How It All Started: The Rise of the .45 ACP Round
The .45 ACP didn’t just change the battlefield—it redefined stopping power and saved countless lives. But how did it all begin?
In the early 1900s, during the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines, U.S. soldiers faced fierce opposition from warriors who could withstand multiple hits from the Army’s .38-caliber rounds. Desperate for a solution with more stopping power, the military sought a more effective caliber.
The answer? The .45 ACP, designed by legendary firearms expert John Browning. Paired with the Colt Model 1911 pistol, this round fired a 230-grain bullet with incredible force. The U.S. Army officially adopted the .45 ACP and the Colt 1911 in 1911, instantly changing combat tactics.
The real test came during World War I, where the .45 ACP proved its worth in both the Colt 1911 pistol and the Thompson submachine gun. Soldiers praised the round for its reliability and sheer stopping power, earning it a lasting reputation on the battlefield.
Today, over a century later, the .45 ACP continues to be trusted by military units, law enforcement, and civilians, standing the test of time as one of the most reliable and powerful rounds ever created.
