.45 ACP revolver as a carry gun?

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Ron In MD

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OK, you guys have guessed it by now by the threads that I've been posting that I'm new to CC. Although I live in the not so free (or great state) of maryland I am going to get a non resident Utah and maybe Florida carry permit. Only because as I get older I realize I'm not as strong as I once was and am slowing down due to physical limitations. And knowing how thugs prey on older people I won't be a victim if I can help it. The wife and I travel a lot out of state and I/we will feel safer knowing that we are legally armed.

Now to my question:

Does anyone carry a .45 ACP Revolver as their primary carry gun? I've not seen one yet, but are they as big as an N frame 29/629?
 
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Sure. I like N-frame six-shooters, and .45ACP is a great round. Look at a fixed-sight 4" gun for carry. (smaller if possible)
 
Ron:

An N-framed S&W in any caliber is a big piece. I've been carrying concealed on a regular basis for several years now. While I was waiting for my CHL to arrive, my plan was to carry either my Model 625 (.45ACP) with 4.0 inch barrel, or my H&K P-7 (9mm), or either my Model 66 (.357 Magnum) with 2.5 inch barrel, or...in other words, a medium to large frame sidearm. I started amassing a collection of holsters and cover garments to accommodate my armory. The only "pocket gun" I owned at the time was a Seecamp (.32ACP). Shortly before the CHL arrived, I acquired a Model 642 (.38 Special) with the 2.0 inch barrel. To my great surprise, the weapon I found I carried the most was the 642. I don't think this will change in the future as I've really grown comfortable packing a J-frame in my strong side pocket, and either a Seecamp or another J-frame in the off-side pocket. When I posted a thread here asking other forum members for their advice for a good holster for an N-frame, before I saw the light, one member wrote that he respected me for wanting to carry a "cannon". I cannot shoot a .45ACP semi-auto anymore. If I felt the need to "carry heavy", I'm glad I have the 625. Carrying it concealed would definitely take getting used to.

Best of luck,

Dave
 
Double-O-Dave said:
Ron:

An N-framed S&W in any caliber is a big piece. I've been carrying concealed on a regular basis for several years now. While I was waiting for my CHL to arrive, my plan was to carry either my Model 625 (.45ACP) with 4.0 inch barrel, or my H&K P-7 (9mm), or either my Model 66 (.357 Magnum) with 2.5 inch barrel, or...in other words, a medium to large frame sidearm. I started amassing a collection of holsters and cover garments to accommodate my armory. The only "pocket gun" I owned at the time was a Seecamp (.32ACP). Shortly before the CHL arrived, I acquired a Model 642 (.38 Special) with the 2.0 inch barrel. To my great surprise, the weapon I found I carried the most was the 642. I don't think this will change in the future as I've really grown comfortable packing a J-frame in my strong side pocket, and either a Seecamp or another J-frame in the off-side pocket. When I posted a thread here asking other forum members for their advice for a good holster for an N-frame, before I saw the light, one member wrote that he respected me for wanting to carry a "cannon". I cannot shoot a .45ACP semi-auto anymore. If I felt the need to "carry heavy", I'm glad I have the 625. Carrying it concealed would definitely take getting used to.

Best of luck,

Dave
Click to expand...

The 642 is on my list of guns to look at as is the 649 only because it's all SS. I'd probably mostly shoot .38+P in it but would have the option 0f .357 IF needed.

Why can't you shoot a .45ACP anymore may I ask?
 
Hi Ron:

I suffered injuries to my wrists that cause them to "unlock" under the recoil of a .45ACP semi-auto which results in my "weak wristing" the piece and causes an FTE (failure-to-extract). This is in the 1911 pattern semi-auto, and I really should try a 3rd Generation S&W one day to see if that could be an issue for me there. Experience and experimentation has shown that the largest caliber semi-auto I can fire competently and without causing FTEs is .40S&W - which for me, is plenty good medicine especially in the 180gr. loadings. I can and still use a .45ACP revolver without problems, and the .45ACP is one of my favorite calibers. Shortly after I got my 625 I was firing it at the range. An older gentleman stood by and watched me shoot for a while, and then asked me: "What kind of gun is that?" When I told him what it was, he asked: "Why in the world do you want to carry something like that?" My response was: "Well sir, a .44 is a little small, and they don't make a .46" I don't think he cared for my humor, as he packed up and left.

