Tough Choice

[Nightcrawler]

Which big bore revolver to get? The two candidates are the Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt and the S&W 625 in .45ACP. I have other guns in both rounds.

S&W 625

PROS: Fires inexpensive .45ACP ammunition, strong enough for .45 Super, if reports are accurate. Moon clips make for fast reloads, and will shoot even crappy commerical LSWC reloads that my CZ-97 will choke on. Choice of either 4" or 5" barrel, and variety of holsters and accessories are available for Smith revolvers.

CONS: Not capable of the power that the Ruger .45 is. Even if .45ACP loads that could match +P .45 Colt were available, the Smith isn't strong enough.


Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt

PROS: Very strong, very modern revolver. Rugers reportedly are very easy to maintain and parts breakage is rare. Strong enough to handle the vast majority of very hot .45 Colt hunting loads.

CONS: 5.5" and 7.5" barrels only. Would have to have it shortened if I wanted a 4" barrel. Heavier than the Smith, but that comes with strength.

So, what do you think?

 

[Jim March]

I've been pondering the 45LC too, and one big question was "practice costs". I'm not so worried about the cost of carry-grade or hunting ammo, I'll pay a premium for small quanities (20-50). But practice fodder is what can kill ya.

See this thread for some interesting research:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14096

Upshot: there appears to be a few good deals in "Cowboy grade" stuff, due to the popularity of CAS/SASS which is now the fastest-growing shooting sport . So the ammo cost situation in 45LC is by no means grim for the non-reloader, although you'll probably need to mailorder. Dunno 'bout y'all, but $50 for 250 rounds of newly minted fodder ain't half bad. Georgia Arms is probably better quality and at $270 by the thousand isn't all that much more:

http://www.georgia-arms.com/pistol.htm

www.ammoman.com has 230grain Proloads based on the Gold Dot 230grain JHP and ballistics identical to a good 45ACP. This would make splendid defense ammo, at $12 a box of 20 (must buy five boxes though). Still, not a bad idea to get a known batch of the same lot for long-term carry purposes with enough to thoroughly test.

 

[Bergeron]

What do you plan on using this pistol for?

If you are looking to do general shooting, or competitive shooting, I would tend to lean toward the 625, but if you're looking for mega-momma wrist wreckers, the Ruger would be the superior choice, as you have mentioned.

Personally, I would take the Smith.

 

[1badmagnum]

I like the styling and function of the rugers.

 

[PaulS]

Nightcrawler,
The Ruger is, as you said, a stronger weapon. It will last forever. The company stands behind their weapons and customers. The trigger will need a bit of attention to make it smooth but even if you do nothing to it the action will wear in to be smooth after years of service.
The Smith is a weaker gun that will wear out not in. The company rolled over when the Feds attacked them and the turned their backs on their customers. It was bought by new owners who also refuse to remove from the legislators the power to criple their customers rights.

I would buy the Ruger and support those who support me.

PaulS

 

[Frenchy]

The Ruger has the advantage if you're a "MAX" shooter. Otherwise, The Smith has the better mechanics...IMO.
I agree the 625 isn't quite as strong, but it's hardly weak considering the frame it is based on. One of our deputies has one for both competition and hunting. He's put well over 5,000 rounds through it, and it's as tight as a drum.

 

[Brian Williams]

How about a Taurus Tracker, it comes in either 45 ACP or Colt
I have a 45 colt version with a 4" barrel, it is smaller and lighter than my S&W 586. Great gun fairly accurate and it seems to be holding up well.

Kinda a "Get a Glock" response but mine is a good gun.

Otherwise get the S&W in 45 ACP and have a 45 Colt cylinder fitted. best of both

 

[Nightcrawler]

Otherwise get the S&W in 45 ACP and have a 45 Colt cylinder fitted. best of both

I HAVE a S&W in .45 Colt, actually.

 

[Ala Dan]

Toss Up!

You pick 'em.

Both are really excellent firearms; it would solely depend
on the user's intended purpose for either revolver? I'm
still basically a S&W type person; so I guess I would go
with the 625?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Kahr carrier]

I like the S&W 625 ,but I have a Ruger Redhawk 44 and like it alot.