.45 ACP Pistols (2026): Models and Specifications
This article documents six .45 ACP pistol models and several dated manufacturer announcements. Specifications describe named configurations, not a ranking of accuracy, reliability or defensive effectiveness. Confirm the exact generation, chambering and SKU before applying a specification.
Editorial update: October 23, 2026. Manufacturer specifications and announcement references were checked for this revision. No new firing or wear tests were performed. Some links may earn a commission; that does not establish product availability or independent testing.
Reading the tables: “13+1” means a 13-round magazine plus one chambered cartridge, not a handling recommendation. Magazine offerings vary by configuration and jurisdiction. Weight with an empty magazine is different from weight without a magazine; where a manufacturer does not specify the basis, we label the number as manufacturer-listed rather than treating all weights as directly comparable.
Models Covered
- Glock 21 Gen 5
- M&P Shield 45
- FNX-45 Tactical
- SIG Sauer P220 Legion
- Dan Wesson Specialist
- Taurus TH45
.45 ACP Models
1. Glock 21 Gen 5
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 13+1 |
| Weight | 29.10 oz (with empty magazine) |
| Barrel Length | 4.61 inches |
Source: Glock G21 Gen5 MOS.
The specifications shown here reference the Glock G21 Gen5 MOS. Glock distinguishes weight without a magazine from weight with an empty magazine; the table uses the latter. Specifications should not be transferred to other G21 generations.
Retailer note (November 2026): Guns.com currently shows few in-stock new Gen5 listings, so the button opens all new Glock 21 listings, including the newer G21 V MOS. GLOCK lists the G21 V MOS with the same 4.61-inch barrel, 13-round standard magazine and 29.10-ounce weight with an empty magazine as the Gen5 MOS above. Check the exact model before buying, as holster fit can differ between generations.
Original owner’s observation: Corey Rawlins described the finger-groove-free G21 Gen5 grip as feeling more natural to him. That is his subjective fit impression, not a measured result or a claim that the same grip will suit every person.
2. M&P Shield 45
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Barrel Length | 3.3 inches |
The exact generation and SKU of the original illustration remain unverified, so this table does not assign weight or capacity to that pictured firearm. For a documented reference, Smith & Wesson’s M&P45 Shield SKU 180022 specification sheet lists a 3.3-inch barrel, 6+1 or 7+1 capacity and 20.5-ounce firearm weight, with empty-magazine weight listed separately. This historical sheet does not establish current production or the identity of the original photograph.
3. FNX-45 Tactical
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 15+1 |
| Weight | 33.3 oz (manufacturer-listed) |
| Barrel Length | 5.3 inches |
Source: FNX-45 Tactical.
The specifications reference FN’s FNX-45 Tactical documentation. Magazine capacity and barrel configuration vary between versions; the listed configuration should not be treated as universal across the model family.
4. Sig Sauer P220 Legion
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 8+1 |
| Weight | 30.4 oz (manufacturer-listed) |
| Barrel Length | 4.4 inches |
Source: SIG P220 Legion .45 Auto.
This section references the P220 Legion chambered in .45 Auto. SIG lists separate DA/SA and single-action-only configurations. The listed specifications do not apply to the P220 Legion 10mm.
5. Dan Wesson Specialist
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 8+1 |
| Weight | 42.3 oz (manufacturer-listed) |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches |
Source: Dan Wesson Specialist Stainless.
The specifications reference the full-size Specialist Stainless. Dan Wesson identifies it as a single-action 1911. The Specialist Commander is a different configuration with different dimensions.
6. Taurus TH45
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 13+1 |
| Weight | 28.5 oz (unloaded, manufacturer-listed) |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 inches |
| Source | Taurus TH45 (1-TH45041) |
The Taurus TH45 replaced the Springfield XD45 in this guide in October 2026, because new XD45 pistols have become hard to find at major retailers. Like the XD45, it is a polymer-frame, double-stack .45 ACP. Unlike the striker-fired XD45, it uses a hammer-fired DA/SA action and has an ambidextrous manual safety.
