45 ACP for Self Defense - Legend or Lame

In our series of self-defense handgun cartridges, we come to the .45 ACP. Introduced in the US Army's Model 1911, this cartridge has been a mainstay in this country for more than 100 years, serving in every major conflict since World War I and is still in service with both military and police units as well as civilian self-defense. Is the big .45 a manstopping Legend or is it Lame as so many 9mm proponents label it today?

[@kylewood8327]

If the .45 ACP has been working since 1911, I’d say yes it’s a very valid self defense option.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

My favorite.

[@M2fiftycal]

I mean, 9mm parabellum is actually older than 45 ACP by a few years, so the same could be said for that as well.

[@kylewood8327]

@@M2fiftycal 👍🏻 and the .45 Colt even older yet.

[@slypperyfox]

@@kylewood8327 My favorite revolver is a double action which shoots .45 Colt and .45 Auto via moon clips

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

@@slypperyfox but you never CARRY it, so what good is it, really, hmm?

[@danthompson1467]

45 is how us old guys roll 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

that does'nt mean that you know anything. In fact, the contrary is true

[@rburrows7786]

Two world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and still carried by SF operators today. I love my 9mm, .357s, but if shtf and I’m down to one pistol, it’s my series 70 Colt 1911 every day

[@ronalddunne3413]

tough choice, right? I know what you mean tho... Combat Commander...

[@jeffbetts4254]

45acp rules.

[@permanenceaesthetic6545]

Thoroughly enjoying this series. As a young guy, it pays to hear from the “been there, done that” crowd. Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks

[@taylorharbin3948]

Agreed. We are boarded with so many choices it’s mind numbing at times.

[@007Chancellor]

I am a Fudd (Fatal Urban Dealer of Death) as well. 🤣😉 I compete in a Defensive Pistol competition every month. Most months I win - or at least place in the top three. And I am the ONLY shooter there with a .45 1911. It just leaves the plastic fantastic 9mm kids (I am also the oldest guy there - by a lotta years) befuddled and kinda angry. 🤣😂Last month, I had a head shot that was barely creasing the edge of the scoring ring and one of the kids said, "Lucky you were shooting a .45!" I said, "No...that's WHY I shoot a .45." 😎👍

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Keep teaching the new generation!

[@LibertysetsquareJack]

I'm in my late '30s: am I a younger Fudd, or an old non-Fudd with Fudd affinity? 😂 Seriously though, I don't know why/how listening to guys with experience became "not cool." Even when I was in my early twenties, it didn't make sense to me.

[@BrassCatcher365]

​@LibertysetsquareJack I'm right there with you. I'm turning 29 soon and have ALWAYS sought out wisdom from the "elders". My peers might have had interesting ways of looking at things, but the fudds knew how things really worked.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

@@BrassCatcher365 FUDD power!

[@BrassCatcher365]

@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb lol yes sir!

[@ronmccants8678]

Guess I’m a Fudd too, I got into an argument with my son about 5 years ago and he bragged about his H&K 45 acp. My personal experience began with war returns that were referred to as old rattle traps, but were plentiful. My experience was not in law enforcement instead more of an urban nature. I told my son that until he shot a 1911 he’d never shot a 45 acp. I too own a Gold Cup that was purchased new in 1961 brand new for $106, that included a box of reloads and tax. As a machinist and mechanic ( retired) I was completely fascinated by the genius of JM Browning. There’s nothing that comes close, in fact every self loading semi auto pistol made today takes cues from the 1911. You’re absolutely correct about the ammo available, however because of the barrel feed ramps on the original 45’s the case has to be beefed up. 1911’s chambered in anything else uses a completely different ramping system that supports the +P . The beauty of these 1911’s is with experience in the pistol itself, tuning and and a few other enhancements these guns are unbeatable. I won that argument with my son and have built and customized 7 full size and 1 Officer . I don’t carry any of my 1911’s , as I feel they’d be rendered as evidence should I ever have to defend myself, that’s what striker fired polymer guns are for ( kinda like disposable lighter’s) Just another Fudd, there’s nothing better.

[@michaelboss7321]

Yep, Tupperware is cheap and readily available. If one is lost or damaged it's no big deal.

[@michaelboss7321]

I've got a 1911 chambered in 45 ACP and one in 38 Super. I like them both and sometimes carry them but I usually carry revolvers. I guess I'm just old school and carry what both by father and grandfather carried when they were in law enforcement. I carry what I shoot well and have confidence in.

[@boostimalaka1]

In the Police Academy during Defensive Tactics training. We watched a video of a Texas DPS Trooper fire a single shot from his Sig Sauer P220 .45 A.C.P. Service Pistol on an older skinny intoxicated man. The Trooper said he just fired a big .45 hollowpoint pointblank and reholstered his weapon. It took a good Samaritan to help the Trooper get him in cuffs. The Texas DPS had many failures with the P220, different ammunition was used and the issues were still experienced. The Texas DPS switched to the .357 Sig P226 and it was a huge difference.

[@johnharris8191]

I will take Glock over Sig and HK over Glock.

[@jona5517]

Sure

[@johnharris8191]

Police shot a man 27 times in Florida with 9mm and they had to cuff him

[@hoag2531]

😂I’m a Fudd! The 9mm has been around longer than the .45, but younger generation calls me a Fudd😂😂😂 I routinely carry both, depending on circumstances… can’t go wrong with with if using premium self defense ammo… but ultimately, I’m a 1911 guy.

[@djhogan9399]

A 45 Auto pistol is hard to beat!

