Submitted for some friendly discussion.
[I think the best N frame is one in 44 Mag...]

But for this discussion let us consider the N frame's in "45".

Now I can see if a person is a Colt SAA 45 Colt shooter, he would want a S&W in 45 Colt...

Likewise if a person is a semi auto 45 ACP shooter he would want a S&W in 45 ACP.
I fit into this catagory. I bought a Mod 25-2 in the early 1970's because I was a Bullseye shooter, and it would shoot the same 45 ACP ammo, and I could use it in Bullseye matches too. [My first 2 S&W revolvers were 44 mags].

I also used a Mod 25 in 45 ACP as a Duty gun for several years, first with half moon clips and later with full moon clips when they became available.

I now have a 325NG, and I really like it.
I am a BIG fan of a S&W revolver in 45 ACP. BIG FAN.

So here is my question, IF you do not shoot 45 Colt Single Action Army's, and you are not a 1911 shooter in 45 ACP, which S&W in "45" would you pick, and why???

I have a 25-2 that I purchased in the 80s. I chose it for no other reason than my uncle had one and I fell in love with it. Thought it was a beautiful revolver chambered in an inherently accurate and widely available military cartridge.

S&W Model 25-2 w/ full moon clips.
It don't get any better!

I have a Colt SAA with 4 3/4" barrel, but I also have a 25-5 6" and a 25-7 5". I also have a WWII Remington Rand .45 ACP, a rebuilt WWI Colt with
Remington slide. and a WWI Model 1917.

If I didn't already own something in .45 Auto (and don't own any .45 Colt) I'd probably still get something in .45 Auto to shoot ESR in IDPA.

In fact I plan to do that sometime between 10/6/2013 and 10/6/2014 since I will be 45 years old

Well, I have 2 Colt SAAs in .45 and 5 1911 Colts in .45 acp.

I also ave a 1917 S & W (and 1917 Colt) in 45 acp, a S & W 25-2 and a S & W Model 1989 in 45 Colt.

The classiest looking of the S & Ws is the 1917. My nightstand gun was the 1989 Model for a couple of years. Best "feeling" is the 1989 Model. Most accurate is the 25-2. I would have to say, limiting it to the S & W revolvers, my favorite is the 25-2, provided I can use 45 AR (I don't like to mess with the clips).

Though I own and shoot several 45ACP pistols, CZ97B, S&W 645, Colt Series 80GM I also own and am very happy with a S&W 25-14



and a 22-4




For me the ability to use full moon clips, (one of the fastest ways to reload a revolver IMO), as well as the stopping power of the 45ACP makes owning a 45ACP revolver a no brainer.

The 25-14 packs quite nicely with the shorter barrel and with the addition of a Tyler T-Grip it's a dream to shoot.

The 22-4 with it's classic, fixed sight profile is just a nice, all around piece whether your plinking, woods walking or just putting some rounds on paper. It's no slouch for CCW either.

well just how strong are the moon clips for the model 25? I've heard of them bending over time and when they do that they can give the gun functioning problems.

although I think those were primarily full moon clips, not the half ones.

and with smith I dont have any in .45 caliber but I am planning on aquiring a 645 or a 4506 once the money that just went to the taxes regenerates, but first I need to deal with the gunlocker problem as I've pretty much run out of space.

I have a 1917 brazillian because they were selling them so cheap when they imported them it is a little rough looking but a great shooter. Also much easier to get .45acp ammo at what used to be reasonable prices. Gonna have to add a Smith in .45colt someday too.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

I've got full moon clips that are both steel and plastic/synthetic and have never had a problem with either and use a dowel to unload and load by hand.

For CCW I keep a couple of new, steel ones and don't use them for range sessions. The biggest factor I would see for damage would be from how you carry the loaded clips for CCW. If you're not using a carrier of some type I could see them getting tweaked in a pocket. Other than that I guess they could experience metal fatigue from repeated use, loading, unloading, etc., but seperating range and carry clips should alleviate that issue. Just my $.02

...325NG with Ahrends combat stocks. It's in the daily rotation with my 696 and 65. The stocks are very comfortable, and definitely look better than the original "Goodyears".

