[CTGunner]

What are your experiences with revolvers chambered for 45acp? What are the pros and cons? What manufacturer / model do you prefer best?

[rcmodel]

S&W 25 or 625 is the only ones I would even consider.

I love my 625-6 Mountain Gun!!

Pros? = Whats not to like!
Cons? = There aren't any.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/100_3888.jpg

rc

[SharpsDressedMan]

Here's an old S&W 1917 thst was already cut down and sight installed that I found at a gun show. It had almost no bluing, but had a tight lock up, and a slightly dark bore. I sent it off for a a slight trigger job, and matte blueing. I textured and rounded some Ahrends cocobolo grips, and it is a fine carrying or bedside gun. You don't have to go expensive if you shop the used market. .................. http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/matquig/DSC06327.jpg

[bikerdoc]

^ beautiful

45 in a wheel gun is a great find.

[BlindJustice]

I have a full size 1911 as well as a S&W 625-8 Revolver in ..45 ACP

The 625 is enjoyable to shoot - I prepare prior to the range by loadig
u the full moon clips. after the range session I'll demoon the spent
cases with a demooner tool as I watch TV. With the revolver it's
empty weight is 45 oz so it soaks up the moderate recoil

The M1917 S&W was used by the doughboys using half moon clips
after WWI the M1917s found their way into civilian hands. Remington
Peters created the .45 Auto Rim cartrdge hich has a normal rim like
45 Colt, 44 SPcial etc. except it's exttra thick to correctly headspace
and no moon clips required.

Other S&W .45 ACP Revovlers include

M1917 - 1917 until the late '40s

1950 Target
1950 Army
1955 Target aka Model 25

625 stainless steel - 1902 to present

& S&W offers current models that resemble the
1950 Target & Army as
the Model 21 and Model of 1917

then there's the scandium framed
MOdel 3245 PD/Thunder Ranch

Also the Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt - Ruger
offers a Conbertible cylinder in 45 ACP

R-

[BossHogg]

I like the S&W 22-4. Pre load your moonclips before the range trip. Then have fun shooting im up. :)
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5250/5686890509_d5de3f2046.jpg

[SwampWolf]

My S&W Model 1955 Target (25-2) is one of my favorite revolvers. Beautifully finished, fine workmanship and superbly accurate with a first-rate trigger; they just don't make them like this anymore and, sadly, probably never will.

[Vern Humphrey]

I used to have a Colt M1917 -- a really nice revolver. Currently I have a Colt New Service in .45 Colt. Overall, in a Revolver, I prefer .45 Colt.

[wheelyfun66]

Here is a Ruger Single action Vaquero in 45 ACP...
http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/spec4towle/IMG_0787.jpg
http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/spec4towle/IMG_0785.jpg

[cpt-t]

CTGunner: I have an old 45LC / 45ACP Ruger Blackhawk Convertible 7.5 inch barrel, that I bought in 1971. I have used this old gun with the 45ACP cylinder to do just about any thing you could ask a Revolver to do. From shooting targets both steel and paper, plinking along the river, to hunting both small game and just about every varmint you can think of. Even a few Coyotes and a Pig. 25 to 50 yd shot is not a real problem, if I do my part. My Ruger is like an old friend to me, very accurate, very little recoil, and very easy to shoot. I can`t ask for any thing more. Good Luck To You:
ken

[56hawk]

What are your experiences with revolvers chambered for 45acp? What are the pros and cons? What manufacturer / model do you prefer best?

I have a couple S&W revolvers in 45 ACP. One of them is a 625 that I have used in USPSA revolver class competitions.

Pros are that with moon clips the 45 ACP is the fastest revolver there is to reload. Recoil is also very mild.

Cons are that you are shooting a pretty wimpy round out of that big of a gun. In the same size you could get an eight shot 357 or a six shot 44 Magnum. And of course having to use moon clips is both a pro and a con depending on how you look at it.

[BlindJustice]

Ahem...wimpy?

Buffalo Bore .45 ACP / .45 AUto Rim heavy loads

as well as .45 Super

[stormspotter]

I just bought a Lipsey's Ruger Flattop in 45 Colt/45 ACP. Can't wait for it to arrive and will be a good mate for my Flattop 44 Special.

