Who's making .45ACP revolvers these days?

[Panzercat]

I'm moving up to a revolver and am finding I have a dillemma of choices... Or lack there of. I would like a snub .45 ACP, but I only see S&W dominating the search results. The 325 Nightguard is a sexy little snub, but the price... Ouch. The 625 isn't exactly making friends with my wallet either.

As it is, the .357 is looking like the more viable alternative, unless you have some say in this matter. .357... Maybe 9mm, but a S&W isn't easy on the wallet.

And remember, kids... Only you can help me get rid of a Hi-Point 9mm.

 

[dusty14u]

Ruger Blackhawk 45 Convertible has two cylinders. One 45 Colt and 1 45ACP. I bought mine becaue I loaded several hundred SWC's that wouldn't run in my semis and it ave me an excuse to get a revolver in 45ACP. The Blackhawk is SA only and I am not sure if you were looking for DA/SA or SAO.

I just figured out your typo nub should have read snub. At first I thought you meant nib. Sorry.

 

[Panzercat]

My bad. Corrected Yeah, a snubbie is kinda in the cards.

 

[nonamehavei]

Just save some time and get the 25 or 625, you wont regret it.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Don't know how much access you have to used guns, but I was able to land a nice old 1917 S&W at a gun show that had been cut down and sight remounted (3 1/4" barrel). It wasn't much to look at, but it was solid, and otherwise fully functional, and I later found out it was sighted right on, and more accurate than I would have suspected. A great deal, for about half of what a new S&W is going for. There are some good deals out there.

 

[22lr]

A 45acp stubby revolver, ya S&W is going to be your best option. The 22, 625 or 325 are your options, and only the 325 Night Guard (or a cut down 22) is really anything close to a compact piece. MSRP is high, street price will be a few hundred less. You can find used 625s in the $650-700 range if you shop around.

 

[22lr]

O ya, dont forget about the Governor. Not a dedicated 45acp, but its easily the cheapest NIB option.

 

[bikemutt]

I've got the Gov and 1917, just traded the 625 for something I wanted more.

I'd have to say the 1917 is the best idea if you want to get a .45acp wheel gun for cheap. May want to stick with Smith, I heard some or all of the Colts may not head space without moon clips, if that matters.

I paid a fair amount of money for the 625 but made it back and then some in the trade. Honestly, I don't miss it.

 

[BossHogg]

Be patient, it took me 5 years and finally had to go online to get a 45 acp revolver. S&W is the way to go for DA revolvers. I got a 22-4 and should have done this years ago. It's on my hip as I type.

 

[Owen Sparks]

Charter Arms is supposedly going to come out with a Bulldog in .45ACP that holds 5 shots and uses a new extraction system that does not require moon clips.

 

[Panzercat]

...In 2009

 

[MCgunner]

I'm kinda considering getting this for my 5..5" Pietta '58. I had a 1917. It was pretty well worn, not shootable when I got it. I had a smith go over it, had a lot of cylinder slop and he told me to take it easy on the old girl. I'd have kept it, but it would NOT shoot cast bullets and that's pretty much all I shoot since I cast my own.

This Pietta would be for fun, but might be a good outdoor carry, never know. It's an accurate revolver with BP cylinders. Not what YOU are looking for, though. I'll probably just get a couple of spare cylinders for it, though, can get 5 for what this thing costs.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=162987&TERM=conversion cylinder

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Don't pass up on having moon clips at least as an option. It is really handy (and fast) to have the rounds all in one tidy bundle when they are loaded or ejected. Makes collecting brass a snap.

 

[BYJO4]

Smiths cost more but they hold their value and resell very well.

 

[Josh@KY-turbo]

I Spent the $$$ and got a S&W 625 JM Edition. I had to search High and low to find it too. I dont regret spending the extra Money at all.

 

[splithoof]

The J.M. version is a good functional 625. But I opted for a 4" 625 that did not have some other guy's initials on my personal property. Imagine having the initials of some other dude tatooed on your wife's body? That would ruin the mood.

 

[mdauben]

The J.M. version is a good functional 625. But I opted for a 4" 625 that did not have some other guy's initials on my personal property. Imagine having the initials of some other dude tatooed on your wife's body? That would ruin the mood.

Hehe! This is exactly how I feel. I wish S&W would re-release the standard 625. Much as I admire his skill with a revolver I have no desire to own the tarted-up 625JM.

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

The J.M. version is a good functional 625. But I opted for a 4" 625 that did not have some other guy's initials on my personal property. Imagine having the initials of some other dude tatooed on your wife's body? That would ruin the mood.

i second that...for that price, they should put your initials on it!

 

[splithoof]

I was able to find a new 625 that was not in the S&W catalog at the time. It has a 4" barrel, bead blasted finish and rubber grips. Interestingly, it is stamped "629" on the inside of the frame, but came from the factory that way. When I e-mailed S&W about it, they said it was from a batch that had been assembled at the near end of the production run. You might be able to find another one like it new if you look around. It is very accurate. The price was not too high at the time compared to other Smith's.
Being that I consider sidearms to be working tools, I still don't like personalization that is not of my doing. I'm sure there are a few out there who share the JM initials and like it on their own guns, but not me.

 

[lathedog]

I'm also looking for a 625.

FYI - OEM moonclips for the Taurus 455 are available again. Get 'em while you can; I had been hunting for months and months. There is an aftermarket clip generally available but I think they are $60 for ten.

The clipless Charter Arms in ACP would be too a great temptation for me. I need to go check the CA website and see if they mention it.

 

[Fishslayer]

Don't pass up on having moon clips at least as an option. It is really handy (and fast) to have the rounds all in one tidy bundle when they are loaded or ejected. Makes collecting brass a snap.

hehe....

Always nice to have a few ready to go...

 

[4v50 Gary]

Fishslayer - I've got about a half dozen or so half moon clips for my S&W M1917. What type of plastic ammo box is that?