S&W Mod 25 vs Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull?

[10xforever]

Been thinking about either a Smith Model 25 (45 Colt) or a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull in which i will shoot 45 Colt.
Which gun would be the best and last the longest?
Both are in the same price range. I will be getting the longest barrel possible in each model.
Thanks for any comments or advice.
Ron

 

[pageophile]

I'd get the SRH just on the fact you can shoot 454 also. While the SRH won't win any beauty contests it is hell for strong and the 454 version is even stronger than the 44MAG version.

Just my 0.02

 

[Gryffydd]

What do you plan on using the gun for? It's impossible to say which one is best as they're vastly different firearms. It's hard to say which one will last the longest, other than that the Super Redhawk is an absolute beast, and being designed for the 454 will not likely be worn out by .45 colt loads any time soon. However,t hat does have a price as it is HUGE and HEAVY. But then, we can't say whether that matters to you as we don't know what you'll be doing with it.

 

[10xforever]

Thanks for responding Gryffdd and pageophile. I will be using it for target mostly, not to exceed 1200 fps.
I know the Ruger is heaver but did not want to have to end up sending anything back to the factory for a tuneup after a few thousand rounds.
Ron

 

[Arkansas Paul]

If you want precision and a great trigger, while looking good at the same time, S&W.
If you want something that looks pretty good, has a pretty good trigger, and will take pretty much anything you can put it through, Ruger.
I was faced with a decision recently about a .45 Colt, but mine will be used for hunting deer. I ended up with a New Model Blackhawk, but would have bought a SRH in .454 if my budget would have allowed it. You just can't go wrong with a Ruger.

 

[bluetopper]

For shooting target loads, the Smith you will find much more enjoyable to shoot.

It will also be worth quite a bit more money as time goes by if history is to repeat itself.

 

[MCMXI]

Why not buy a Redhawk in .45 Colt (KRH-45-4 for around $635.00) rather than a Super Redhawk in .454 Casull since you only plan on shooting .45 Colt? You say that you'll get the longest barrel offered which means a 9-1/2" barrel in the SRH!! I have a Redhawk in .45 Colt and a SRH "Alaskan" in .454 Casull and if I had to choose just one of the two for general use it'd be the Redhawk. Luckily I can own and enjoy both though!

While the SRH won't win any beauty contests it is hell for strong

Are you nuts!! The SRH "Alaskan" is a beauty!!

 

[earplug]

If your getting a 45 caliber revolver for target shooting. Buy a S&W 45 ACP version made for moon clips.
Very accurate and plenty powerfull.

 

[WardenWolf]

S&W's quality isn't what it used to be. Ruger makes the best revolvers right now. Go Ruger. If you don't want something quite as big, there's always the normal Redhawk.

 

[Wahoo95]

Love my Smith and she looks good in the safe, but if I wanted a shooter I'd get the Ruger

 

[TXHORNS]

45 Colt screams Blackhawk but thats just me though.

 

[Gryffydd]

45 Colt screams Blackhawk but thats just me though.

+1
And he did say he wanted a long barrel

Though I'm not sure if you can get the 10.5" in .45 Colt.

 

[pageophile]

Alas, we can not own such pretty snubbies in Canada and that is a GREAT looking snub-nose. I was meaning the regular long barrelled SRH just don't have the flowing lines of the S&W or even the Redhawk. Bowen makes a wonderful SRH/RH Hybrid

 

[Sam1911]

I will be using it for target mostly, not to exceed 1200 fps.
I know the Ruger is heaver but did not want to have to end up sending anything back to the factory for a tuneup after a few thousand rounds.

For what it's worth, I have a fairly recent production 629 that I've put well over 10,000 rounds through. (Mostly .44 Specials, kind of like what you are planning.) I can't see any need for service in the forseeable future, but maybe after it gets "broken in" some more.

 

[10xforever]

Thanks for all the great info everyone. I have a Colt second generation SSA but next time i want to get double action. Tired of ejecting one case at a time and need something that is not as delicate as the Col SSA. Been leaning towards the Ruger as it appears to be bulletproof and if i ever want to shoot heaver loads then i won't have to buy anything else.
Thanks again all.
Ron

 

[MachIVshooter]

If you don't wanna run Casull, I'd go for the S&W. The N frame 25 will handle pretty stout loads just fine, and is much lighter, better balanced and more aesthetically pleasing. I have a 7.5" SRH .454. It's an unweildy beast, even less comfortable than my .50 Desert Eagle and nastier recoiling with full loads. The action is rough, the hammer spring is so stout you'll tear your thumb up, and I'm just waiting to have to replace the cylinder locking lug from that gargantuan piece of rotating steel slamming it so hard every time it turns. They should have used a friction spring to slow it down.

 

[David E]

The S&W isn't designed or intended for "stout" loads. Chamber walls and thin and the bolt cut is over the center of the chamber, at the thinnest point.

I'd go maybe 1100 fps with a 250 grain bullet and that'd be tops in my book.

I have several hundred loaded to about 1000 fps and that's just about perfect for me and that gun.

the "Hell for Stout" .45 Colt loads are reserved for the Ruger Bisley Blackhawk.

 

[Sam1911]

I'd go maybe 1100 fps with a 250 grain bullet and that'd be tops in my book.

Why so light? Is a 25 that much weaker than a 629?

I hold my top end .44 loads down to 300 gr. bullet at ~1200 or so in the 629, and I know we're talking about removing an extra 0.022" of metal at each chamber to step up to a .45 Colt -- does that make that much difference?

 

[highlander 5]

I have a SRH in 454 and trust me it's a cannon,to heavy/bulky to carry. If i were you I'd look at the 4" Redhawk in 45 Colt. Handloads can approach 1300 fps and it's a much easier pistol to haul around.

 

[David E]

I hold my top end .44 loads down to 300 gr. bullet at ~1200 or so in the 629, and I know we're talking about removing an extra 0.022" of metal at each chamber to step up to a .45 Colt -- does that make that much difference?

The loading data books that have a special section for heavy .45 Colt loads only list the Ruger Blackhawk and Contender. They do NOT list the S&W Model 25. I suspect there is a reason for this.

Elmer Keith went to the .44 Special because of the thinner chamber walls, especially over the bolt cut. I've seen pictures of some that had a bulged chamber at the bolt cut. I don't want that to be MINE, so I keep the loads in the 1100 fps range. (which is slightly above the standard .45 Colt loads) Honestly, there's not much that I'll come across that this load won't stop. It's easier on me and the gun.

 

[Sam1911]

I see. Just curious. I didn't go look up where the "Ruger Only" loads start in .45 Colt, though that probably would have answered the question.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I'd go maybe 1100 fps with a 250 grain bullet and that'd be tops in my book.

Shoot, that load is suitable for modern SAA guns. I run 250's at 1080 in my 5.5" Stampede.

No, the 25 can't handle what the BH, RH, SBH or SRH can. But it can take more than a cowboy gun. I wouldn't be afraid to push 1,200-1,250 FPS with a 250 grainer in an M25 6"