[BYJO4]

S&W model 25 or 625 is an excellent 45 ACP/Auto Rim revolver. Accuracy is supurb and all that I have owned came with a great trigger right out of the box.

[Deaf Smith]

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=176000&d=1355098863

What is there to think about?

Deaf

[waidmann]

When you get down to it .45 ACP makes more sense than either .44 Special or .45 Colt in most applications particularly if store bought ammo is prefered.

My experience includes the S&W 25-2, 1917; Colt New Service 1917 and several modified military models.

A caution: do not use factory .45 ACP in a shaved Webley.

[jonnyc]

My S&W 1917, Colt 1917, and shaved Webley are my favorite range guns. They all happily digest my favorite .45ACP target load.

[Walkalong]

This 1917 is cool, and fun,
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=127509&stc=1&d=1284225295

but this 1955 Target is awesome.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=152814&d=1321376594

I foolishly sold a 625-4.

[exbrit49]

Ruger Blackhawk with 45ACP and 45Colt cylinders.
Love mine and it gets an equal amount of both through it.
The 45Colt is a little more accurate than the 45ACP but at 25 yds everything is in the black shooting off hand.
Another big plus is the Blackhawk frame and cylinder are heavy enough to handle some hefty loads.
Ruger gets top marks from me for this combo!

[Liberty1776]

They're awesome. My first 1917 S&W was the most accurate handgun I've ever owned. I now have my eye open for an (affordable) 625 5" - which for me is the perfect bbl length.

[Fat_46]

325PD and a 625 Performance Center. The 325PD is on my belt more often then any other, and I have a few to choose from. I segregate my 45 ACP brass, with the autos getting large primer, and the wheelies getting small. Same load for both, though.

[cfullgraf]

Did someone say "what's not to like" about the S&W 45 ACP revolvers or Colt 1917's?

I like my 625JM and I just got a Model 22 Classic. They are fun to shoot.

I will probably add a S&W 1917 to my list of "wants".

[pendennis]

I own six of them:

S&W Model of 1917
Colt New Service Model of 1917
S&W Model 25-2
S&W Model 325NG
S&W Model 625-3
S&W Model 22-4
S&W Model 22-4, Model of 1917


I still haven't decided which of them I like the best. They're all fun to shoot, and I carry the 325NG concealed.

The newest is the S&W Model of 1917. I got it Saturday at a local show, and started wringing it out today. It locks up nearly as tight as my Python.

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu331/pendennis1947/SmithampWessonModel1917Leftw-Cartridges_zpsdaba73f2.jpg

[Boxhead]

I owned an Old Model Ruger Blackhawk convertible and never shoot the ACP cylinder and eventually swapped it off to Alan Harton in trade for labor. I do shoot a Smith 25-2 primarily with AR brass and a 255 gr SWC (as cast by MBW). It is a fine piece, easy to shoot and exceedingly accurate. Just a fun gun to shoot.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa437/boxhead61/M25-2andBFR017.jpg

[rikman]

S&W 25 or 625 is the only ones I would even consider.

I love my 625-6 Mountain Gun!!

Pros? = Whats not to like!
Cons? = There aren't any.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/100_3888.jpg

rc
What RC said!

http://i965.photobucket.com/albums/ae133/FLYFIDO/SW625PC.jpg

[mic214]

What are your experiences with revolvers chambered for 45acp? What are the pros and cons? What manufacturer / model do you prefer best?
I love my M-625. It started out with a 5" heavy barrel. I swapped out the 5" barrel with a 4" Mountain Gun barrel. It is much easier to pack around now.....

Before:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/mic214/Firearms/SW625.jpg

After:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/mic214/Firearms/625-3.jpg

[StrawHat]

I had a 6 1/2" barreled M25-2 for nearly a decade and was looking for a 4" iteration of some sort. Never could find it so I took a M28-2 that was sitting unused and reworked it to handle the 45 ACP cartridge. Here they are.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc194/StrawHat/Nframegrips004.jpg

The 4" barreled revolver is used daily, the target revolver get used at the range. Both are used with ACP in moonclips or AR brass. I load cast lead only, 235 full wadcutter, 245 grain SWC, 260 SWC and 280 SWC. The full WC and the 260 SWC seem to be the ideal for them.

