 .45 Pistol

springfield zd-s

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This model is just about fit and comfort. The manufacturers understand the need to fit grip and handling. The minimal required of pressure on the trigger helps to fire it correctly. This time it is not 9 mm, the .45 ACP recoil more and needs more space so the magazine option is shrunk to 5-6 bullet per load.

The frame is metallic but the covering is fully polymer-based give a soft touch to hand and can run for a long time without putting lots of pressure on the index finger. The sight is fiber optics-based which is better than 3 line sight and adjustable. 

On the bottom, there is also an option for attaching small torch and laser. Its size makes it interesting and makes it comfortable in every condition but the laser will help to increase accuracy and aim at the right target, this type of thing helps a lot in self-defense and for those who don’t have much practice on aiming.

Most of the feature is the same except the barrel length and its width. It is a single stack pistol offering. Compared to Glock 43 it has some advantage of less width and higher capacity. The rest of the features is the same as XD-M.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 3.3″
  • Capacity: 5+1-Round, 6+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Length: 6.5″
  • Magazine Included: 1 x 5-Round, 1 x 6-Round
  • Muzzle: Plain
  • Rear Sight: Fiber Optic
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs

8- SMITH & WESSON – M&P45 M2.0 45 ACP BLACK 4.25″ AMBI 10+1

SMITH & WESSON - M&P45 M2.0 45

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We already discussed a lot about this brand but they all were 9 mm. This time we have .45 ACP which is quite different from them in many ways.

Most of the MP .45 comes with an external safety lever, which is expected in a performance gun that automatically comes with a manual safety.

Many users don’t care about the protection and think they can control themself before pulling the trigger but according to me this is important and add an extra level of protection so that you can easily put it in your side pocket.

It is a polymer-framed handgun known for its durability and reliability. I will not say a lot about its accuracy because I think it totally depends upon the user and its bottom rail can be mounted with laser guide so any normal user can aim it perfectly without facing any problem.

The grip is improved and increases traction on the handle as aggressive and tough gripping. This time in this list, the first gun with full-size length with non-metallic frame this simply means smooth lever and reloading plus low weight of 1.5 pounds, 30-40 percent less than other similar guns.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Action Type: Striker Fired
  • Barrel Length: 4.6″
  • Capacity: 10+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Black
  • Front Sight: Fixed
  • Length: 7.9
  • Rear Sight: Fixed
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 1.55 lbs

9- GLOCK – G30S 3.78IN 45 ACP GAS NITRIDE



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As I said before there is almost no list without Glock, so here comes our Glock G30S concealed carry .45 ACP handgun.

If you decide finally that you have to buy a Glock than go for it. Perfect gun not sure for every need and every type of user.

The external finish is cool and its grip is very comfortable for a soft hand, don’t think that because of its compactness, you will face some issue in holding it but instead of this, it can be easily held in any type of hand.

Use to carry secretly and also some fun at the shooting range. Easiest gun to assemble and disassemble hardly 5-6 parts are in the gun and can be done so fastly, easy to clean and maintain it. This is very small as compared to Glock 9 mm concealed carry guns.

The magazine is remarkably easy to load, with a double-sided button to allow compression of the spring. No matter what the size but every Glock has an option to mount some attachments on the top or bottom rail. Since this is not for everyone but you will definitely like this after using it. Glock’s best .45 pistol ever used.

ITEM DETAILS

  • Barrel Length: 3.78″
  • Capacity: 10+1-Round
  • Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
  • Finish: Gas Nitride
  • Length: 6.97″
  • Muzzle: Plain
  • Rear Sight: Fixed
  • Stock Material: Polymer
  • Weight: 1.43 lbs

Before going to best .45 pistol have a look at the important features:-

Construction

The important thing to worry about, the material used in the gun for durability. Fully metal constructed gun the first option but sometimes it is a bit pricey so polymer-framed gun are not bad and looks good. And due to polymer, the handgrip is also awesome and fit in the hand and also decrease the weight up to 40% than full metal made gun.

Pricing

Since the higher, the use of 9 mm means that the bullets should be available at much quantity and this also lowers the cost of the product. Availability is always in the market not like other .45 ACPs. It costs near about 35% low cost than ACPs. If you are buying it a bulk then you will also get at a lower price and may have some discounts too.

Barrel length- 

This is important as the shorter the barrel total length will also decrease. But there is some disadvantage that now they have a shorter range on the other hand in the case of self-defense the distance is always less than 25 yards so that enough distance a small gun can fire.

Trigger

This should be above fine and soft so that low pressure can also be used to fire the trigger and for the longer use it give advantage too, this also increases the accuracy of shooting.

Grips

One of the most important thing which need to be good and can fit in the hand to hold it strongly. Even in the concealed carry gun, the grip should be good and enough in size to increase maneuverability.

Capacity and Maintenance

Capacity is some time very important in the condition of self-defense and it gives relief than loading it frequently. At least 10+ rounds should be at single reloading. If we talk about the maintenance part then it should be easy and not required it after every day of shooting.

Recoil

Simply. as everyone knows this should be minimized or very less to increase the accuracy and stability of the gun. The low recoil pistol always helps the new user to pull the trigger. In .45 pistol the problem of recoil is low but not in every gun some have much more to reload the next ammo if AR into the chamber.

Final Verdict

After taking lots of time in research and own experience I must say these best .45 pistol are like a beast. As there is a lot of advantage of .45 over 9 mm but it is totally upon you that which one you choose. In my list, there is a lot of best .45 pistol every one has its own property and use.

I hope you find the gun of your need with the help from this guide. For self-defense, this is the best option and if you have a problem with the size you can choose the short barrel handguns also.

Happy Hunting!

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