.45AutoRim: The Great Survivor

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Thanks ApachCoTodd that brought back memories of my dad sitting at the bench.

Awesome picture.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Thanks ApachCoTodd that brought back memories of my dad sitting at the bench.

Awesome picture.

No problem.

It's very relaxing to sit by the fireplace or stove - not too close - and forego the progressives and automateds, melt up a bunch of scrap and ever so slowly start to fill a box or belt of true "roll your owns" from old tools.

I get a huge kick outa building old .38, .44 & .45s one at a time.

I'm that guy draggin' his feet on the way back to the firing line while picking up the odd lead projectiles.

 

[ultramag44]

I have fired my S&W 1917, 37 Brazilian, 1955 (1982 production and 5"full lug Model of 1989 (1989 production) w/o clips and using ACP Brass. Everything has been 100% surfire. I only load cast bullets. For AR brass, or ACP Brass to be used in clips I crimp w/ a Redding Profile crimp die.

 

[StrawHat]

Classic Cartridge, Classic Revolver, and a Classic Holster

Been over a year since anyone has mentioned the old 45 AR cartridge and the revolvers in which it was used. I still like mine enough to update the holster and continue to use it for EDC.

Here is the old and the new.


Kevin

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Very nice semi-barbque set you have there.

I'm glad to see this thread get a bump now and again. I'd forgotten about is since selling my Enfield.


Todd.

 

[lewwallace]

Jamison Bros in Sturgis, SD, currently making new 45AR ammo!

 

[BobWright]

For whatever its worth, the .45 Auto Rim cannot be used in Ruger Blackhawks when fitted with their ACP cylinders. So I make the ".45 Xtra Short" actually a .45 Cowboy Special, to use in my Ruger's ACP cylinders:




These are old .45 Colt cases cut to .45 ACP length. And, being the same length as thew ACP, will work in DA revolvers.

Bob Wright

 

[jeepnik]

A great survivor, yes. But that's mostly because very, very few folks find the need to feed their .45 acp revolvers "special" rounds.

Fact is all S&W .45 acp revolvers and most Colt 1917 revolvers have a stepped chamber that allows .45 acp to head space on the front of the case. Yes, you have to extract them one at a time, but that's one heck of a lot less of an issue than paying extortion prices for loaded .45 AR loaded ammo.

Another plus is that any .45 acp ammo I load will feed all of my .45 acp guns regardless of type.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Fact is all S&W .45 acp revolvers and most Colt 1917 revolvers have a stepped chamber that allows .45 acp to head space on the front of the case. Yes, you have to extract them one at a time, but that's one heck of a lot less of an issue than paying extortion prices for loaded .45 AR loaded ammo.

Half, third and full moon clips are cheap, easy to find, and completely re-usable.

 

[ThomasT]

Dang it ya'll. Now you got me looking on GB for a revolver to fire the 45 acp/autorim. I knew better than to click on this thread.

My dad had a 1917 colt he bought way back around 1962 IIRC. I was with him when he bought it. We were at Leonards Farm & Ranch. They had two barrels full of these guns. He dug around and picked one he liked. The price, get ready for it. A whopping $6 bucks.

He gave it to my uncle, his brother when he graduated from cop school. My uncle had it chrome plated and put on pearl grips. When my uncle died I asked my idiot aunt if I could buy it from her. But she sold all my uncles gun in bulk for a give away price. I was never told she was selling them.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Wow I can't believe it was that long ago when I posted the OP. Where is time going?

Since posting I have two guys at my club that are now using 45AR in their revolvers.

This thread needs more pictures

Sweet shooter

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'm perplexed.

A 1950 but with an internal lock... When did those happen?



In any case, it sure is pretty.


Todd.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

S&W Thunder Ranch Model 22

http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=1194

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

S&W Thunder Ranch Model 22

http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=1194

Well now, isn't that somethin'!

Had to look it up. That S&W bears watching for these limited runs that they do.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_22

I want one! Though I prefer your blued version - this one's interesting too.



Todd.

