Putting together the ideal trail gun...

[PALADIN85020]

How's the muzzle blast from that .45 with hot loads? Can you get shot loads over the counter in .45 Colt?

Muzzle blast, to me, is irrelevant in a defense situation. By the same token, a .452 250-gr. SWC at 1000 fps is not nearly as bad as a .44 mag or really heavy-loaded .45 Colts (usable only in the old Rugers). I use a suitable charge of Unique to get the bullet moving quicker than 2400 or H110, which would probably be better for longer barrels.

As far as weight is concerned, the Mountain Guns in .45 Colt are lighter than .357 or .44 mags with their standard barrels. I don't pack a box full of cartridges, just enough for emergencies.

And yes, commercial .45 Colt shot cartridges are available. Here's what I use; these throw out 1/3 oz. of #9 shot. I used to handload pistol shotshells using copper gas checks as under- and over-wads, but since I use them so rarely, it just makes sense to buy some now and then.

John

 

[Texas Star]

Muzzle blast, to me, is irrelevant in a defense situation. By the same token, a .452 250-gr. SWC at 1000 fps is not nearly as bad as a .44 mag or really heavy-loaded .45 Colts (usable only in the old Rugers). I use a suitable charge of Unique to get the bullet moving quicker than 2400 or H110, which would probably be better for longer barrels.

As far as weight is concerned, the Mountain Guns in .45 Colt are lighter than .357 or .44 mags with their standard barrels. I don't pack a box full of cartridges, just enough for emergencies.

And yes, commercial .45 Colt shot cartridges are available. Here's what I use; these throw out 1/3 oz. of #9 shot. I used to handload pistol shotshells using copper gas checks as under- and over-wads, but since I use them so rarely, it just makes sense to buy some now and then.

John

John-

Many thanks. I haven't owned a .45 Colt in years, and it was a New Service made in the mid to late 1930's, with 5.5-inch bbl. It looked new!

It actually shot to the sights at 25 yards and was very accurate, on par with a S&W M-29 with six-inch bbl, which is saying something.

I used mainly Winchester and Remington 250-255 lead RN standard loads, and I guess even they'd penetrate until next payday and kill big stuff, according to Elmer Keith. Liked the Federal 225 grain lead SWC-HP when I found it. It left nice holes in the target, although I never shot anything alive with it. But I loaded it for home defense for a time.

I've never handled a Mountain gun, but had a M-1950 .45 Target, so can imagine what the weight would be like if it'd had a four-inch barrel. And I've handled M-1917 .45's.

I think your gun is a wise choice for your specified needs. But I wouldn't expect otherwise from you.

My comment about ammo weight was made in line with Cooper's parameters of a backpacker or hiker who might be on the trail for several weeks and need 50 or more rounds, just in case. Such people are pretty weight conscious.

In such a scenario, a 9mm has considerable advantages, and some are accurate enough to take snakes or small game easily. Cooper also pointed out the Colt Police Positive Special with four or five inch barrel, or the Cobra, for even less weight. They provided .38 Special power with less weight than even a K-frame M&P.

But I certainly appreciate that this isn't your need for a "trail gun."

 

[feralmerril]

I used to carry a speer shot capsal that I handloaded in my model 60. I hate snakes. For a number of years I loaded one straight up and the other 4 were normal defense loads. I quit that. Back in the 70s I got in a stupid bad event that could have got me killed or hurt. Some drunks T boned me leaveing a bar. A GF was driveing and they ran. I told her to catch up with them as I wanted the plate number. She did too good of a job, ran them to ground in a parking building and they deliberatly hit us a couple more times trying to smash their way out where she had them boxed up. I got out and ordered them out of their car. They locked themselves in and wouldnt come out. Stupidly, I hit the window with my model 60 to make a point. They both came out and I had a further altercation with one. I held them there and had the GF go look for the cavery. At the end of it all, I found the gun locked up with that shot capsal that had bounced forward into the barrel and the rear half still in the clyinder. This was 1973 los angeles, I wasnt arrested and it might have helped that the driver had warrents out. Both were hispanics, I dont know if they were illegals.
Anyway, be aware of that possibility when you carry shotloads.

 

[Goldstar225]

Your choice should serve you well. If I didn't have a Blackhawk in .45 Colt, it would be a S&W model 25 in the same chambering. While not in bear territory I go with a S&W in .38 Special.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I use gas checks to make my shot shells - old school and they don't bind.

Here's my trail gun, similar thought pattern, but different execution.

I went with a 44 mag, 3" and RB.

I have to say that your 625 Mtn Gun is sweet and if things were different and I was making one up today, I'd be sorely tempted to go with a 45 colt.

As it stands, I am very pleased with my selection - so much so that I bought a 3" and a 4" 624 for much the same duties.

Going further, and for urban trails, I bought a 3" 65-5, but as it stands now there is no possibility here in California that I'd use it for anything other than range duties. Maybe that will change some day, I can always hope - and vote.

 

[Sprefix]

You nailed it John...............

Yup, what John said. In case you haven't noticed, he's kinds smart on these things. I, however, like mine with Miculeks'. I've also been mulling over the front sight. I have a set of night sites for the gun, but trying to decide. I do like that front red ramp. I got a carry rig from a forum friend (Thanks Nedroe), and this is the way it lives life now.

 

[BearBio]

I am interested in seeing that most people posters have put a lot of thought into their choices.

 

[NE450No2]

The wife and I have done a lot of backpacking. We do not find the weight of the 44 Mountain gun, plus extra ammo to be an issue.
We both like having the power necessary to protect ourselves from any danger.

We have been danger close to Grizz on several occasions and have had two serious encounters with moose, and one with a black bear.

Also we have used a LOT of 44 Shotshells to take all manner of game for the pot. It will suprise you how well they kill small game and birds.

When you are on a 5 to 9 day backpack trip fresh killed grouse is a welcome addition to the freeze dried stuff for sure.

I have also carried a 1911 Light Weight Commander in 45 ACP on several backpacking trips, and the 45 ACP shot shells kill game just as good as the 44 Mags do.

When hunting in Texas durring smake season we carry 2 shotshells and the other 4 regular shells. We have never had them tie up the gun even when shooting full power ammo with the shotshells in the gun.

In bear areas we carry only regular ammo in the revolver, when we see grouse we then load the shotshells.

 

[everReady Rob]

Hit the LIKE button.

 

[LOBO]

Down here in south Mississippi, I suppose the biggest threat would be two legged vermin, followed by wild hogs. We do have black bears, but they have such an extremely low population down here that they are very scarce.

This model 58 is my pick...

 

[29aholic]

This is my pick

 

[yashua-p]

I carry a S&W M329PD for those occasions mentioned. It does it all.

yashua