[@shanman1382]

Hollowpoints vs Ball, both will mess you up!!!😊

[@shanman1382]

Like all our great service men and women say "They All Fall With Ball!!!" 😊

[@SwindleTV]

My exact thoughts 💪🏾

[@csipawpaw7921]

I'm a retired L.E.O and C.S.I.with over 30 years of experience. Back in the late 80s I went back and read all the old F.B.I. reports on every officer involved shooting I could find along with every other record I could find. There were several hundreds of them. What struck me in those reports were the statements of people who were shot and survived. One common example was a California cop who took nine rounds of 9mm in the chest fired from a Browning High power at about 20 feet. He said he saw the flashes but did not fill a single hit! He was not wearing a vest. He realized he was shot when he stopped to reload his 38 caliber revolver. He said, as he was reloading he suddenly realized he had dropped to his knees. He then saw the blood on his chest! Another common comment from people who were shot by a 45 ACP or 40 caliber pistol was that they knew instantly when they were shot. That it felt like getting hit by a sledge hammer! After reading several hundred reports it became clear that people shot with a projectile over .40 caliber almost always feel it and those shot with smaller caliber pistol rounds seldom feel it. As for pistol caliber carbines, I believe the advantage is not so much with more power but rather with the greater accuracy achieved from a shouldered weapon.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

You hit it on the head with PCCs, they allow you to make easy 25-50 yard shots, if that is necessary. Something few can accomplish with a handgun in a stressful situation.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

I know a lady in my town that was shot by her husband in a murder suicide attempt. He shot her 5 times with a 1911 loaded with 230gr black talons. 4 rounds to her body and one to her head before he turned the gun on himself. She did not die and made a full recovery, I still see her around town occasionally. Bottom line is that all pistol rounds are weak.

[@randymathewson7939]

I'm not disagreeing with ur overall thoughts. However I know of a guy who was shot with a 45, was standing there when it happened. We all thought it was a miss, until a cple minutes later. "Hey Jim, you got a hole in ur shirt". "And hey here's a speck of blood". When he realized he'd been hit, he fainted. Luckily, a through and through, no vitals and he was fine. So for the sake of Devils Advocate, it can happen.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

@@randymathewson7939 In the Police Marksman study I referred to in the video one of the questions was "what was the subject's reaction to being shot?" The most common answer circled was "no reaction at all." That was the same across all calibers. As I said, ALL handguns are feeble compared to a 5.56mm or 7.62x51 NATO.

[@Lee-rq1ek]

Retired LEO here and former Homicide Division Crime Scene Unit Investigator, as well. I remember a man taking many 9MM rounds from police weapons and still going to court for trial. I carried 45 ACP in 1911 and a Sig Sauer P220 for many years then went to 40 caliber.

[@Mrelindio42]

I am a FUDD! I started as a LEO in 1964 and have been through the .38 Spcl., .357, .45 ACP., and 9mm eras. The most accurate pistol I have ever owned was a stock 1911. The most accurate revolver was a S&W Mod. 27 in .357. Both were stolen in a burglary years ago. I even had a .380 Walther PPK/S which was stolen in the same burglary. Shot placement is the most important thing about any self-defense shooting, but you have to have a weapon you can handle with you. My current choice for pocket carry is a Sig 365 with a 12-round mag. It is small enough to hide and light enough to not drag your pants off. When I head for the high country, I usually carry a G 20 in a chest pack and have a Winchester Trapper Model .44 Magnum for serious problems. Don't ask what I have around the house! I really enjoy your videos and you have a lot of FUDD experience to back them up. I hope the Gunshop Commandos don't ever encounter trained Infantry soldiers!

[@kesselster]

The word can be applied in one of two ways: 1. to invalidate a shooter's hunting experience when he applies to martial shooting; 2. to refer to a gunowner who supports the Second Amendment only so far as his sense of who should be able to bear arms, or, of what type of arms.

[@michaellavaughnrobinson]

Im a 28 year old fudd, its either a glock 30 .45 acp or a CA bulldog 44 special.

[@zacharydalton8132]

Young fudd gang!!!

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

I was issued a Beretta 92FS as a new cop. Then my department authorized .45’s, so I carried a Hk USP .45 for 6 years. I went back to a 9mm with a Glock 17 and the 19-round magazine. I never looked back…. Until, I discovered a Glock 22 (.40) with the factory 22-round magazine. It’s my favorite load for duty.

[@ricosuave7102]

Why is it your favorite? The magazine quantity or you just like shooting it?

[@TisiphonesShadow]

I've been a cop for almost 30 years. As a CSI I've been to a LOT of autopsies.... and because of what I saw I'm good with the 45ACP.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

@@TisiphonesShadow Can’t go wrong with it. Can’t really go wrong with any of the big 3. They all terminate bad guys very well.

[@boostimalaka1]

@@colt10mmsecurity68The Sergeant from Skokie Illinois had a Glock 21 using Speer Gold Dot 230 grain ammunition. He was down on his last magazine. The bad guy was not on drugs or alcohol. Just a determined criminal that finally stopped after getting three hits to his head. The Sergeant switched to a Glock 17 9mm. My department had the +2 Glock baseplate for our Glock 19 pistols. We had a report of an officer experiencing a problem with his +2 come off dumping the ammunition from his pistol. The 33 round magazines was a good addition to my G19!

[@adambinner4922]

The NY State Police transitioned to .45acp from .45gap I believe back in 2017. In Upstate NY, many law enforcement agencies are still running .45acp and there are no plans of switching anytime soon. The agency I work for now actually just switched from 9mm to 45acp which I support 100%.

[@stephenjake2021]

Thats good to hear man. Its funny how even 10 years ago it was all about 45, now its 9. I wonder if the preference in LE will ever go back to the larger pistol cals. Personally, i love my 45 my dad gifted me. And living in a state with magazine capacity bans, why not have the larger caliber

[@boostimalaka1]

My Agency was getting brand new Glock 38 pistols for our G19 pistols. The Glock rep was telling me of a female trooper in upstate survive a domestic call. She took a hit from a Muzzleloader and returned fire. The bad guy said “Oh that’s going to hurt!”. That was the first time the Glock G.A.P. was used by the Troopers. The Speer 200 grain Gold Dot did have a good one shot stop record with the Troopers when they carried the G37.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

⁠@@boostimalaka1 Not correct. The 45 GAP 200 grain Speer GDHP was a great round. And there were plenty of 1 shot stops in the 10 years it was carried. Including one I lived through 😮 NYSP transitioned to 45 ACP because of cost and availability, not effectiveness of the GAP. The only problem with the GAP was that it was a wildcat and never gained popularity. And yes that story about the female trooper is true. It happened up in the north country about 16 years ago.

