.45 Colt Recoil ?

[ia1727]

I really think I need a .45 Colt and am curios as to a recoil comparison,I've never shot one before. I'm looking at the 25-5 S&W in a 6.5 inch barrel. How would it compare to a 357-41 or 44 mag ? Thanks for your advice.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Not as bad as a .357 Magnum because it isn't as sharp.

If you shoot "cowboy" loads exclusively, recoil is no worse than a .38 Special. The worst recoil from a "normal" load will be from loads containing real black powder.

Now, those +P loads from Cor-bon develop as much recoil as a .44 Magnum, but they should only be shot in handguns such as the Blachawk, Contender and strong frame modern rifles.
Never shoot .45 Colt +P's in a model 25!

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, the .45 Colt is a relatively gentle round in standard loadings, very comfortable to shoot. Think "big .38 special."

The recoil of the .45 Colt is much less than full power .41 and .44 magnums. It gives a little more muzzle rise than a .357, but the recoil impulse is slower, so feels gentler. The .45 is also much quieter than the .357, .41, and .44 magnums; though this isn't a recoil factor per se, it does affect the shooter more than you'd think.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[OKFC05]

Recoil Calculator

 

[MKT]

I would compare the .45 Colt recoil to a shove rather than a kick. Like the difference between the shove of a 12 gauge versus the kick of a hunting rifle. You know you've been shooting a .45 Colt but it won't jar your bones, a very pleasant experience.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Just an FYI- The 25-5 is a 6" gun, not 6 1/2".

I own several .45 Colts, and have owned a ton more. It is my favorite round. I have a 4" 25-5, and a 5" 25-7. They are both a lot of fun to shoot. You have been given some good descriptions here, regarding recoil. I think Ron H.'s was pretty accurate. You will enjoy the .45 Colt a lot more than any .357. It is simply just not as loud, nor is the recoil as sharp. If you are smart, and don't get caught up in the high velocity=high energy crap, the old .45 is a lot more gun than the .357 with any sane loads in both. You just can't deny what that big, wide, heavy bullet does when it hits something. They penetrate well too. They do it with a lot less pressure to boot, so the gun will last longer.

The model 25 from Smith can take some serious loads, despite what some claim. Here are some links as to what it can do. I have shot these loads myself. The gun handles them fine, but do avoid those loads that are commercial and say on the box- Ruger, and F/A only.

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

This is from Linebaugh's site. Scroll down towards the bottom. There is a section on the model 25.

Linebaugh's Custom Sixguns - Heavyweight Bullets

 

[arjay]

It feels the same as a 45 acp or a 44 special to me

 

[ia1727]

.45 colt recoil ?

Thanks to every one for your help--puts things into perspective.
I'm amazed that such a large cartridge is compared to a big .38 as far as recoil. Thanks again to all it's been very beneficial. My search begins for my .45 Colt 25-5.

 

[durco]

If you are smart, and don't get caught up in the high velocity=high energy crap......

Beautifully stated!!!!!!
Mike

 

[shovelwrench]

If you are smart, and don't get caught up in the high velocity=high energy crap

Cause then they kick like hell

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I got a good chuckle out of that.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I have a four inch 25-5 and the recoil with a 255 SWC at 875fps is quite manageable. The six inch is a real pussycat! If you want real fun (not) try a full house load in a four inch 29!

 

[617fan]

Thanks to every one for your help--puts things into perspective.
I'm amazed that such a large cartridge is compared to a big .38 as far as recoil. Thanks again to all it's been very beneficial. My search begins for my .45 Colt 25-5.

I think you will be happy with your decision; the .45 Colt is a joy to shoot and still capable of handling any realistic handgun duty.

 

[orionengnr]

The .45 Colt is a pussycat. Much like the .45 acp, you can load it up to tiger power, but there is no need to. Try it, you'll like it.

 

[tjpopkin]

.45 Colt recoil

depends solely on the load. I have loads that approximate the .44 Mag, and recoil like one as well. gun is built to handle so incredible loads, just like the sister model 29. I even shoot 335gr.gas checked loads with different powders.
In the same light, I have pussycat loads for SASS (6.0gr. Unique with 200gr. RNFP) that recoil like a .38 spl wadcutter load.
terry

 

[canoe on the yukon]

There is no connection to recoil and what happens to be rollmarked on the barrel.Recoil is a byproduct of ejecta weight/velocity offset by gun weight and design.