[VA27]

I've had several over the years. A coupla 1955 Targets, a 1917 Smith and a 1917 Colt. I lucked on to a used Model 22-4, 4" last week. I like 'em!

[jmorris]

I have a couple of 625's. They dominate the revolver action shooting games they are allowed in. Very fast to reload and very simple to retrieve all your brass back. Mooning/demoon can be a pain if you don't have the right tools but if you use 45GAP brass they moon/demoon by hand and the small primers allow for better trigger pull with 100% ignition.

Here is a video of a tool I built for them. The mouth of the feed tube is cut so it will demoon also.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/th_mooner.jpg (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/mooner.mp4)

[Coal Dragger]

Can't speak for the double action .45ACP revovlers, but I love the spare cylinder in .45ACP that I had made for my Freedom Arms .454 Casull.

[huntsman]

What are your experiences with revolvers chambered for 45acp? What are the pros and cons? What manufacturer / model do you prefer best?
I bought a 5-1/2" blackhawk convert for deer hunting and plinking, the .45acp has been a joy to shoot and now I'm going to look for a .45acp in a barrel of 3-4" instead of another semi-auto.

[ApacheCoTodd]

For me.
Pros:
.45 compatibility with my many semi-autos
.45 is a very easy and an "all things known" reload
Loves me some moon clip reloading
Shoots like black powder pistols

Cons:
Moon clips unless you get something chambered like a Smith 1917
Most of them waste a lot of frame dimension and weight on the "downpowered" cartridge

[Iggy]

A 1915 vintage .455 HE with a .45ACP/AR Cylinder and 6 1/2" barrel makes a purty good plinkin' gun.
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/SWMutt.jpg

[Archie]

Except I'll quibble with his closing comment.

A .45 ACP revolver is 'down powered' only when compared to the same size revolver in .44 Magnum or Special.

However, for a reloader, the .45 ACP/.45 AutoRim round can be loaded with a 255 grain wadcutter to a fairly authoritative level. Some 'old guys' have killed deer regularly with them.

I have a 1917 S&W (cut down) and a 1955 Target model and I'm rather fond of both.

[Dave T]

The 45 ACP being tied as my favorite revolver cartridge (38/44 being the other) I almost had to post a few pictures (smile).

My oldest 45 ACP revolver is this customized 1917:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww224/desertarcher/SW%20N%20Frames/IMG_0400.jpg
The plastic stocks have since been replaced by a set of ram's horn stocks by Grashorn Gunworks. It has a 3-3/8" barrel and a hard chrome finish.

Next in age is a Model of 1955:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww224/desertarcher/SW%20N%20Frames/IMG_1151.jpg
That barrel has been cut to 5", the ramp and front sight are pinned just like the original. Stocks are early, hand checkered Harrett Shooting Stars.

Smith & Wesson made some of their Mountain Guns in 45 ACP but only in stainless (625s). I wanted a blue steel version like this:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww224/desertarcher/SW%20N%20Frames/IMG_0241.jpg
It's a M25-2 that has a shortened Model of 1950 tapered barrel. Like the factory MGs this one has a round butt and a matt finish. It's one of my favorites.

Finally, one of the early 625-2 with the full lug 5" barrel.

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww224/desertarcher/SW%20N%20Frames/IMG_0314.jpg
Bought this used with a bad case of push off. A new main spring from Brownells ended the push off and delivered a reliable but very smooth DA trigger pull.

Pre loading a couple hundred rounds of moon clips in my shop makes any trip to the range a delight as no other revolver reloads as quickly or smoothly as a 45 ACP fed full moons.

Dave

[rcmodel]

For just range plinking without the pain of moonclips, I have had good success with the Rimz EZ-Moon plastic moon clips.

http://www.ezmoonclip.com/

You can load & unload them with just your fingers easily.

They are not nearly as durable and drop-proof as steel clips.

