45 cal. Revolver or 1911?

Bugkiller99

Bugkiller99

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I need to fill a caliber hole in my meager collection, 45 cal.

The question is revolver or 1911? The fact I am posting this in the revolver subforum does give a hint to which way I am leaning, BUT, I am open to advice.

The primary purpose will be a range gun, plinker, paper or steel shooter.

If I get the revolver, it may do duty as HD. Don't like the manual of arms for the better half on the 1911.

1911 might be used in competition, if I can ever find the time.

May carry either on the trail.

Y'all chime in. ;) If you have specific make/model recommendations, elaborate on the "why" if you would please.
 
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For revolver you can go .45 acp or LC.Fastest reload with the full moon clips.LC can be hand loaded to make a decent hunting round.Money Wise. 1911 will not set you back as much and be easier to find.
 
I have a couple of 1911's and two 625's. For general range use and use in the field, my choice is the revolver.

NOTE:In the spirit of full disclosure, I shot IPSC with the 1911 for five years and have nothing but admiration for the 1911 as a combat piece.

However, I am a "Certified Old Fart" and do not find it enjoyable picking up brass. My 625's are a joy to shoot.

I cast my own bullets and reload so saving my brass is NOT a minor thing. I have a custom 1911 and it as well as the revolvers will shoot well under an inch at 25 yards.

The advantage of the revolver is that a modern .45 ACP revolver using .45 Auto Rim cases can easily equal the old black powder .45 Colt. I use a NOE version of the Lyman 454424 (250 gr. Keith) and 7.0 grs of Unique will safely drive that bullet at 900+ fps. That will nicely take deer and hogs at reasonable ranges.

My "standard" load is a target load using the H&G #68 (my version is from a mould by Mihec and is flat based) which produces a 200 gr. SWC. I use 4.0 grs of Bullseye or equivalent (currently Titegroup). It is very pleasant to shoot and shoots extremely well.

625-6 with 5" barrel and Red Dot Sight:


625-8 Jerry Miculek Special with 4" barrel and Red Dot sight:


Here's the 250 gr Keith in .45 Auto Rim cases;



If you end up with a revolver (I suggest one made after 1950 as the 1917's were not heat treated and were rather tender) you can send me a P.M. and I can help with comments on .45 ACP vs. .45 Auto Rim as well as full moon clips with the ACP's and tools for their use, etc.

FWIW
Dale53
 
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I know I'm going to get some hate but I find 45acp in a N frame revolver a little underwhelming. To be fair I reload and I have to ask why as I can load my 686 or 629 to as soft or softer and then to levels 45acp cases can't go.
Every shooter should experience a nice 1911. Some walk away unimpressed, others (me!) fall hard for them.
Of course Four T5 has the best advise. Just get it over with and buy both. Ain't like either is hard to get rid of should you not like it.
 
1911.

For an entry level 1911 I have come to believe the Rock Island armory is a helluva deal and value.

I have three now.

If you want a nicer 1911 there are plenty to choose from. I would probably choose the Ruger for a mid level gun.

In a revolver, a single action 45 ACP, is to me a better choice than the N frame Smith. But then again, I'm not a big fan of the N frames.

YMMV
 
Except for wanting to do competition.......

Except for wanting to do competition with the .45, if you just wanted it for fun get a nice .45 revolver and one of those Philippine 1911s that I think are great for the price. I've been tempted to buy one myself, except I don't really want to get into big calibers. But for the price you can get one and the fact that I reload makes it tempting.
 
I have both and much prefer the revolver. I shoot it in competition some (IDPA) so that is not out of the question for you. My 1911 does duty as one of the house guns. The revolver resides in the safe. I like to pack them both around but take the revolver more often. One of the biggest pluses in my mind is not having to chase brass that gets flung across the county by my 1911.
 
I have both and am hard pressed to decide which is best. I re-load and picking up the fired brass is important- I use a mosquito net spread out to catch my brass when I shoot 1911`s- my 625 revolver is a family fav. The choice of .45 ACP/ vrs. .45 Long Colt is easy. Get the ACP. I have both and re-load so it`s no problem for me, but for a beginner the ACP is much less expensive to shoot and much more available too.
I think the .45 ACP revolver is the best choice for you . Good luck and let us know what you decide.
 
Get a 1911, and fill two holes in your collection. Or another option is a Ruger single action convertible Blackhawk, then you can have .45acp, and .45LC in the same gun.
 
This would be a hard decision for me as I have 3 45 ACP revolvers and 2 1911s in 45. I Love my revolvers, but I enjoy shooting my 1911s more. I think if I could only have one, I would stick with a 1911. But asking our opinion doesnt solve the problem as to what would best suit you.

I agree with some of the suggestions to buy both. You can get a budget model 1911 for under $500.
 
Four T5 said:
Do both. You'll never look back.
Click to expand...

Yup get both but you may end up with a few more 1911's than revolvers in 45acp.

Which one to buy first? Go browsing and see if a revolver is there for sale if not grab the 1911. Let the gun gods guide you.
 
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Every time I go shooting at the range, one or more of many hand guns in 45 caliber go with me - all great fun to shoot. 1911 is probably shot the most but I also love my old 4506 - its a real garbage eater - it will launch anything you can feed it in 45ACP and retains its accuracy very well.

Next comes the wheel guns - a Model 25, 8 3/8 inch Barrel or my 625 Mountain gun - both extremely accurate.

I do collect 1911's so my selection is difficult to choose from but I usually wind up with a Range officer for serious shooting until I get a new S&W version.

Last but not least, my most versatile 45 cal. is a S&W 460 XVR - yes it is a 45 Cal. which shoots 45 Colt, 454 Casual and 460 XVR. Its always fun to shoot and extremely accurate. I reload all that I shoot so I can afford to shoot more often.

Don't own a Sig or Glock as I am not prone to owning plastic guns but my wife has a 45 cal. Judge for protection

Looks like you should consider the purpose of the gun you are thinking about purchasing and maybe rent one or two to see which you like the best. I started with a 1911 from the DCM back a long time ago (1958 Believe) for $12.50 plus postage - I still have it and the receipt in my non-shooting part of my collection.
 
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I have a Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt, the previous owner sent it to TK Custom and had it cut for moonclips. It will shoot .45 Colt w/o clips, .45 Colt with clips, and .45 ACP with clips. This allows you to speed load the .45 Colt, this makes a nice combination although I feel the Redhawk is a little to big for CCW but makes a great range, HD and packing gun. The other advantage with the Redhawk is that it will handle the Ruger only loads. Just checked and TK Customs will do a N frame Smith for $150.00 to machine / chamfer and return your cylinder.
 
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Recently sold a 25-2,thought not having to pick up brass and the novelty would be nice. Found out I prefer the ACP in the 1911. Picked up a 25-5 to replace it and I am happy I did. Having fun working up reloads for it now.
 
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