.45 GAP vs. .45 Auto

[mobrien316]

My department is considering switching to Glocks in .45 caliber. Glock does not seem to make a mid-size pistol in .45 Auto, but they do in .45 GAP.

I've done some research on the differences between the two cartridges, but I would like some feedback from anyone personally familiar with the two.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[MikeG]

My department is considering switching to Glocks in .45 caliber. Glock does not seem to make a mid-size pistol in .45 Auto, but they do in .45 GAP.

I've done some research on the differences between the two cartridges, but I would like some feedback from anyone personally familiar with the two.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Never fired them. I thought the largest capacity mag for a "full size" 45 GAP was 10 rds which was the same as sub-compact 45 ACP. in fact I think the "sub-compact" .45 ACP (Glock 30) might be pretty close in size to the "compact" .45 GAP (Glock 38). Overall length difference is less than a 1/10" (2mm). The full-size 45 ACP (Glock 21) has 13 rounds.

I'd never held them side by side but it would be interesting to compare what they market as "full size", "compact" and "sub-compact" for each caliber.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

This likely won't be helpful, but here goes:

My biggest issue with the GAP round is ammo availability. Go online right now and compare prices of ACP vs GAP ammo (at the places you can find carrying it). $4/box more for 50 round boxes of GAP ammo. Multiply that times what you'll need for an entire department and it adds up hella fast. Now, I realize departments don't purchase ammo online, but rather through distributors, so I bring this up - remember just a few years ago when people couldn't get ammo after President Obama was elected? Ammo was in short supply for everyone, departments included. While distributors/manufacturers said replen was going to police and military first, that doesn't change the fact some departments were running short on training ammo. Very few people manufacture GAP ammo to begin with as the round is just not called for like with other cartridges. Also, the ammo your department has currently selected (brand, bullet weight/design, etc) may not be available in the GAP round. Of course, if you department does things right, you'll T&E all gun models and available duty ammo variants before making a final selection.

FWIW - Federal HST data shows zero (let me say again - ZERO) difference between .45 ACP and .45GAP. But, it boils down to actually finding a reliable and consistent source of ammo when you finally choose something.

[Norm357]

The .45 GAP is a problem in search of a solution.

[greg72982]

If you decide on the .45 Auto be careful if you go with the G21 SF. We are issued them at dept. 2 and while I love the gun, they have issues with the ambidextrous mag release. We've had to send a few back due them breaking. Mine just did it the other day. Luckily I had just got done cleaning it and wasn't in a shootout.

[kels]

It may sound strange, but I like the 45 gap.
The boss had the model that is about the size of a Glock 23.
It is a pretty good carry package.
BUT as others have said, the ammo is expensive and
you might as well buy it online to get a decent price.

If you really want a 45, I would suggest the fullsize Springfield XD.
That is what I am using for a duty weapon.
The Glock 21 (both models) doesnt fit my hand well.

[retdetsgt]

The Glock 21 (both models) doesnt fit my hand well.

That's one disadvantage of semi-autos, with revolvers you can change grips to fit your hand.

I guess I'm one of a minority because the 21 fit my hand like a glove. But when we first switched to Glocks, people had a choice of the 21 or the 17. A lot of guys got the 21 only to find they were like you and traded them for the 9 mm.

[NYDS]

NYSP switched to the Gap, My GF has one and they are very heavy Ammo is expensive and hard to find and they only hold Ten Rounds.

[ChesCopPodz]

I know im late to the game, but another reason to be wary of the GAP is lack of street shooting reports. It's still a new round, and there aren't many reports out there as to how the round did in stopping a suspect. Meanwhile the ACP has a long record of good stopping power.

[retdetsgt]

Meanwhile the ACP has a long record of good stopping power.

Yes, it do! It was observing autopsies that gave me the reason to carry that round.