The .45 Long Colt (also known as .45 LC) and the 9mm are two of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world. Both have been around for more than a century, and they have been used for everything from target shooting to self-defense. The .45 LC is a larger, more powerful round than the 9mm, and is typically loaded in revolvers. On the other hand, the 9mm is popular in both semi-automatic pistols and submachine guns. And today you’ll discover all the differences between these two cartridges, and examine which one might be better for defensive use in my comparison.
Revisiting The History & Legacy Of .45 Long Colt & 9mm
The .45 Long Colt (LC) and 9mm are two of the oldest and most widely used handgun cartridges in the world. Both cartridges have been used in a variety of handguns, rifles, and shotguns and have been used by military and law enforcement forces around the world.
The .45 LC: It was first developed in the late 19th century and was used extensively in the US military until the mid-1940s.
- The cartridge was designed to be used in the Colt Single Action Army revolver and the M1911 pistol, both of which are widely used to this day.
- The .45 LC is an extremely powerful cartridge.
- It is capable of stopping an assailant with a single shot.
The 9mm: It was invented shortly after World War I and was quickly adopted by the German army. It has since become one of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world, with millions of handguns being chambered for it.
- It is also used by many militaries and law enforcement agencies.
- The 9mm is a relatively low-powered cartridge, but it is still capable of quickly stopping an assailant with several shots.
Key Takeaways
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- Both cartridges have a long and distinguished history. And they have been used in countless conflicts throughout the world.
- The .45 LC has been used by some of the most famous gunslingers of the old west, while the 9mm has been used by some of the world’s most elite law enforcement and military units.
- Both cartridges are still widely used today and will likely remain popular for many years to come.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of .45 Long Colt & 9mm
Advantages of .45 Long Colt:
- Larger bullet size which means more stopping power
- It is a larger caliber so it has more penetration power
- The larger round creates a more powerful recoil
- The longer case length means more propellant can be used
- The larger round can be loaded with heavier bullet weights
Disadvantages of .45 Long Colt:
- More expensive to shoot than smaller calibers
- Longer case length means more case preparation and reloading time
- The larger round is harder to conceal
- A heavier gun is needed to contain the larger round
Advantages of 9mm:
- Less expensive to shoot than larger calibers
- The smaller round size makes it easier to conceal
- A shorter case length means less case preparation and reloading time
- The smaller round can be loaded with lighter bullet weights
- Faster follow-up shots can be made with the shorter case length
Disadvantages of 9mm:
- Lower stopping power than larger calibers
- Less penetration power than larger calibers
- The smaller round creates less powerful recoil
- The shorter case length means less propellant can be used
.45 Long Colt VS 9mm: A Complete Discussion
The .45 Long Colt: It is a handgun cartridge dating back to 1872. It was originally designed for use in the Colt Single Action Army revolver. It is an American classic, widely used in the American West during the late 19th century.
- The .45 Long Colt is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge, meaning it has a thicker rim around the base of the bullet that grips the chamber of the gun.
- This rim allows the cartridge to stay in place in the gun while it is fired.
- The .45 Long Colt is a longer cartridge than most modern handgun rounds, measuring 1.285 inches in length.
The 9mm Luger: It is a modern, semi-automatic handgun cartridge. It is the most popular handgun caliber in the world and is used by many military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
- The 9mm Luger is a centerfire, bottlenecked cartridge, meaning it has a tapered base that helps it fit into the chamber of the gun.
- The 9mm Luger is a shorter cartridge than the .45 Long Colt, measuring 1.169 inches in length.
In-Depth Discussion
When comparing the .45 Long Colt to the 9mm Luger, the biggest difference is in their power.
- The .45 Long Colt is a much more powerful cartridge, with a muzzle velocity of around 900-1000 feet per second and a muzzle energy of around 400-500 ft-lbs.
- The 9mm Luger, on the other hand, has a muzzle velocity of around 1150-1300 feet per second and a muzzle energy of around 350-400 ft-lbs.
- The .45 Long Colt also has a larger bullet diameter than the 9mm, measuring .452 inches compared to the 9mm’s .355 inches.
