Gun Digest

TRIED & TRUE

Americans did not develop the first handguns in the world. However, it can be said that we were truly the first country to create a culture surrounding the handgun. The story of this is also the tale of what is arguably the quintessential American handgun cartridge: The .45 ACP has survived into our modern era, and today, it’s better than ever. However, its relevance is hotly debated.

To really understand why the .45 ACP has lasted as long as it has, all you have to do is look at the tumultuous era of design that existed in the second half of the 20th century. From the time it was introduced prior to World War I until it was (mostly) replaced in the 1980s, there really wasn’t anything better out there.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Gun Digest

Gun Digest6 min read
The Night’s Watch
The shotgun is one of the most familiar firearm platforms in existence. At one time, nearly every home in America had one handy. It put food on the table, protected the home and its inhabitants from intruders, and it was as useful as any other househ
Gun Digest3 min read
Gear To Get
Heirloom looks with state-of-the-art performance, the WOOX Titano stands out in competition stocks. Tailored for Benchrest and F-Class shooters, the stock boasts a stunning American walnut stock and an aircraft grade aluminum chassis. With a 3-inch f
Gun Digest1 min read
Gun Digest
CARIBOU MEDIA GROUP PUBLISHER JIM SCHLENDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LUKE HARTLE MANAGING EDITOR LAURA PELTAKIAN ONLINE EDITOR ELWOOD SHELTON BOOKS EDITOR COREY GRAFF SR. ART DIRECTOR GENE COO ART DIRECTOR KATIA SVERDLOVA COLUMNISTS FRANK GALLI, RICHARD MANN,

Related