S&W Model 25 .45 ACP vs .45LC

Basque1 · Oct 5, 2016

I have been talking with different people about these two guns, including gunsmiths and the consensus seems to favor the 25-2 in .45 ACP as the more accurate firearm. Some of the cons against the .45 LC are the forcing cone is not always properly timed impacting the bullet's trajectory and the most prevalent con is the affordability of ammo in .45LC vs .45 ACP being cheaper to obtain. Any thoughts???

The reason for this thread is that I have a 25-2 .45 ACP, however, was considering getting another 25 in 45 LC, I am looking at one near me at my LGD is it worth it to do this?
Thanks for your input.
Sincerely
Lou

sodacan · Oct 5, 2016

What is a "timed" forcing cone? I don't own any revolvers chambered in .45 Colt, but my model1950 (pre-26) and model 1955 (pre-25) are extremely accurate. I don't know about the accuracy of the 45 Colt, but cost alone would keep me away from it, since I don't reload anymore. The 45 Colt is a very versatile cartridge, however. Gotta love those 45 revolvers.

srsmyth · Oct 5, 2016

I enjoy having both, you can shoot either one you wish and if the Colt ammo is more costly then shoot the ACP more often than the Colt. They are beautiful revolvers.
If you like the 45 Colt at the LGS go for it, just don't get rid of the 25-2 to do it. My 45 Colt is a 25-5 4" and my ACP is also a 25-2 with a 6" barrel. JMHO.

Basque1 · Oct 5, 2016

sodacan said:
What is a "timed" forcing cone? I don't own any revolvers chambered in .45 Colt, but my model1950 (pre-26) and model 1955 (pre-25) are extremely accurate. I don't know about the accuracy of the 45 Colt, but cost alone would keep me away from it, since I don't reload anymore. The 45 Colt is a very versatile cartridge, however. Gotta love those 45 revolvers.

Apparently the line up of the forcing cone with the cylinder is not perfect and causes lead spitting and inaccuracies of flight.

Smithboomer · Oct 5, 2016

I vote for the ACP. I kept my .45 ACP and sold my .45 Colt two years ago, with no regrets.

bananaman · Oct 5, 2016

My 45 revolvers are newer. I have a 625JM in ACP. I really enjoyed shooting it. So, at the gun show, I saw a 25-15 in Colt for sale. The price was right. I made it mine. I enjoy shooting it also. I handload. Accuracy is good. I traded into a Ruger Stainless Bisley this summer. It is Colt also. I guess I am just a fan of 45 revolvers! I would pick up an older 25 if I could. Bob

Pizza Bob · Oct 5, 2016

Basque1 said:
Apparently the line up of the forcing cone with the cylinder is not perfect and causes lead spitting and inaccuracies of flight.

What you describe isn't specific to a caliber or firearm. It is the result of the firearm being out of time, regardless of model or caliber, so don't discount the purchase of a .45C on that basis.

If you buy the .45C you can always have the cylinder machined to accept moon clips and thus have a gun that can shoot .45C or ACP in moon clips, or .45C loaded singly (or with a speed loader). Just adds to your gun's versatility.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

robvious · Oct 5, 2016

+1 for the 45colt modified to take 45acp moonclips...
dual caliber - perfect

rich5674 · Oct 5, 2016

Had a 625 45 acp and recomend that

45 acp cheaper, more available. If you want more power +p loads are available. Look up info on using 45 Super and 45 Roland loads in these revolvers. I do not condone these loads in these revolvers but achieved high enough velocities (1100fps) in my 625 using 200 grain bullets and Blu Dot powder using new 45 Auto Rim brass

weatherby · Oct 5, 2016

The ammo definitely favors 45 acp. for availability and price.

accuracy every gun is different even of the same model

I am looking at one near me at my LGD is it worth it to do this?