Best of luck,

Dave
 
All N frames are the same size. The problems
with N frames are size and weight. A good
holster and BELT will take of that. For ccw a
short barrel helps, but after a few hours you may get real tired of the weight or not. One of my carry guns is a 325PD Airlite Sc 2-3/4''
barrel 21.5oz. Great carry piece and I saw one for sale in the classifieds last week. The other one I like is a 325NG. Remember if it's uncomfortable to carry, it will be in the safe when you need it. Some people can carry an all steel N frame all day long with no problems, I don't like to. The older I get, the lighter my carry guns get. My other 45acp
carry is a Kahr PM45-sweet
 
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Yes, and Yes.

I often carry a .45 acp revolver, a S&W M325 Night Guard -

dsc010182sm.jpg


It has a Scandium Alloy Frame with a Stainless Steel Cylinder; weighing in at 28 onces, unloaded.

With a good belt and holster, such as the holster made by Lobo Gun Leather (Lobo Gun Leather - Home) in the above photo, it is pretty easy to conceal.

Note though that I more often carry either a S&W M642 .38 spl J frame, or a Kahr Arms PM9 9mm.

All the S&W .45 acp revolvers are the big N frames to my knowledge.
 
I am right now wearing the exact holster that ASA335 shows above from Lobo. I have worn it most of the day with a 4" M28-2 in it. In total comfort I might add.
I am wearing a sweatshirt, so concealment is not a problem. If you have a good belt, and a bit of room in your britches it is very simple. Try it, and I'm sure you will agree.
Jim
 
N frame for carry.

My carry is normally a Model 21 44 special or one of my Lew Horton 3" 44 magnums.
I have two model 21s. One is the Thunder Ranch the other is the run without the logo. They shoot to point of aim. I like the fixed sights. Much lighter than the 29/629 Lew Hortons.
I think you should consider a Model 21 in 44 special. I like the 45 acp in autos but I am not a fan of the moon clips. HKS speed loaders are a better way to go and I think the 44 special is one of the best and most accurate calibers.
My model 21s have the lock, never had a problem. I only shoot quality American ammo (Winchester, Federal, Remington etc). I have never had a problem with the lock. These are the only S&Ws I own that have a lock.
I have 3 different Kramer holsters for them, crossdraw, belt scabbard with FBI tilt and a vertical scabbard. We the proper holster you should have no problem with a N frame.
I never feel under gunned with a n frame revolver. I also always carry a S&W 640 as a bug (no lock).
All my S&W except for one have Kim Ahrends grips. They fit my hands best.
 
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I've carried my 625 PC using a Galco Summer Comfort IWB and an El Paso Saddlery OWB with success. On a lark I've even experimented with my Model 22 (1917 reissue) with a 5.5 inch barrel, which worked for me I just haven't found the right holster yet. I've always carried a K frame Model 19 or 10 with a 4 inch barrel or a full size 1911 with no problems. In my opinion finding the right belt/holster and buying quality is the key.
 
The only time I carry my N-frame is jacket weather. I do it just because I can. They are big and heavy even in the lightweight models. Love them but for EDC it's a no go for me.

I use a J frame mod 60 357 with a 3 inch barrel for belt work and a mod 638 with C/T lasers for pocket work.
 
ASA335 said:
I often carry a .45 acp revolver, a S&W M325 Night Guard -

dsc010182sm.jpg


It has a Scandium Alloy Frame with a Stainless Steel Cylinder; weighing in at 28 onces, unloaded.