 

[kBob]

Todd,

When those 22s were reintroduced I ask to see one at a local shop owned by some friends and fellow gun club members. I really liked it a lot and as a looked at a whispered female voice began to croon "You know you want it, take it home....." Fortunately it was the lady at the counter and not just some voice in my head. She knew me only too well. Unfortunately I really did hear another feminine voice in my head as I pondered that beauty of a revolver, that of my wife crooning "The tack room would be a good place for you to sleep for the next few months" So I make do with my old 1917.

I used to "glove box carry" the 1917 Brazil contract revolver loaded with AR and the reloads were .45ACP on full moons. Just a weird affectation I know, but I once had a bent half moon stop things in a match and well....

-kBob

 

[Sistema1927]

I ordered my TR 22-4 when they first came out, and was initially disappointed with the cardboard box that it arrived in. My disappointment evaporated as soon as I opened it and found my revolver packaged in the cloth case:



(Not my picture, but mine is also wearing a T-grip like the one shown.)

 

[smkummer]

Smith 1989 25 45/45AR

I am a Colt collector so I have a pristine original 1917 Colt with original blue. But the best 45/45AR firearm I ever shot to date was a Smith 1989 model with 5" barrel and stainless. That gun could keep up with the best of my Colts including a python out to about 75 yards. At 100 or more, the python edged out.

Just obtained the discontinued Lyman 452423 for these guns. Love the bullet.

 

[StrawHat]

...Just obtained the discontinued Lyman 452423 for these guns. Love the bullet...

Here is a five cavity version of that bullet if you want to cast them a bit faster.

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=41_156&products_id=804

I have a similar mold from a custom group buy that drops six at a time and it is a treat to use.

Kevin

 

[Archie]

Excellent round for several purposes...

I've had a S&W 1917 'cut down' revolver for many years. I recently found a very nice S&W M 25-2 revolver; very professionally trimmed to four inches and the front sight remounted.


Full write up and pictures on my blog, mentioned below. I'm too lazy to post it over again.

 

[ClemY]

For whatever its worth, the .45 Auto Rim cannot be used in Ruger Blackhawks when fitted with their ACP cylinders. So I make the ".45 Xtra Short" actually a .45 Cowboy Special, to use in my Ruger's ACP cylinders:




These are old .45 Colt cases cut to .45 ACP length. And, being the same length as thew ACP, will work in DA revolvers.

Bob Wright

The way you use .45 AR in the .45 ACP cylinder of the NMBH is to have the cylinder trimmed for .45 AR headspacing. It works great for the .45 AR and doesn't effect use of .45 ACP. I feel mine cycles a bit more smoothly with .45 AR than .45 ACP. I also don't worry about slightly short .45 ACP cases that work just find in my 1911, but may be a bit short for the short firing pin in my NMBH.

 

[ultramag44]

kabob,

You should have got the gun, and slept in the Tack Room for a bit.

S&W made a run of the same gun in .44 Special (different wood grips) the Thunder Ranch special. Man they are sweet! Even w/ transfer fees, I got it home for just under $600.00

I have never had a S&W w/ MIM Parts fail. They are great guns. YMMV

My .45 ACP Wheel Guns

25 Model of 1955
626 Model of 1989 (5")
1937 Brazilian
1917

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Just had to post another picture

 

[StrawHat]

Did someone say "Post another picture"?

Be happy to oblige. The M22-4 with a 25-2.

Kevin

 

[ClemY]

Did someone say "Post another picture"?

Be happy to oblige. The M22-4 with a 25-2.

Kevin

I confess I found the 6 1/2" barrel of my 25-2 a bit awkward, so I had it cut to 5", which I find is an ideal length for me.

 

[BobWright]

ClemY:

The way you use .45 AR in the .45 ACP cylinder of the NMBH is to have the cylinder trimmed for .45 AR headspacing. It works great for the .45 AR and doesn't effect use of .45 ACP. I feel mine cycles a bit more smoothly with .45 AR than .45 ACP. I also don't worry about slightly short .45 ACP cases that work just find in my 1911, but may be a bit short for the short firing pin in my NMBH.

Point is, I don't want to use .45 AR brass. I want to salvage my split .45 Colt cases.

Bob Wright