What is wad gun?

Hi
I'm sure this is a dumb question.  
I am looking into getting  a 45 and doing as much homework assignment I can.
I see people referring to some 45 as there wad gun. 
I have been told that a 1911 can only shoot semi wadcutter bullets , is this not accurate.  Or are people just referring to the semi wadcutter as a wad gun?
Thanks,  Tom

......And what is the difference between a wad gun and a hard ball gun?

A wad gun is tuned to shoot semi-wadcutter bullets rather than round nose.  A hardball gun is a term for a pistol that can be used in the CMP EIC Service Pistol "Leg" matches.  In the past, service pistols had to use 230 grain full metal jacket ammo or "hardball".

A Wad gun is designed and intended to shoot semiwadcutters, and meant for shooting the centerfire/45 portion of NRA precision pistol events. Although, even if shooting jacketed hollow points, if still call it a "wad gun". Generally, they are set up to use some type of red dot scope. Must have at least a 3.5# trigger.

A hard ball gun is designed and intended to shoot "hard ball", or 230 grain round nose ammo, and is set up with open sights. It it primarily intended for CMP service pistol compeition. However, due to a recent rule change, most are shooting jacketed hollow point 185's. Regardless, if intended for service pistol, I'd still call it a "hard ball" gun. Must have a 4# trigger.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Dave

My wad gun is an Accuracy X 1911 with the Multi Sight.  I use a 4 lb trigger and just swap from iron sights for CMP EIC matches to a Picatinny rail with dot optic for NRA matches.  

I shoot the same 185 grain ammo for both EIC and NRA matches.
If however I want to shoot very light powder charges I must use a little more in ammo to cycle the action with an optic mounted.

You can consider a wadgun as a purpose build completion pistol that is accurate out o 50 yards with a range of ammunition,typically lower power loads.

A ballgun would be a service pistol on the CMP approved list for excellence in competition matches. Tuned to shoot jacketed ammunition (plated allowed) that is accurate at 50 yards and requires iron sights

OK
So does a wad gun need to be modified to shoot semi wadcutter bullets. 
In other words can I buy any old 1911 and shoot semi wadcutter bullets or will it need a trip to a gun smith first ?
Thanks, Tom

thessler wrote:OK
So does a wad gun need to be modified to shoot semi wadcutter bullets. 
In other words can I buy any old 1911 and shoot semi wadcutter bullets or will it need a trip to a gun smith first ?
Thanks, Tom

depends colt did some weird ramp that is specifically designed for round nose. A properly built gun will feed and cycle anything.