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View Poll Results: What is your experience with a .45 GAP?
I have never heard of the .45 GAP. 5 9.09%
I don’t like .45 GAP, but have never fired one. 32 58.18%
I have fired a GAP, but don’t like them. 10 18.18%
I have fired a GAP and love them. 8 14.55%
Voters: 55. You may not vote on this poll

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Old September 26, 2012, 06:59 PM   #1
G19OD
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.45 Gap Poll

There is a current thread regarding GAPs and most of the respondents don't like the GAP for a variety of reasons. However, they usually don't mention whether or not that have ever actually fired one.

I have a GAP and like it a lot, so much so that it is my primary hand gun. It has the same frame as the G19 so I do 80% of my practice with the G19 for cost reasons and 20% with the G38 for the fun.

Please state your reasons for why you like or dislike GAPs.
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Old September 26, 2012, 07:29 PM   #2
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There isn't an option for me to vote upon. I neither like nor dislike the GAP. I've read loading data, looked at the ballistics, eyeballed a firearm or two for which it's chambered. I'm not a flag waving standard bearer for the ACP or any other round and/or I don't see it as a threat to the ACP or any other ctg. It's still around, so I guess it has it's place in the world but currently I don't have a need for one.

I do tend to wonder why folks would say they don't like any particular cartridge though. I've seen threads like these, and sometimes folks all but fall short of foaming at the mouth while defending or flaming any such cartridge other than the one by which they swear alliegiance. I wonder if folks do the same over on carpenters boards about such things as claw hammers, nails, chalk lines, and such.

To me, it really is laughable when folks all but scream "Your bullet (rifle, shotgun, handgun, etc) sucks because it aint the one I got and you aint a real 'Merican man if'n you ain't got what I got!" They're just tools and tool components.
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Old September 26, 2012, 07:35 PM   #3
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I read the thread, I don't really come away with thinking a bunch of people actively disliking the cartridge.

The simple fact is that its reason to exist is for a .45 caliber bullet in a .40 sized frame, and unfortunately for the cartridge it does not appear that there is much demand for that in the marketplace- this is reflected by the lack of guns in the caliber and ammo availability.

Those who love it, love it. But there's just not many who are into it.
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Old September 26, 2012, 07:40 PM   #4
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My answer is not much different from 10-96. In a gunfight, any gun that goes bang reliably and tosses a .45 caliber bullet with reasonable haste and fairly accurately downwind... is my kinda gun. Do I own or want one? No, but I'm buried in .45ACPs.

If you like it, then who gives a crap what anyone else thinks?

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Old September 26, 2012, 07:44 PM   #5
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I voted not shot and don’t like but I totally agree with 10-96, it not so much a dislike, its more that I don’t see a real advantage in the cartridge when I already have thousands of 45 ACP cases and a case of loaded factory. Also the price is high for the GAP since the number sold is miniscule compared to the ACP.
I realize that the shorter round will make for a shorter mag well but the 1911 fits my hand and so does the Glock 21, I just didn’t and still don’t see the need for the GAP.
I guess if I had to come up with a real answer, it would be, I like but don’t see a need for it.
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Old September 26, 2012, 07:52 PM   #6
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I have a Glock 38. It's one of the softest-shooting .45s I've ever shot, and I shoot it quite well.

I can't get comfortable with the large grip of the .45 acp Glock 21 and don't care for the Glock 36.

I also have a Glock 35, have had a 17 and a 34, and along with the 38, they all feel the same in my hand.
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Old September 26, 2012, 08:13 PM   #7
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include this selection...

Try adding:
"The .45 GAP is the answer to a question no-one (but Gaston Glock) asked."
...and I'll vote.

Seriously, I am not a fan of double-stack-anythings. Add to that, the fact that the small GAP cartridge limits the case volume...and thereby limits the choices and power levels of any GAP cartridge. There are no ".45GAP +P" or .45GAP Super" or ".452 GAP Rowland".