But it doesn't take a mooner & a de-mooner tool to get the cases in & out of them either.

rc

[highlander 5]

I've 2 model 625s and when freinds have asked to go to the range with me I bring an assortment of revolvers and semi autos and almost everyone has fallen in love them.
Easy to shoot recoil wise and very accurate. I bring an assortment of 45 ACP and 45 Auto rim ammo loaded to standard velocities and have had no complaints on recoil. A friend that's waiting on his LTC is going to look for a used 625 once his permit is in.

[Hammerdown77]

For just range plinking without the pain of moonclips, I have had good success with the Rimz EZ-Moon plastic moon clips.

http://www.ezmoonclip.com/

You can load & unload them with just your fingers easily.

They are not nearly as durable and drop-proof as steel clips.

But it doesn't take a mooner & a de-mooner tool to get the cases in & out of them either.

rc
+1000 for the RIMZ. Made the experience of shooting moon clipped 45 Auto so much more enjoyable for me.

[Japle]

The only one I have is a 625JM. I did an action job, replaced the springs and installed an extended firing pin. It’s a super-nice shooting gun.

I only fire it DA. Don't think I've ever fired it SA.

Yesterday at the range, I fired 2 moon clips at 20 yards DA, about one second per shot and got this group. It would be 2 ¾” if it wasn’t for the flyer that opened it up to 3 ¾”

OOPS!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Japle/Guns/219201320ydrapid_zps2cb432a1.jpg

[deanodog]

1955 target
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c375/deanodog/revolvers/sw25-2.jpg
blackhawk in 45 acp
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c375/deanodog/revolvers/bhconvertiblels1.jpg

[bamabiker]

I guess you can say I like S&W 45 ACP revolvers.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll108/bamabiker1159/FAs/FAPictures695.jpg
I have another 3" M625 that did not make this picture.

[MagnumDweeb]

Everytime it seems like I can finally buy a .45 ACP Revolver something comes up. A deal I can't turn down, my wedding that I have to pay for, etc. etc. etc..

I finally settled on waiting till I can find another .454 Casull Ruger Redhawk for less than $700.00 with a 7.5" barrel and having cut for .45 ACP. I know someone who did this to theirs, and i have an uncut one (it's my full time .454 Casull shooter), and it shoots like a dream out to twenty five yards. I fired six shots and thought I had somehow missed twice as I was winding it back up to find I had double punched inside a three inch grouping. Not amazing shooting but good plinking. I've tried to get my friend out to an open air range so I can try it at fifty yards.

In the massive frame it has as much recoil as .38 special in a Model 15. Just a sweet straight shooter.

[VA27]

The Rimz clips are great for plinking, but do NOT shoot CCI shotshells with them. The plastic clips will allow the fired case to jam up against the recoil shield and you'll have a heck of a time getting the second shot off or even getting the cylinder open! The shotshells work fine with the metal moon clips.

[fbks ak]

Ruger Blackhawk in 45 colt with extra 45acp is fantastic.......Tom

[ApacheCoTodd]

Did that Charter Arms CARR (rimless revolver) ever come out in .45ACP?

[S&Wfan]

Here's the last revolver I'll ever sell . . .

I've had both 625-3 (Model of 1989) and 25-2 (Model of 1955) .45ACP revolvers. Incredibly accurate and fun to shoot!!!

My favorite though started out in the early '80s as a stock, 6 1/2" barreled 25-2 target revolver. Back then, Smith lacked the wisdom of producing this fine gun with a short barrel for self-defense so quite a few folks converted them.

Mine was chopped by, a long-deceased gunsmith in Savannah, to a barrel length of 3 1/4". It has the best single AND double action trigger jobs I've ever experienced. It is extremely fast from the holster, and exhibits perfect balance and recovery times when shooting fast, double action competitions. It has superb accuracy, and also reloads as fast (for me) as I can my 1911 pistols!

Yep, this moon-clipped revolver is THE perfect fighting revolver, IMHO!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5134/5430384896_a8db5a286b_b.jpg

[pittspilot]

Beautiful!