Analyzing The Range & Portability
The .45 Long Colt is a classic handgun cartridge, known for its excellent stopping power and accuracy.
- It is commonly used in revolvers and is most commonly used for self-defense and hunting.
- It has a limited range and its portability is limited by its size and weight.
- But it is not ideal for concealed carry as it is bulky and heavy.
On the contrary, the 9mm is a much more common handgun cartridge.
- It has a much greater range than the .45 Long Colt.
- It is much more portable due to its smaller size and weight.
- It is commonly used for self-defense and is well-suited for concealed carry.
- But its stopping power is not as great as the .45 Long Colt and it is not as accurate.
Power Output
The .45 Long Colt has an average muzzle energy of about 264 foot-pounds, while the 9mm Luger has an average muzzle energy of about 323 foot-pounds.
Discovering The Self-Defense Advantages
The .45 Long Colt and the 9mm are two of the most popular self-defense rounds available. Both cartridges have their unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider both when choosing the right round for you.
The .45 Long Colt:
- It is a large, heavy round that packs a lot of stopping power.
- The .45 Long Colt is a great choice for self-defense because into penetrates through barriers and clothing with ease. And these make it an excellent round for self-defense.
- However, the .45 Long Colt is not the most accurate round and can be difficult to control in recoil, making it a less ideal choice for target shooting.
The 9mm:
It is a much smaller, lighter round than the .45 Long Colt and is becoming increasingly popular for self-defense. The 9mm is a great choice for self-defense because it is very accurate and has less recoil than the .45 Long Colt.
- The 9mm also has a much higher magazine capacity than the .45 Long Colt.
- These qualities make it an excellent choice for those who need to shoot multiple rounds in a short period.
Assessing The Accuracy & Reliability
The accuracy and reliability of the .45 Long Colt and 9mm pistols depend largely on the make and model of the gun. Generally, both calibers are considered to be accurate and reliable.
- The .45 Long Colt is known for its accuracy and stopping power, while the 9mm is known for its lighter recoil, higher magazine capacity, and lower cost of ammunition.
In Terms Of Accuracy: The .45 Long Colt is typically more accurate than the 9mm due to its larger bullet diameter and slower velocity. But the 9mm is usually more accurate than the .45 Long Colt at longer distances, however, due to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory.
In Terms Of Reliability: Both calibers are considered to be reliable. The .45 Long Colt is typically more reliable than the 9mm due to its larger chamber and longer barrel, which helps to reduce the risk of jams or misfires. The 9mm is usually better than the .45 Long Colt when you think about its higher rate of fire and higher magazine capacity.
Examining Recoil & Shoot Ability
The recoil and shoot ability of any particular round will depend on several factors, including the type of firearm being fired, the type of ammunition being used, and the shooter’s experience and technique.
- Typically, the .45 Long Colt has a relatively low recoil compared to other similar rounds, making it a good choice for novice and intermediate shooters.
- On the other hand, the 9mm has a much higher recoil, making it more suitable for experienced shooters.
In terms of shoot ability, both rounds are considered to be relatively easy to shoot, with the .45 Long Colt being slightly easier due to its lower recoil.
But the decision of which round to use ultimately comes down to the shooter’s preference, experience level, and budget.
Shedding Light on Availability & Versatility of .45 Long Colt & 9mm
The .45 Long Colt is well-known for its stopping power and accuracy.
- It is a large round that offers a great deal of penetration and stopping power when used in handguns and rifles.
- The .45 Long Colt is most commonly used in revolvers but can be used in a variety of other firearms as well.
- It is a very popular self-defense round and is often used by law enforcement and military personnel in the United States.
- The .45 Long Colt is also a popular choice for hunting and target shooting.
The 9mm is a smaller round that is more suited for target shooting and personal defense.
- It is a light, low-recoil round that is easy to control and accurate at moderate distances.
- The 9mm is one of the most popular rounds for handguns in the world and is commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel.
- It is also a popular choice for personal defense, with many people trusting it to protect themselves and their families.
Exploring Concealability
The concealability of any firearm depends on a variety of factors, including the size, weight, and shape of the firearm, as well as the type of clothing and holster being used.