With a good belt and holster, such as the holster made by Lobo Gun Leather (Lobo Gun Leather - Home) in the above photo, it is pretty easy to conceal.

Note though that I more often carry either a S&W M642 .38 spl J frame, or a Kahr Arms PM9 9mm.

All the S&W .45 acp revolvers are the big N frames to my knowledge.
Click to expand...
I'd like to get that same holster... What model is that on his website?
 
I carry both a Power Custom Combat 625 in 3" as well as a 310 Night Guard, which is the 10mm/40 S&W version of the 45acp 325 Night Guard. I conceal carry the 310 Night Guard all the time. It is light weight, and carrys well. I carry the 625 in a Lobo Model 1 Pancake with optional Inner Hammer shield, as well as being detail boned. I carry the 310 in the Enhanced Pancake set up the same way. If I drop in size I go to either my LCR 357 with XS 24/7 Tritium front sight, or my S&W 638.

If you decide on a 45 acp revolver, I am sure the 325 Night Guard would make you a very good concealed carry handgun. The Night Guard Series have app. 2-1/2" barrels. The front sight is an XS 24/7 Tritium night sight. The rear sight is a Cylinder & Slide Extreme Duty with the correct size trough for the front sight.

I am very happy with my 310 Night Guard.

Bob
 
I think the .45 ACP is a great round for self defense. I have carried a 1911 for many years. I think the 1911 is probably one of the easiest handguns to conceal. However, I found myself getting tired of carrying around all of that weight. Just this past month, I bought a Pro Series 640, 2" barrel, along with a 2 slot open top Looper holster. I think this is probably one of the best moves I have made in CC. Extremely easy to conceal. Stay with a very good gun belt and no more sagging belt lines. I hardly even notice it is there. Chambered in .357 magnum if you feel the need for going "heavy". I am keeping this one loaded with .38 sp +P. Cut for moon clips which makes for easier reloads. Tritium night sights, front and rear.
Good luck on your search and have fun exploring all of your options.
 
StanNm19 said:
I think the .45 ACP is a great round for self defense. I have carried a 1911 for many years. I think the 1911 is probably one of the easiest handguns to conceal. However, I found myself getting tired of carrying around all of that weight. Just this past month, I bought a Pro Series 640, 2" barrel, along with a 2 slot open top Looper holster. I think this is probably one of the best moves I have made in CC. Extremely easy to conceal. Stay with a very good gun belt and no more sagging belt lines. I hardly even notice it is there. Chambered in .357 magnum if you feel the need for going "heavy". I am keeping this one loaded with .38 sp +P. Cut for moon clips which makes for easier reloads. Tritium night sights, front and rear.
Good luck on your search and have fun exploring all of your options.
Click to expand...


At this time I too opted for the 640 in 357, I like that it's all steel.

But a .45 is still in my future, semi auto or revolver? I like the look of the Colt New Agent but haven't had one in hand yet to see how the grip fits my hand.
 
Ron,
I know Very few folks that carry a N frame for their CC gun.
( actually I can only think of one)
Personally I carry a 2 " M-60 J frame most of the time. It weights just a little more than my M-642. Which I don't seem to notice much when I carry it on my belt ( not pocket carry) .
Plus I like the feel and seem to be more accurate with the 60.
Big heavy guns feel like carrying a brick towards the end of the day...
 
From time to time I'll carry this 325PD:

325pd_1.sized.jpg


and I have carried my 1917 Brazilian; I am still looking for a holster that I can use with my 25-12:

25_12.jpg
 
Ron In MD said:
At this time I too opted for the 640 in 357, I like that it's all steel.

But a .45 is still in my future, semi auto or revolver? I like the look of the Colt New Agent but haven't had one in hand yet to see how the grip fits my hand.
Click to expand...

Great choice Ron. I carry my 640-1 more than any of my others. That said, I do bring along a 45acp revolver when the mood hits, and the weather permits. One of these two.

dsc03511i.jpg

dsc03512lo.jpg
 
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