IMHO the 45 ACP was developed for JMB's pistol and that is where it belongs...it is what it is...the the .45 Colt on the other hand is a revolver cartridge from the get-go.

i'm very perjudiced in this vein and freely admit it. I own handguns chambered for both and can, have, and do carry them daily and interchangeablely. I do not feel at a disadvantange againt any beast that walks with either( not many grizzlies in my part of Texas).

After carrying both for better than 30 yrs. my experience is:
At least in Texas, a 1911 carried in condition "one" commands respect for it's handler. Miscreants instantly recognise it and are keenly aware of it's potential when deployed properly. It creates an atmosphere of " this ain't my first rodeo and you will cooperate" in the eyes of even the younger badguys. This doesn't hold true if I happen to be carrying my USP or one of my .380's for some reason. Can't explain it, just know it works that way.

The 25-5, on the other hand is a conversation "icebreaker",if you will...usually goes something llike this..." Golly, Mr. ol' geeser, sir you still carrying that old revolver? What is it, a 357 or 44 mag.?" I reply that it is a 45 colt and then they say something like, " Holy smokes, my grandaddy had an old cowboy pistol like that", we talk old guns for a while then get down to business with a few less walls between us.

The ACP cartridge is a dismall at best performer on deer and feral hogs while the 45 colt is more than adequate for game of like size,weight, and temperment. Again, can't explain it, just my experience.

The only moonclips I have ever bent were bent by stepping on them.

I would choose the ACP chambered revolver. I don't have occasion to shoot deer or hogs. I may well have occasion to shoot a two legged varmint and the 45 ACP cartridge has been doing that well for something like a century (smile).

I am fond enough of S&Ws chambered in this cartridge I had one built in a configuration S&W never made but should have...




a blue steel 45 ACP Mountain Gun.

Dave

PS: I'm getting to be an ol' geezer too! (LOL)

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

DaveT, S&W did make .45 ACP Mountain Guns in SS and Blue but just try to find one!I have a 1950 Target barrel[slender] and a 1955 Target cylinder and if I don't find a Mountain Gun soon I'm going to try to find a donor frame and build one!Please tell me about yours by PM.
Who built your gun? That is exactly what I want but would prefer SS.
ol'geezer, In the June 1973 issue of Shooting Times Magazine, Skeeter Skelton did an article entitled," The Best .45 Autos are Sixguns" it is the definitive work on reloading .45 ACP & .45 Auto Rim. He divided his info for 1917s,Ruger SAs,and S&Ws Mod. 25.
I won't quote the loadings off the top of my head but I remember loading some rounds that exceeded 1100 FPS and one round over 1300 FPS for the Mod. 25[6&1/2" barrel] with no bad effects.
Maybe you could "google" it or find that article some where. I lost mine in a flood [1990] and only have a few notes.I wouldn't hesitate to take hogs or black bears with some of those loads if needs be.
I will admit,sir, that after 23 years of active duty in the Army and some 12 years in LEO duties I've been involved in too many fracasses and my pistol of choice[ like yours] for serious social intercourse is ALWAYS going to be a 1911A1 or some variant.Thanks for reminding me I'm going to search for a copy of Ol' Skeets article now. Nick

I Love my 2 45 acp's Revolvers M-625JM & 1917 and my Springer 1911...

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	2010_0219saydee0123[4].JPG (92.2 KB, 103 views)

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I'm no SAA shooter, but I love the .45 ACP. It's by far my fav cartridge & as I acquire more guns, it will by & large, comprise largest part of my collection. After that, I love the .357 Mag.

Closest to a long Colt I'll get (or so far) is my Governor, that shoots either. Still unshot since it's recent purchase. I think I need a 325NG as I just purchased a 625JM a few days ago. Hope to shoot the 625JM soon.

I'd love to shoot a 325NG just to get a feel for it. As in should I buy 1? It'd round out my .45 wheelguns thus far. See above comment.

JMB's pistol is what exactly?

Interesting on the respect thing.

John Moses Browning inventor of the M1911 pistol.

