The 45 ACP was the U.S. standard pistol cartridge from 1911 until the early 1980's. Even now, it's still the caliber of choice for many of our specialty military organizations. like the Seals. The standard 45 ACP round has a 230 grain FMJ bullet being propelled at about 800 feet per second with about 330 ft-lbs of power. Not too shabby.
Even as decent as those stats are, people are always looking for more power. An early supped-up 45 was called the 45 NAACO. It was developed by the North American Arms Corporation in Canada around 1948. (The company was only in existence until 1952.) NAACO developed a beefed uo Browning High Power (over 4.25 pounds) to launch this new 45 caliber round. The pistol was called the Brigadier and the bullet popped out of this gun's five inch barrel at 1600 fps and about 1300 ft-lbs of energy. The cartridge was made from trimming down 308 Winchester cases. The Brigadier carried 8 rounds of this high powered ammo.
In addition, the pistol had the ability to have the removable trigger module replaced by a special one allowing selective fire. A 20 round magazine and a shoulder stock could also be purchased.
NAACO was pursuing the Canadian militaries requirements for a new weapon after World War 2 and were crossing their fingers that their weapon would be chosen. In a piece of bad luck, the NATO standardization pushed the 9mm cartridge in Canada's direction in 1951 and NAACO folded just a year later.
NAACO was ahead of their time with the 45 NAACO round. It faded into obscurity, or did it? In the early 1970's Winchester created the nearly identical 45 Winchester Magnum. This cartridge never fared too well, except with some silhouette shooters and those who picked up Automag pistols, LAR Grizzlies, or some of the other super automatics that were crated but haven't done so well.
Many other attempts on improving the 45 caliber automatic have been attempted, all with limited success: 451 Detonics, 45 Super, 45 Wildley Magnum, among others. It's a fairly rough trade off.. more power at a cost of a heavier gun, more recoil, larger grip circumference, control, etc. The 45 ACP is a fine balance in weight, control, and power.
