We were impressed with the 9mm EP9, so when Extar released the same platform in .45 ACP we of course had to jump on it.
Why .45 ACP? Because "flying ashtrays".
.45 ACP makes for a great home-defense round and is naturally subsonic.
A lot of folks who think .45 ACP isn't a good choice do so because they're thinking of carry pistols. It's true that the ammunition weighs more, and you get less capacity in the same-size magazine than you would with 9mm. It's also true that in today's carry-pistol barrel lengths .45 ACP doesn't generate much energy. NONE of that applies to the EP45! We're talking about a large-format pistol that isn't getting stuffed down your pants, readily accepts higher-capacity magazines, and a platform so light that some extra ammunition weight doesn't really matter.
EP45 Specifications:
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel Length: 6.5"
Barrel Thread: 5/8-24"
Capacity: Up to 30rd
Magazine: Glock G21 magazine compatible - 13rd Glock brand magazine included (10rd for restricted states)
Overall Length: 23.8"
Overall Height: 7.9"
Overall Width: 2"
Weight (Unloaded): 4lbs. 8oz.
Weight (w/Empty Magazine): 4lbs. 11.2oz.
Bolt & Barrel Finish: BLACKNITRIDE+
Trigger Action: Single-Stage
Charging Handle: Left-Side, Reciprocating
Receiver Extension: Includes EP Pistol Protector Cover. Compatible with our Extar Stabilizer and the SB Tactical SB-Mini, SBL, SBM4, SOB, SBX-K, or SBV braces. Adding a brace may make the pistol fall under the NFA.
Price: $499.95 direct from Extar
Here's our tabletop look at the EP45:
It's important to note that the folding charging handle is an accessory option.
So how's it shoot? We of course had to include our standard battery of experiences, most interesting for me was What's For Dinner™. PCC's and large-format pistols have notoriously not liked hollow points so of course we had to include some. Ammunition tested included:
Inceptor ARX 118gr
Alchemist Ammunition Frangible 155gr
Steinel 185gr SCHP
TulAmmo 230gr FMJ Steel-case
Blazer 230gr FMJ Aluminum-case
Federal Premium Law Enforcement Tactical 230gr HST
Sig Sauer Elite Performance Ammunition 230gr V-Crown $20.49/20 at Optics Planet
See how the EP45 did along with how much energy the 6.5" barrel produced in the Shooting Impressions video below:
Ammunition seen in our Shooting Impressions video was made possible by our Patrons and supporters of our ammunition savings account through Ammo Squared. Additional, on-demand ammunition through True Shot Gun Club.
Here's a simple chart of muzzle energy so you can compare the rounds side by side.
As you can see, the 6.5" barrel really lets you take advantage of +p ammunition. Unfortunately the ARX round was not reliable, so the Liberty looks like the best choice. It's not inexpensive ammo, but you're effectively getting the energy of two 9mm rounds with each shot!
Just like with the EP9, Extar keeps prices down in part by not dealing with distributors. The only way to get one is to order direct from ExtarUSA.