[@boostimalaka1]

@@MDR-hn2yz Glad you survived it! I recall a Trooper getting in a roll around on a Sunday afternoon by the Sunken Meadow and Southern State. The Trooper fired one shot as he was fighting with the bad guy. Two good Samaritans ran over to assist. The bad guy ran about a 100 yards to escape and dropped dead from a center mass hit. I believe the O.I.S. involved shootings with the Troopers was 13 at the time. The escaped convict took two hits at 50 yards on the run. Shot Placement!

[@MDR-hn2yz]

@@boostimalaka1 agreed. I don’t advocate for people carrying mouse guns, but I would argue that the 2 worst single shot bullet wounds i have seen were from small caliber handguns: a 22 magnum and a 380. Shot placement is key.

[@Jameskenomis3]

I have owned pretty much every caliber of handgun over the years. We would go out to my buddies scrapyard, and shoot at old cars that were going to be crushed. We noticed that the 45 ACP would often times bounce off of windshields. Meanwhile, the other handgun calibers would zip right through every time. I think it was just too slow for that use. In MY opinion the 45 ACP is good for soft targets, but it is definitely not good for barrier penetration. I am also a major hog hunter. 45 ACP FMJ zips through a hog, but the 45 ACP hollow points are unimpressive compared to other caliber … when it comes to large hogs. All of this is what I noticed, and is my opinion. I love the 45 due to its historical value. It’s just not my carry caliber because of many reasons. Love the channel. Thanks for the work of creating this channel. God bless y’all.

[@analogueoverdigital929]

What's your opinion on .40SW

[@evilcat7698]

My first handgun was also a 1911. When I was 13 I convinced my dad to buy a Colt 80 series Gov. Model, it was mine the day I turned two years ago. Wish I knew the difference between the 70 and 80 series then but oh well. It also galls me when people use the term fudd to refer to anyone who likes older guns as opposed to people who think guns should be restricted by features. I've been called a fudd multiple for the sin of preferring hammer fired pistols.

[@rburrows7786]

I agree. That’s because most are too ignorant to know what Fudd actually means. I’m 74, Vietnam vet, I own every caliber and type of weapon there is, and I still get called Fudd by these ignorant millennials. I’m gonna start calling them Barbies. Because unless it’s plastic and holds 900 rounds, they won’t touch it. If you can get a series 70 get it. Big difference between that and the 80. Colt had one on sale a few years ago, they did a retro classic of the original 70 series. I bought one and it’s fantastic

[@PPISAFETY]

Dick, good to see you making videos. When I started as an LEO in 1980 we used the Winchester 158 grain LSWC-HP +P in our 2-inch and 4-inch revolvers. They were always predictable, everyone could shoot it well, and I think that is one reason it was so effective. When our city went to the SIG P226 loaded with 1st Generation 147 grain 9mm JHP's. we actually experienced a reduction in performance and a lot of us wanted our .38's back. It has been interesting to see the improvement in 9mm duty loads since those days. I consider the 9mm, like you said, to be "adequate".I've also carried the .40 on duty as well as the .357 SIG, and I think both are great rounds, and if I were back on patrol I'd slightly rather have either one of those over the 9mm, but I understand why today's agencies have moved away from those two. But there is a special place in my heart for the .45 ACP, probably because I've shot it so much since I was a teenager. It may not be the "best" cartridge but it is what I like. If that makes me a Fudd, so be it.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Fudds of a feather ...

[@swkohnle08]

Very informative video. I carry a 5" Kimber TLE II in 45 acp and have for a long time. I shoot this gun well; it has proven very reliable, and I stake my life and the life of my wife on this gun. To carry concealed a 5" 1911 requires a good gun belt and holster. I prefer a leather IWB and a Kore Essentials leather gun belt. That and always carry a spare magazine. Training regularly is also important when you choose a 1911 as a carry gun. Some may think I am a "fud" for carrying a 1911 in 45, but I have never cared what other people think. The 1911 works for me, your mileage may vary. Thanks again for your informative content.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad you liked the video. I prefer the Commander sized model with alloy frame, a 1/2 pound lighter. I picked up a Kore belt at the NRA convention this year and love it.

[@allenw969]

I first fired a 1911 in .45 ACP in 1971, during training for duty carry in the U. S. Navy. Over the years I have experimented with and owned a variety of handgun designs. Semi-autos include striker fired, DA/SA, and single action only. The 5” Kimber Custom TLE ii in .45 ACP has the best trigger for me. It is smooth, precise, and predictable. I recently found some low velocity 230 gr round nose designed for Cowboy Action shooting, and I have been using it because of the considerably reduced recoil.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

TMI

[@mtacoustic1]

Hard to argue with a caliber that's been reliable and effective for over 110 years.

[@bjung8858]

I think the .45 was adopted because some old Fuds from the Spanish-American War in the Philippines remembered that the .45LC was more effective stopping drugged up Moros than a .38 S&W. To me, the .45acp is close enough in power to the .45LC to be called the auto version of it.

[@Gaspard129]

It's actually not an accident that .45 acp and .45 LC are close in performance. The military brass case .45 pistol cartridge begins with the .45 Schofield, which was a 230gr bullet loaded to about 750fps. When they switched to .45 LC and the Colt 1873, they kept that basic load of 230gr bullet at 750 to 850fps. When the Thompson-Lagarde tests finished and recommended a .45 caliber bullet for a new pistol cartridge, Colt used basis to develop the .45 acp, and working with military on the details, landed on a 230gr bullet at 850fps. There is developmental lineage there that is the reason they're so similar.

[@daleweller5193]

I’m 79 and I’m definitely a 45 FUDDLED kind of guy. Some of the agencies on the east coast said that the 45 gap put people down a lot faster than the 9s or 40s.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

Don’t listen to cops, listen to ER surgeons in big city hospitals. We judge by where it is(most important) then what it was(pistol, rifle or shotgun). Human bodies don’t react like ballistic gel or soda jugs. You either hit something that matters, or you make a hole. How do you think people get hit 5 times and survive without a problem?

[@johnharris8191]

The bigger the hole you put in a boat, the faster it sinks.

[@kentuckyboy541]

Eagerly awaiting the next in this series. Excellent content.

