The Auto-Rim is a good choice when one does not want to use moon clips. The auto rim also lets you load bullet types and cartridge lengths that won’t fit in a .45 ACP magazine, giving a wide latitude of options.
What Is Your Favorite Self Defense Revolver? S&W629
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The Auto-Rim is a good choice when one does not want to use moon clips. The auto rim also lets you load bullet types and cartridge lengths that won’t fit in a .45 ACP magazine, giving a wide latitude of options.
mcb
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Who would not want to mess with moonclips. Moonclips RULE!
IMHO the whole point of a 45 ACP revolver is so you can run moonclips and reload fast.Why can't I load "other" bullets or longer than spec (1.26in) in 45 ACP cases if loading for a 45 ACP revolver? I have loaded all types of bullets in 45 ACP that won't fit or feed in a standard 45 ACP magazine/gun but work fine in my 625. Never found a need for 45 AutoRim given the cost and the fact that I have tons of free range picked 45 ACP cases.
Who would not want to mess with moonclips. Moonclips RULE!
Why can't I load "other" bullets or longer than spec (1.26in) in 45 ACP cases if loading for a 45 ACP revolver? I have loaded all types of bullets in 45 ACP that won't fit or feed in a standard 45 ACP magazine/gun but work fine in my 625. Never found a need for 45 AutoRim given the cost and the fact that I have tons of free range picked 45 ACP cases.
You certainly can, but for me (I have a whole bunch of .45 semi-autos) I load a pretty much standard load that is sized to fit in a chamber, and if I grab some of that ammo for my 625 it works fine (I load up about 100 moon clips before I head to range). I have yet to try the auto-rim, but I like the option.
I am with you on the ACP brass... I have a 5 gallon bucket of prepped brass, and about half a bucket of dirty brass.
GeoDudeFlorida
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The .45AR has a slightly (very slightly) larger case capacity and head-space on the rim instead of the case mouth, which lets you use bullets with a crimping groove. You don't have to use bullets with a profile for fitting in a magazine or going up feed ramp.
Barry the Bear
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With a revolver in general you wouldn't need to use bullets more suited to a feed ramp or mag, the only other thing would be the moon clips and if talking about a defensive encounter the moonclips offer a substantial difference in reload times even against a speed loader for conventional revolver cartridges. I myself see no reason to utilize. 45 auto rim in a .45 ACP chambered revolver but that's me.
GeoDudeFlorida
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Mr.Revolverguy
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45Autorim oooooh I understand why you like it. Check this out http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4415 45 Autorim "The Great Survivor"
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mistermills357
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That is a sweet looking gun, how hard does it kick?
DM~
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IF, I could only have one revolver for the rest of my life, my Mod 29 6" would be it!
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mcb
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But if you are loading for a 45 ACP revolver you can load longer than spec and crimp as much as you want, taper or roll with regular 45 ACP cases since they are going to head space on the moonclip.
And the lack of moonclips in this thread is disturbing.
GeoDudeFlorida
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CraigC
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I love the .45ACP in a revolver but that mostly pertains to single actions. Gimme a rim so I don't have to fool with moon clips. The proper tools make them easier to deal with but it's still more hassle than a rimmed cartridge.
WheelGunMan
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With the ARX ammo recoil is minimal...and velocity is up due to the lighter projectile. All that plus the characteristics of the bullet gives you a wicked little defensive round.
Your post seems to indicate a lack of understanding of a number of things legal. Such posts are public, permanent, and discoverable, and they can put one at risk.---
I'm with you on that! Back when I was young and adventurous - and was paid to do such things legally and rightfully - I killed men with many a variety of weapons. The most impressive and effective which was hand-held by me was the M60 LMG in 7.62m/m. It did horrible things to human flesh. Next up is the 12ga. scattergun loaded with the old military 00 shot. From a Winchester Model 12, at close enough range, it was a right proper defensive weapon. And kind of good at being offensive, too. For handguns, I've only ever used the .45ACP in the 1911A1, .38 Spl. from the S&W Model 10 and a picked-up 7.62 Tokarev dropped by a Cuban Regular who no longer needed it after I emptied the 1911A1 - into him - and struggled to clear the M60. That Tokarev was very impressive from behind the muzzle end but it was hard to control and the fellow I hit twice with it ran off. I been shot twice by 9m/m's and I'm still here - I did shoot a home invasion robber with a 9m/m in my apartment back in the 80's when I foolishly thought the 9m/m was good for personal defense, and he did die, but it took 6 rounds to the chest to bring him down. Lord only knows what drugs he was on but the 9m/m went up for sale and I brought out the .45 again. None of the fellows I shot with a .45 or that old, clunky, .38 Spl with plain old 158gr. lead are so, I think that settles the 9m/m vs. .38Spl debate. I keep a 1917 Smith by the bed loaded with .45 Auto-Rim handloads. 240 grain Sierra JHP's over 9 (thereabout) grains of Blue Dot. It's a hot load I don't recommend to anyone else so I won't post the exact recipe. I shot a wild boar to test it (ate the boar - mighty tasty critters, they are!) and will say there won't be anybody walking away if I do my part and hit them. Somewhere. The Smith's like me - ugly, old, rusty, pitted, and just plain nasty if you aren't used to it - but it's as reliable as anything you'll find new in the box.