I have 2. A 625-2 model of 1989 and a 22-4. Love them both. I have to get some decent pictures of them. A 25-2 is one of my grail guns.

[Gordon]

I have an S&W Army Model 4" in acp and a 1955 Target but to tell you the truth they have been less than stellar accurate in the 30+ years I've owned them. So 15 years back I took a sound old 1917 Colt and sent it to Cylinder and Slide where they put on a Douglas Air guaged bull barrel , fabricated a shrouded ball detent front lock up, installed gold front sight sighted in at 25 yards with Ball ammo, action blue print ect. and then it went to Colt for minimal Bank Note engraving and a Royal Blue, then back to Roy Fishpaw for exhibition French walnut grips. The gun will do 2" groups with the right match wadcutters at 50 yards from bags, but I can't anymore.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/practicalstuff035.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/practicalstuff036.jpg

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Way back in 1975 I bought this Blackhawk brand, spanky new. It came with the extra 45 ACP cylinder. Frankly, I was not interested in the extra cylinder, I only wanted to shoot 45 Colt. But the gun came with the cylinder, so I still have it. Frankly, I went many years before putting any ACP rounds through the gun, and still prefer to shoot it with 45 Colt. But no, the extra cylinder is not for sale.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/Driftwood_Johnson/rugers/BlackhawkConvertible.jpg



I have had this pair of S&W Brazilian contract 1917s for quite some time now. I actually prefer to shoot them with 45 Auto Rim instead of 45 ACP. I don't much like messing with moon clips. S&W 1917s headspace on the case mouth, so they can be fired without the clips, but in order to use the extractor one has to use the clips. Without the clips the empties have to be poked out with a stick. That's why I prefer the 45AR cartridge. No clips nor stick needed.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/Driftwood_Johnson/smith%20and%20wesson/011.jpg



I found this nice Model 1917 last year. It was made in 1918. It came with an almost full box of ammo made the same time the revolver was made. No, I'm not going to shoot up that ammo, I collect old ammo, so it was a nice extra. I also prefer to shoot this one with 45 AR.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/Driftwood_Johnson/smith%20and%20wesson/1917%20original%20model/1917andammo.jpg

[JTQ]

In the July/August 2011 American Handgunner Mike Venturino has an article where he calls the .45ACP "The Best Ever Revolver Cartridge". He makes some very good points.

http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHJA11/

By the way, I'm a big fan of S&Wfan's chopped 25-2 target revolver. That is one cool revolver.

[Fishslayer]

This thread needs a pre-26 Model of 1950 Target. This one is a '52 vintage.

I don't believe there are any cons to a .45ACP wheelgun. The con of this one is that I've been lusting after a suitable 1955 Target for a safemate since I got it.:rolleyes:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/THE_Fishslayer/100_1110.jpg


Got ammo? IMO mooning/demooning ain't no thang. ;)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/THE_Fishslayer/OSR/Mooned45.jpg

[wkuban]

625JM, funnest gun I own. I think I need a model 22 and a 25.

[StrawHat]

Here's the last revolver I'll ever sell . . .
Back then, Smith lacked the wisdom of producing this fine gun with a short barrel for self-defense so quite a few folks converted them...


S&Wfan, you and I were thinking along the same lines, I was able to get my barrel reworked so it is a skiiny 4" barrel. Great revolver!

The stag grips and filler look good. Maybe I need to change mine.

[kBob]

Gordon,

That Colt is beautiful! I grumble to this day over letting my Dad talk me out of buying a US Post Office when I was in college. I had visions of "Fitz Specials" when I saw it already bobed adn front sightless. But it was not to be.
Sigh.

Big Plus to all on the Ruger Blackhawk Pervertables in .45 ACP and S&W 1917s, I like them a bunch.