In the end, the GAP is a one-trick pony (very much like the .357 Sig). If you like it, buy it and enjoy. I already own pistols/revolvers in .45acp and .357 Mag--two of the more versatile rounds in existence.

I am a handloader, and as such I can make a case for some somewhat obscure rounds (let's start with 10mm, .41Mag and .45LC), but they need to bring something to the table.

IMHO, neither the .45GAP or the .357 Sig do.

Last edited by orionengnr; September 26, 2012 at 08:18 PM.
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Old September 26, 2012, 08:47 PM   #8
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the correct term would be apathy. It's not that I dislike it I just don't care for it. I don't really like Glocks so if I wanted a striker polly 10+1 45 cal I'd just get a M&P45
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Old September 26, 2012, 08:58 PM   #9
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I doubledawgdare any of y'all to shoot one of my G38's and not love it. Tellin' you guys, words and numbers don't work here.
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Old September 27, 2012, 11:17 AM   #10
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When the gun that we now know as the Springfield EMP was first announced, it was called the Defender, and was chambered in .45 GAP. I thought it was a pretty cool idea, shrinking the 1911 envelope around a shorter cartridge. If that gun had come to market, I might be a huge fan of the GAP round.
I just don't like the various "platforms" that support the cartridge today. If I wanted a Glock, I wouldn't buy one chambered in an oddball cartridge like the GAP.
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Old September 27, 2012, 11:20 AM   #11
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With the introduction of the SF series of pistols, aren't the size savings of the 45 GAP are largely negated?
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Old September 27, 2012, 11:32 AM   #12
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I have fired one and didnt care for it. Just simply dont see the need in it, or the risk involved. When I say risk involved, I mean that I already own several 45acp pistols, and dont want to risk inadvertantly loading a GAP round. I have enough issues digging a few GAP cases out of my 45ACP brass after I clean up at the range before reloading.

Also, with the SF models it tends to negate the frame size issue on glocks, at least in my opinion.
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Old September 27, 2012, 02:51 PM   #13
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Re: risk of using a .45 gap in a .45 acp weapon.

How does that differ from the risk of using a .40 round in a 10mm weapon? Of the various arguments I've seen, that seems the most "nit-picky" of the bunch.

I understand folks who see no advantage of the gap over .45 a.c.p. But most of them are big fans of single-stack 1911 weapons, and not everybody sings that song.

I like the smaller (Glock 19)-sized package. If you find smaller guns handling the .45 acp round, with comparable capacity, that advantage becomes less valid.

One disadvantage of .45 g.a.p WAS the relatively higher cost. But, I've been buying my ammo from Georgia Arms for range use, and find that the difference in cost, once a big issue, is now a non-issue when I buy from them. The premium self-defense ammo isn't cheap for either .45 acp or .45 gap from any provider, so I just grimace when I buy.
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Old September 27, 2012, 03:58 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G19OD
There is a current thread regarding GAPs and most of the respondents don't like the GAP for a variety of reasons. However, they usually don't mention whether or not that have ever actually fired one.

I have a GAP and like it a lot, so much so that it is my primary hand gun. It has the same frame as the G19 so I do 80% of my practice with the G19 for cost reasons and 20% with the G38 for the fun.

Please state your reasons for why you like or dislike GAPs.
Just to be pedantic, I feel I should mention that .45 GAP is a cartridge, not a firearm. I don't believe Glock or any other firearm manufacturer sells a pistol called a "GAP." Is it safe to assume that you're really asking who has fired Glock's .45 GAP model, or are you asking about firing any make or model that's chambered for .45 GAP?
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Old September 27, 2012, 04:02 PM   #15
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I couldn't vote. I have never fired one but I like the concept. In my LEO circles many Depts are going to 45 acp and the gun sizes aren't fitting many officers. The other position is off duty carry. Most PDs in my area require a similar firearm and same ammo. The GAP off duty frames fit that role.
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Old September 27, 2012, 04:04 PM   #16
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I just don't see a real world need for it, but if it floats your boat then cheers to you and your favorite cartridge!!!
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Old September 27, 2012, 04:36 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt Sherrill
Re: risk of using a .45 gap in a .45 acp weapon.

