M-25 .45acp vs M-24 .44 Special

[Blackdog.44]

Hello to all, I'm new here and this is my first post here on the forum.
My question to you is I'm trying to decide beween the M-25 acp or the M-24 .44 special.
both are Lew Horton 3" models.
Any body own one or both of these? How do they shoot? accuracy?
Thanks

 

[Blackdog.44]

Hello to all, I'm new here and this is my first post here on the forum.
My question to you is I'm trying to decide beween the M-25 acp or the M-24 .44 special.
both are Lew Horton 3" models.
Any body own one or both of these? How do they shoot? accuracy?
Thanks

 

[jdprew]

I am also new and have my eye on the nickel model 25 3 inch Lew Horton. Hope it shoots as good as it looks.

 

[tom turner]

Hi,

They are both pretty similar, in recoil, accuracy, self-defense potential and in shooting fun. However . . . LOTS more ammo choices at decent prices for the .45ACP version, and lots more great defensive loads have been developed for the .45ACP too.

My vote is for the fast-reloading/moonclipped .45ACP version!

Here's mine . . . which was actually chopped to 3 1/4" back in the 1980s, long before S&W would give us a 25-2 with less than a six inch snout. It kind of looks like the modern LH Model 25 you are considering. Gorgeous lines and proportions!!!

IMHO, the Patrick Grashorn Elk Stags (from our own forum member and grip maker extraordinare) REALLY make the gun look great too!

Frankly, my chopped 25-2 is my favorite handgun of all time . . . and the very last I'd ever sell (although collectors would frown on a chopped barrel gun). Heck, I don't care . . . for nothing shoots as well in my hands.

Yep, I vote for the .45ACP version! You'll really enjoy it I'm sure!

Tom

PS: Welcome to the forum but . . . WARNING . . . this place gets addictive, and getting addicted to Smith wheelguns is both expensive AND so much fun!!!

 

[Rich S]

and i could never get used to moonclips...
to my thinking if you will reload the .44spl has more to offer. if you don't the .45acp will give more factory loads and reasonably priced practice.
good luck,
Rich

 

[Mule88]

Either would be a good choice, I have the 24 and its very accurate.

 

[TXSWFAN]

I have the M25-14 and it is a good shooter too. I will still pay top dollar for a Lew Horton 25-3 if anyone has one. Only 100 made in '77. It's been at the top of my grail gun search for two years.

I've got the Lew Horton M24, but it's one of the older ones with the round butt.

 

[OIF2]

Go .45! Here's my 22-4, with Don Collins magnas and a Tyler T. Shoots ball extremely well.
Bob

 

[Mickey D]

As a hand loader, I prefer the .44 special cartridge, and my 24-3 LH

 

[panamajack310]

I have a 625 and I love it. fast reloads with moonclips. I have a model 24 lew horton on the way. I am sure I will love it also. I agree with Tom there are more factory loads for the 45acp out there. I had a model 29 I shot 44 special out of a-lot and I like the round. It has been around since the 1800's and is proven.

 

[Frank from jersey]

I retired my M1937 Brazilian-

for-

but I still like my .45ACP SAA-

 

[Catshooter]

Frank,

Very nice trio.

Is that a USAFF SAA? Does it chamber Auto Rims also?

I wouldn't feel under armed with any of those.



Cat

 

[Blackdog.44]

Hi again, and thanks for the replys.
I probably should of added that I own a couple of .44 Specials (24-3s) from back in the 80s.
and I do hand load.
I love the .44 caliber and the model 24.
I have never had or fired .45 acp revolver, but I've heard alot of thing about them.
Having never used the moon clips is kind of bugging me as what problems if any there will be with there use.
I think the .45 acp would be real cool if I can get used to the clips.
Are the .45s as accurate as I've read?
Thanks

 

[Rich S]

my situation was similar to yours insofar as i was a .44 shooter (629) that bought a .45 (625 model of 1989)i sold it off after a couple or three boxes of ammo worth of shooting.(current owner loves it) accuracy was about the same, power was somewhat similar to .44Spl but i couldn't abide donking around with the moonclips and the thought that more parts/steps was more to break/go wrong with the gun. and it just wasn't as versitile as the 629.
of course the upshot is cheaper factory ammo for practice but as a .44 shooter i haven't bought ammo in years.
Regards,
Rich

 

[Frank from jersey]

Catshooter its a USFA SAA shoots .45ACP and the .45 Cowboy Special rounds. Cylinder is not cut for the .45 Auto Rim's. I'm going to order another ejectorless Sheriff's model with a 4in barrel with 25% engraving with extra .45 Colt cylinder and lanyard swivel later this year. Frank Jr.