Concealabilibility: The .45 Long Colt handguns tend to be larger, heavier, and bulkier than 9mm handguns, making them more difficult to conceal. Additionally, the cylinder of a .45 Long Colt handgun is typically longer than a 9mm handgun, which further complicates the concealment of the firearm. On the other hand, 9mm handguns tend to be smaller, lighter, and more compact, making them easier to conceal.
Holster: There are a variety of options available for both .45 Long Colt and 9mm handguns. However, due to the larger size and weight of the .45 Long Colt, some holster designs may not be able to support the firearm, or may not provide the same level of concealment as a holster designed for a 9mm handgun.
Digest
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- The concealability of a .45 Long Colt handgun is usually worse than that of a 9mm handgun.
- However, with the right holster, clothing, and other accessories, it is possible to conceal both types of firearms.
Comprehending the Maintenance Requirements
Both the .45 Long Colt and 9mm require regular maintenance to ensure that they are in good working order. This includes cleaning and lubricating the weapon, inspecting the various components for signs of wear or damage, and ensuring that the ammunition is stored in a cool, dry place.
For both the .45 Long Colt cartridge and the 9mm cartridge, it needs to ensure that the weapon is clean and lubricated and to check for any signs of wear or damage.
- It is also important to inspect the primer, case head, and chamber for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Additionally, it is important to ensure that the ammunition is stored in a cool, dry place, away from any moisture or humidity.
- Lastly, it is always good to inspect the feed ramp and chamber for any signs of wear or damage, as well as to ensure the magazine is clean and free of any dirt or debris.
Comparing The .45 Long Colt And 9mm: What More You Need To Know?
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Facts |
.45 Long Colt |
9mm |
| Caliber | .45 | 9mm |
| Bullet Weight (grains) | 200-300 | 115-124 |
| Muzzle Velocity (feet per second) | 800-1,200 | 1,200-1,500 |
| Muzzle Energy (ft. lbs.) | 300-500 | 350-450 |
| Capacity | 6-8 Rounds | 10-17 Rounds |
| Recoil | Moderate | Low |
Uncovering The Cost Benefits Of Using .45 Long Colt & 9mm
As 9mm pistols are much cheaper than .45 Long Colt pistols, so the cost savings on the firearm itself could be considerable. Additionally, 9mm ammunition is often cheaper than .45 Long Colt ammunition. Depending on the type of ammunition purchased, 9mm rounds can cost up to 40% less than .45 Long Colt rounds.
When comparing the two for self-defense, many experts agree that the .45 Long Colt is the superior choice. .45 Long Colt rounds are larger than 9mm rounds and, therefore, have more stopping power. They also tend to penetrate objects in less than 9mm rounds, which can be beneficial in certain situations.
Key Takeaways
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- The .45 Long Colt rounds are generally considered more reliable than 9mm rounds. This is due in part to the shape and design of the case, which allows for more efficient and consistent chambering of the round.
- While there are cost benefits to using 9mm pistols and ammunition, the superior stopping power, reliability, and penetration of .45 Long Colt rounds make them the preferred choice for self-defense.
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Deciding Which Is Better: .45 Long Colt or 9mm?
It depends on the intended use.
- For self-defense, the 9mm is the better choice. Because it has higher velocity, more capacity, and less recoil.
- And the .45 Long Colt is a great choice for hunting and target shooting due to its larger bullet size and higher stopping power.
At last, the .45 Long Colt is a classic, powerful handgun round that is still widely used today.
- It has a larger bullet diameter than the 9mm Luger, and is more powerful, but is not as accurate.
- On the contrary, the 9mm Luger is a more modern round that is more accurate, has a higher capacity, and is much more affordable.
Final Words
The .45 Long Colt is a more powerful round than the 9mm, but the 9mm has a higher capacity and is more widely available. The .45 Long Colt is more suited for hunting and self-defense purposes, while the 9mm is more suitable for target shooting, home defense, and concealed carry.
Ultimately, the decision between which one to choose will depend on the intended application and the user’s preferences.