How does that differ from the risk of using a .40 round in a 10mm weapon? Of the various arguments I've seen, that seems the most "nit-picky" of the bunch.
I dont see it as "nit-picky" at all. To me its about reducing the risk of inadvertantly loading a 45GAP round in to a 45ACP pistol and causing an issue. I feel its best to use the proper ammo in the proper firearm.

as to the .40S&W in a 10mm...It is something that matters to me again to use the proper ammo in the proper firearm. Which is why there isnt a 10mm in the safe now, because I currently have a 40S&W there. I know others feel otherwise, and thats their own choice. I have seen first hand a few different caliber combinations, either on purpose, or accidently with varied results.

Last edited by Fishing_Cabin; September 27, 2012 at 04:46 PM.
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Old September 27, 2012, 05:50 PM   #18
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I think the GAP runs at about 50% higher pressure than .45 ACP, maybe as high as an ACP proof round, so while it might not kill you, nor destroy your ACP to fire a GAP round in it, probably not something to do intentionally.
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Old September 27, 2012, 06:03 PM   #19
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Sorry RickB, but thats bad info you got. "Normal" 45acp is around 21,000 and GAP is about 23,000 (similar to +P 45acp). For comparison, 9mm and 40SW are both well above 35,000.

Fishing_Cabin, I'm not doubting your word, but that would make you one rare bird based upon my experience and those of some of my GAP-shooting brethren. I have seen 100% astonishment from all that have GAPPED with me. The accuracy is uncanny, and it is such a sweet firing gun. It's impulse is a bit quicker than the acp and frankly is even more fun IMHO.

One side benefit of the GAP is that it holds more consistant velocities than the acp, likely due to the reduced "dead air" in the case. More consistant velocity = better accuracy (assuming all else to be equal). Additionally, it uses less powder to make the same energy, and is virtually impossible to double charge (for reloaders).
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Old September 27, 2012, 06:04 PM   #20
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I was aware of the .45 GAP but have never had a chance to fire one. I would like to however.
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Old September 27, 2012, 06:45 PM   #21
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Old September 27, 2012, 06:47 PM   #22
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I fired 3 of the damned things in my 45 ACP!

Ok, never heard of the &^%& round and saw 45 on the box, bought it and took me 3 rounds of non cycling in my normally reliable Star PD not working to stop and figure it out.

So, there is one more reason for me to wish gaston glock makes a quick trip to hell.

I don't hate the gun so much as I hate him and his company (though I have no use for strikers).

Just an ego caliber because he wanted to get on a box of ammo like Sig did!
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Old September 27, 2012, 07:00 PM   #23
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Just to be pedantic, I feel I should mention that .45 GAP is a cartridge, not a firearm. I don't believe Glock or any other firearm manufacturer sells a pistol called a "GAP." Is it safe to assume that you're really asking who has fired Glock's .45 GAP model, or are you asking about firing any make or model that's chambered for .45 GAP?

Yes, you are correct, but since the .45GAP cartridge is almost totally only used in Glock models G37, G38 and G39 (Gen 3 and hopefully someday Gen 4), the two (cartridge and handgun model) have become synonymous in common parlance. However, I apologize for any confusion I may have caused.
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Old September 27, 2012, 07:08 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G19OD
Yes, you are correct, but since the .45GAP cartridge is almost totally only used in Glock models G37, G38 and G39 (Gen 3 and hopefully someday Gen 4), the two (cartridge and handgun model) have become synonymous in common parlance. However, I apologize for any confusion I may have caused.
I have been aware of the .45 GAP cartridge since when Glock first announced it to the firearms press. This thread is the first time I have seen or heard anyone suggest that the name for the cartridge has become synonymous with the name of a gun. If I haven't seen it or heard it ... it is not in "common parlance."
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Old September 27, 2012, 07:54 PM   #25
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IDPA and others fire the 45 GAP in competition revolvers because of the shorter length is quicker to load. So I guess 45 GAP in 45acp is ok.
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