What does "A" & "C" stand for in 'ACP' ?

F

FUD

Moderator
Does the 'A' stand for "American" or "Automatic"? Does the 'C' stand for "Colt" or "Cartridge"? I've heard/read all four combinations ...<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI> American Colt Pistol
<LI> American Cartridge Pistol
<LI> Automatic Colt Pistol
<LI> Automatic Cartridge Pistol</UL>I suspect that it's that last one but can anyone tell me for sure?

FUD
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Share what you know & learn what you don't
 
AFAIK, with all the ACP calibers, like the .32 ACP, .38 ACP and .45 ACP, the letters stand for "Automatic Colt Pistol".


[This message has been edited by HumpMan (edited September 06, 2000).]
 
Yep. According to my reloading manuals: Developed in 1905 by John Browning for prototype pistol. And the Army wanted more safeties added to the pistol which led to the [Colt] 1911 Pistol in 45 ACP.

Was going to post link to Colt, I am sure they have something on the history but I must have deleted that link from my bookmark file.

Someone else have the link to Colt's page?

[This message has been edited by Glamdring (edited September 06, 2000).]
 
FUD, the ACP designation stands for Automatic Colt Pistol. I believe this designation was first used on the .32 ACP around 1899. It has since been used on the .25, .380 & .45 calibers also. Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

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After today, its all historical

[This message has been edited by Steven Mace (edited September 06, 2000).]
 
Steve,

Don't forget the .38 ACP, the predecessor to the .38 Super.

It was also applied to a very rare 9.8mm round that Browning developed for a Romanian military trial, and chambered in a 1911 style gun.

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Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.
 
Fud,

As reported by earlier posters, ACP is the acronym for "Automatic Colt Pistol", as verified by the US Army Field Manual (circa early '50s) that is my primary source re Browning's 45 design.

Regards.
 
Right, Mike. The "ACP" appellation was first applied to the .38 ACP Colt "Sporting Model" of 1900.



[This message has been edited by parabellum (edited September 06, 2000).]
 
And I always thought it stood for what the round did:

Air Condition the Perpetrator :D
 
Aim Carefully, Please


or

Ain't Colts Pretty?

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Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

[This message has been edited by Jim V (edited September 06, 2000).]
 
My Dad used to carry one during WWII. He used to say it meant "Another Crappy Pistol". I'm glad they're not that way anymore. Or are they??? LOL Colt needs to pull their heads out before they get sucked all the way in.

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"Charlton Heston is my President"

Danny45
NRA Life Member, NAHC Life Member, Buckmasters Life Member
 
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