No specific gun brands but question on .45 and .45 colt.

[the ringo kid]

As I've got one of each, I was wondering from you all, which is easier to handle? I'm asking because, I was thinking of using one or the other, when taking my tests for a CCL. I've an Auto Ordnance G.I. . 45, and an Italian made ''Colt'' .45. Which would y'all preferred?

If nothing else, I can always go with my Walther P-38. Other than these, all I have in handguns are .22s.

PS, I know the .45 colt bucks like a bull, but sense I know how long I have for certain shoots, I was wondering if any of you would use this to test with?

[finesse_r]

I would use the .45 ACP for that. There is no need for the extra power of the Colt .45 when punching holes in paper, and you don't need the extra recoil.

[Mike, SC Hunter]

Use the 45 LC if you want to save your brass. Wear a nail apron......Loaded rds. in one side ......Brass in the other.

[arjay]

I'd say the acp from a 1911 has slightly less recoil than the 45 colt

[GatorFarmer]

Not all .45 Colt ammo is equal. A lot of it sold is "cowboy" loads that are pretty mild. A SAA type revolver also handles recoil pretty well.

It is generally cheaper to buy .45 ACP though.

9mm ammunition is cheaper still.

[Rpg]

The 1911 is much easier to learn to shoot well than a revolver (or many other auto pistols).

It does not 'kick like a mule': it is easily managed.

This should be an easy choice.

[RSanch111]

Use whatever gun you plan on carrying every day. If you can't qualify with the simple and easy CPL course, you might want to think about whether that will be your everyday gun. Also, the .45 Colt doesn't "buck like a bull" in my opinion..... You really don't have to worry about having a "target" gun to qualify with on the CPL course. It's not that difficult.

[4barrel]

If you use a wheel gun that is all you can carry when I took mine. So I used a 1911.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by 4barrel

If you use a wheel gun that is all you can carry when I took mine. So I used a 1911.

Thanks gents, that's what I was thinking. 1911 its going to be.

Also, the law has been changed, you can use one or the other and can carry both--at least in Texas. The thing I'd like to see change//and has been making its rounds// is to be able to use a .22, and be qualified to carry any cal, any gun. Ive been told this has been in the works for several years, just not passed.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

As I've got one of each, I was wondering from you all, which is easier to handle? I'm asking because, I was thinking of using one or the other, when taking my tests for a CCL.

Don't know about where you live, but here in NC, we weren't allowed to use single action revolvers to qualify.

[StakeOut]

Yes,Texas doesn't at the moment allow a 22 for the shooting part even though many like myself with my SR22 find it to be ample and a comfortable pocket carry especially during the long hot spring/summer/fall and part of winter..

I load 45LC with 7.0gr of Unique and a 230gr swagged LRL that's pleasant to shoot,accurate and can be multi purpose.

The 45LC load doesn't have to rattle your filling****gers can handle the heavy loads but Smiths may be better with light and medium.

I used a Sig P938 9mm for the CCL.

TEXAS LTC Info:
https://www.shadyoaksgunrange.com/li...c-information/

[Rule3]

In Texas you actually have to take a shooting test to get a concealed permit??

[shotgun693]

I have qualified with a SAA .45, it was a P-I-T-B because there were timed parts where reloading was tough to do. The times didn't seem such a big deal this last qualification. I think they must have changed the requirements. I used to carry a SAA most of the time but given the current state of the world now usually carry a M19 with a couple of speedloaders. I still carry my SA to church or to nice events.

[keith44spl]

Ringo,

If you shoot the 45 ACP pistol well...Shoot it.

Fifty rounds, at three different distances and

put em all in the ten ring...Jest cause ya can.



.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

My answer would be to take a gun that you're familiar with and shoot well. Since you're asking this question I'm guessing you're unfamiliar with one or both of these guns?

There's no shame in qualifying with a .22 if it's allowed and in a state that doesn't restrict what you carry to what you qualify with. I've seen lot's of people here in Tennessee qualify with their .22s.

