What is 45 acp vs 45 gap?

.45 ACP vs .45 GAP

The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) and the .45 GAP (Glock Automatic Pistol) are both .45 caliber cartridges designed for semi-automatic pistols, but they have key differences.

• .45 ACP: The .45 ACP is a well-established cartridge, designed by John Browning in 1904, and has been used extensively in military, law enforcement, and civilian applications. It is known for its stopping power and relatively low pressure. Common bullet weight is 230 grain.

• .45 GAP: The .45 GAP was introduced by Glock in 2003, designed to offer .45 ACP-like performance in a shorter cartridge, allowing it to be used in smaller-framed pistols. It typically operates at higher pressures than the .45 ACP to achieve similar velocities with similar weight bullets (usually 200-230 grain).

• Size and Magazine Capacity: The .45 GAP is shorter than the .45 ACP. This allows pistols chambered in .45 GAP to have smaller grips, which can be more comfortable for some shooters. However, this smaller size can also lead to slightly reduced magazine capacity compared to .45 ACP pistols of a similar size.

• Availability and Cost: The .45 ACP is much more widely available than the .45 GAP. .45 ACP ammunition is generally less expensive and offered by a broader range of manufacturers. .45 GAP pistols and ammunition are less common, which can impact availability and price.

• Recoil: Due to higher pressure, some shooters may perceive slightly sharper recoil with the .45 GAP compared to .45 ACP, although this is subjective and depends on the specific firearm and load.

In summary, the .45 ACP is a classic, widely available cartridge, while the .45 GAP offers similar performance in a more compact package, though at the cost of availability and higher pressure.