About .25 ACP

Other Names for .25 ACP

The .25 ACP is a cartridge which is known by many names. As mentioned above, the “ACP” in .25 ACP is short for .25 Automatic Colt Pistol, a naming convention applied to many of Browning’s pistol cartridges. This verbose formal name is often referred to as .25 ACP for simplicity’s sake. Another popular name for the cartridge is .25 Automatic, or .25 Auto. This name references the fact that the cartridge is intended for use in autoloading pistols.

Due to the round’s popularity in Europe and countries beyond the United States, the .25 ACP picked up a metric designation. This metric designation is 6.35 Browning, or 6.35x16SR, with the “SR” meaning “Semi-Rimmed.” All in all, while the .25 ACP is known by many names, they are all ultimately referring to the same cartridge. If your pistol or ammunition features any of these naming conventions, you will be able to use what you have.

How Available is .25 ACP Ammo?

At this point in time, shooters will find that .25 ACP ammunition is not nearly as prevalent as loadings are for more mainstream calibers. This is to say that 9mm Luger ammo and other more contemporary loadings will be more plentiful and accessible than .25 ACP ammo in most cases. That being said, the cartridge is supported by a number of companies such as Speer, Aguila, Magtech, and PMC to name a few. These companies produce a number of loadings for uses such as training and self-defense.

While the cartridge is not as common as more popular calibers, finding .25 ACP ammo is not impossible by any means. The round can certainly be found where ammunition is sold, even though it is not as common as other calibers. Many shooters who employ more obscure calibers tend to buy bulk ammo quantities when possible. By buying bulk .25 ACP ammo, one can ensure they have sufficient stock for many range trips to come. Additionally, one can shop for .25 ACP ammo online to expand their ammo offerings.

How Available are Firearms Chambered in .25 ACP?

The availability of firearms chambered in .25 ACP is limited when compared to offerings in more contemporary calibers. Simply put, one will find countless options in the way of 9mm Luger and .45 ACP chambered firearms, something which is not the case with .25 ACP firearms. As far as .25 ACP firearms go, one will find pistols in the form of vintage, old production models and in a small handful of modern production offerings.

Offerings, both old and new, are mainly going to be available in the form of small pocket pistols intended for concealed carry. Certain old production and vintage models, such as old Colt and Browning/FN pistols in the caliber have become collectable and have increased in value. Both old and new production offerings can be found at local shops or online, making them accessible to many shooters. That being said, for every .25 ACP handgun one encounters, there are a heap of 9mm Luger offerings available.

What is .25 ACP Used For?

In this day and age, the .25 ACP is generally employed in recreational, plinking roles and in defensive roles. Like many other calibers, the .25 ACP can be employed in general purpose, recreational shooting applications. The light recoil of the cartridge makes it easily employed by a wide range of shooters of various skill levels. New shooters and experienced shooters alike can enjoy and effectively employ the cartridge at the range. Like its initial intended use, the cartridge is often employed in concealed carry and defensive uses. The advent of modern defensive loadings from companies such as Speer further optimize the round for self-defense use.