45 cal. Revolver or 1911?

[STCM(SW)]

First hand gun I shot in 45 was the 1911.
Do have a few revolvers that shoot .45 acp.
Not picking up brass is nice but still rather have the 1911.

See? Get both, you can't go wrong!

 

[gwpercle]

I've got a 1911 and double action revolver, enjoy the heck out of both.
They are two totally different shooting experiences!
What I would love to have is a Ruger Blackhawk, single action revolver, in 45 acp, to round out the set.
You need to get both! Really !
Gary

 

[Biggfoot44]

Ruger Blackhawk convertable.

 

[DR505]

Let's see...I went and got several 1911's, and several 25/625 that shoot either .45 ACP or .45 Colt. I'm keeping all of them and they all get exercised. I have always preferred Large Bore shooters.

 

[moralem]

I love my 1911s, everyone should have one or a few like my .45, super 38, 10mm and soon 9mm. Just a great all around design.

 

[Jkhm215]

Since it sounds like just a fun gun, I'd say 625. I have two, a 5" and a Mountain Gun. I also have a couple 1911s but I prefer the N frames for having fun on the range.

 

[Desert Pete]

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.

One of each!

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

.45acp Revolvers are extremely accurate,It's almost scary.My bone stock Pre Model 25 will outshoot a $2,000+ purpose built 1911.The .45 in a N Frame has the perfect amount of recoil in my Eyes.Its enough to know You are shooting a potent caliber but still enjoyable to shoot 100+ Rounds in a session.The recoil is very smooth without that heavy slide banging back and forth.The entire 1955 Target Model lineup are some of the finest Sixguns ever made.

 

[Grayfox]

I'm a big fan of the .45acp cartridge, but I prefer it in its original home, the 1911. Every serious shooter should own at least one 1911.
I've never really cared for the .45acp in a revolver. The only one I ever liked is the Model 25-2. These were built to be target guns and with light target loads they are extremely accurate and a pure joy to shoot. I have one, love it as a target gun and will never sell it. But for serious work in a .45acp, I'll go with the 1911 every time.
Now the .45 Colt is a whole nuther matter. In the N-frame S&W this is an outstanding combo for range, field or self defense. Especially if you reload. For a big bore wheelgun, make mine a .45 Colt.

 

[g-dad]

.45acp Revolvers are extremely accurate,It's almost scary.QUOTE]

You said that right! 3 months ago I picked up a 625 JM and the accuracy blew me away and sold me on the wheel guns in 45 ACP. I've since picked up a 25-2 and 25-12.

 

[Muley Gil]

"I suggest one made after 1950 as the 1917's were not heat treated and were rather tender"

Per the US Gov't, S&W 1917s were heat treated. I've owned a number of them over the years and never considered them "tender".

Now, the .455s that were built for the Brits in WW I were not heat treated. Many of these have been converted to .45 ACP. I would not hotrod these.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Do both. You'll never look back.

YOU sir, are trying to get me in trouble.

 

[Bugkiller99]

1911 will not set you back as much and be easier to find.

This might be the biggest problem. I could have a 1911 now. Finding a revolver will not be as easy. More effort, more money.

Thanks to all for the input. As I said, I was leaning towards the revolver. So I think it will be my first purchase, and get a 1911 too! Just a little latter.

Maybe a while, but I'll resurrect this thread and have pictures.

 

[LinckG]

This is an interesting thread. I've never been interested in shooting auto rounds in a revolver. I love my 1911's, but never had an interest in a .45ACP or 9mm revolver. I suppose it is because all of my revolvers are magnums, even my .22 Cal is a magnum. Maybe I'm missing out on something.

 

[XAVMECH]

Another vote for "both"

There's a broad choice of 1911's out there, as well as other semi-auto platforms... A suitable 45ACP revolver will require a little more patience. You will not be disappointed in selecting a 625, especially the 5-inch. It is one of the more satisfying revolvers to shoot, particularly if introducing someone to the joys of shooting a larger bore gun. I have four 45ACP revolvers, and several 1911's - all nice handguns, for sure. But that 5-inch 625 is indeed a wonder! This old Jovino customized model 25 is also a joy to shoot...

 

[44wheelman]

Moon clips, seems you either love'em or hate'm. I like them. When I take my 25-2 to the range, it's just easy when you have 25 or so clips loaded up waiting on you; saves time at the range.

Also, 1911's are not the only semi auto .45 out there. I went through a slew of 1911's before I got hung up on S&W's model 945-1.
Mostly for target shooting, I just wanted something super accurate and reliable, and I like the grip frame marginally better.

 

[Black_Sheep]

I'm starting a pistol league next week so I broke out the 625 for a long overdue practice session. I shouldn't humiliate myself too badly because the big old .45 seemed to find the X-ring with ease.

 

[Pvt.Joker]

There is no "or". There is only "Which one do I get NOW, and which one do I get LATER?"

 

[at_liberty]

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.

The "better half" should have her own criteria and her own gun.

45 ACP in a revolver is just for competition. It is a Bigass Gun for any other purpose, when 45 Colt or 44 S&W Special would be the better caliber in an S&W N-frame.

Life is not complete without a first rate 1911. I have both 625 revolvers and 1911s and would like to keep both types.

 

[Pvt.Joker]

And just to throw another monkey in the wrench- who says it HAS to be a 1911A1 pattern for a semi-auto .45acp? How about an FNX-45? Unlike a Glock, this one has a hammer and can be carried safely either cocked and locked (like a 1911A1) OR it also has a decocker and can be carried in DA hammer down on safe, with a trigger disconnect on safe. Best of both worlds. Plus, for a carry gun, it comes with three 15-round magazines. Add one in the tube, and that's 46 rounds of .45acp from out of the box. Something to be said for that. You can get them in the "tactical" version with a threaded barrel and the slide already cut for a RMR red dot site, or the standard version (like mine) that is the same weapon without the barrel and cut slide. They are pretty darn accurate on the whole, if you use good ammo, too. On the down side, they are not petite so if you have trouble carrying a large sidearm, it might not be your first choice for concealed carry but it would make a fine open carry and/or home defense weapon.

Just something to consider...

The 1911A1 is a great weapon and I've had quite a few different ones over the years, from a WWII Colt USGI to a modern Colt two-tone Rail Gun. They are a great choice, but not the ONLY choice, for a .45acp semi-auto.