PackN
Member
Have a 25-2 that I would like the option of shooting Long Colt ammo thru! Will a .45 Colt cylinder solve my Dilemna??
PackN
PackN
.45 Colt Cylinder in 25-2 ??
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Joni_Lynn
US Veteran
Probably not without a lot of work. The acp cylinders are shorter than the 45 Colt cylinders. More of the barrel sticks through the frame window on an acp.
the45automan
Member
PackN,
The space between the recoil shield and the cylinder is different on .45 ACP revolvers and 45 Long Colt Revolvers. The distance to the ratchet and the throw of the hand may also be different. I believe it is easier to modify a long colt cylinder (relieved) to shoot a .45ACP than it is to modify a .45ACP gun for Long colt's.
The space between the recoil shield and the cylinder is different on .45 ACP revolvers and 45 Long Colt Revolvers. The distance to the ratchet and the throw of the hand may also be different. I believe it is easier to modify a long colt cylinder (relieved) to shoot a .45ACP than it is to modify a .45ACP gun for Long colt's.
Smithhound
US Veteran
A cheaper alternative would be to (*gasp*) buy a Ruger .45 Convertable, I have 2 and they are great, if you are into the SA aspect of revolvers. They come with 2 fitted cylinders, one in .45acp and the other in .45colt, cylinders can be swapped in no time with practice.
And the price is most likely around $450 - $500.
RD
And the price is most likely around $450 - $500.
RD
scott625b
Member
PackN:
Sounds like you have a difficult decision, whether or not to possibly destroy one of the "Grail Guns", a 25-2 just to shoot 45LC's out of it or just know you could do it if you wanted to. In any case, it sounds like the worst compromise.
A compromise is a decision that is made where both sides go home unhappy. Buy one of the newer 25-5's and modify it to shoot moonclips.
Sounds like you have a difficult decision, whether or not to possibly destroy one of the "Grail Guns", a 25-2 just to shoot 45LC's out of it or just know you could do it if you wanted to. In any case, it sounds like the worst compromise.
A compromise is a decision that is made where both sides go home unhappy. Buy one of the newer 25-5's and modify it to shoot moonclips.
cne411
Member
http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver.asp
Pinnacle can cut your 45LC cylinder to shoot 45ACP and LC in the same gun.
I just have to share this....I have a 4 inch 25-5 in LC that a boss of mine took with him to S & W for their armorers school back in the mid 80's. He had them fit an acp cylinder to this gun. They did it, I bought it 15 years later, so I have a convertible 25-5. I will post some pics on here....love the gun!
G
Guest
Just for reference if you can find one the .45 Colt cylinders made for the Model 25-3 were shorter and would work for your project. Since these were made 30 years ago I doubt you'll find too many of them around. This 'option' was offered for a short time by the Factory. But, one of the draw backs is the fact that the cylinder is "shorter" than the ones used on the later Model 25-5s and later dash numbered guns. This shorter cylinder does limit the overall length of the .45 Colt cartridges you use. You're pretty much stuck with shorter bullets (225-230 grains) designed for the .45ACP.
Your real answer is to simply purchase one of the later .45 Colt chambered guns. The Ruger Blackhawk is an "option" but from what I've seen their .45ACP cylinders tend to be somewhat less than "maximum" in the accuracy department. And, if your Model 25-2 shoots like most of them do you'll be less than Happy with the Ruger.
29aholic
Member
Buy some 45 AR brass, and you can load it up to 45lc ballistics and it will actually shoot better than the LC. The 45LC's problem is it has too much case for any reasonable load to be accurate unless you are using a real bulky powder. The ACP doesnt suffer from the same ailment due to its obvious shorter case, which is where the inherent accuracy comes from.
Dont get me wrong, I love the 45LC. I have a REAL slick 6" Nickel 25-5. I also have a Freedom Arms 83 in the big brother ctg 454 Casull
Dont get me wrong, I love the 45LC. I have a REAL slick 6" Nickel 25-5. I also have a Freedom Arms 83 in the big brother ctg 454 Casull
G
Guest
I have never yet found a .45AR or .45ACP loading that would come anywhere near to the heavier loading in the .45 Colt.
Especially, with one of the 250+ grain bullets that the .45 Colt was designed for! In fact, I have a "Dandy" loading for the Hornady 265 grain JPH that has been proven to be nearly explosive when used on White Tail Deer! And, from a solid Bench Rest I have managed a number of groups from my Model 25-5, my Ruger Redhawk and Blackhawk, that stayed in a single ragged hole at 25 yards with this loading.
Of course, these are loads that should ONLY be used in Modern Revolvers, Rifles and Heavy Single Shot Pistols like the Contender. I wouldn't even consider using one of my heavy loads in a Colt SAA. Although, I would guess the Anaconda "might" handle these loads but I have no particular use for the Anaconda because it just isn't up to the standards of the Modern Smith & Wesson or Rugers.
And, of course, you can make some considerably lighter - and more comfortable to shoot - Target Loads using the lighter Bullets and Powder Loadings.
Especially, with one of the 250+ grain bullets that the .45 Colt was designed for! In fact, I have a "Dandy" loading for the Hornady 265 grain JPH that has been proven to be nearly explosive when used on White Tail Deer! And, from a solid Bench Rest I have managed a number of groups from my Model 25-5, my Ruger Redhawk and Blackhawk, that stayed in a single ragged hole at 25 yards with this loading.
Of course, these are loads that should ONLY be used in Modern Revolvers, Rifles and Heavy Single Shot Pistols like the Contender. I wouldn't even consider using one of my heavy loads in a Colt SAA. Although, I would guess the Anaconda "might" handle these loads but I have no particular use for the Anaconda because it just isn't up to the standards of the Modern Smith & Wesson or Rugers.
And, of course, you can make some considerably lighter - and more comfortable to shoot - Target Loads using the lighter Bullets and Powder Loadings.
Grayfox
US Veteran
A 25-2 can be converted to .45 Colt, but it takes a lot of work and the gun will end up as a .45 Colt only.
I built a snubby Frankenvolver in .45 Colt using a Model 28 frame, a 25-5 cylinder and a 25-2 barrel. The .45 acp barrel requires a good bit of effort to work with the longer 25-5 cylinder. Joni is correct in that there is considerable difference in the cylinder length between the .45acp and the .45 Colt. The breach end of the barrel must be shortened considerably and an entirely new forcing cone will have to be cut.
In my case, I wanted a snubbie .45 Colt. The gun was built from an accumulation of odds and ends parts. I did the work myself thus saving the cost of a custom gunsmith. It was a fun and interesting project.
However, there's no way I would or could justify chopping up a perfectly good 25-2. You'd be much better off to simply buy another 25-5 or shoot the 4" gun you have.
.45 Colt Frankenvolver
I built a snubby Frankenvolver in .45 Colt using a Model 28 frame, a 25-5 cylinder and a 25-2 barrel. The .45 acp barrel requires a good bit of effort to work with the longer 25-5 cylinder. Joni is correct in that there is considerable difference in the cylinder length between the .45acp and the .45 Colt. The breach end of the barrel must be shortened considerably and an entirely new forcing cone will have to be cut.
In my case, I wanted a snubbie .45 Colt. The gun was built from an accumulation of odds and ends parts. I did the work myself thus saving the cost of a custom gunsmith. It was a fun and interesting project.
However, there's no way I would or could justify chopping up a perfectly good 25-2. You'd be much better off to simply buy another 25-5 or shoot the 4" gun you have.
.45 Colt Frankenvolver
Not to hi-jack the OP's thread, but the old wives tale about .45 Colt brass not being "thick" enough is a pantload, and one that I'm tired of seeing in print. Take any modern .44 mag, and any modern .45 Colt case and cut them in half lengthwise. If anything, you'll find that the .45 Colt (NOT LONG COLT) brass is even thicker.
I'd bet that your friend got a double charge of a fast burning powder if the truth were to be known. I know what the Blackhawk was capable of in the H.P.White labratory tests (c.u.p. wise) and there's not a load available in any manual that will come close to being able to blow one.
Sorry for the rant on Christmas, but I get tired of newer, younger shooters that come along and read some of this stuff, being mis-informed about the .45 Colt.
PackN- if you do get a convertable, and your using the shorter length ACP cylinder for your .45 Colt cases, remember to be careful with your load data. It is normally listed for use in longer cylinders and having to seat your bullets much deeper in the cases for the shorter cylinder will definately raise pressures.
I'd bet that your friend got a double charge of a fast burning powder if the truth were to be known. I know what the Blackhawk was capable of in the H.P.White labratory tests (c.u.p. wise) and there's not a load available in any manual that will come close to being able to blow one.
Sorry for the rant on Christmas, but I get tired of newer, younger shooters that come along and read some of this stuff, being mis-informed about the .45 Colt.
PackN- if you do get a convertable, and your using the shorter length ACP cylinder for your .45 Colt cases, remember to be careful with your load data. It is normally listed for use in longer cylinders and having to seat your bullets much deeper in the cases for the shorter cylinder will definately raise pressures.
This topic has been showing up a lot, lately.
Alternatively, you could, if you just had to have the dual cylinder gun, get a 25-3 commemorative and run down a 25-2 cylinder to put in it. A 25-3 cylinder will probably not work in a 25-2 without modifying the cylinder stop, whereas the other way around, there is no need of that.
Something else to consider, for sure, if you shoot other than factory loads. On the other hand, Lee has a 250-grain "cowboy" design that has a very short nose. For reasons I cannot explain, this bullet has been extraordinarily accurate in my 25-3, 25-9, and 625 Mtn Gun. It has the additional benefit of having a big, flat nose. Nice bullet.
All in all, the best bet would probably be to just buy yourself a nice 25-5, or later, revolver of the style you prefer, and just use the 25-2 as intended.
Alternatively, you could, if you just had to have the dual cylinder gun, get a 25-3 commemorative and run down a 25-2 cylinder to put in it. A 25-3 cylinder will probably not work in a 25-2 without modifying the cylinder stop, whereas the other way around, there is no need of that.
Something else to consider, for sure, if you shoot other than factory loads. On the other hand, Lee has a 250-grain "cowboy" design that has a very short nose. For reasons I cannot explain, this bullet has been extraordinarily accurate in my 25-3, 25-9, and 625 Mtn Gun. It has the additional benefit of having a big, flat nose. Nice bullet.
All in all, the best bet would probably be to just buy yourself a nice 25-5, or later, revolver of the style you prefer, and just use the 25-2 as intended.
PackN
I have posted a cylinder in the Classifieds that may be what you need.
Tim
I have posted a cylinder in the Classifieds that may be what you need.
Tim
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