45 GAP- Will it catch on !?

[JD McDorce]

Originally Posted by kraigster414

Another thing to consider...do get handloaders to invest in another set of dies (though I guess you could use .45 ACP dies ?), brass, bullet heads, etc.

As far as dies go, the RCBS dies that I have for .45 ACP are marked .45 ACP/AR/GAP. Maybe it is a stretch, but I assume that these dies will work for .45 GAP. Both Starline and Winchester sell .45 GAP brass in bulk and the same .451" diameter bullets used for .45 ACP should work in .45 GAP.

As for whether the .45 GAP will "catch on", my stand is somewhere between "who knows" and "who cares". The .45 GAP is the next progression of putting larger caliber bullets in double-stack 9mm frames (just like the .40 S&W was), with the side benefit of allowing a single stack with a smaller circumference grip (SA .45 GAP Defender). I would expect the .45 GAP to plateau higher than the .357 SIG but no where near 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

[Jeff_1]

I would have rather seen a 10mm XD then the xd45gap. Then the same frame could have been used for a 45acp XD.

The Gap will probably be around but I doubt it will gain to much popularity. It will prob remain slim pickings in guns and ammo choices IMO. I highly doubt it will ever pass the 357sig in popularity, which is slowly becomeing more popular and I also own one

I still like haveing the option of owning the GAP even if I dont think I will ever want one.

[Frenchy]

However...The 10mm. is also a "niche" caliber with similar ammo availability and cost, which is why we now have the .40!

[Jeff_1]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

However...The 10mm. is also a "niche" caliber with similar ammo availability and cost, which is why we now have the .40!

I know, its a shame the 10mm couldnt have cought on a little more. I have a 1911 style 10mm and I may end up getting a G20 just for shits and giggles. But for now the 357sig is were its at for me Now if someone would come up with a 357-10 round that takes a 10mm caseing necked down to .355, that would be sweet

[Frenchy]

I must admit though...I had a chance to shoot a deputy's G-20, and it was a hoot. Damned accurate gun and cartridge.

[Bobby Lee]

Originally Posted by aerowinged

But a 230 Grain .45 cal with a velocity of 850 fps is going to penetrate more than a 9mm 115gr. with a velocity of 1155 fps.
.

In material such as wood, dirt, plastic, steel and other non living things the 9mm round penetrates much deeper than .45acp.

And that is FACT that you can see for yourself if you would care to test it.

[mgtd]

For your information----

There is an article in Guns and Ammo Magazine, "The Complete Book of the Model 1911", 2005, titled "CLOSING THE POCKET-PISTOL GAP".

This article by Garry James is pro .45 GAP and features the Springfield Defender as it's main test firearm. Also mentioned are various other firearms chambered for the GAP round. The author expresses his opinion that the round will be a major contender for carry weapons and will be around for the long run.

[MinkFeet]

I think the jury is still out on if the GAP will be a success or fade into a historical curiosity. Personally I have been shooting it in a Glock 37 and will soon buy an XD45 (really prefer the XDs to the Glocks). If you reload one very nice feature of the GAP is that you do not have to buy new dies, at least with a Dillon press & dies for 45ACP.

Yes, GAP can be hard to find. It isn't at Wal-Mart or even at the local shops. I bought a bunch from www.midwayusa.com. Price seems reasonable.

[rem165]

Only time will tell.

From what I've read the .45 GAP is a good round and performs like a standard pressure .45 ACP.
I think the .45 GAP would be good in compact pistols for carry and BUGs.

I've always been fond of the .45 ACP but like it moving a little faster, like closer to 1000 fps. This is why I carry 230 grain +P .45 ACP loads, which has the edge on the .45 GAP.

But the .45 ACP standard is plenty for most situations and the .45 GAP should perform equally as well.

I guess you have to subscribe to the slow and heavy school of thought and have a need for a pistol that is either more compact or has a smaller grip to jump into the . 45 GAP market.
If this is what enough people are looking for, then there will be a healthy niche, if not.......................


I'm partial to the faster and heavy niche, like a 230 grain .45 moving at 1000 fps or even a 165 grain 10mm Golden Saber moving at 1425 fps.