45 Long Colt Options

[jglcolosprgs]

I have a number of 6 inch guns. I like the 4" better. Carries better, points better, balanced better. I consider the 6" guns "range guns" and the smaller pistols for "carry".

I've got lots of 44 mag pistols and when I need to step up the performance I pick up one of those.

YMMV

 

[MCgunner]

It's hard to tell where the line is, sometimes, but why buy a firearm intended for one cartridge and push it to do the work of another. The 45colt in a Mountain Gun is an ideal match, for me, because the gun is strong enough for the cartridge, but not overbuilt to handle mega loads, and that makes it light and handy.

I like the hot loads because they can do anything a .44 mag can do and are available in the 4 5/8" Blackhawk, not just the heavier Super Blackhawk. The Blackhawk is just as light and portable as any Mountain Gun at around 40 ounces unloaded. It's a much stronger gun than the Mountain Gun. I like single actions and strength is one of the reasons. Sounds like you're making excuses for the lack of strength of the DA gun, to me. I don't need nor would I use DA in the field. I've always thought DA in a big caliber magnum a little dumb. By the time you recover from recoil, you can cock the gun, just as fast. If 6 don't do it, you're bear food anyway.

If I got a Mountain gun, I'd pass on the .45 and get it in .44 magnum, would make more sense. My .45 Blackhawk works for me, though. And, no, no .45 Colt loaded to 25,000 CUP is a .454 Casull, no way, no how. The Casull is on a whole nuther level. I can say the same about .40 and 10 and .38 and .357, but especially the hot .45 vs Casull, assuming you're loading within SAAMI specs and if you're not, well, hope you keep your hand in one piece.

 

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Hey WLEOFF.....what model is that top levergun????

Thanks!

 

[MCgunner]

Marlin M94.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Dan Wesson made a revolver in 45 long colt. With the DW platform, the wistful yearning for a longer or shorter barrel is easily remedied with the twist of a small wrench to remove the one in place and the quick and easy placement of the length you like.

The trigger is a bit more brusque than a Smith or Colt, for sure. At least out of the box. But, the weapon is robust, overall, and generally possessed of a very nice finish.

 

[Hastings]

MCGunner.

I owned a 41mag Mountain Gun, and even that was more power than I like. Of all the handguns I listed, I prefer the Mountain Gun, but I liked all of them very much. I occasionally consider a 44mag Mountain Gun, but in a magnum cartridge I would opt for a heavier handgun like the Redhawk, Super Blackhawk, or a Smith model 29 with the heavy barrel. These are just my preferences. I still remember my magnum days and they can occasionally bring a smile to my face. These days I like big and slow. Just me.

 

[MCgunner]

Well, the whole idea of the Mountain Gun is light, easy packin'. It's not really supposed to be a hunting gun or even a favorite range gun. It's for having with you if nature decides to eat you or, just survival. The .44 will shoot specials, too. But, everyone shoots what they like because it's their likes.

Most of the ammo I burn in my Blackhawk is 255 grain flat nose Lees over 8.3 grains of Unique. I do have the fire breathers for special occasions, though, one box of 'em stashed around here somewhere.

 

[Leaky Waders]

OK, so thanks for all of the advice. I have a S&W model 25 one of their classic models on order. It should be here Thursday or Friday.

Now...to start looking at holsters Will Bob Mernickle get to hook me up again or will I try something else? The hunt is 1/2 the fun.

 

[rWt]

With 255 grain Keith bullets in loads doing 1100 feet per second, a S&W 25-5 is hard to beat.

 

[oldman1946]

25-5

I have an older, unfired S&W model 25-5 that I paid $175 for new and it has sat in file cabinet drawer all these years.

Reading this thread makes me want to take it out to the range for some shooting.

 

[Walkalong]

unfired S&W model 25-5 that I paid $175 for new

We all hate you now.

Absolutely you should go shoot it, or sell it to me for $350 and a handsome profit.

 

[Leaky Waders]

Hmmm...she's here! It's been awhile since I've inserted attachments so let's see if this works.

I really like the factory stocks.

As far as balance, the 25-15 will balance perfectly upside down at the trigger guard, so she's a little barrel heavy in the shooting stance. Not awfully heavy, just enough to make it feel right.

I had waivered on if I wanted to get a 4 inch or 6 inch model...then I saw hickok45 shooting his 8 3/8's model 29 and hitting stuff and 230 yards and was no longer intimidated by barrel length.

I have a factory smith and wesson holster on its way (desantis brand with S&W logo). My wife is awesome!!!!

