I think it should be mandatory that every American own at least two 45colt revolvers, one for each hand. Why? Because they are so darn sweet to shoot, and put such a nice big hole in whatever you point them at. 45acp is nice in a revolver, but 45colt is glorious. The recoil is pleasant, the report is not overly loud or sharp, the available range of loads is broad, and they are so darn sweet to shoot, (wait, I already said that).
I respect every mainstream cartridge from 17hmr thru 500s&w, and can understand the purpose and appeal of each. That being said, the two closest contenders for the 45colt throne are the 45acp and the 44special. The 41mag and the 44mag are great, but don't try shooting them without hearing protection while hunting or you may as well shove a knitting needle in your ear. Plus, the larger magnum cartridges have a tendency to rattle loose Smith revolvers unless you shoot lower power loads the majority of the time. If you have to shoot a lower power load, it ain't a magnum, and you just went down to 44special or 41 special.
I don't own a 44special, but enjoy the cartridge. It would be truely great if it came in 45 cal. (hardy har har). The 45acp is a beautiful thing in a revolver, and moon clips reload faster than anything, but I hate walking in the woods with a pocket full of loaded moon clips, (like walking around with a spare can of vienna sausages in your pocket) and half moon clips are only half as good. The only thing I like about semi-autos is that the slim single stack clip is a beautiful shell holder for you pocket. Give me a 45colt, a pocket of loose shells, and a crisp autumn morning, and I am happier than a bear in a beehive. Another thing I dislike about the 45acp revolver is the huge jump to the barrel forcing cone that the bullet has to make. I'd like to see a 45acp revolver with a frame sized to accept a 45acp cylinder that is sized to accept 45acp shells without the mile wide jump. I know the 45colt fills this gap with largely empty case area, but at least the shells look right for the gun, and they're nice and big and purty.
I like the 45colt and the 45-70. Both have more than 100 years of proven dependability, and both do the job without a lot of shock and awe. I used to like shock and awe, but now I can't hear and my carpal tunnels are the size of a pinhole. Give me a big, slow moving hunk of lead, any day.
I have to go try to buy another 45colt. Thanks for indulging me.
Hastings