You would think, with all the targeting of large-format, AR-style pistols by the Biden-Harris administration via the ATF, that companies might shy away from jumping into even deeper pistol waters. And that would be understandable given the uncertainty. But then there’s others who boldly soldier on. The Extar EP45 becomes just the latest example of true 2A spirit in manufacturing.
The new EP45 expands on the company’s prior release, the EP9. As the nomenclature suggests, the new model comes chambered in the harder-hitting .45 ACP cartridge. The line extension comes following the requests of consumers, according to Extar.
What We Love
First off, we clearly love that we’re getting a .45 option here. Not all companies expand into .45 or 10mm, even though plenty of shooters clamor for the bigger bore–and quite loudly! But we also love the fact this platform runs on Glock-pattern magazines. When you’re Smith & Wesson or SIG, or any of the major manufacturers out there, utilizing your own proprietary magazine can make a lot of sense. The new M&P FPC, for example, utilizes M&P pistol magazines. That makes perfect sense. But if a company lacks the breadth of products of major players, running your pistol or PCC on Glock mags proves extremely beneficial. The aftermarket industry really supports Glock-pattern mags.
The company claims this platform runs a unique recoil system, of Extar’s own design. It “shoots about as softly as the 9mm does, leaving other direct-blowback designs in the dust and challenging some of the best delayed-blowback options,” stated a company release. Some big, bold claims there, but we’re excited to get some hands on with this .45 real soon!
Built for Defense
Extar also claims the EP45 will reliably run on hollow-point bullets. If so, that really opens up this platform to a wide range of tactical/defensive loads. For those interested in a .45-caliber large-format pistol for home or self-defense, this should catch your attention.
The EP45 employs a “Dynamic Feed Control System” to keep the shorter overall length cartridges in battery. It will “run most hollow-point and unconventional projectile designs, turning the EP45 from a range gun into the perfect home or vehicle defense too, but taking advantage of the 45’s naturally efficient energy transfer.”
The Extar EP45 retails for $499.95. For even more info, please visit extarusa.com.
Extar EP45 Features & Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel Length:Â 6.5 inches
- Barrel Thread: 5/8-24″
- Capacity: Up to 30rd
- Magazine: Glock G21 magazine compatible – 13rd Glock brand magazine included (10rd for resctricted states)
- Overall Length:Â 23.8 inches
- Overall Height:Â 7.9 inches
- Overall Width:Â 2 inches
- Weight (Unloaded):Â 4 pounds, 8 ounces
- Weight (w/Empty Magazine):Â 4 pounds, 11.2 ounces
- Bolt & Barrel Finish:Â BLACKNITRIDE
- Trigger Action: Single-Stage
- Charging Handle: 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.
