I've never fired a revolver in .45ACP.

I have fired many semi-auto .45ACP's and know that the recoil is very manageable. It's a shot, heavy round and the action of the semi-auto helps even more in reducing recoil. I find it very pleasant in semi-auto's.

I'd like to know how .45ACP recoil in a short barreled (3" or less) non-light weight revolver (example: 325NG) compares to the recoil of a similar weight and barrel length revolver shooting .38 Special +P (example: Model 15). Also interested in knowing if there is more, less or an equivelant amount of muzzle flash and noise between the two.

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~ S&WCA No.2159 ~

Full disclosure: I am a big fan of the 45 ACP revolver. Over the last few years, I have pretty much shifted from the 44 SPL to the 45 AR, so I'm not very objective.

The 45 revolver, in theory, should have more felt recoil than say a 1911. I have never noticed much difference. With many autos, and especially the 1911, muzzle flip induced by the momentum of the slide, is as big a control issue as actual rearward motion of the pistol. I don't think that the difference in recoil and control between a steel frame revolver and a steel frame auto is something that would concern you.

As far as a light weight revolver such as the 325NG, the recoil with +P loads is noticeable, but certainly manageable. With standard pressure loads, I find recoil a non-issue. A 325NG is my main carry and I shoot it a lot. I left the Goodyears on it. They are ugly, but mitigate recoil nicely.

The great thing about 45 ACP revolvers is that they will work with just about anything you can stuff into the chambers. You have many options.

The things are addictive.

Charles

I own the following revolvers in .45ACP

• Model 25-2, 6" barrel
• Model 325NG, 2.5" barrel
• Model 625-8, "Jerry Miculek", 4" barrel
• Model 22, "Classic", 4" barrel
• Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible, 4 5/8" barrel

Using standard 230gr ball ammo, they handle mostly like .38 K frames. The recoil is very mild, and the N frame, depending on the stocks, soaks up a lot of recoil.

I have a load using a 250gr SWC lead bullet, on top of Bullseye powder, that's a bit more stiff, and can be unpleasant in the 325NG. I wouldn't want to spend an entire day shooting that load. The frame is just a bit light-weight.

The 325NG is my primary CCW revolver.

"The 325NG is my primary CCW revolver."

Really? Do you use IWB, OWB or in the pocket? I was thinking the 325NG too large for most CCW but maybe I'm wrong. My current CCW revolver is a 432PD in .32 H&R Magnum. Weighing in at under a pound, loaded, and with the internal hammer it's an absolute dream to CCW. I use it for my night stand gun as well but am considering a .45ACP revolver to take the night stand gun role. If a .45ACP revolver could be manageable in CCW maybe I could use it for that role too. Very interested in what you think Dennis.

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~ S&WCA No.2159 ~

I just got my 325NG this week and have been shopping for a holster. I ordered a Galco Summer Comfort to get me by until I find what I really want. I am really interested in what others are using.

I contacted Ray at Lobo with some questions and he pointed out some good ideas I hadn't thought of. I really wanted a cross-draw IWB, but he said that may not work out well because of the short barrel.

I also ordered and installed some Hogue laminate grips that are a shorter then the ugly rubber grips, and also don't have the padding along the backstrap. The extra thickness along the backstrap makes the LOP a little long for me. The thought is rubber grips on range day primarily and carry with the shorter ones, for easier concealability. We'll see after my first range session this weekend.

Is the 325NG a K, L or N frame?

Nevermind on that, just saw on the website it's an N frame. I just can't see how an N frame with a cylinder as think as a 6 round .45ACP can be great for CCW. Gotta be a big ole gun.....

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~ S&WCA No.2159 ~

I got my first S&W 45ACP revolver back in the early 1970's.

I used one for a work gun for several years.

I have a 325NG and I like it.

I would agree with all the good things said about the 45 ACP by the above posters.

Carrying it for a CCW gun... It is not that much bigger than a 2.5" Mod 19.

With full moon clips it is very fast to reload.

The issue for me is weight more than size. I use a Milt Sparks Summer Special and a Mernickle OWB. Both are comfortable and the Summer Special conceals well under a sports shirt. The Mernickle requires a coat or a vest.

If you wear your trousers tight, the N frame in an IWB holster probably isn't the best choice. I'm an old guy and most of the time I wear jeans that have more than enough slack.

Ray at Lobo is making me a SOB holster for the NG and I have high hopes for it. But what I have will work just fine until something better comes along.

No matter what you carry, having the correct holster is key, and that can cost some money. Especially if you have to go through a couple of holsters to find the right one. Like a lot of people on this forum, I have a duffel bag full of holsters that seemed like a good idea at the time.

For N-frames IWB I use a Milt Sparks VMII and an Andrews Gunleather McDaniel II. The Andrews holster is more convenient. The VMII makes the gun disappear, even under a light shirt, and distributes the weight so well you forget you're carrying a 325.