Lou what is the barrel length, condition, and price?
also any extras ? to better answer that.

gwpercle · Oct 5, 2016

The 45 acp would be the preferred target shooting gun. Very accurate loads , usually 200 grain SWC and small charges of Bullseye. The smaller cased 45 acp makes it easier to do.

The 45 Colt has a huge case, light charges of powder in there aren't the best recipe for match grade accuracy ...
But the big case is just the ticket for heavy hunting loads , Room for lots of slow burning powder to get a heavy bullet moving.

They are both great, but each are suited for totally different tasks. Get one of each !

Mike in Reedley · Oct 5, 2016

Older .45 Colt model 25s had the reputation of having oversized cylinder throats, resulting in poor accuracy. I have a 625 in .45 ACP and a 25 Mountain gun in .45 Colt. Both are accurate, but for me the .45 ACP is an inherently more accurate cartridge, which is a whole different argument.

quinn · Oct 5, 2016

I have a 25-2 in 45acp and a 25-5 in 45 Colt, but both are Jovinos with short barrels. From my research it would seem that the 25-5s with the barrel pin or below N900000 serial, have the larger forcing cones. I understand this is fine with lead handloads, etc. but tends to lose accuracy in factory loads with the .452 dia. bullets. There have been several threads on this forum regarding this subject, so you might do a little research regarding serial numbers.

I love both of my 25's. I can't tell any difference in accuracy but then again, I'm not that great a shot (old eyes). Certainly the acp ammo is more plentiful, cheaper and varied. But the Colt ctg is good, too.

Snapping Twig · Oct 5, 2016

45acp = 230g @ 800fps.

45 Colt = 255g @ 900fps.

Doesn't look like much on paper, but it's different to be sure.

I have the Colt, not the acp. I choose this because I do not need moon clips to use it and I can have more power.

Mine is a 25-7 and is THE most accurate revolver I own, and that's saying something.

Get what you want and enjoy it either way.

Brian in Oregon · Oct 5, 2016

Because of accuracy issues, I kept my 25-2 .45 ACP and got rid of my 25-3 and 25-5 .45 Colts.

I'd still like an accurate .45 Colt N frame. Does anyone have any feedback on the S&W Model 25 Classic in .45 Colt? I would hope it has the proper chamber mouth diameters.

S&W Classic Model 25

Frank237 · Oct 5, 2016

Look for a Model 25-7 or 25-9. Proper matching of bore and cylinder throat dimensions. Accurate with both cast and jacketed bullets.

Can't speak for the -9 model...but my five inch 25-7 has been VERY accurate. That's the route I suggest.

colt_saa · Oct 5, 2016

Some of my Model 25s and 625s chambered for 45 LC are among my most accurate Smith and Wessons.

sodacan · Oct 5, 2016

Basque1 said:
Apparently the line up of the forcing cone with the cylinder is not perfect and causes lead spitting and inaccuracies of flight.

Timing problems can happen to any revolver. It involves how the hand interacts with the cylinder. You can check it by slowing pulling back on the hammer. You will hear two clicks . As soon as you hear the second one, the cylinder should lock into place, just before the hammer becomes fully cocked. This has to be done very slowly so you don't fully cock the hammer before you hear the less audible second click.

series guy · Oct 5, 2016

A few shooting buddies spent some big money on some nice 25-2s and 25-3s only to find out that they would only shoot well with jacketed Bullets due to the oversized cylinder throats. I bought a 25-2 with way oversized throats and picked up a .44 Magnum cylinder and had the gun converted to .45 Colt with .451 cylinder throats. It is now amazingly accurate. Or you could just buy a 25-7.

Jim Watson · Oct 5, 2016

A friend converted several .357s to .45 LC in the 1970s. 1950 barrels were available and Bob Snapp didn't charge a whole lot to rechamber.

I would buy one of these as a memento if it turned up for sale,. But in general, if I shoot a rimmed bigbore, it is a .44. Special, Magnum, or WCF.
Mostly I shoot the ACP and the occasional AR.

S&W Model 25 .45 ACP vs .45LC

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