Revolver Options in .45acp

[Hunterdad]

Ended up getting 700+rds of .45acp (reloads) ammo through a trade. Its loaded a little light and won't cycle 100% in my 1911. So, I thought it would be a good time to pick up a .45acp revolver. I was looking at the ruger blackhawk convertible in .45acp/.45lc and it very tempting.

What are some other options out there?

Thanks
Adam

 

[Ditchtiger]

S&W has the 25 series and the stainless 625.
Also Smith makes a .410 revolver that will use acp.
Then there is Taurus.

An old surplus 1917 may be found with some looking.

 

[TarDevil]

Then there is Taurus.

Something new/old? Was not aware of any revolvers from Taurus in .45 ACP.

 

[mesinge2]

I have the S&W m22-4 Heritage Series with the Turnbull case-hardened frame. It is an awesome shooter, and its not too hard of a carry gun because of the tapered pencil barrel.




VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuEBXf9dIRg&list=UUEw6dHdKyDmGiURtDZjjcBA&index=2&feature=plcp

 

[TarDevil]

I would dearly love a.45 acp revolver...just can't afford a Smith right now. Great looking gun, mesinge.

 

[wheelyfun66]

How about the new Ruger Vaquero birdshead chambered in .45 ACP?
(wish I could afford one...)

 

[riddleofsteel]

The convertible Blackhawk in .45Colt/.45 ACP is hands down my favorite;
You can shoot cheaper .45 ACP reloads or hunt with heavy .45 Colt loads. Plus the "cowboy" .45 Colt loads are a joy to plink with.

 

[dusty14u]

You are on the right track in always looking for new reasons to make new firearm purchases.

I was in the same situation and had a bunch of 45acp ammo that wouldn't cycle through any of my semis. I looked at the options and the best route for me was the Ruger 45 Convertible. I found one with a 5-1/2" barrel. The S&W prices were just too steep for me and didn't give me the option of two loads.

One thing that you should be cautioned about if choosing the convertible path. Making load developments for the 45 colt cartridge is addicting. Taking the cartridge to 44mag levels and beyond is a thrill. I rarely shoot 45acp out of mine but it is still fun to do and the 45 colt loads are a blast.


If you don't handload the S&W or Ruger will both do well. If you handload the Ruger is the better option.

 

[mesinge2]

If you don't handload the S&W or Ruger will both do well. If you handload the Ruger is the better option.

^^^ Agreed!

 

[ghitch75]

i have 6 ACP'S .....25-2, 625JM,2 Blackhawk conv's,Welby MK1 cut and a 325PD.....the 325 seems to get shot the most....it's crazy accurate...325PD great CC or OC it only weights 18oz's!!!

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Sometimes you can get lucky and find the grand daddy of all 45 ACP revolvers, the S&W Model 1917.



Sometimes you can find one of the Brazilian contract guns. Probably for less than a new Smith.

 

[Coal Dragger]

A high end option would be a Freedom Arms M83 in .454 Casull with a spare cylinder in .45ACP, or their M97 in .45 Colt with a spare cylinder.

For the money the Ruger will be tough to beat, but if money is not a huge issue I can highly recommend the Freedom Arms gun. If I were to go for the Ruger I would make sure to get the Super Blackhawk not the medium frame gun offered by Lipseys.

 

[JFrame]

Of course, the list would not be complete without including the S&W Governor...




.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree with Driftwood Johnson above, a used 1917 would be a great choice. It's a very good revolver and they are still affordable.

 

[jj1962hemi]

I have an S&W Model 1955 Target (Model 25 in 45 ACP only) with a 6" barrel. I love this gun. I bought it in 95% condition for $550. I would also like a Model 1917 and a converted Webley some day....so much to do and so little time!

 

[Upstater]

What is the accuracy level with govenor, I have been thinking about this one, after some investigation there are those that claim accuracy really isn't there. Any insight on this?

 

[riomedinamike]

Of all the options mentioned so far, the Ruger convertible is the least expensive option either new or used.

I have owned or still own most of the S&W variations, except for the scandium or Governor.

My personal favorite is the Brazilian contract model. The previous owner had re-parkerized it, so it has no real collector value, but it has a great trigger pull, is very accurate, and with Tyler T-grips and original grips, it fits my hand well.

My second choice is the S&W Mt Gun, but like all Smith revolvers, good luck finding one at a reasonable price.

 

[Ditchtiger]

Something new/old? Was not aware of any revolvers from Taurus in .45 ACP.

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=119&category=Revolver

 

[Snag]

The problem, or at least my problem, with a Ruger convertible is once you shoot some 45 Colt through it you'll never use the 45 ACP cylinder.

 

[Upstater]

@ditchtiger, that model of Taurus is no longer made though correct. One would have to try and find one used or old stock, right?

 

[JFrame]

What is the accuracy level with govenor, I have been thinking about this one, after some investigation there are those that claim accuracy really isn't there. Any insight on this?

Sorry for the lateness in the response, but I just happened to unearth a copy of American Rifleman in which Wiley Clapp wrote a review and ran some accuracy tests using 2-3 loads each of .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and .410.

Off of a Ransom Rest at 25 yards, the average groupings for .45 ACP Federal 230gr FMJ was 3.2", and for .45 ACP Black Hills 230gr JHP, 3.06". The smallest groups were 2.76" and 2.66" respectively.

Not target accuracy by any means, but certainly "close enough for government work" -- especially for what is essentially an N-frame snubbie...

 

[wheelyfun66]

How about the new Ruger Vaquero birdshead chambered in .45 ACP?
(wish I could afford one...)

I DID afford one....sold off my Gen4 G26 to finance a Vaquero Birdshead in 45 ACP.

Full range report and pics to follow soon...

 

[Chevelle SS]

S&W Model 1917 I love mine!

 

[bluethunder1962]

My Governor does not need the moon clips. You change the ejector out and just load them. I have never done it but it is cool to know you can.

 

[rcmodel]

You change the ejector out and just load them.

That must be a new and so far unknown feature of the S&W Governor.

Please tell us more!!

rc