Looking for Info on Springfield Armory's 45 GAP

[Elkslayer]

I have been asked by a friend to find opinions on Springfield Armory's 45 GAP.

I really don't know much about SA's quality in their various 45s. So first off could you address the overall quality of SA. And if you have any knowledge about the particular pistol all the better.

Now about the 45 GAP.....

My personal opinion is it was an attempt by Glock to have a cartridge named after them. I think it is an answer looking for a question. I don't think there is much change to convince this person to stick with a 45 ACP so let's not waste time and effort debating the 45 GAP - vs - the 45 ACP.

 

[antsi]

SA makes several models of conventional 1911-style pistols in 45 ACP (the conventional, standard .45 auto caliber). These are the pistols SA is best known for, but it doesn't seem these are the ones your friend is asking about. As far as I know, SA does not make any of its 1911-style pistols in .45 GAP.

The SA offering in .45 GAP is their XD model. This is SA's web page about their 45 GAP XD models
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-45gap.shtml

I have not shot a Springfield XD myself, but generally the reports on them are good, assuming that this is the style of pistol you are looking for. They are made in Eastern Europe (Croatia, maybe?) and used to be marketed here under a different name until Springfield picked up the US rights to them. People who really like these pistols describe them as a product-improved Glock. The Glock fanatics hate that. In any case they are a very similar kind of pistol. Some folks say the ergonomics of an XD are more natural/comfortable than a Glock - probably a matter of personal preference.

Generally, they are a polymer-framed combat/duty pistol. The trigger pull is consistent from shot to shot, similar to a Glock or double-action-only semiauto. The 9mm XD gives 15+1 capacity, the .40SW and .357 SIG models give 12+1, while the 45 GAP models give 9+1. They are available in 4 inch and 5 inch barrels. There is also a subcompact model for concealed carry but it doesn't seem to come in 45 GAP.

Don't know much about the effectiveness of .45 GAP. The general rule seems to be that the major self-defense/combat calibers (9x19, 40SW, 357SIG, 45 ACP) are all pretty similar in terms of real-life effective firepower. .45 GAP is probably somewhere in that same category.

 

[Krag]

I just finished testing the G38 and G39. If you want a compact in .45 GAP I'd suggest you look at them first. Primo handguns!

 

[P95Carry]

On balance I reckon this is pretty much exclusive autoloader material - so will drop this over to that forum.

 

[jeff-10]

I am pretty sure SA has a 1911 officer model clone coming out in 45 GAP. Scroll down this link to the bottom and you can see a little picture and blurb about it.

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/newhg_011105/

 

[Joey101]

Yes, SA has a mini 1911 coming out. Or maybe it's already out I don't know. It looks cool. I love 1911's but sometimes when I look at it at a funny angle I think the're too long. The mini looks good at any angle. But you have to deal with the shortage of 45 GAP ammo. :banghead:

I own a SA XD 4" service in .45 GAP, love it, wouldn't trade it for anything else in the XD line. Until they come out with a ACP model, then I would trade in a heartbeat. Some people complain about their finishes, but if you take care of you gun you shouldn't have any problems. If your thinking of using it for your primary CCW then I would recommend you get it gun koted. SA can do this, I have heard all you have to do is call then and complain alot and they'll do it for you at no cost to you. They know they screwed up a little on the finish. Which I think is the only thing Glock has on them.

Accuracy, phenomonal!! I need to adjust my sights a little, but it goes where I point it everytime. I have not had any FTF, or FTE. Only about 150 rounds thus far through her, but no problems yet......nocking on wood as you read this!!

If your not worried about buying your ammo at walmart or any of those non gun shop places that sell some ammo, then buy it. You will not be dissapointed!!

 

[Aguila Blanca]

The SA 1911 .45 GAP is actually a scaled-down 1911 -- they removed the length difference between the .45 ACP and the .45 GAP (that's what, maybe 3/32 of an inch?) from the fore-to-aft dimension of the grip frame, resulting in a pistol that is even easier to grasp by small hands than the original 1911. Ballistics are almost identical to .45 ACP, but the pressures are already up in +P range to get that out of the shorter cartridge, so there won't be a +P option in the future.

Semi-substantiated rumour has it that Para Ordnance will be announcing a similaryl down-sized 1911 in .45 GAP (as well as .40 S&W and 9mm) in the near future.

 

[Joey101]

Semi-substantiated rumour has it that Para Ordnance will be announcing a similaryl down-sized 1911 in .45 GAP (as well as .40 S&W and 9mm) in the near future.

Hmm, I wonder if it is going to come in a double stack? That would be awesome. One of my next purchases is going to be a Hi-Cap Para. 14+1 of .45 ACP mmmm that sounds nice

 

[shield20]

Read a couple stories about the SA 1911 Micro GAP - good reviews (American Rifleman & 1 other mag). They did indeed trim the grip dimensions - also slide length, trigger reach, etc.) to fit the smaller round. If person had smaller hands and wanted a 1911 - seems like a good choice.

from an old G&A link..."Springfield has announced a that 3-inch-barreled Micro 1911 in .45 GAP will be offered sometime in 2005. I had a chance to shoot a prototype of this model, and with 1/8 inch trimmed off the grip thickness and overall length compared to .45 ACP variations, it is a petite and potent package."

 

[45auto]

Para might have something with a double stack Gap. Grip similiar to a Hi-Power might be good!!

On single stacks...don't know if the GAP would really help. The standard ACP grip is pretty easy for many and with thin grips installed...it's thin!