.45 ACP revolver as a carry gun?

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.
 
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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. 8-) 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.
 
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

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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.
 
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. :D
 
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
 
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.
 
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The exotic materialed versions carry very well do to there light weight
 
Any small-framed ladies out there shooting M&P Shields or smaller guns?

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

Janet L.:

I'm not a small-framed lady, I'm a short, stocky guy, but I've had a number of injuries to my back, neck and both arms that don't leave me in the "he-man" department anymore. While I don't have any experience with Shield, I do have a M&P 40C (compact) that I also have a 9mm barrel and magazines for. It is not a pocket pistol, but it conceals nicely in a coat pocket or in a shoulder holster (I definitely need a cover garment with this). I've included a photo of it alongside my Model 60-7 to give you an idea of its size. I've added Crimson Trace laser grips and Tru Glo combination fiber optic and night sights to the 40C as well as a S&W Micro-90 flashlight to make it my nightstand pistol.

Best of luck,

Dave
 

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

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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.

Looking at S&W website seems like they stopped production of the .45acp nightguard. Any idea why?
 
I like the idea till ya get to the cylinder.
You could wax coat an N frame cylinder and lay up epoxy fiberglass on it, using it as a form, to make a life time supply of trash cans for around the home and shop.
Honestly, thats the only reason I rotated my N frames out of CCW service in favor of autos.
They are, however, part of the HD strategy as well as car guns.
 
Ron, I too am old, set in my ways, and prefer to carry a caliber that begins with 4. When S&W came out with the model 696 L frame 3 inch 44 spl., I jumped right on it and love it. It's somewhat smaller than the N frames but still packs a punch with Winchester silver tips.
 
Although all N frames are big they're not as big as a Redhawk? I own and shoot .45 ACPs in both revolvers and semiautos but, my choise for CC would be my 27-2 with 3 & 1/2" barrel with service grips and grip adapter.
Steve
 
I used ot have a lovely 4" "Model of 1989" that I foolishly let go. If I had it today, damn right I'd carry it.

But then again...if I ever get that Colt SAA (now that US Firearms is defunct) I'd happily carry a 4 3/4 .45 Colt....
 
I carry a 325 PD Scandium / Titanium daily in a Galco Holster. It can be well concealed and is light enough. The 325 PD can be found for sale but in most cases, it will be used and from $800.00 and up. Unloaded the 325 PD is about 21 oz.
 
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