Newb question: difference between 45 acp and gap

[turbohardtop]

as stated, what is the difference in .45 acp and gap? thanks.

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

Case length. Performance with factory loads is equal.

The .45GAP was created so that Gaston Glock could stick it in a smaller frame than his ACP-chambered pistols. (Even though I think he could have done it with the ACP anyway).

The GAP is simply a shorter case that runs at a higher pressure, resulting in equal ballistic performance in factory loadings.

 

[xMetal]

looking at Winchester's site for comparison, these rounds are nearly identical in performance, and in price too. I thought the GAP would be a bit more pricey as it's not as common, but apparently not.

 

[Technosavant]

xMetal, I think any price differential is going to be in that ACP is going to not only be more plentiful in general (economies of scale), but also will have a wider variety out there (more lower end practice types like the WWB). I have yet to see any GAP on store shelves (it's probably around, I just am not looking for it), so I don't really know how my theory holds up in real life.

 

[Plink]

As others have mentioned, case length is the main difference. It doesn't handle heavy bullets because of the shorter length. To my way of thinking, it's a solution in search of a problem. I strongly suspect it's nothing but a way for them to offer ".45 performance" in their 9mm and .40 frames without having to retool, since it isn't enough shorter to make a noticeable difference in grip size. It wouldn't be the first time that Gaston stretched the truth in marketing.

 

[XDKingslayer]

It is almost 1/8 of an inch smaller in length. The case webbing (where the case starts to expand to full size just above the extractor indentation) is also thicker than the ACP.

Bullet size is the same. Case diameter is the same.

 

[GlockX35]

The XD .45 ACP makes it pretty clear that the GAP has no reason to exist. Yet another round with higher pressure but lesser or equal results from a regular .45 ACP.

 

[3rdpig]

The reason the GAP exists is to sell guns. If it succeeds at that then it has a valid reason to exist. If it does not then it will fade away as so many of it's predecesors have. Amazing how this market driven economy works, isn't it?

 

[jmorris]

45 gap as noted above is shorter and a ballistic equivalent to 45 ACP. In order to do this the operating pressure is much higher than ACP, which means the cases must be made stronger. They also use small primers and the extractor grove is a little deeper than ACP. This makes the round excellent for revolver use as one can moon/de-moon the rounds without tools, the cases seem to last forever when reloading and because of the small primer you can achieve trigger pulls lighter than possible with the large primers of acp (this last benefit can be had using NT brass as well). Springfield makes a cute 1911 based 45gap for concealment/small hands. Other than size it offers nothing.