Good luck

[badge]

Ringo,
For ease of carrying and the ability to reload at a faster rate if the need arises I'd opt for the acp but I'm a dyed in the wool .45 Colt man when it comes to packin' and smackin'. They do make the " Cowboy ", loads which a previous poster mentioned but the standard .45 Colt rounds are also very mild in term of recoil, at least for my old and craggy hands. They also make some darned fine self defense type rounds for it nowaday's to boot. Just a thought friend.

[k22fan]

Why not shoot both beforehand then take the one that is easiest for you to pass the test with? Either one could turn out to have a problem functioning and I would not want that frustration in the middle of my test.

[venomballistics]

really, its between the P-38 and your 45 ACP, and the 45 ACP is favored.
If you have to shoot qualification that is anything like what I have here in Nebraska, ye old single action army, and its various offspring need not apply.
your 45 ACP would be favored as it is of the 1911 type, thus making it easy to find spare mags ... qualification here required a minimum of 3 mags or speed loaders, 6 rd minimum.

Yours, if you have it, may be similar.

[Gulfecho]

Hey Kid, I'd stick with the .45 auto in your 1911.

Good luck!

[DeathGrip]

I hope you shoot well and wish you a little luck.

That said, Another vote for the 1911 from someone who has both .45ACP and .45 Colt.

My Ruger is just for fun. My Kimber compact is a great SD and fun gun but I usually carry my 60-7.

[2152hq]

P-38 / P1 would be my choice.
The easiest to handle & accurately shoot 9mm I've ever had.

You're not there to impress any one,,just there to qualify and walk out with a CCWPermit.
Good Luck on Qualification Day.

[Viss]

Most instructors around here that I know of, provide Ruger MKII pistols for qualification. You don’t even have to bring your own .

[Bat Guano]

I would tend to opt for the 1911 as better all around. 185 grain loads seem to have less recoil as well.

A .45 Colt SA is probably too much of a good thing. Factory ammo is ridiculously expensive. Reloading the gun is, well...time-consuming is the kindest way I can say it. I have my share of single actions, but they're strictly recreational fun guns.

We have had some Uberti single actions in the mix, too--one Cattleman, one '61 Navy, a Dragoon and a Walker. Pretty guns outside, but the actions are on the rough side, the parts seem soft, and the Navy broke the hand spring and I had to replace and refit the hand and spring. It's now retired and the others are either light duty or decorative.

On the other hand, even today a GI type 1911 isn't a half bad choice.

[Rule3]

Would someone advise me on what the actual shooting portion of the test is?

Here in Fl you only have to shoot 1 round to show you do not freak out or something unknown to me?? It's mostly just fill out paper work and send money.
Some places use blanks.

[alwslate]

Seems like the P-38 would be the obvious choice for relative ease of
shooting accurately. You're not trying to win some match where you
get extra points for bore dia. To me the old 1911 does seem to have
more felt recoil than it should for the power level, probably because
of the effect of the heavy slide slamming back. The single action
revolver would be my last choice for the simple reason that it requires
repositioning the grip for every shot, for me at least.

[shotgun693]

Reloading the gun is, well...time-consuming is the kindest way I can say it.

Sounds like you need a Dillon Press. I have an old 450 and reloading, while a chore, isn't bad at all.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by WATCHDOG

Don't know about where you live, but here in NC, we weren't allowed to use single action revolvers to qualify.

I live about 150 miles south of the Alamo. Here we can use either or to qualify with but, has to be either a .32 or .38 to qualify with. I'd rather use one of my .22s, because they are easier to clean and I hate breaking down magazine-fed weapons. But, if I have no choice???

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

Ringo,

If you shoot the 45 ACP pistol well...Shoot it.

Fifty rounds, at three different distances and

put em all in the ten ring...Jest cause ya can.



.

Truthfully, I'd be like Don Knotts in: The Shakiest Gun in the West with it. But, I've 250 rounds on hand-so need to practice a bit. If colt wasn't so expensive??

I'd probably better use my G.I..45 though if there are timed reloads? At least I have enough spare magazines I can reload with since my hands do still shake quite a bit.

[Bat Guano]

Originally Posted by shotgun693

Sounds like you need a Dillon Press. I have an old 450 and reloading, while a chore, isn't bad at all.

Actually, I was referring to the process of reloading an empty single action gun in order to end up with a loaded single action...

As it happens, I DO have a Dillon. It's still in the box. What with the Old Reliable C press and Wyoming winters, I have a fair amount of .45 Colt ammo on hand for those "unforeseen events".

Loaded with Elmer's 250 grain cast SWCs, naturally!

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

My answer would be to take a gun that you're familiar with and shoot well. Since you're asking this question I'm guessing you're unfamiliar with one or both of these guns?

There's no shame in qualifying with a .22 if it's allowed and in a state that doesn't restrict what you carry to what you qualify with. I've seen lot's of people here in Tennessee qualify with their .22s.

Good luck

Thank you Phil. I'm good with the G.I .45, but only have tested the Co,t out once. I used my nephews colt and did OK, but boy did it have a kick. He buys reloads-so I'm not familiar with how factory ammo will be?

If all else fails? I'll take my Walther.

I wish the .22 could be used. I'm pretty proficient with my Rough Riders.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by badge

Ringo,
For ease of carrying and the ability to reload at a faster rate if the need arises I'd opt for the acp but I'm a dyed in the wool .45 Colt man when it comes to packin' and smackin'. They do make the " Cowboy ", loads which a previous poster mentioned but the standard .45 Colt rounds are also very mild in term of recoil, at least for my old and craggy hands. They also make some darned fine self defense type rounds for it nowaday's to boot. Just a thought friend.

Thank you as well. I'm currently trying to stock up on both .45s ammo. The Colt ammo is $38.00 for 50 but I'm also stocking up on Winchester .45. Walmart and Academy both seem to get plenty. I wonder how good Perfecta .45 is? Walmart here gets a lot of it in and is about $14.00 for 50.

I'm looking at testing in May, so will have 6-8 weeks to prepare. Not sure what I'll carry if I do? But was also thinking of the Colt as a carry gun.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by k22fan

Why not shoot both beforehand then take the one that is easiest for you to pass the test with? Either one could turn out to have a problem functioning and I would not want that frustration in the middle of my test.

Had a good first reply but WiFi messed up again.

I've tried both but am limited on how much I can spend because of helping Sabrina out with some of her med bills. Here wm sells .45 Colt--20 rounds for $32 and change. They have OK prices on .45 acp but when I have money for .45? they are always sold out--except Perfecta and I'm not familiar with using the brand. I have some Winchester .45, but I think only a box-so can't practice like I want to. I hoping in April, I can score a box of 200 or 250? of .45. Just depends on how much in have to part weigh on Sabrinas part? May is my birthday, so maybe I can convince those at home, to buy me ammo instead of ties.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by venomballistics

really, its between the P-38 and your 45 ACP, and the 45 ACP is favored.
If you have to shoot qualification that is anything like what I have here in Nebraska, ye old single action army, and its various offspring need not apply.
your 45 ACP would be favored as it is of the 1911 type, thus making it easy to find spare mags ... qualification here required a minimum of 3 mags or speed loaders, 6 rd minimum.

Yours, if you have it, may be similar.

I'll have to look but think I have three spare mags. Mine all hold 8 but think I'll shop around and see if I can find mags with higher capacity. I can find spares easily enough, but the money situation isn't great. I'm currently repaying a loan I got to help her pay bills back in October, and it'll be August before that's paid off.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by 2152hq

P-38 / P1 would be my choice.
The easiest to handle & accurately shoot 9mm I've ever had.

You're not there to impress any one,,just there to qualify and walk out with a CCWPermit.
Good Luck on Qualification Day.

I'm good with the Walther, and I guess final choice will depend on how much I can spare for ammo. Also here for some reason? Walther magazines are very hard to comne by. I've managed to find two spares in three years for new ones.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Viss

Most instructors around here that I know of, provide Ruger MKII pistols for qualification. You don’t even have to bring your own .

I wish it were that easy here, and I've thought about renting a gun. But some places charge up to $50, to rent theirs. Also, if I rented? I can't use my own ammo and, they charge much more for ammo than regular stores do.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Rule3

Would someone advise me on what the actual shooting portion of the test is?

Here in Fl you only have to shoot 1 round to show you do not freak out or something unknown to me?? It's mostly just fill out paper work and send money.
Some places use blanks.

Here its 50 rounds and depending on what place you go to to take the class? One place requires 20 at 3 yards, 20 at 5 yards, and 10 at 15 yards. Another is 10 at 3 yards, 20 each at 10 and 15 yards.

[the ringo kid]

I'd hate to have to rely on my P-38, but will if I'm forced to? I just have a harder time cleaning semi-autos, than wheel guns because I still have tremors--though not as bad as they were pre brain surgery. Its because of these tremors, is why I asked you experienced guys which y'all prefer. I can actually handle all with good to decent ease but, I have hardships with cleaning until the drs get me more to normal with this tremors thing.

[StakeOut]

I've shot the Walmart Perfecta in 9mm,38spl.357mag and 45acp.They all went bang and grouped well at 10yds.

The Perfecta cases are brass/boxer primed that reload well.

My 45LC are loaded in Starline brass cases using 200gr LSWC over 5.0gr of 700X,230 LRN over 7.0gr of Unique and 255gr Kieth style LSWC Missouri Bullets over 8.5gr of Unique.

I use Federal Gold Medal 100M and 150M primers when I can find them.

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

I'd hate to have to rely on my P-38, but will if I'm forced to? I just have a harder time cleaning semi-autos, than wheel guns because I still have tremors--though not as bad as they were pre brain surgery. Its because of these tremors, is why I asked you experienced guys which y'all prefer. I can actually handle all with good to decent ease but, I have hardships with cleaning until the drs get me more to normal with this tremors thing.

I ask as I have not encountered anyone who had to take a "shooting" test, and we have a lot of out of State folks at our range.

So do you have to have some passing score? or just hit the targets or what??

Do you just stand at the firing line and shoot or do you have to bob and weave?

Heck I would shoot the P38 it is a very accurate easy to shoot gun.

To clean it just lock the slide open, use a bore brush from the muzzle end,(it's a fixed barrel anyway) spray it out with a can of Gun Scrubber, Run a few dry patches and re lube, You do not need to take it apart for 50 rounds,

[venomballistics]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

I'm good with the Walther, and I guess final choice will depend on how much I can spare for ammo. Also here for some reason? Walther magazines are very hard to comne by. I've managed to find two spares in three years for new ones.

I'd also roll with the Walther if it had half the readily available parts of the 1911. Magazines in particular.

Before I shot quallification, I wandered into a mil surp shop and scored fistful's of GI 45 mags for something like $5 a piece. I had enough of them that I pre loaded them to suit the course of fire and never had to thumb a round into anything.

We could do the same with the P-38 ... but not on the same budget I did with the 1911
Don't get me wrong ... I love the Walther and I'd carry it interchangeably with my 1911 if it were as easily maintained and or replaced.

[venomballistics]

Originally Posted by Rule3

I ask as I have not encountered anyone who had to take a "shooting" test, and we have a lot of out of State folks at our range.

So do you have to have some passing score? or just hit the targets or what??

Do you just stand at the firing line and shoot or do you have to bob and weave?

Heck I would shoot the P38 it is a very accurate easy to shoot gun.

To clean it just lock the slide open, use a bore brush from the muzzle end,(it's a fixed barrel anyway) spray it out with a can of Gun Scrubber, Run a few dry patches and re lube, You do not need to take it apart for 50 rounds,

Here in Nebraska, we do shoot qualification for our CCW.
Mind you score is almost unimportant in that you need only hit a standard issue B27 something like 70% of the time out to 25 feet.
The course of fire is intended to prove you can actually operate the gun with a reasonable degree of proficiency and not too much profanity.

We could pass it fresh off the rack while the morning coffee was brewing ... but it did impose certain equipment requirements to facilitate reloads.

[chaparrito]

I can almost shoot my 1911 blindfolded and with my 45C Vaquero it often IS like I'm shooting blindfolded. Guess which I'd take?

[k22fan]

In the one qualification shoot I did for an out of state license I could have shot a perfect score with a flintlock derringer that had no sights if the instructor had the patience to wait on me while I reloaded.

It's not clear to me whether you bought the two P-38 magazines that you found. If you bought them then your budget dictates firing 9 MM. If you did not buy them then ask if you even need them.

The P 38/P-1 pistols are a bit dated and have the double action pull that Jeff Copper warned us about but other wise they are a well proven design.

[cowart]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

I hoping in April, I can score a box of 200 or 250? of .45.

Here you go - a box of 100 is $38.50, so 200 rounds would be $77
They say they have 42 boxes in stock ready to ship

100 Rounds of Bulk .45 ACP Ammo by Winchester - 230gr FMJ

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by StakeOut

I've shot the Walmart Perfecta in 9mm,38spl.357mag and 45acp.They all went bang and grouped well at 10yds.

The Perfecta cases are brass/boxer primed that reload well.

My 45LC are loaded in Starline brass cases using 200gr LSWC over 5.0gr of 700X,230 LRN over 7.0gr of Unique and 255gr Kieth style LSWC Missouri Bullets over 8.5gr of Unique.

I use Federal Gold Medal 100M and 150M primers when I can find them.

Ah, good. That's readily available at all wms here.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Rule3

I ask as I have not encountered anyone who had to take a "shooting" test, and we have a lot of out of State folks at our range.

So do you have to have some passing score? or just hit the targets or what??

Do you just stand at the firing line and shoot or do you have to bob and weave?

Heck I would shoot the P38 it is a very accurate easy to shoot gun.

To clean it just lock the slide open, use a bore brush from the muzzle end,(it's a fixed barrel anyway) spray it out with a can of Gun Scrubber, Run a few dry patches and re lube, You do not need to take it apart for 50 rounds,

Far as I know, perfect score is 250_can't remember what the minimum passing score is? No bobbing, just aim and fire.

I don't have probs using my Walther, its just that my left hand still shakes pretty badly from my tremors prob, so its harder for me to clean these, than wheel guns. That's partly why I love walthers--accurate as heck and IMO, beats the luger for accuracy hands down.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by venomballistics

I'd also roll with the Walther if it had half the readily available parts of the 1911. Magazines in particular.

Before I shot quallification, I wandered into a mil surp shop and scored fistful's of GI 45 mags for something like $5 a piece. I had enough of them that I pre loaded them to suit the course of fire and never had to thumb a round into anything.

We could do the same with the P-38 ... but not on the same budget I did with the 1911
Don't get me wrong ... I love the Walther and I'd carry it interchangeably with my 1911 if it were as easily maintained and or replaced.

The above's what I'd like to do if I could find a few more magazines for my Walther. We have only one dealer in the area that SOMETIMES carries Walther mags for sale, but at $40 each for new ones. Heck, for just $20 more, I could get originals.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by k22fan

In the one qualification shoot I did for an out of state license I could have shot a perfect score with a flintlock derringer that had no sights if the instructor had the patience to wait on me while I reloaded.

It's not clear to me whether you bought the two P-38 magazines that you found. If you bought them then your budget dictates firing 9 MM. If you did not buy them then ask if you even need them.

The P 38/P-1 pistols are a bit dated and have the double action pull that Jeff Copper warned us about but other wise they are a well proven design.

The dealer I bought my walther from, had to give me a new magazine for mine because he forgot to bring it with him. He was supposed to send it to me when he got back home, but never did. I found one or two other new mags at various shows but, being so expensive, that's all I've managed to get. He advertises having them but, more often than not, is always out. I can virtually get any other type mag I may want, even MG-13 mags.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by cowart

Here you go - a box of 100 is $38.50, so 200 rounds would be $77
They say they have 42 boxes in stock ready to ship

100 Rounds of Bulk .45 ACP Ammo by Winchester - 230gr FMJ

Ah, muchos gracias. Thats not a bad price at all. I will be inquiring and hopefully getting. Just have to wait till 1st week in April due to bills.

[StakeOut]

200 rds of 230gr FMJ.45acp Perfecta @ Walmart = 4 x $15.44 = $61.76

If you don't reload .45ACP this may be a good choice for your target practice.
500 round case - 45 Auto/ ACP Remington UMC 185 grain FMJ Target ammo - L45AP1 | SGAmmo.com

Texas License To Carry Proficiency Demonstration Course of Fire
http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/Lic...QualCourse.pdf