[@thealsatian4232]

I have an old S&W 29 4 inch that I carried for a number of years when Remington made a 1000 fps load with a very soft 240 gr swaged bullet. This was in the early 1980s and I found that load to be comfortable to shoot and it had less blast than many loads. This gun has digested thousands of rounds of.44 Special Skeeter handloads. Never gave me a minute of trouble. We wore flap holsters in Houston in those days and an N frame revolver was not a burden. Later I switched to a 1911 because it was easier to carry both on and off duty with one of my friend Bruce Nelson’s thin Summer Special holsters.

[@user-ie6yd7pr8o]

Enjoyed your discussion of the 45 ACP. I'm half way through my 7th decade of life and I started shooting the 1911 while I was still in high school and it's still l my 1st choice of a pistol cartridge. I did two back to back tours in Vietnam (69 - 71) and although the 1911 wasn't an option for me, I would have chosen it over any other pistol caliber. If I couldn't have a 45, my next choice would be a 10mm. I've shot both in the 1911 frame and didn't think that the 10mm produced that much of a harsh recoil with a steel framed 1911. Thanks again for a good discussion!

[@HWG-wm8ld]

Sure ya did.

[@leeburks4540]

Same age here, just got a .45 auto rifle in AR platform. I was dinging a one foot square of steel offhand at @ 96 yards, 3 out of 3 shots. Romeo 5 red dot co-witnessed to the iron sights. Otherwise I shoot my Colt series 80 1911. Love em both.

[@BaetaJose]

Thank you once more for sharing your knowledge with us! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rogerwood5228]

Enjoying the table side commentary. It's appreciable not to have to wade through a bunch of fluff. I started carrying during the 90s-00s Clinton AWB, so 1911s was the direction I went. I carry it all these days, 9mm, 40, 357 sig, 10mm etc.... but 45 still is my go to home defense round.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad you enjoy!

[@Alltracavenger]

As a newly minted 40-something, I think that a lot of my peers(and younger) put a lot of stock in the 'next big thing' and tend to take only snippets of the wisdom of people who had been there and done that to heart. My first semiauto was an Auto-Ord 1911 that a buddy sold me for a good deal. It was a bit of a dumpster fire, but it shot reasonably well and it was what I had. I worked alone at a retail store at night, and I was able to carry so that 1911 stuck with me. There were a couple of 'pucker factor' incidents where I was very glad I had that 1911. If that makes me a fudd, well, I'll grab that hunting cap on my way out to go looking for rascally wabbits. I might have gravitated towards the 9x19 these days, but I don't disparage or snub the .45ACP. One of my bucket list guns is the HK MK23; it might be a behemoth of a pistol and I may have played more than my fair share of video games in high school, but I shot one in my early 20s and I was putting groups in paper at 50yd that I struggled to make with other handguns at 25yd. Plus, it'll run .45 Super out of the box. :D Thanks for sharing this info. These are very informative videos.

[@christophermccormick2714]

I’m very happy that I discovered your videos! You are only a few years older than me but you were a part of those formative years after I became interested in firearms in the early ‘70s. So glad that you’re making videos!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@grantorino2009]

This channel is remarkable. Liked, and happily subscribed. Been following your writings for years, sir. Glad to have discovered your channel tonight.

[@pauljenkins6877]

This was a really good discussion, filled with solid logic and good data.

[@user-xq8hs7qt5x]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@user-zx7ts9qb6m]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Honest information based on fact. Refreshing to view your presentation as opposed to the others based merely on trend.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigandy2109]

Definitely enjoying your videos, can't wait to hear your thoughts on the 40SW,

[@elnach3240]

Smith and Wesson 45 Shield. I love it for CCW.

[@kevinmuirhead6291]

I also have the Shield M2.0 45 and it’s the most accurate pistol I have. Its recoil is very manageable also. In fact, when I shot it the first time I thought I had a squib load. S&W got the recoil spring tuned right in this pistol. I’m shooting Underwood Extreme Defender 135 gr. +p ammo for self defense.

[@elnach3240]

@@kevinmuirhead6291 yes it is amazingly manageable for a .45, and very concealable.

[@cluckbent6466]

i had one, but it would hang up on hollow points so i got rid of it and got a g30.

[@CeltKnight]

You make an excellent point. One pistol round may be a tad "better" than another, arguably, but none of them put anyone down like a rifle round can. Every defensive handgun caliber has failed to stop a threat fast enough. And every "weak" little mouse-gun cartridge has dropped someone on the spot. It really is all about where you hit someone, way more than it is a question of what they are hit with. All that said, I like my 9x19s hot, my .45s heavy, and really prefer my magnums. Great channel, Sir. New subscriber. I'm a retired cop too and was my department's gun-guy. Thanks for what you did and what you do.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks for your service, too ... and the subscription!

[@johnbaldwin2904]

Love these videos, very in depth technical analysis.

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

lol. you gotty be KIDDING

[@johnbaldwin2904]

@user-ci2mn1oy3w , learn to spell please! "gotty" 🤣​@@user-ci2mn1oy3w

[@jwgbmp40]

Let me just say... Iam 53, When your yt channel popped up, I was like, I think I remember reading his articles in gun mags, long prior the internet.. I bought a colt mk iv series 80 in 1989, loved it but it liked to stove pipe. It was stolen around '91. For yeeaarrss I bought other handguns, as I felt them to be better options. Only this last year did I realize as my kids were raised and gone I had some "play" monies. Ive always been very utilitarian regarding firearm purchases. I found on yt the Tisas 1911a1 clone. I could not find a bad review. I bought it and I friggen love it so much, I bought 2 more. I have put a 20lbs wilson combat spring and 8rd WC mags. I shoot the 230g federal ball and the 255g buffalo bore hard cast. This baby chews em up and hits where I point it! I have come back to the 45. It sets beside the other all around go to 357... you cannot beat what you know. I have played with alot of niche or wildcats, but the 45, 357, 9mm, 06, 308, cannot be beat for your average "proHo" .

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

The more basic a 1911, the better it works. My next series will cover the 1911 from then to today.

[@rjo8500]

That absolutely sucks your gun was stolen. Curious, was it a burglary? Did they penetrate the safe? I worry about this.