First-James 56-that is one fine look'n JM! I might have to get my shint up after seein' yours. As far as the .45ACP is concerned, the military ruined me for it, but I was converted by the marvelous 25-2. I have two of those-one nice shooter, and one NIB, complete, in the safe. I also have, as I said, a 625-8 4 inch. It is not a JM, but that was the platform for the JM. I had S&W do the Master Revolver package on it, and I added a fiber optic sight, a green one, and some over size rnd bt=sqr bt grips in silver black. a wonderful gun. I was so impressed with the 45acp in a revolver, that I wanted to see what it would be like with an 8 3/8 barrel, so I did a project with a 25-5 long barrel. I had the cylinder machined to use 45 ACP's in moon clips, in addition to the 45 colt. I had some other work done on it as well, and it is a nice revolver. I did have to experiment with some ammo to get the big hawg leg to put the ACP's where I wanted consistantly. I ended up with a hard cast SWC of the same diameter as the throats (.451) from Mid Atlantic Bullets. They have a synthetic lube that seems to work a little better. I set them a little shallow, so that the first ring was outside of the case. These factors together allowed the bullet to jump the considerable gap, and enter the forcing cone in good shape, it worked well. 45 ACP's are quieter, and have less recoil in te big gun, and the moon clips make it more fun to shoot, and a source of rubber necking at the range! I likes my 45's. Flapjack.

Dennis the B, those Ahrends look great on that Night Guard. All business with a touch of class.

I don't yet have a 45 ACP revolver, but I do have a 625 MG and a 45 Colt Blackhawk. I believe it is a wonderfully versatile cartridge that can handle a wide range of loadings. It can shoot everything from 185 gr to 270 gr at standard pressures.

I have several Colt Government Models and a LW Commander. They are great- powerful enough, concealable, accurate, and easily used. The loadings available for revolvers are impressive though. I haven't seen the above mentioned article by Skeeter, but Sierra lists some impressive "revolver only" loads. It lists something like a 230 gr bullet at 1100fps. Pretty stout stuff...

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Proud anachronism

I dont own a SW 45, but have shot a model25. I own a Ruger Blackhawk 45C with a 45ACP cylinder that I shoot a lot. I also own a 1911a1 that I dont shoot as much as I used to. I really like revolvers because for me they are more accurate. This is just my opinion and many probably feel differently.

I wasn't thinkin like that. Even tho I was aware of that, I always saw it as John M. Browning.

Since I just picked up a 625JM, the JMB messed w/. my mind.

"John Moses Browning, inventor of the M-1911 pistol."
Face towards Ogden, Utah and genuflect when you say his name.

I don't own a Colt SAA .45 Colt but, I do own a Marlin 1894 .45 Colt.

Over the last two years I started reloading and then casting for it. Thanks to that I came to love the caliber for its simplicity and versatility.

My next purchase will be a 25-7 or 25-9 as soon as I'be saved up enough now that my reloading and casting equipment purchases are out of the way.

I just don't feel I'd be happy with anything else.

I've also set aside quite a bit of. 38 Spl, .357 Mag, .45 ACP, and. 45 Auto Rim for myself as I bring home range brass and I've purchased dies and molds for each if the price good or when trading brass.

My thinking is one day given the oppourtunity, I might get a Model 28, 1917 / 1935, or 1911 / 1927 and I'd be set to go.

If I never came to own any of those, I don't think I'd be at unhappy with just the. 45 Colt, or feel like I was missing out.

I bought a 625 from a friend in 45 acp because "I can" (because the kids are grown and gone!!!---I dearly love my boys but.... ) and for no other reason. I love the gun. It is fun to shoot and if I feel the need for bigger bore protection I have it!

John

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I'm a .45 fan for sure; both the .45 ACP and .45 Colt. Both are very capable fight stoppers, but when it comes to revolvers my choice is the .45 Colt. It is capable of much, much more than the .45 ACP and very versatile. It can be loaded from mouse fart "cowboy" loads all the way to .44mag territory. IMO, sticking the .45 ACP in a N-frame is a waste of capability. Kinda like sticking a 4 cylinder Toyota engine in a '66 Mustang...

The .45 Colt shines even more when paired with the Mountain Gun platform. You then have a fairly light, excellently balanced, easy packing, powerful revolver capable of dealing with just about anything in the lower 48.

I love my .45 ACP, but find it to be a more logical choice in auto's than revolvers.