-kBob

[skoro]

I'm real fond of my old S&W M1917. Load the moonclips before going to the range and you're in a for a good time. :)

[Billy Shears]

Sorry I can't post pictures (no way to host them), but I've got a Bubba'd S&W 1917 that I use as a house gun. I picked it up dirt cheap, since it had been altered. The barrel has been cut down to 3 1/2 inches, and the front sight base from a sporting rifle installed, which was actually pretty clever, since it covers the chopped off roll marked text on the top of the barrel. The downside is that this necessitated the rear sight being raised, and Bubba accomplished this by welding a flat, notched piece of steel in place on the rear of the frame. What I can't figure is that, since all the modifications on this piece seemed clearly intended to produce a compact, carry gun, Bubba chose to install a hooked target sight on the front, guaranteed to catch clothing on a draw. (I only use this as a house gun, where it's not much of handicap, but I mean to change this out.) Finally, Bubba removed the lanyard ring, and ground off the slight flare at the heel of the grip. That's bad enough, but what he did next truly hurts me in my soul. He installed a non-original set of factory target stocks, cut off the bottom, so it would be flush with the frame, and sanded away the flare at the heel, so it would fit flush with the now ground down frame. But these weren't just any S&W target grips, these were coke bottle grips! :eek::what::banghead::cuss::fire:

Those things, unaltered, would be worth almost the price of a brand new S&W bodyguard revolver today. If I knew who was responsible for these modifications, I would have his kneecaps broken.

But, it was in this condition that I found the gun, and as the price was less than $100, I picked it up. It functions well. Despite the shortened barrel and frame, and (once the sight's replaced), it's suitability as a carry gun, I won't carry it. I prefer autos for carry, and the one thing about the .45ACP revolver that bothers me as a carry gun is the moon clips. They are thin sheet metal, and liable to be bent when carried. If that happens, they can tie up the cylinder rotation.

[StrawHat]

Billy Shears, I have been carrying full moon clips for nearly thiry years. Never bent one yet while carrying. I have bent them when they were empty and I stepped on them.

[SharpsDressedMan]

So, are you saying that they CAN'T get bent, won't ever get bent, or your experience is unique, and they COULD get bent and rendered unserviceable at the most inopportune moment? I'm glad yours never got bent. I have had one get SLIGHTLY bent while in a pocket, and when loaded, the cylinder would not turn. Had to set that one aside until I could flatten it. They now make nice carriers that would probably keep them protected.

[StrawHat]

Anything can happen, I was merely relating my experience. Others may not have been so fortunate. I have repaired three revolvers where the owner had somehow bent the barrel. For some, that is not an issue, but obviously for those three fellows it was a problem. It just isn't a common problem.

[oldcelt]

Way back about 1960 I bought a S&W mod 1955 and still have it, Its' a very fine gun and I intend to keep it in spite of the offers I get. I paid the outrageous sum of $55.00. Should have bought a dozen.

[SaxonPig]

Well, honestly (I get into trouble because a lot of people don't really desire or appreciate honesty) the 45 ACP in a revolver isn't the greatest think since sliced bread. Now, if the guns were scaled down in size to match the stubby ammo, it might be a different story. But they are always large frame revolvers with cylinders way too long making the gun big and heavy for the power output.

Now, having said that, I confess to having a couple of these fairly useless things.


http://www.fototime.com/92BE2AED3F2C930/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/A6519C79E0B0786/standard.jpg


The only thing that most guys find really handy about the 45 ACP wheelguns is the ability to use moon clips for very fast reloading. But from a ballistic standpoint, the 45 Colt makes far more sense in a revolver.


http://www.fototime.com/4DF54850C05B3FD/standard.jpg

[StrawHat]

Saxon Pig, I reload for both the ACP and the long Colt in N frames. When handloading, the ballistics are pretty close.

[Vern Humphrey]

My favorite .45 Colt load drives a 255 grain cast bullet to around 1,000 fps. No way I'd try that in any of my .45 ACP automatics.

[StrawHat]

Vern, I agree, no way for a self loader. But in an N frame, no problem.

[stiab]

I guess another picture won't hurt...

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/481405/1988188/384823565.jpg

...and a sharp eye will reveal this one is not exactly 'factory'.

[Indifferent]

Saxon Pig, I reload for both the ACP and the long Colt in N frames. When handloading, the ballistics are pretty close.
I am having a hard time believing this...

[rcmodel]

Why?