[@jwgbmp40]

@rjo8500 I was a twenty year old dumbass and had it locked in my jeep at the barracks.. I was deploying and my folks were driving my jeep home...

[@jwgbmp40]

@rjo8500 it was 33 yrs ago as well.. nowadays I have a safe but I couldnt take it on the boat fishing, so my other guns were lost when I tipped the boat over reaching for my beer.

[@rjo8500]

@@jwgbmp40 lol

[@davidslesinski4761]

Great work on this series so , merry Christmas to you and your family 🇺🇸👍

[@meatwauder4387]

Awesome channel this is a real cool channel I just found this gem ❤

[@JustDefense]

Love the content.

[@blainecolbry3192]

Just found your channel, great job, very informative.

[@recklessrt]

I head up our church security detail. My favorite gun that I shoot best is an Ed Brown Kobra Carry a 45 ACP Commander pistol. The round that seems to work best: reliability, precision, and accuracy is the 185 grain one. The defense loads I use for church are Hornaday's critical defense in 185 grains. Im a bit concerned about over penetration, so I carry the Critical Defense rather than Critical Duty. Great review BTW!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Sounds like you have a well-reasoned choice for your needs. Your church is well protected.

[@rjo8500]

When the shtf always a good idea to have your favorite pistol in your hand.

[@mfallen6894]

Illinois man, eh? I feel your pain... lol. Let's hope the federal courts restore our rights sooner than later! Anyway, I just picked up my first .45acp from the FFL today: M&P 2.0 full size. Came with two 10rd mags and I picked up two 14rd mags bringing my cost just shy of $700 after tax/transfer and the mag cost ($45 a piece!) When I saw that total I thought "should have just spent a little more and bought a nice 1911" but then I wouldn't have the capacity of a compact 9mm... Shoots nice, put a couple of boxes of Win White 230 ball through it this afternoon to break it in. Ran all 100rds with no issues aside from stiff mag springs, had just enough push to be fun without needing to bear-down for accuracy like I need to with the big bore magnums. Glad I bought it, and I'm just trawling for .45acp content to justify my purchase when I found your channel. Really informative, pleasant ~20min watch. Earned my sub! Looking forward to seeing some more! Take care

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks for the sub! I think you'll be happy with your M&P .45.

[@weldonhudson5535]

Just found your channel! Thanks for your rational and thoughtful content!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad you like it.

[@gradybird3336]

My buddy and I shoot often against steel hanging spinners, from large to very small. We've both carried 9mm 1911s for a while, but seeing the effect on steel of the .45 acp has converted us both. It just hits noticeably harder. John Browning knew his stuff.

[@revv45acp71]

Educational. Thanks!

[@themudshark1106]

I have a friend who was a MASH Medic in the Korean War. He saw body's hit with the 230 grain .45 ACP hardball round and he said it blew big holes out of their backs.

[@Oldspartan65]

Yea but did it blow their lungs out to.

[@AMXSShirt]

Thanks for the work. Recently former IL guy (Tremont /Pekin area) Also started with .45 ACP. Still like it today.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks for the kind words ... you're right around the corner from me.

[@jamespmullin21753]

I carry 38 Special, 357 mag, 44 mag, 45 Colt, 454 and 500. I also carry 22 mag, 7.62x25, 9mm, 357 Sig, 40 s&w and10mm. I shoot 22lr-416 Ruger. Proud Fudd who can still kick your arse. Golly gee.

[@Tdream8]

Really like both the .45 ACP and the .45 Colt rounds. Besides 1911s, I also have a Springfield Armory XD-E in .45 ACP which can carry 6 or 7 depending on mag in a nice DA/SA setup with 3.3 “ barrel similar to your XD-S and shoots very accurately. Thanks for the discussion and sharing.

[@johnclark5695]

Good presentation. I taught firearms in the military and as a career law enforcement officer. My series 70 Colt was in a shoulder holster under my "cruiser" jacket when I was a trooper in Alaska. The .45ACP is truly under appreciated. There is a great deal of unrealized potential. The .45 SMC loading eclipse the 10mm by a substantial margin. As I begin my 8th decade my trusty series 70 Colt is close at hand. I bought it brand new in 1970.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thank you for your service!

[@dwayneroberts6616]

I have had 10mm pistols 9mm pistols and 357. I carry a 45 acp now. Always wanted one but everytime I was going to buy one I talked myself into something else. I carry it for protection from bad guys and black bears. I know the 45 isn't really a good bear gun but I feel it will do the job as the bears in my area are black bear and the largest is about 600 lbs. I do have 14 round capacity so I feel pretty confident. If you look at the survival rate of people hit by the 45 acp it's pretty low. As a matter of fact it has the highest mortality rate for pistol ammo. Once again not many people survive getting hit by that caliber.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

With a good penetrator bullet, the .45 should do all you need.

[@ultra3535]

45 super is what I use

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍 very well done, thanks.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

I really enjoy this series. I have carried a 45 on duty for the past 15 years. I carried a 45 GAP for about 10 years and it was a great round. Mine was reliable, accurate and I was involved in a 1 shot stop with one. We transitioned to 45 ACP about 5 years ago because of the cost & lack of availability of GAP ammunition. I am not anti-9. I carry one off duty quite a bit. But there is something comforting about a 45 to me.

[@wyominggunproject]

I am reloading 45 ACP as I watch this. 🤣 Remember “They all fall to hardball” 🤠

[@larrygibson9273]

I was an Army MP, and the 1911s we were issued in Basic, were so loose that I felt like I could field strip it by shaking hard, and barrels seemed like they were almost smoothbore, but other than Basic, I qualified Expert with pistols everytime, and I missed Expert then because my Drill Sergeant told me that .45 ACP wouldn't drop at 50m. Saddest day of my life was turning in our 1911s for M-9s... .45 ACP still has a place in my heart, but carry 9mms now, for ammo compatibility with others and price.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

40 is hands down better than 45. The 40 is the best duty caliber ever made. 40 is a high pressure round that makes 400-500 foot pounds of energy. 45 and 9 are generally 350-400 and are speed and bullet weight sensitive. They ether don’t expand and over penetrate or over expand and under penetrate. These two really need to be matched with the right bullet and right barrel length for it. 40 not so, nearly every make, style, and weight expand properly and hit that 12-18” depth requirement.

