Caliber wars in my head......

[Brian Williams]

I keep think and mulling over what direction I would like to go in reguards to caliber...

Here is what is running thru my mind.
I would like to get a Blue fixed sight revolver and the Model 58 seems to fit the bill but the 41 mag seems like a Red-Headed Step child. I already have the dies and brass for 45 colt and it is a great round, But the 45colt seems like it should be in a Colt SAA... Then there are those of you who keep aspousing the glories and accuracy of the 44 spec. I would love to have a 6" model 24 or a 4" model 21 either in 44 spec. Then I look in my Standard Catalog by Supica and Nahas and see the model 22 and the model 26 in 45 and would love to have one in 45 colt.

So what do I want...
S&W 58 in 41
S&W 25 in 45 colt either Mt gun or regular
S&W 24 or the new 21, in 44 spec
Colt or USFA SAA 1873 in 45 colt.

What would you choose first???


Is a Mt gun really a Model 26 when in 45 caliber????


OBTW the 43 mag does nothing for me....

 

[stans]

OBTW I did not know there was a 43 Magnum!

 

[Blueduck]

stans,

43 magnum might be mistype, but is also occasionally used in a friendly "semi-derogitive" manner towards the 44 magnum (actually it should be 43 magnum due to the .429 bullets used).

Kinda like Jeff Cooper used to use the term "36 Special"

 

[mrming]

Hmmm. I'm caught in a similiar debate between 45lc and 41 mag...

I think the biggest question to toss out there is.. can the s&w survive a steady diet of high-pressure 45lc's ?

If not, is this an issue for you? Its a question that bares asking, giving that your comparing against 41 mag..

 

[Majic]

As you state you prefer a fix sighted revolver then only the M58, M21, and the SAA fills the bill from your list. The M25s and M24s were target models.
Quite a decision you have there. Much harder if you reload as feeding the .41mag or the .44sp can be expensive or annoying if you have to go with factory ammo. The SAA and clones will have the availablity on it's side when it comes time to buy.
I would choose the M58 because you would have a larger power range to work with, not to mention I'm a .41mag fan.
Like you I think the Mnt. Gun should be named the M26 since it doesn't have the heavy target barrel of the M25.

 

[BluesBear]

Being a long time .41 Magnum fan I would go with the Model 58.

From a more practicle standpoint I think the new S&W Model 21-4 in .44 special would be my recommendation.
You have a much wider choice in factory ammunition and available bullets for reloading. The new Black Hills 250gr load that the 21-4 is regulated for should be a great load.

Since you already load .45 Colt a Mountain Gun could be a good choice.
I suspect more than a few folks will buy the new 21-4 and have them rebored to .45.

 

[gulogulo1970]

How about the S&W 329PD? I know its 44 Magnum but its light (26oz), handy (4" barrel) and a good looking gun. Its really fun to shoot with 44 specials. Now with 44 magnums, fun is not the word I'd choose...

Just an idea.

 

[Leaky Waders]

I haven't seen info on the modeil 21...does anyone have a link?

Blues...how much does it cost to have a revolver rechambered to .45 colt? Any ideas?

Thanks,

L.W.

 

[BluesBear]

THR thread about the 21-4

The going rate to convert a Model 58 (heaven forbid someone would do that today) used to be about $200. It was slightly less to convert a .44 to .45 because there was less metal to remove.

When Numrich has them, they sell replacement 1917 Barrels for around $65 and .45 Colt cylinders for about the same amount.

I'd contact Clarks or Cylinder & Slide and get an estimate. Also try calling S&W and see if they'd build you one special using the 21 frame.