Taurus lists it at 7.80 inches long and 1.43 inches wide, so it is a larger carry pistol. It generally suits outside-the-waistband carry or larger frames better than deep concealment. Compare holster options in our concealed carry holster guide and confirm the holster maker lists the TH45 specifically.
Before you carry: plan for the legal side. A self-defense incident can bring legal costs even when you acted lawfully. Carry insurance and legal-defense memberships differ a lot in what they cover, when they pay, and whether they cover criminal and civil defense. Compare them in our concealed carry insurance guide before you choose.
Sources and Limitations
This is a manufacturer-documentation review. Original owner Corey Rawlins’s firsthand observations, where attributed, are historical personal impressions rather than new testing by Daniel Guerra. A standardized per-model test protocol, round count and reliability dataset are not supplied, so this article does not claim measured comparative performance.
Specification sources: Glock G21 Gen5 MOS; FNX-45 Tactical; SIG P220 Legion .45 Auto; Dan Wesson Specialist Stainless. The exact Shield and XD configurations have not been established here, so their weight and capacity figures are omitted.
Tips for Carrying a .45 ACP Pistol
Read Best Concealed Carry Holsters
Specifications do not replace safe handling, secure storage or qualified instruction. These ownership considerations apply regardless of caliber:
- Secure storage: When not in use, store firearms unloaded in locked storage inaccessible to children and unauthorized people; secure ammunition separately. See Project ChildSafe’s home-storage guidance.
- Manufacturer instructions: Use the manual for the exact model and chambering. Do not assume that similarly named variants have identical controls, ammunition requirements or maintenance procedures.
- Equipment safety: A holster should fit the exact firearm configuration, cover the trigger guard and retain the firearm appropriately. Have questions about compatibility or safe handling addressed by a qualified instructor.
- Condition and maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s inspection and maintenance schedule. If a firearm is damaged or malfunctions, stop using it and obtain qualified assistance; do not treat a specification table as repair guidance.
- Legal requirements: Verify current possession, transport, storage and carry requirements with official sources for the relevant jurisdiction.
Carrying a 5-inch 1911 in .45 ACP outside the waistband? The 1791 Gunleather BH1 1911 Belt Holster is an open-top leather belt slide ($58.99 at 1791 on October 28, 2026). Check 1791’s fit list first: it names models such as the Ruger SR1911, Kimber 1911 5″ and Sig Sauer 1911, but not the railed Dan Wesson Specialist covered above. It is not optic-ready.
No firearm, holster or safety mechanism eliminates the need for responsible handling and preventing unauthorized access.
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Recent .45 ACP Releases and Variants
The models above do not represent every recent .45 ACP release. Manufacturer announcements identify these additional introductions:
Springfield Armory 1911 TRP COA — May 26, 2026. Springfield announced an Aimpoint COA-equipped .45 ACP configuration of the existing TRP. This is a model variant rather than an entirely new pistol platform. Manufacturer announcement.
Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison Target — April 17, 2026. Springfield introduced Garrison Target variants in .45 ACP and 9mm featuring adjustable rear sights. These chamberings should be identified separately. Manufacturer announcement.
FN 545 Tactical — January 10, 2023. FN introduced the .45 ACP FN 545 Tactical alongside the 10mm FN 510 Tactical. The FN 545 is a separate striker-fired model from the FNX-45 Tactical discussed above. Manufacturer announcement.
These dates document manufacturer announcements. They do not establish current availability, independent test results, or superiority over earlier models.
Related reading: Best 1911 Pistols · 9mm vs .45 ACP for Concealed Carry : Which Is Better?
Conclusion
This article summarizes published information rather than independent comparative testing. Specifications describe particular configurations and do not establish reliability, accuracy, or suitability for an individual. Unresolved model identities and omitted specifications are identified in the relevant sections.