[@TheRealZJE313]

Bullshit. Who are we to believe u are the people who have Actually shot people in battle like in Vietnam

[@ryanranard5187]

🤣

[@wfjr997]

You must like the 40 😂

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

@@wfjr997 yep, I love 40. Like I said 40 is the best duty caliber for full sized guns, I prefer 9mm is small micro carry guns though.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Thanks for the review and thoughts based on your experience. I really like the Federal HST loads for my 40 S&W and I've seen great reviews of the 45 ACP 230 grain version as well - they expand and penetrate about as "perfect" as can be expected from a pistol round. I find the 45 easy to shoot well and the muzzle blast isn't like a .357 Mag.

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

whats "shooting well' to you? Can you do a bill drill in 2 seconds from ccw, on an actual electronic shot timer? No, the 230 gr jhps do NOT expand well in flesh and blood. I can prove this anytime you'd like to bet a year's pay on it. What happens in jello is irrelevant. The makers of the gelatin will TELL you that it has no relationship to shooting live targets. They say it's ONLY for comparison of various loads do in JELLO. that's all You KNOW that soldiers lie their asses off about everything ELSE, so why believe them about the 45? almost none of them ever saw anyone shot with a .45 PISTOL. Some of the Korea war vets may have see some small, exhausted, starving men show with the Grease gun or the Thompson.

[@brandiwynter]

Very interesting, this was my first time hearing about hollow point wadcutter bullets, I had to stop the video and go read more about them. When I first started in law enforcement I carried a GP100 because I couldn't afford a semi auto and a fellow officer offered me the GP until I could get my own. Revolvers had pretty much faded out of use by then but in my state if you qualified with a revolver during the academy, you were qualified to carry either the revolver or the semi auto but if you chose a semi auto to qualify with you had to qualify again with a revolver to be able to carry one on or off duty. Seemed logical to me to knock out two birds with one stone. During my time there was a mass Exodus from the 9mm because of its poor performance. Officers were switching to .40S&W or going back to the .45acp. My chief switched from 9mm to .45acp and sold me his old S&W59. He went with the newest S&W at the time but I don't recall the model. Probably a 4506 or something. I carried the 9mm for a few years but the ballistic reputation really bothered me so I ended up selling the 9mm and switching to a Glock 21 .45acp. It was a big brick of a gun but it was very accurate, extremely reliable and I never once worried about whether my .45acp round would let me down. I still have a G21 I shoot occasionally.

[@nomorerainbows]

If you look at the Ammoland study of *every known case* of handguns vs bear attacks, no caliber .40 or larger handgun has ever failed to stop an attack (provided the defender actually scored a hit). So I would say that .45 acp is A-ok for the task.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I agree. The success rate of the Ammoland study is amazing. Even non-fatal hits seem the change the focus of a charging predator.

[@Sniperfox1]

I carry an XD-S in .45 acp also. Excellent handgun and easy to conceal. I had an XD-S in 9mm also but my wife carries it now.

[@kevinrichardson8859]

Another XDS 45 fan..have 2 twins...carry XDS 45 with a couple spare mags in off pocket and feel VERY comfortable going about my daily activities 👍

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I had that happen with a Glock 43 and my wife ... they steal more than your heart!

[@craigmcdonald6305]

Not a fan of the XD-S trigger.

[@kevinrichardson8859]

@craigmcdonald6305 XDS triggers can be worked nicely...they aren't target pistols (but extremely accurate for a 3.3 inch barrel....for a self defense gun a light match trigger isn't necessary

[@CharlesNicholson-iu9sw]

I carry my XDs often and have either Federal HST 230 grain JHP or DRT 150 grain JHP ammo and it is a great defense weapon for sure! 💯

[@silvercreekslim6008]

Great shirt. TR!

[@dennisl4000]

Great discussion. The 45 is a very accurate and effective round. Today with the improvement in the popular defensive cartages, pay your money and take your pick.

[@tscherry70]

I'm also a believer in the .38 spl 158gr LSWCHP load. Buffalo Bore has a load that goes 1k fps / 351 ft lbs out of a 2 inch barrel which is very respectable. Glad to hear you mention it.

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

respectable, you mean. Why dont you TIME getting 5 hits with it in .80 second with that load and a J frame 38, timed first shot to last, on an actual shot timer. I can easily do that with a pocket 9mm and the 50 gr, 2000 fps Liberty arms solid copper hp? You'll be lucky to get it done in twice that time. There's nothing special about the effect of such a load. I'ts only got 350 ft lbs and it'll over penetrate a man. 1000 fps is the MINIMAL veloocity to expect reliable expansion of a .36 bore lhp. My 9mm, in a velcroed-in kydex holster, looks just like a wallet in my front pants pocket. A .38 snub so-carried makes you look like a potato-smuggler

[@tscherry70]

@@user-ci2mn1oy3w I'm not Jerry Miculek, but I'd argue it's possible to do. However, this former FBI load does have a special effect which I'll summarize below from another's actual testing: The Buffalo Bore 158 loads use pretty much the softest bullets you can get. I have tested them through 4 layer denim and 3" guns and about 75% of the time they expanded to between .57-.60 and go 14-15" in clear ballistics gel. About 25% of the time they only expand a tiny bit and penetrate 19-20" in clear ballistics gel. In bare gel from a 3" they penetrate 12-13" and expand consistently to .67-.69, just shy of .70. They are huge. In bare gel from a 1 7/8 gun they basically get to .65 avg diameter and 12" pen. Again this is the BB standard pressure stuff. The BB 158 +P stuff is an entirely different story. It's a very violent bullet that from a 3" expands to around .70 and drives to around the 16-17" mark. At which point it either stops or occasionally blows its petals off and the base goes to around 20". From what I can tell it's the same bullet they use in the standard pressure stuff. I have also found the BB to be more forgiving of smaller cylinder throats and thread choke than other 158's, in terms of accuracy, I think because they are so soft. Downside is they are muy expensive.

