Wreck-n-Crew
Member
Frame smame that is the myth. Why?The purpose of the GAP is clearly stated: a .45 caliber round that duplicates .45 ACP ballistics that can be shot out of a 9mm frame design.
A: Any Glock 9mm is strong enough for 45acp. If not the frame strength is overstated because more than one platform have the same frame and can change from 45 acp to 9mm with a slide change. The tough or durable label goes away. Since other platforms have the same exact frame from 45 to 9mm why is the gap necessary? Or is it that the Glock frame is weak? I tend to believe the overstated reason for the GAP is the problem not the frame, take your pick.
B:Recoil energy determines frame strength requirements. Two bullets fired from the same gun with the same velocity, same weight, and the only difference being charge weight the recoil energy is so minimal that it's not worth mentioning. There is no real difference in recoil which means there is no more wear on the gun or pressure on the frame between the two. Chamber Pressure: (really irrelevant since barrel can withstand the pressure difference and an increase in recoil energy is nil): well the GAP is higher, not that it matters.
FE:
Recoil and velocity calculator hand load using Longshot powder
Load One 45 GAP
Bullet weight in grains 230
Velocity in fps 1000
Powder charge in grains 6.8
Weight of firearm in lbs 1.7
Recoil Impulse in (lbs sec) 1.14
Velocity of recoiling firearm (fps) 21.61
Free recoil energy in (ft/lbs) 12.33
Load Two 45acp
Bullet weight in grains 230
Velocity in fps 1013
Powder charge in grains 7.8
Weight of firearm in lbs 1.7
Recoil Impulse in (lbs sec) 1.17
Velocity of recoiling firearm (fps) 22.20
Free recoil energy in (ft/lbs) 13.01
In the end the difference is a shorter cartridge and maybe a smaller grip if you with to utilize the small difference. That's it!
Wait...there is one more +p guns in 45acp and then you have many that can shoot 45Super (some without doing a thing like the H&K). Gap can't do that.
9mm recoil energy is less than a 45. with a measurable degree. Using the same powder.
FE:
Bullet weight in grains 147
Velocity in fps 1004
Powder charge in grains 4.7
Weight of firearm in lbs 1.7
Recoil Impulse in (lbs sec) 0.74
Velocity of recoiling firearm (fps) 13.98
Free recoil energy in (ft/lbs) 5.16
See the difference? You can feel it when shooting too. However the Recoil Impulse is not that substantial and the frame strength requirements to go from 45 to 9mm aren't much at all and easily to obtain even in a compact handgun. My conclusion: 45 GAP designed for 9mm frame=Myth.
Last edited: