Out of a 3" tube (revolver), which round do you trust more for personal defense: .44 Special or .45 ACP? Thanks.

Pete

I would put them on an equal footing, depending on the load of course!

T

The .45 since there's better SD ammo available for it.

The choice of ammo is so much superior for the 45acp I'd go that way. Besides, it makes a slightly larger hole.

I doubt that anyone properly shot at and hit with either one would be likely to stand around and give pointers on your style of shooting and caliber choice.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Also with the 45 ACP you have the advantage of using 1/2 or full moon clips, and with Auto Rim brass, regular revolver type speedloaders.

Ammo choice and loading ability as stated above (half-moon, full-moon, etc) makes me give the edge to the ACP.

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I miss my 4546 the most.

They would be equal, but I just love .44 specials.

+1 with the majority.

Regards,

Tam 3

It probably boils down to whether you prefer a revolver or a semi-auto.

No semi-autos for me, these old hands can't rack the slide. Both guns in question are revolvers - 696 and 625-3.

Pete

Because I own a .45 ACP revolver, have used it in matches, and have about 100 full moon clips for it, I'd go with the .45. (My Brazilian contract 1917 is the fastest- reloading revolver I've ever used).

Powerwise they are about the same, I think.

I bought a box (100) of .45 auto at Walmart... I'm guessing I wont be able to use moon clips with these, eh?

Pete

Of course you will, Pete; clips were invented for .45 ACP revolvers. The .45 ACP is a wonderful round from the revolver, and our "house gun" is a 625-3. I sure wouldn't be unhappy with a 696 either, but I like the extra round of .45 ACP, and the ejection stroke is just so wonderfully positive with the short cartridge.

In that case, I'd probably go with the .45. While either gun will do the job, the ammo would be more readily available for the .45acp (I'm partial to Hydra-Shoks)

What Erich said. Besides, I sold him his 3" 625.

For which Gina and I remain eternally grateful - what a nifty gun you hooked us up with, amigo!

I have a .45 ACP because that's what i always wanted. But between the two, I don't think the guy on the receiving end knows or wants to know the difference.

With factory load's the .45 ACP, with reload's the .44 Special rule's that roost.

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Stay safe people!

Never give up a round. There is the chance you will miss once in a stressful situation.

Whether it is 22Mag versus a 50AE, or this scenario, Pete, I want the one with more rounds. Plus, reloading is TONS easier with the 45ACP. You can get factory ammo that is from 185gr to 230gr.

While I like the idea of the 44spl, I haven't gotten around to owning one yet and I don't like shooting the shorter cases in my 44Mag. In the 357Mag, different story.

Bullet selection in factory ammo is much wider. The 44Spl can be bought too but mostly in Cowboy type of loadings.

Now if you handloaded!

You've all convinced, it's the .45 for my night stand, for two main reasons, as pointed out; I don't reload, and that round is less expensive and more plentiful - besides, I like the use of moonclips. In the past, I had a fews revolvers converted to accept moonclips, from the J-frame to the L-frame. I was thinking of selling my 696, but I'm having second thoughts; beside the 3" 625 Model of 1989, the 696 is my second "holy grail" gun. Thanks all for your input. Now I have to look for CT Laser Grips for the N-Frame, the type that covers the backstrap - maybe I can trade a set of K-Frame laser grips. Regards,

Pete (The Oldfella)

I carry a .44 Mag snubby that I load with .44Spl. 180gr XTPs for SD. My loads chrono'd @1145+-.

I like the idea of carrying one caliber (.44 Magnum) that will work in a handgun and a lever action.

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"Better to have some..."