[@scottsymons6152]

My father was in WWII. Army infantry, European theater. Carried a Bazooka. We talked about the 45 he carried. The Germans Luger would hit and exit alot of times. Not always deadly and you could keep on fighting. 45 on the other hand stopped the fight period. Knocked them down or cartwheeled them backwards. Game over. Didn't even have to kill them.

[@appleiphone69]

There is a thing called physics and you spew physics BS. Every action has opposite and equal reaction. If the round had the capability to what you ignorantly spewed, the shooter would have been knocked back 10 feet, going ass over tea kettle.

[@kaytod]

Really enjoying your channel. Look forward to your thoughts on some of the other less popular rounds too.

[@markzuckerberg3128]

Good summary. I'm no gun expert. But i can't remember the first time I shot a 9mm. But I specifically remember the first time I shot a 45 acp. It felt powerful but controllable. Not too snappy like the .357 and not too weak like 9mm. To me, 45 is the most fun to shoot. I know I'd rather be shot by a 9mm then a 45 so 45 is my caliber of choice. I like Federal HST 230 JHP the best. For carry, I like the XDM elite 3.8 inch barrel. My favourite 45 handgun I have is the SAR K2. Very heavy at 37 ounces with all steel frame but an awesome trigger. I have a Glock 21 too that is totally solid.

[@digirole60]

I also use Heine sights exclusively.. top notch. Also a Fudd here. Great video.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thank you.

[@mississippichris]

You FUDD. Me, too. 😀 I bought a Lightweight Commander 43 years ago. I still have it. And I use a Springfield XD-S 45 for EDC. Thanks for your channel. Best regards.

[@ryanchinh1040]

10mm is perfect for self-defense for handgun.

[@rexhinlo3398]

Doesn't matter if it's a 9mm or a .45 ACP. Both are good calibers. SHOT PLACEMENT is more important than the two calibers.

[@robertjude5030]

Like your no frills no bs approach.

[@robktellwild9648]

Accuracy is everything. However, a bigger hole reinforces your insurance policy. 😊

[@waynedavis7245]

We have the XDS chambered in 45 acp . Most people don't know about them. And yes I agree with you about the XDS, it shoots really well. And it is very concealable .

[@ryanh6081]

Same.

[@paullevins5448]

I too am a Fud. I carry a full size 1911 .45. I too cut my teeth on one a Colt 1911 Cbt Commander. In the Army I was an M60 gunner. My side ARM was a Remington 1911. WWII model but in very good condition. Got many Parachute jumps on the Remington. 1/504 82nd Abn. I have a Colt Gold Cup also, and the Colt Competition model. With the Blue Grips. A savage stainless steel 1911 . And my Colt Cmbt. Commander. I TOO AM A Fud and am proud of it. I did get a CZ 75 B Omega from my son on Fathers Day. He Thinks I need good supresive capabilities. I understand his Idea, I tell him I only need to hit once, anywhere on the target. That's my philosophy. Plus I just feel better carrying the 1911 .45. All of mine are all steel. I prefer that too. They are big, heavy, and hurt sometimes to carry, dut I just feel better with it on my hip!! It just seems proper to me. Nothing against the 9mm or its fans, I like my CZ, allot. All steel also. I just feel better with the 1911 .45. Good Program, good presentation. Very Stoic, professional. I enjoyed it. Finally a like-minded 1911 guy!!!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks for the kind words ... M60, eh? We called you guys Pig drivers when I was in 2/17th at Fort Ord a LONG time ago.

[@ianstradian]

I’m a 45acp fan, I own 9 45 caliber handguns, one of these is the XD 45acp tactical. I bought this pistol used for a great price, 13 rounds in a double stack magazine, 5.5 inch barrel, striker fired polymer framed handgun. I fell in love with the XD 45 Tactical, it’s been absolutely reliable, and extremely accurate. It’s a huge handgun, horrible for concealed carry, but I hunt in black bear country, and I use it as a home defense weapon, I mounted a light and might add a red dot soon.

[@lprice804]

You CAN CC an XD 45 Tactical. Just not comfortable to sit with very long. It's my EDC

[@ianstradian]

@@lprice804 I’ve done it, I have Barretta 92s I’ve CCed,,, I prefer my PSA dagger or my Max9. I can CC the Max 9 all day no issues. I drove with a Max 9 Cc for 14 hours once.

[@cdmorrissy3692]

I have a Glock 29 - 10mm, a Glock 26 - 9mm and a 5" 1911 .45 acp. I mostly carry my 1911, loaded with 230 gr. JHP's, which are plenty of power for SD carry. I carry my G-29 when I might need "wild animal" protection and I carry my G-26 when I might need a bit smaller carry pistol to conceal. The .45 is my preferred caliber (in 230 gr.) and even if (for some reason) the bullet fails to expand well, it's still a big bullet hole, and in a 5" 1911 it's a perfect combo. I carry 7+1 and 2 spare 7 round mags, which is enough ammo to handle what may come.

[@montanatacticalhomesteader6623]

So speaking of long range with the ACP, I once shot three rounds at my steel target 275 yards away. After shooting, I put the gun back in the holster and then heard DING!

[@terryfowler6090]

.45 acp saved my ass twice in Nam. That's good enough for me.😊

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

A long-standing personal policy for me ... never argue with success.

[@454FatJack]

🫡🇺🇸

[@georgeriedel9357]

Just love your vds, back in 1968 I saved up and bought a 4 inch Python as my duty weapon, my EDC is a Dan Wesson Guardian with Remington 230 sabers

[@cgsimons1187]

If you are using the old non-bonded Golden Sabers, those performed great. Be aware that Remington changed things with the newer bonded 230gr Golden Sabers. Those have problems expanding. A good alternative with outstanding performance is the 230gr Federal HST.

[@sparkyatlarge]

My favorite carry gun (and I have a few) is my S&W .45 Shield. 7 round mags, one inch thick, 20 oz. You would think it would kick like a mule, but the recoil impulse doesn't bother me a bit. Love the thing. Great trigger from the factory, BTW, as compared to my M&P compact, which I had to put an APEX trigger in If you like .45s try the .45 Shield.