To me, .45AR is the best all-around nasty-critter-fixer, two legs, four legs, no legs... if it bleeds, you can kill it with a properly loaded .45AR.
My desk gun is an old Colt DS .38Spl. It's been phosphate finished and has some odd markings that tell me it may have been an OSI or air-crew issued substitute standard USAAF or USAF gun at some point. Or, maybe it just belonged to an OSI retrieval expert.
So, really, to answer the OP, my favorite self-defensive revolver is the one that's to-hand and loaded. Given time and Hershey bars, I'd prefer a 12 ga. over any handgun and a good rifle in at least 30-caliber over the scattergun. But when needs must, a sharp stick is better than a mean look.
Read the following carefully.
[URL="https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/read-before-posting-legal-considerations-of-posting-on-the-internet.604948/"]Read before Posting: Legal Considerations of Posting on the Internet[/URL]
jeff-10
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My night stand revolver is a very old school 2.5" 686P. I recently purchased a 5 inch GP100 in 10mm and may trade it out once I really give it a work out. Its my first revolver with moonclips and I want to be really comfortable with it before using it for self defense. My reasoning for using a revolver for a night stand gun is that I tend to leave them untouched for very long periods of time. I trust revolvers more automatics when I am not constantly rotating ammo and firing the handgun.
If1HitU
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My CA Bulldog .44 Special 2.5".
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Mr.Revolverguy
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So many great pictures and great debate here. Though just remember self defense could mean two legged or 4 legged predator.
Buckeye63
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Actually you added the 4 legged later
Im just aggravating you a bit ....
But you got me thinking
GeoDudeFlorida
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Great project. Keep good notes. I’m curious how the vented barrel will influence powder choice. Some of the slow magnum powders, like Blue Dot, H110 and 2400, will throw a heckuva fireball from a vented barrel.
Obturation
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2 leggers and 4 leggers need different medicine to help them fall over. If I need to choose one gun to do it all it has to be this one:
-yeah, I recycle that picture a couple times, I'll take new one eventually.
Imo there is no finer weapon if all you have is a handgun. Plenty of power to go lengthwise through something hairy and snarly and downloads nicely in case you've got a bipedal enemy. Lowest I go is a 250 grain rnfp @ 800 - I can empty the cylinder in a couple seconds and the highest I go is a 360 grain wfn gc @ 1450 can still shoot it well but not too fast. I find the sweet spot is a 325 grn wfn @ 1000. That's versatility . sure an x frame can do more but they weigh more and are larger with less capacity. 5" super redhawk is top of the heap imo.
Yes, I've carried it in the woods and have put it in the glove box on a road trip or 2 but it's not good for concealment . it is a reassuring feeling to have that much power on tap if the need should arise.
-yeah, I recycle that picture a couple times, I'll take new one eventually.
Imo there is no finer weapon if all you have is a handgun. Plenty of power to go lengthwise through something hairy and snarly and downloads nicely in case you've got a bipedal enemy. Lowest I go is a 250 grain rnfp @ 800 - I can empty the cylinder in a couple seconds and the highest I go is a 360 grain wfn gc @ 1450 can still shoot it well but not too fast. I find the sweet spot is a 325 grn wfn @ 1000. That's versatility . sure an x frame can do more but they weigh more and are larger with less capacity. 5" super redhawk is top of the heap imo.
Yes, I've carried it in the woods and have put it in the glove box on a road trip or 2 but it's not good for concealment . it is a reassuring feeling to have that much power on tap if the need should arise.
Any 4 inch 357 from a reputable maker. 158 gr hp's
CCW give me a six shot snubby 38 with 158 gr plus p lswchp.
I will admit to keeping a 1917 Colt New Service Army on the nightstand full of 230 gr hydra shocks for a bit. Hardly a modern option but a fine revolver.
CCW give me a six shot snubby 38 with 158 gr plus p lswchp.
I will admit to keeping a 1917 Colt New Service Army on the nightstand full of 230 gr hydra shocks for a bit. Hardly a modern option but a fine revolver.
CaptHank
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I have to add one my carry favorites to the list. S&W 629-6, 4". Loaded with Speer FP Gold Dots, over 10.0 GR's. of HP-38. Light recoil and gets back on the target, real fast.
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