454 Casull Manufacturers

[TennJed]

Ok I am thinking after the new year I might add another revolver to the stable. I am a big fan of my Ruger 45 colts and I think the 454 Casull might be the way to go. My father in law has one I shoot occasionally so I know what I am getting into power wise.

The appeal is that I could you is mainly to shoot 45 Colts, but also the occasional 454. Question though, does the 45 Colt lose any accuracy in the 454 revolvers?

Also what companies should I look at, current or used. Here are the ones I know of

Ruger (If I bought one today it would be the Ruger SRH)
Magnum research (don't know much about it, but it seems to be in the same price range as Ruger)
Taurus (a little cheaper, but I think I would spend the xtra $$ for the Ruger)
Freedom Arms (A little too pricey for )

Am I missing anybody. Anyone have any other recommendations?

 

[Scipio Africanus]

I have a Ruger SRA, and I have noticed no difference accuracy between .45 Colt and .454. Granted, it is a short barrel, a longer barrel may make differences more noticeable.

This revolver has proven bull stout and utterly reliable.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The appeal is that I could you is mainly to shoot 45 Colts, but also the occasional 454. Question though, does the 45 Colt lose any accuracy in the 454 revolvers?

No less accurate than .38 Specials in a .357 Magnum or .44 Specials in a .44 Magnum.

*Edit*
BTW, the Magnum Research BFR revolvers are very well made and very accurate. They also are available with longer barrels than the others which helps when using them for hunting. If you go with a BFR you can but a .460 S&W Magnum and fire the .45 Schofield, .45 Colt, 454 Casull & .460 Magnum from a 7.5" or 10" barrel.

 

[JHenry]

i like the look of the taurus raging bull line, i dont think id take the 454 plunge without a test fire on one, but if you can find one that you know for sure isnt problematic id go for it just because i find it very aesthetically pleasing

 

[Chillaxin]

I've also seen no big accuracy difference in the 45lc shot through a 454. I have a Ruger SRH Alaskan in 454 and love it. Sure, not many big mean bears around here (SC) but it is a blast to shoot. I also have a BFR but it is in 475. I can say these are very well made as well. For the $$ those would be the two I'd be looking at.
C-

 

[sc1911cwp]

You can shoot the 45 Colt in the 454 Casull but remember to do the following:

You should clean the cylinder after the 45 Colt to get the crud out that will eventually build up ahead of it and make seating the 454 trying.

Your POI will change between the two calibers as it would with different loads of the same caliber so you should sight in again.

Freedom Arms are fantastic revolvers and if you look around, especally at the Field Grade, they can be found to cost less than the Premier Grade and in more availability. They can shoot both, but the manfacturer recommends another cylinder in that caliber and that is expensive to buy and set to the gun. FA requires you to send the gun to them.

S&W 460's can shoot the 460, 454, and 45 Colt. However, being a former owner of a Performance Center 460, I would not buy one. They're great for the right person. I just found the 460 ammo expensive and there were no reloading components at that time. Besides, I never needed to shoot a hundred yards with a handgun. I have a rifle for that. I know my limitations

 

[DC Plumber]

I have a Ruger Alaskan 454. I love it.

Depending on what you main use will be, a Ruger SRH with a longer barrrel for hunting/target shooting is probably a better option than the Alaskan, but the Ruger is a well made 454.

I handload, so I load heavy 45 Colt loads in 454 brass. For fun and plinking, it's high on my list.

 

[picturerock]

Freedom Arms are indeed expensive, but the quality cannot be questioned, and the gun will probably never wear out. You will shoot it, your kids will shoot it, and their kids will shoot it, ad infinitum. Very accurate as well. Freedom Arms has great customer service, too.

On the other hand, a Ruger likely won't wear out for a couple of generations, either, and while not as accurate, costs significantly less. If it does break, Ruger will fix it easy.

There are intangibles to consider as well. The FA will lock up like the proverbial bank vault. You have to experience that to appreciate it, because it is truly impressive. The clicks as you cock it sound like a fine Swiss watch. The quality of it's construction will be appreciated every time you pull it out of the safe. It will get you attention at the range. The Ruger will too, in 454 Casull, but it is of course a more common gun.

If you have the money, FA, in my opinion. You can get a good deal on a used one. With Ruger, you get great value for the money, and that is to be appreciated as well. Their customer service is also legendary.

Hard decision indeed!

A little FA porn for your amusement.

 

[TennJed]

That FA sure is purdy. I would love one but the more I think about it the more I like the idea of the Ruger SRH. I have a Ruger Blackhawk and Vaquero in 45 colt currently and think if I do add a 454 to shoot 45 colt out of I might as well get a DA

 

[Zaydok Allen]

You could get a S&W 460. Then you have that option too.

 

[TennJed]

Yeah the idea of the 460 is a good one except I would then have to get reloading setups for 460 AND 454. Too much front end expense

 

[bergmen]

picturerock has it nailed! I have owned Ruger Blackhawks and Bisleys for decades, love them truly and wouldn't give them up for nuthin'. Here's my Bisley (.45 Colt):

But the Freedom Arms revolvers are in a class by themselves (there is absolutely no company that can come close to competing with them). My Rugers are the Chevy's, my Freedom Arms Model 83 is the Ferrari:

You might want to have the defib unit handy when you see the prices on these but I assure you, they are an amazing bargain once you have the opportunity to hold, work the action, and shoot one of these masterpieces.

My Model 83 holds a special place in the gunsafe and it is the one I most love to take to the range (along with all the other handguns that would whimper if I didn't include them).

Shop around as suggested and you can find a bargain here and there (Gunbrokers comes to mind) and you might find a jewel.

Dan