My two .45 revovlers: A 25-13 Mountain Gun and a 2nd Model Hand Ejector in .455 Webley Mk.II

To further defend the 45 ACP revolvers I feel obligated to post pictures of a few more (smiley face goes here):


This 1917 was shipped in 1918 and turned into a belly gun by some un-known previous owner.


This Model of 1950 45 Military is from 1953.


This 45 Cal Model of 1955 was cut down to 5", my favorite N-frame bbl length.


Finally is this 625-2. It came with a lot of problems internally but luckily I knew just enough about S&Ws to get it running properly.

This being the S&WForum, I won't post pictures of the semiautos chambered for 45 ACP. It would take up too much band width. (LOL)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

DaveT,

I too love the 5" barrel in a N frame gun. I think it the perfect barrel length. I wish my 625 had a 5" barrel!

John

At the risk of being branded a heretic, I do not see any need for an S&W revolver in .45 ACP since I do not shoot one competitively in a revolver-only class. Like Ol' Geeser, I prefer to shoot ACPs in 1911s, and sometimes in P220s. Lately, I have tinkered a bit with the M&P, but the 1911 is in no particular danger from the M&P, as far as I can tell.

I do happen to like Model 25s in .45 Colt, but I am not an SAA shooter. I suppose the attraction is that it is a very pleasant and accurate gun, and it does punch a big hole. I had very poor results with the first 25-5 I owned and eventually replaced it with a 25-9, which has been excellent. I might buy another one, some day.

For some reason I think the .45 Colt does a bit better in the accuracy department than the .41 and 44 Magnums when using target loads in the 900 FPS range. Not sure why that is - may just be my imagination. But I do think the advantage goes away when the magnums get into the 1100 FPS range.

I would tend to agree the best N-frame is a 44, but they are all good and all are fun to shoot.

At last count I own 6 S&W revolvers in .45 acp and 4 in .45 Colt. I really like they accuracy they provide.

Even my truck likes S&W 45's...

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I have a 625- 6 and a 625-7 - both 4" .45 Colt Mountain Guns - and a 4" 625JM in .45 ACP. Everyone has seen them - big ho hum. Sure, the .45 Colt chambers will also load .45 Schofield, while the 625JM will also chamber moonclipped .45 GAPs and loose .45 Auto Rims. But... what about a revolver that will chamber all - okay, all but the .45 Auto Rims - and more.... and it's a stretched N frame - actually, a Z-frame. Yeah - a Governor!



Yeah, not as classy as a 1917... but, it is pretty utilitarian - and, at <30 oz - easily toted in a decent holster. Also, what better way to get rid of that mix of .45 ammo - and 2.5" .410's?

Stainz

I have a 4" M25-5, then picked up a 25-13 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt. I had several Rugers SAs in that chambering and thought it would be nice to have a DA. Then I found a 5.5" Redhawk that will take 45 Colts loaded with heavyweight bullets over 37Kpsi+ and not mind doing so in the least.

I also have a 4" 625-8 in 45 ACP that is one of the more accurate revolvers I own, especially with 185 or 200gr LSWCs over WSF. Also fun to use with 45ARs loaded to 45 Colt blackpowder equivalent levels. I kind of like that one.

The S&Ws 45 Colts have been fun to shoot but I find myself using the 25-13 MG more often, or the 625-8 for a range/target gun.

And, now that I have the big Redhawk for a serious load level hunting gun as well as other 45 Colt options, I've been thinking about selling or trading the 4" Model 25-5. I just don't use it that much anymore.

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" I said, good DAY! "

Stainz

Over the years the wife and I have had great succdess killing small game, furred and birds, with 44 Mag shotshells, first ones I loaded with the Speer yellow plastic capsules, and later with the Speer factory shotshells, I am curious to hear how you like the Governor, when shooting .410 shotshells.

Also how well does it shoot with 45 ACP ammo?

That just might be the best "survival" revolver around.

One thing in this thread that did suprise me, was the guys that have and shoot 1911's and found no need for a 45 ACP S&W revolver, yet had S&W's in 45 Colt.
This seems strange to me as the reason I got a S&W revolver in 45 ACP is so it would shoot the same ammo as my 1911...

