At Gun Tests, we have tested dozens of pistols and revolvers chambered in 45 ACP, most of them 1911s, either full size, Commander, or Officer variants. In this list, the Top 10 45 ACP Handguns for 2026, we’ve ranked a variety of sizes and actions in the 45 ACP chambering that aren’t 1911-style designs. So if you’re a fan of the 45 round and wonder what other handgun formats are out there, here’s a quick way to add to your collection.
The prices listed below are recent values, either as new guns or on the used market for the models that have been discontinued.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
We think the shorter top end of the Carry responds faster than the full-size P220. If the DAK trigger placed limits on how fast the gun could be fired, we did achieve excellent accuracy with this pistol. Overall, we saw the DAK system provides a short learning curve for shooters of different levels of ability.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Our testers are very accustomed to operating thumb safeties on 1911s, but the HK was a bit big for us. We had to really stretch to reach the safety, and that slowed down some of the scores, with the HK coming in third on the speed tests.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This reintroduction of a Colt classic, the New Frontier revolver has a sleek flattop design with a target-ready ramp front sight, a rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, and walnut stocks with gold medallions. The New Frontier offered a traditionally operated SAA revolver with a very crisp trigger — but at a high price. No doubt the Colt will hold its price if not abused. We found we liked the Colt a lot. It is definitely a more traditional SAA with no safety features that needs to be carried with only five rounds loaded. The grips were a little too B-movie Western for some shooters, but the front sight was done right with serrations.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
If this gun could speak it might say, “What’s all the fuss?” The G30SF is one of the easiest-to-shoot 45-caliber pistols we’ve found, and considering the presence of night sights and its accessory rail, one of the cheapest, too. The extra capacity is there, and so is the type of reliability we demand. Maybe it’s a little wide to fit inside the waistband, and some might prefer the addition of a manual safety. But as a package, this is going to be tough to beat.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The M&P functioned perfectly with all ammo. It also showed a preference for the heavier bullets. The calibration on the sights was off a bit. Fast and easy to control, this pistol is worth a look.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The decocker gives the action a head start on the first shot, making the 97BD one of the best TDA guns ever. We found the 97BD to be very controllable. Of our three test pistols, we think it shot our test rounds with the least amount of felt recoil. The barrel was supported at the muzzle end by a bushing that screwed into the slide. Slide-to-frame fit also ran from one end of the slide to the other.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Lipsey’s New Model Blackhawk flattop has a smaller grip frame than typical Ruger Blackhawks, plus the indexing pawl. The transfer-bar safety plus the lower cost gave it an edge. The Lipsey’s New Model Blackhawk was a good product, and our team noted that it was possible to buy two Ruger revolvers for the price of the Colt.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The XD-M tied with the HK for the accuracy title — to the hundredth of an inch. We had anticipated that the grip texture might be a bit too smooth, but that did not turn out to be the case. We were able to control the XD-M through rapid fire without it shifting in our hands. The sights shot very closely to point of aim straight out of the box. It showed a preference for heavier ammunition, doing best with the 230-grain Remington Golden Saber and Federal HST offerings. The magazines really did hold and feed all 13 rounds of everything tested.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
You can’t buy a new revolver exactly like this 1989 model today. It was well made, had a great trigger, enough forward weight to make shooting comfortable and easy, and it looked good, too. Couple that with outstanding accuracy and adjustable sights and you’ve got a great handgun in every way. We could not fault the S&W 625 except for the hard time you’ll have finding one. We know several people who have used 45 revolvers for IPSC competition, and now we understand why. They do the job, they handle well, and they are easy and fast to reload. Today you can buy this gun in the form of the Jerry Miculek Special and, as noted above, there are several other options you may wish to consider. Although we believe the currently available options are well worth a look, we thought this older setup is one of the best we’ve seen. It’s our first choice for those who simply must have a 45 ACP revolver.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The best shooter with most of our ammo selections, either suppressed or unsuppressed. Quite a value if you’re looking for an easy way to shoot the 45 ACP more quietly. The grip angle of the FNX-45 Tactical is similar to a 1911, which makes it a natural pointer. Unlike the other pistols, the FN’s polymer frame offered four different backstraps: arched or flat and either checkered or ribbed. We needed a small hex wrench or a paper clip to remove and replace the inserts. The inserts made the pistol feel like it had less girth, which we thought was impressive because the FN holds 15 cartridges in a double-stack magazine. The grip sides were checkered and offered good texture without abrasion. The trigger guard was undercut so users can grasp the pistol high.