 

[rogertc1]

RARE: Taurus 450 Total Titanium with barrel ports. 45C Satin Blue finish

 

[Stainz]

Hey - wait until OM46 goes to buy some .45 Colt ammo - even 'Cowboy' fare - and finds that a few boxes will likely be more than he paid for his 25 new! Ha!!


Wait... that's not funny... it's sad, very sad! Sorry!!

Stainz

 

[Big Bill]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have an older, unfired S&W model 25-5 that I paid $175 for new and it has sat in file cabinet drawer all these years.

Reading this thread makes me want to take it out to the range for some shooting.

Or, if you just want to get rid of it, I'd be glad to send you the $175 for it, so you won't be out anything.

 

[C-grunt]

Waders.... Thats a very nice looking gun you got there.

 

[dgb553]

If you want a DA buy Smith, if you want a .45 hand cannon buy a Casull, if you want a thumb buster (SAA) and you want 'old' Colt quality .... you need to check out USFA !! Their entry level gun is called the Rodeo and it sell for $625.00.

Here is the link to USFA's Rodeos website, read some of the reveiws. A review from HANDLOADER April 2009 was very detailed also.

 

[owlhoot]

I too have both the mountain gun and a half dozen Colt model P's in .45 Colt.

Of course they are quite different guns and equally satisfying each in its own way.

It is malarky not to shoot the Colts. Mine are all fine shooters. I bought them to shoot. I bought them to keep, and I have no interest in making the next owner happy after I am dead.

You don't want the black powder frame. First it isn't the "original" style and is slightly unsightly. Second, it is inconvenient when removing the cylinder plus there is always the possibility of the screw working loose while shooting and thereby losing it.

The sights on the Mountain Gun are superior and adjustable. That means you are going to shoot better groups with the S&W. With my Colts I have to remember where to hold with each different load. With the Smith I can just adjust the sights when I change loads.

The Colt and most other SA's (Freedom and STI excepted) all profit from a good action job. If you can afford a Colt, you can afford an action job. The Smith & Wesson profits from an action job too if you intend to do much double action work.

I agree you should buy both guns. Which you buy first is up to you.

 

[Hastings]

MCGunner inspired me to try some Double Tap 335gr 45colt loads in my brothers 45colt Redhawk (4" barrel). Woa, Nellie, those things are potent. They put a standard 44mag factory load to shame, and they look like a flying beer can. They don't compare to his 700gr 500s&w mag rounds. Those work best when hunting elephants or Buicks, but the sensation is similar to catching a fast pitch hardball without a glove. Anyway, I was so impressed by the Double Tap 45colt ammo, I went out an bought a Vaquero (old model) so I can shoot some of the death loads occasionally. I still prefer the Mountain gun with Black Hills 250gr ammo, or Blazer jacketed hollowpoints, but you never know you might run across a Water Buffalo while trout fishing.

 

[Nicodemus38]

you have to compare the handguns side by side, by shooting htem both withthe ammunition youll expect to shoot the most.

 

[orionengnr]

What kind of brass are you using for reloads? I have starline.

Can't do any better than Starline brass.

So, for all of you mountain gun owners out there...have you ever wished you had a 6 inch barrel ala the blued model 25 that S&W offers now or like Walkalong has in post #20? Or is there no real difference?

I have both 4" and 6" M-25s. The 6" is a range/nightstand gun, the 4" is a carry gun.

 

[Leaky Waders]

OK...so those of you who suggested both.

You were right!

 

[Leaky Waders]

Forgot a 'pony shot'.

 

[robctwo]

Nice. I went with the nickel 25 Classic and the 4 5/8" Ruger Blachawk.

 

[jmortimer]

I had an "Old" Vaquero .45 Colt whcih I found to be heavy and slightly too large for my hands, I got an Eagle grip and had a well known gunsmith work it over and custom fit the grip. Better but not perfect for me. It was big and strong but the tolerances were poor. I traded it in on a "New Vaquero" in .45 Colt 3.75 inch barrel. Lighter and much better feel and fit for my hands. Much tighter tolerences and good out of the box. What a nice gun. You can load up to 20 k psi loads - and cylinder is shorter so you are limited to about 280 grain bullet max. With a 255 grain SWC or 270 grain Penn Thunder Head at around 1,000 fps there is not much that gun will not do. Otherwise, at the other extreme is the Ruger Redhawk - an absolute beast. My wish list is for a USAA Double Eagle in .45 Colt. What a beautiful gun.