.45 ACP revolver as a carry gun?

[Ron In MD]

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?

 

[squidsix]

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)

 

[Double-O-Dave]

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

 

[Ron In MD]

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

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?

 

[Double-O-Dave]

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

 

[fisco]

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

 

[ASA335]

Yes, and Yes.

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

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.

 

[revho]

2007 M25-14 Lew Horton .45acp 3" barrel, simply rugged sourdough pancake worn OWB. It does have a lock, but have not had an issue with 300 or so rounds fired though it.

 

[P&R Fan]

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

 

[zzclancy]

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.

 

[wogentry]

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.

 

[hawgleg]

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.

 

[ride]

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

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'd like to get that same holster... What model is that on his website?

 

[bwswanson]

I'd like to get that same holster... What model is that on his website?

1-SL pancake snap loop

 

[BobR1]

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

 

[StanNm19]

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.

 

[Ron In MD]

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.

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.

 

[old&slow]

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...

 

[cwo4uscgret]

From time to time I'll carry this 325PD:

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

 

[Cashdog]

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.

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.

 

[OLDFED]

Are you saying that Maryland will recognize out-of-state permits even though you are a MD resident?

 

[Kavinsky]

from what I understand the smith version of the M1917 is the version to go for if you've got a thing for the original .45 acp revolver

S&W Model 1917 45acp WWI Revolver - YouTube

as the colts are actually not as nice nor as well made as the smith version

and theres some some brazilian contract ones out there that are dirt cheap yet were still made by smith and wesson at about the same time roughly and thus are the exact same gun as the american ones for about half the price

the other one would be the N frame 1955 target model, the model 25 and its derivatives and I believe theres a few companies out there like charter arms that still make revolvers in .45 acp

one thing though these guns require moonclips for the most part so just like a carry semi auto I would have two sets of magazines/clips, one for carry that you hardly use and take good care of and another for practice as the practice bit is what wears out magazines, not keeping them loaded and never using them and ditto for moonclips.

 

[VirMagnus]

The 325 NG is discontinued, but budsgunshop.com has them in stock for $880

 

[jmcghee]

Are you saying that Maryland will recognize out-of-state permits even though you are a MD resident?
Oldfed,No MD will not honor the permit,however some other states will.

 

[Janet L.]

Weak wrists

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).{snip}

Years ago I had a CS45 which had persistent stove-pipe jams for me, but none of the guys I had try it. I was holding it as rigidly as I could and the jams persisted.

Then I realized maybe part of it was that the guys I had trying it had wrists about as big as my ankles. I eventually traded it for a beautiful model 1955 25-2, which is a real tack driver and never jams. Not exactly concealable, so I've been making do with a teensy Kel-tek P32. Not much power, but VERY easy to conceal.

I've never had a problem with a 1911 jamming, and my CZ97 works just fine thank you. But, these are all two-pound plus pistols and I'm not nearly big enough to conceal one except in a purse.

Now, I'm thinking about getting a subcompact 9mm for something more feasible to practice with than my .32 mouse gun, and wonder if that might not be a problem with these too.

Any small-framed ladies out there shooting M&P Shields or smaller guns?

I hope this doesn't count as a thread hijack.

 

[JParanee]

I carry a 325 PD in 45 ACP with an action job and a pair of Badger Grips

In his pic it is shown with a Galco Combat Master Holster

 

[Cheyenne WYO]

I had a 325 Night Guard that hid well in a Sparks Versa Max II. However, there was just no practical way for me to hide a couple of spare moon clips. I now carry a Glock 30 and a spare magazine with much more ease and convenience. The Night Guard went away.

 

[SWBigBang]

I stopped in here today to inquire about carrying a .45 revolver and what do I find????

A great thread with most of my questions answered.

 

[chief38]

I do not even own a holster for any of my N Frames. I have on a RARE occasion carried my L Frame into the woods but those times can be counted on one hand. The only guns I routinely carry are my M60-7, M65, M63. Once in a blue I will carry a Colt 1911 but that's usually when I intend on actually shooting it at the Range. The N's are just too big and heavy IMHO. If I used a Handgun for Hunting that would be a different story.

Chief38

 

[MaximumLawman]

Too big. Get a smaller caliber revolver or a semi-auto if you're going to carry .45 acp. I have cc holsters for my 3" 29 and 4" 625 and never use them. I should probably sell them....I thought I'd like carrying my 29 around....But I hated it and usually revert to my 649...Sometimes my Glock 27 or Colt Officer's .45 but not often.