SAAMI standard pressure for the .45 Colt is 14,000 PSI.
It is 23,000 for the .45 ACP +P.

In a S&W N-Frame revolver, both calibers are limited to about 23,000 PSI.

SO, either one can be loaded to the same pressure, and nearly the same velocity.

Yes, you can't do it in a 1911 pistol.
But you can't shoot .45 Colt in a 1911 pistol.

Older Speer data shows Max loads as follows:
.45 Colt in a Colt SAA.
240 grain LSWC = 822 FPS.

Same bullet in a .45 AR case in a 1950 S&W Target = 1,192 FPS.

rc

[huntershooter]

Smith & Wesson for me.
I have a 25-2 (S-prefix) and a MIM lock mod. 22. Both are shooters and have had no issues with either (after slicking up the MIM gun).

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b434/huntershooter/handguns%20ll/IMG_6364.jpg

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b434/huntershooter/handguns%20ll/IMG_6343.jpg

[SaxonPig]

Loading your own can bring the ACP close to the Colt, but not quite equal. Still the problem with too much gun for the cartridge.

I'm not saying the 45 ACP revolvers are bad, note that I two of them, but I understand their limitations and recognize that they are not anything mystical.

[Jaymo]

I think they're absolutely useless, so you should all send yours to me for proper disposal. :D
My 2011 Ruger Blackhawk .45 Convertible is my first .45 ACP revolver.
One thing I like about it, is I can load it with a round ball and a tiny powder charge, for cheap plinking.
That, and, it's chambered for .45 Colt AND .45 ACP. What's not to like about that?

[wheelyfun66]

WOW!!!
This thread has some of the classiest wheelguns I have EVER seen....

beautiful........:)

[Ak.Hiker]

I have had a S&W 1955 Target revolver since the 60's. It is still my number one house gun loaded with Hornady 230 grain +P. Back in the day I kept it loaded with hardball as that was all we could get. Then Super Vel came out with their 190 grain JHP. A 250 grain hardcast AR loaded to 950 is a darn good woods walking load as well. A also have a 4 5/8 inch Ruger convertable. I like the fact that I can run any load from light ACP target loads right on up to a 325 grain heavy 45 Colt hardcast. At 36 ounces carried in a Simply Rugged Pancake holster the Ruger is hard to beat as a hiking gun.

[Fishslayer]

Loading your own can bring the ACP close to the Colt, but not quite equal. Still the problem with too much gun for the cartridge.


One COULD just go ahead & drop the Big One!:eek:

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/revserv.htm

[627PCFan]

My shooting buddy just got himself a 625 PC. Thowing impartiality out the door, I would never trade my 627PC for it. The fit and finish out of the last 2 Smiths I have handled, a 610 for my fathers bday gift and the 625 both left alot to be desired. Neither were polished. The 610 I got what I expected, but the 625 has a heavy pull for a PC gun. Smooth but questionably heavy. Maybe it has differnt geometry than a 27? The 625 is more accurate than either of us can shoot.

[SwampWolf]

and recognize that they are not anything mystical.

Maybe not for you, but when used in the venue it was intended for, some of my very best scores shot in the .45 phase in Bullseye matches were done with my big Model 1955 Target revolver, with its magical trigger pull and fine sights. Mystical for me, indeed.

[wxl]

625 5" great shooter, accurate and fun to shoot. Have several 1911s and same loads are much lower recoil in my 625.

[mnhntr]

I understand the 45acp in a revolver for match shooting. That is where my understanding stops. Why handicap yourself? Obviously gaming with a 625 and a ton of moon clips is awesome, but for ANY other application it is not my first pic. The 357 and 44 are IMHO the king of the revolver calibers. Shooting specials in 38 and 44 for targets and magnums for hunting and defense makes sense. If I want to get the full potential from a 45acp for a carry gun or defensive pistol it would be better served in a 1911 or one of the many polymer framed semi-autos ou there.

[Peter M. Eick]

Thoughts?

"Stupidly accurate"

http://eickpm.com/picts/pre25_best_target.jpg

50 shots, 15 yrds, offhand.

[Iggy]

That about speaks for itself right there.