[@louisstaiano4566]

I agree 100% with you sir the 45 Auto is the best defense round ever made

[@davehein7466]

I have two Springfield Armory 1911's. One is a 'GI model', the other has more 'bells & whistles' than the GI model. I've used both in the past as my EDC gun. Now that I'm over 60, my EDC is a Sig Sauer P365XL. The wife also carries a P365XL. There are days (depending on where I have to travel to), that I carry my P365XL on my hip, and the 1911 with 'bells & whistles', in a shoulder holster. Both are carried with 3 spare mags. Good video. Thank you!

[@henrybittle5234]

Kinda funny when guy's say with all the ammo improvement theres not much difference between 9mm and 45acp. Pretty sure they improved both. 45 hits harder. I carry one or the other but

[@larrycorn4508]

I have carried .357, .45acp, and 9mm on duty and off for my entire 30+ years as a law enforcement officer. My all time favourite was the .45 (in a revolver), in my light weight Commander it did the job. I'm now retired and carry a Ruger LCR in .38+P as a disengage weapon. I agree with your assessment on long gun power. I like the M-1 in 30-06 it will do most anything I want.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks for your service.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

He was a cop, they don’t serve the country.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

@@HWG-wm8ld Remember you said that the next time you need one.

[@The_Fat_Controller.]

In my life, I have seen a lot of people flock to 9mm as a wonder cartridge until there's a report of a police shooting where mag dumping one or more 9mm pistols failed to stop a criminal. Then the 9mm gets abandoned by a lot of those people who no longer trust the cartridge for self-defense until the next wonder cartridge is introduced with a lot of hype, and people flock back to the 9mm. People who have always trusted the .45 ACP tend to stick with it because to my knowledge there aren't a whole lot of stories out there about how the police dumped a dozen or more .45 ACP rounds into a perp hyped up on drugs or was just plain psycho crazy and most of the impacts were shrugged off. 230 grain bullets travelling around 850 fps have put a lot of dicks in the dirt for over 100 years. I don't feel outmatched with my Smith and Wesson 4506-1 on my hip.

[@toviyyahjudah6828]

As a police officer I’ve seen my share of shooting. .45 acp homicides have been brutal seen a 45 break a guys arms like a match stick.

[@keithfreeman5204]

I was issued a 1911A1 when in the Navy. 230 RN Factory ammo for targets out to about 50 yards. After 6 months I found a SW Model 19, in using 158 gn LHCSWC ammo I could knock down a125 lb target with one round out to 100 yards. Sitting using a two handed grip 200 yards worked well, too.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Pretty good shootin' for a navy guy!

[@christopherlaird1828]

Great video and I like how you brought up facts that many people didn’t know, as well as some experiences. My opinion is that modern bullet technology has advanced to the point where you’re splitting hairs. I tend to carry my .45 when I’m in the Utah mountains but if I had to carry my 9mm, I’d feel just as safe.. but not as cool 😎

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Cool counts!

[@waynedavis7245]

The local police department here dropped the 38 special for the 9mm . The police hated them and they dropped the 9mm . They then went to 40 calibers they didn't stay with the 40's very long and went to the 45 acp . They have been with the 45 acp every since. And it was effective enough to stop a mass shooting in under a minute. I do carry my 1911 in the winter. I have no problem with it being reliable and accurate. But I also love to carry my 357 magnum too .

[@miguellogistics984]

At Chosin, a friend of mine who was there said that after the first human wave, the officers cut off their 30 carbine web gear and went through the deadzone gathering the Thompson Elements and Ammo tossing it all into the trenches, where guns and mags were stacked for immediate access. The 30 Car was taking 6 rounds to stop the Chinese attackers wearing 3 silk great coats. Taking the prepositioned M1 Thompsons carried against the Marines, the Marines had many arms and lots of Ammo to take back. A friend. A US Navy Radar operator repurposed to be a US Navy Seal package in a Technology Identification incursion, was given an M1 Thompson while the Seals had their brand new M16s. Each man on package duty asked him if he were to buy it, if they could have his Thompson. 2 of them did not make it.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

We have all heard these “stories”. Number 1, they missed. Number 2, if they don’t hit something vital, why would they stop? When you are in a fight, the best natural drugs are running through your body. I’m sure you have heard “stories” of hunters hitting a deer dead in the heart and it runs for 20-40 meters. It had to bleed out, that’s not instant.

[@tonychase2302]

Our department still was issuing Ruger Security six’s in 357 in the 80’s . But officer could carry their own 45 auto pistol. After they qualified with it . Had been that way since the 1950’s

[@davewinter2688]

71 year old FUDD here. My current carry guns are Springfield Armory XD-E 45 ACP and Charter Arms Patriot 2.5in barrel 327 Federal Magnum. Sometimes both depending on the neighborhood I have to drive through. I used to carry my Astra A-100 45 ACP, but even in my younger days it was a bit heavy for concealed carry for me. Now my bedside home defense arms are the Astra and a Mossberg 500 12 gauge with 18.5” cylinder bore barrel. Colt Light Sporter AR-15 5.56/.223 also close at hand. I think I’ve got the bases covered.😅

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I'd say you have the bases covered!

[@JohnTBlock]

The Lehigh "X" bullet is now produced by Wison combat, in a variety of rifle rounds as well as pistol...

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

Like you said Unique is a great powder that takes 45acp to 10mm. CFE Pistol is good too they have a book load of 200gr SWC to about 1150fps...thats +P. With 45 Super brass you get a little wiggle room too

[@starlinsims2969]

Same here, it's my defense caliber but I do have 9mm and 380 auto that my wife likes.

[@louv4437]

45acp like ALL rounds is all about the bullet weight and what that weight does to the ballistics!! A 9mm with 147 is a small ass weak 45acp ballistically so if you carry 45 carry it with 185 grain anmo that will give it that calibers best ballistics for expansion and penetration. Personally I would only carry 357 sig or 10mm cause we only have one life

[@rjo8500]

I have a Clinton era Sig Sauer P229 that was originally chambered in .357 Sig just collecting dust in my safe. I keep it more as a collector’s piece as most I see are .40 S&W conversions. Maybe I should reconsider and carry it?

[@christopherhaehnel7355]

Hey Gold Cup shooters, what weight recoil spring are you using for range loads for target shooting? I know 16 lbs is standard but I am wanting to tune my set up