The Great Debate 9MM vs 45ACP

February 7, 2018 By Dave Young (YoungBuckDave)

The Great Debate 9MM vs 45ACP

Within the firearms industry, there are certain topics of discussion that will always get people talking. A couple of these famous debate topics are the "AR15 vs AK47" debate, the "Glock vs M&P" debate, and of course the famous "9MM vs 45ACP" debate. Over the next few months, we will be diving deeply into each one of these heated debate topics and will be presenting you with the pros and cons of each debate. This month we will be specifically talking about the "9MM vs 45ACP" debate presenting the pros and cons of both calibers.

The 9MM caliber was introduced for Luger semi-automatic pistols by a German weapons manufacturer in 1902. This quickly became a popular caliber and was adopted as the standard cartridge for NATO Forces, as well as many non-NATO countries. Today the 9MM caliber remains a very popular caliber for military, law enforcement, and conceal carry users for many reasons. With advancements in ammunition over the years, there are many loads of 9MM that vary from 115gr to 147gr which give the bullet plenty of energy. So, let's start out this debate by discussing the pros and then the cons of the 9MM caliber.

Pros:

  • The 9MM caliber is an extremely common caliber and can be found in a wide variety of loads from full metal jacket (FMJ) to hollow points to frangible ammo. Also, the cost of 9MM ammo is less than 45ACP or 40S&W.
  • It is very accurate and has very little recoil, depending on the size of the firearm from which it is fired. Obviously, the smaller the pistol the more recoil the round will deliver. But, even when being shot from a sub-compact pistol, the recoil is very manageable and easy to control.
  • With its mild recoil the user can get off multiple shots very quickly without being thrown off the target.
  • Pistols chambered in 9MM tend to have a very high round capacity for the magazine. For example, a full-size Glock 17 has a magazine capacity of 17rds of 9MM, while its equivalent in 45ACP, the Glock 21 has a magazine capacity of only 13rds of 45ACP. Of course, the magazine capacity depends greatly on the type of firearm being used.

Cons:

  • The most common reason people may dislike the 9MM caliber has to do with the fact that it is a lighter bullet. People say that due to its light weight, it lacks effective "knock down power" and, if fired at an attacker that is wearing layers or clothes or high on drugs, it will not stop the person from causing you harm. That being said, there have been amazing advancements in ammunition that, in my opinion, make the 9MM caliber very effective when used properly.

The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), or 45 Auto caliber, is a handgun cartridge that was designed by the world-famous John Browning in 1905 for use in his prototype, the Colt semi-auto pistol. After many successful military trials, the 45ACP was adopted as the standard chambering for Colt's M1911. The 1911 became the military's sidearm of choice until 1985, when the military changed directions and adopted the Beretta M9 pistol, which is chambered in 9MM. The 45 ACP caliber has earned the reputation of being a very effective combat pistol cartridge because it combines accuracy and stopping power against human targets.

Pros:

  • 45 ACP is also an extremely common caliber and ammunition can be found almost everywhere and in various loads like full metal jacket and hollow point rounds.
  • 45 ACP has had a great reputation during its service life as the standard caliber for soldier, and even today there are special operations teams that choose to use a pistol chambered for 45 ACP over 9MM thanks to its great "Knock Down Power".
  • Since the 45 ACP caliber is much larger than the 9MM caliber, it delivers a big hit to the target and creates a larger wound cavity when the round hits it intended target.

Cons:

  • Due to the size of the 45ACP, it tends to recoil more than a 9MM, especially when shot from a smaller pistol like a compact or sub-compact. That being said, when shot from a full-size gun like a 1911, the recoil is lessened due to the weight and size of the firearm.
  • 45 ACP ammo is more expensive than 9MM. For the price of 50 rounds of 45 ACP FMJ, you can get 100 rounds of 9MM, depending on the brand of the ammo.
  • Since 45 ACP is a larger round, the pistol usually carriers fewer rounds in the magazine. For example, the 1911 pistol usually will hold 7-8 rounds in a standard magazine but has the option of carrying 10 rounds in an extended magazine. The largest magazine capacity for a pistol chambered in 45 ACP is the FN FNX Tactical. It holds 15 rounds of 45 ACP, but this pistol is quite large and is not ideal for conceal carry situations.

In conclusion, each caliber is extremely effective in a wide variety of situations. Thanks to the advancements in modern ammunition, 9MM is a very capable round that can stop a threat if needed. Each caliber has its pros and cons. But at the end of the day, a lot is determined by who will be firing the pistol and what that person is most comfortable shooting. For me, I have chosen to carry a 9MM pistol as my everyday carry. The high round count in the magazine, in conjunction with good hollow point ammunition, makes me feel very confident that, if a threat should present itself, the 9MM caliber will do just fine. I also find it easier to conceal a 9MM pistol over a 45 ACP pistol. I have shot sub-compact 45s before, and it is not comfortable for me. Everyone is different though. I recommend that people shoot different types of pistols in different calibers before choosing a pistol that is right for them. Don't just buy a pistol because everyone else says it's the best one out there.