[CTGunner]

I never thought this would materialize to such a popular thread.

[Walkalong]

So, find yourself looking for one yet?

[CTGunner]

I am. Locally what I have found is the Jerry M model. Its nice but I need to keep looking. I just sold an AR so I have some money to work with.

[Jaymo]

.45 ACP revolvers are just big, stupid, fun. I like ALL big, accurate, big bore revolvers.

[StrawHat]

I understand the 45acp in a revolver for match shooting. That is where my understanding stops. Why handicap yourself? Obviously gaming with a 625 and a ton of moon clips is awesome, but for ANY other application it is not my first pic. The 357 and 44 are IMHO the king of the revolver calibers. Shooting specials in 38 and 44 for targets and magnums for hunting and defense makes sense. If I want to get the full potential from a 45acp for a carry gun or defensive pistol it would be better served in a 1911 or one of the many polymer framed semi-autos ou there.
mnhntr, some of us do not feel handicapped with either a revolver or the 45 ACP cartridge. For most hunting, a 260 grain lead bullet at +/- 950 fps is a perfectly fine combination. Or a 280 grain lead bullet at about the same speed. More weight or more velocity gives more recoil and not much else. Both loads mentioned are easily achieved and usually give good accuracy. I was a big fan of the 44 Magnum, until I saw how the 45 long Colt did with black powder. Now, I try to duplicate the ballistics of the long Colt load, and the results have been consistently good. For defense loads, that 260 grain bullet is pretty good also.

[Gary A]

Not to veer too far from the main flow of this thread but, to me the 45 acp is a wonderful revolver cartridge. Just a great blend of size and power, at least for my purposes. I once had a couple of 625s that I let get away and when I went back to 45 acp revolvers this time, I have focused on Blackhawks and Vaqueros (convertibles). A Blackhawk is something like half the cost of a new 625 and is a great shooter. (And, it doesn't depend on moon clips, if that matters.) I like single actions best of all, anyway. I even have a couple (stainless and blued) of the limited run Birdshead New Vaqueros chambered solely in 45 acp.

Makes me happy. :)

[kBob]

Now that there Model22 upstream with the bone grips and Tyler T adapter is just plain pretty.

Great photography as well.

-kBob

[mnhntr]

Please do not take this the wrong way. I carry a 45acp as a daily carry and own quite a few revolvers. I also carry a revolver (LCR) as a bug or in hot weather clothes. I only say what I said because I believe in using the right tool for the job and not making something work. The 45acp in a wheel gun is big and heavy and impractical for carry. It is the best choice for competition in the revolver divisions of practical shooting groups. It is not the BEST choice for hunting. Will it work? Yes it will work fine but is not the better choice. To each his own but I feel there are better choices for hunting or carry.mnhntr, some of us do not feel handicapped with either a revolver or the 45 ACP cartridge. For most hunting, a 260 grain lead bullet at +/- 950 fps is a perfectly fine combination. Or a 280 grain lead bullet at about the same speed. More weight or more velocity gives more recoil and not much else. Both loads mentioned are easily achieved and usually give good accuracy. I was a big fan of the 44 Magnum, until I saw how the 45 long Colt did with black powder. Now, I try to duplicate the ballistics of the long Colt load, and the results have been consistently good. For defense loads, that 260 grain bullet is pretty good also.

[Gary A]

I feel there are better choices for hunting or carry.
I think that is no doubt true. Maybe no better choices for fun, though ;).

[SwampWolf]

Maybe no better choices for fun, though

And I think "that is no doubt true".

[MrBorland]

My 5" 625 .45acp, decked out for some match fun. As fun as it is, though, my speedloader-fed L-frame sees much more use.

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp239/becke016/Fletcher625003.jpg

[Bellevance]

My 25-2 is the absolutely perfect complement to my 14-4. For my money, there's no better balanced, better shooting, or better looking pair of target revolvers.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u119/Bellevance/pix1077394265.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u119/Bellevance/M14L1.jpg

[Iggy]

:scrutiny::)

[Bellevance]

Very nice, Iggy. But not .45 ACP. :cool:

[Iggy]

:rolleyes: