choice of double action revolver in 45LC...

Ed333 · Jan 8, 2016

I recently acquired a Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt, after owning a S&W Governor for several years. I got hooked on reloading the 45LC round, really enjoy it, but don't enjoy shooting the Governor all that much, the grip configuration and trigger seem odd to me. I have owned a lot of Smiths over the years, and this is different.
I shoot steel challenge and falling plates at my club. The RO will allow me to lead off with the Vaquero, and then switch to the Governor. If I want to replace the Governor, the other double action choices in 45 colt seem to be a Ruger Redhawk and a S&W Classic model 25-15 re-issue. As between these two, which would have (either now, or in the future through 'shooting in') the better trigger, the more enjoyable shooting experience? I realize I may encounter some bias here, but I will ask the same question on the Ruger forum.
PS- I have handled new examples of both, and was hard-pressed to make a choice based on that limited experience. Since this mentions a Ruger, I assume that the 'Other brand' sub-forum is the proper place to be.

Watchdog · Jan 8, 2016

I'm partial to older Smiths, so I'd go with an older Model 25...like a 25-7, 25-9, or even a 25-5, instead of the newer "Classic". Unless you just want a brand spanking new revolver, of course. You might actually end up paying more for an older one than for the newer one, depending on its condition. The new one isn't really a classic, though...it's a copy of a classic.

Ed333 · Jan 8, 2016

cost too much?

WATCHDOG said:
I'm partial to older Smiths, so I'd go with an older Model 25...like a 25-7, 25-9, or even a 25-5, instead of the newer "Classic". Unless you just want a brand spanking new revolver, of course. You might actually end up paying more for an older one than for the newer one, depending on its condition. The new one isn't really a classic, though...it's a copy of a classic.

I had ruled out the older model 25s in the belief that they would cost more than I was willing or able to spend. I could be wrong...

johnnyflake · Jan 8, 2016

If your going to stay with factory load equivalent reloads, nothing overly hot, the S&W is the way to go IMHO. A Model 25 is the Bees Knees, if you can find one, priced not too crazy!

If you want to experiment when reloading and want to load up .45 Colt to near magnum loads, you should go with the Ruger Redhawk, no second thoughts.

Grayfox · Jan 8, 2016

If you insist on brand new, go with the Ruger. But if you're willing to look around a bit, the older S&W 25-5, 25-7 and 25-9 are the best you will ever find.

rickjones · Jan 8, 2016

I had a 4" model 25 in my youth and what a great revolver! If I had a choice I would go with that or a 4" mountain gun. I had a Taurus snub in .45 colt with a ported barrel and it was ok. Limited options on the table I would go with the Ruger if new is a must.

Watchdog · Jan 8, 2016

Ed333 said:
I had ruled out the older model 25s in the belief that they would cost more than I was willing or able to spend. I could be wrong...

Well, looking around, especially online, is free. The gun will be a shooter, right? So you don't need to look for collector-level guns...the mechanics are what's important. No telling what you might find. But good luck with your choice, whichever one you choose to go with.

44wheelman · Jan 8, 2016

The redhawk with the round butt and convertable (45 and 45acp) would be worth a look. I think they come in 4" bbl's, maybe a Davidsons exclusive, can't remember. My dealer had one, and has more on backorder.

PALADIN85020 · Jan 8, 2016

In my mind, nothing beats a pre-internal lock, non-MIM 625 .45 Colt Mountain Gun for utility, manageable power, and visual appeal. I had this 625-6 customized to my tastes and treated to a top-notch action job. No finer "packin' pistol" for trail work exists.

John

DWalt · Jan 8, 2016

I'd go for a Colt M1909 if you can find one.

andyo5 · Jan 8, 2016

Firstly, I would not choose 45 Colt to shoot steel challenge. It is more powerful than needed and holds only 6 rounds. I shoot .38s in a 627 Pro 8 shot.
That aside, I have owned all the guns mentioned so far. I would avoid the Redhawk because it is as heavy as a tank and has a very heavy trigger which can't be lightened very much. Bear in mind that you will be shooting double action in steel challenge matches, unless you plan to lose.
For steel challenge with a 45 Colt, I'd use my 625 Mountain Gun. It has MIM parts, but that is a plus in my experience. The lock is irrelevant for steel challenge. The 4" barrel makes it fast handling as well.

Mehutch · Jan 8, 2016

I love the 45 LC and I was lucky to see and buy this S&W 25-7, it dressed up real nice too.

moosedog · Jan 8, 2016

25-7 would be my choice. I was shooting 65 and 100 yards the other day with it.

M1A · Jan 8, 2016

I think the 25-5 are going for around $800.00 and up. Mine has the oversized cylinders (do a search) but does not know it and is damned accurate. I reload for it just as I did for a pair of Ruger Bisley Vaqueros during the SASS days.
I don't care for the Hillary hole Smiths so a -5, -7, or -9 is where I'd look.
I love mine.

series guy · Jan 9, 2016

Choices are good. It's tough to pick a favorite. The 625 and 25-7 are scary accurate but the 25-2 converted to .45 Colt and the Mountain Gun aren't far behind.

BigBill · Jan 9, 2016

Hands down the new redhawk in 45 LC / 45ACP. I been wanting a 45 LC that can handle stout Cor-Bon ammo and my stout reloads. The S&W can't eat those at all.

American1776 · Jan 9, 2016

Also consider the Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull. It is actually lighter weight than the Ruger Redhawk by around 4 ounces. It's only about 3 ounces more than a 4 inch model 25. Trigger on mine was smooth. It'll last forever too.

bcc629 · Jan 15, 2016

I'll second that. My 454 Alaskan has a very smooth trigger!!...and quite the dual personality if you shoot LC and 454 rounds. Really fun though.

choice of double action revolver in 45LC...

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