Why the 45 Colt instead???

If You do not want a 45 ACP revolver, why not go to the 44 Mag. It will do anything the 45 Colt S&W can do, and if necessary you can go to full power 44 Mag loads...

Also in the N frames, the ACP's can be loaded to the same power levels as the 45 Colt S&W.

Not to Hijack my own thread, I will start another on the "power" of the S&W 45's...

I like the platform and those two calibers so much I picked up one of each:
625 Mountain Gun (Colt)
625 JM (acp)
325 NG (acp)
Governor (both plus .410)
.460 XVR (Colt, .454Casull & .460Mag)

And just to round out the pack:
1911PD

Well, I can think of several reasons (I have both the 625 & 629):
--The .45 Colt is a much more manageable round than the .44 Mag at standard loads (much lower chamber pressures) with much more stopping power than a .44 Spcl at similar felt recoil
--The highest load ratings for the Colt exceed even the .44 Mag +p and yet remains easier to control
--For similar bullet weight and velocity the .45 Colt has superior stopping power due the larger diameter bullet (.429" v. .452" to .454")
--It's a great ctg for hand loading as it offers a wider range of experimentation, in part due to the large casing volume; you can load it with black powder if you're so inclined and it will accept a much larger bullet because of the room in the casing.

While the .44 Mag is unquestionably a great ctg, the .45 Colt is one of the most versatile and under rated handgun loads around.

Question, what is the top load you guys shoot in your 45 Colt S&W with a 255gr Cast bullet?

I collect and shoot Smiths in 45 caliber.
This is the primary focus of my collection.

All in 45 A.C.P.






All in 45 Colt ,









I own 2 or 3 in 44 Special ,and 2 629s in 44 Magnum.

But with the 45s I have I have little use for the 44s. Go figure.

I believe it is just personal preference.
Also, there were fewer overall made in 45 Colt so it makes the finding
and collecting more of a challenge.


Regards
Allen Frame

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

I load a Keith 265LSWC / 12bhn (ordered from Black River @ 0.454" - & sized to 0.452", over 8.5 Unique - for use in my 625-6MG .45 Colt.

I suppose the gun would take a hotter load, but I see no reason in my part of the country. Plenty of power, easy to shoot, & quite accurate.

For some additional perspective, you might go to John Linebaugh's site, & read up. Here is a bit of it, posted at Handloads.Com:
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12

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Regards - GCF

GCF

Thanks for your reply. I am very familar with John Linebaughs writings, and his work.

I have a FA in 475 L.

Must be livin' right!

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Regards - GCF

this is almost exactly the gun I would like to have.... only difference would be XS BigDot front sight

note: pic from DaveT's post above

I don't have a SAA in any flavor, but I do have a 1911A1.

Regardless, I've had a 25-5 for 25 years and a S&W M1917 for 5 years. I like them both. The 25-5 is a classic modern style N frame and the M1917 has a lot of history.

Honestly, I bought my 625 when they were introduced because it was the same caliber as my 645 and I had acquired a pretty decent stash of .45 ACP. As time went on I learned to really appreciate the inherent accuracy and reliability of both .45's. They will always remain in my posession then be passed along to my heirs when the time comes...

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"Shall not be infringed"

Zombie thread alert........Well sort of, as the last few episodes of the "Walking Dead" has a good candidate for which one to choose ;^)

Craig

I can't add anything to the conversation but I can put in a purty picture. S&W model 22-4. 45 ACP.

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Having owned & shot many handguns in the last 40 years, including a model 27, 624, Colt New Service, 1911A1 & a Triplelock, I am down to one revolver: S&W 22-4 in nickle. Easy & fun to shoot, ammo is plentiful & it will do anything I ask it to. Looks good, also (sorry for no pics, none on hand).

I love my 625's here are a few of mine

625-4 Lew Horton



625-3



625-2




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A 625-8 not a JM-but one that has had the S&W master revolver treatment. It is 4 inch, and has custom grips-very accurate, and a great gun to shoot. I also still have one 25-2 and a 25-5 (not pinned) that has been cut for moon clips that I shoot Win 45 mag loaded to 45 Colt levels-lots of fun all three-love them moon clips!!

S&W 1917 .45 ACP

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