S&W's in "45"

[NE450No2]

Submitted for some friendly discussion.
[I think the best N frame is one in 44 Mag...]

But for this discussion let us consider the N frame's in "45".

Now I can see if a person is a Colt SAA 45 Colt shooter, he would want a S&W in 45 Colt...

Likewise if a person is a semi auto 45 ACP shooter he would want a S&W in 45 ACP.
I fit into this catagory. I bought a Mod 25-2 in the early 1970's because I was a Bullseye shooter, and it would shoot the same 45 ACP ammo, and I could use it in Bullseye matches too. [My first 2 S&W revolvers were 44 mags].

I also used a Mod 25 in 45 ACP as a Duty gun for several years, first with half moon clips and later with full moon clips when they became available.

I now have a 325NG, and I really like it.
I am a BIG fan of a S&W revolver in 45 ACP. BIG FAN.

So here is my question, IF you do not shoot 45 Colt Single Action Army's, and you are not a 1911 shooter in 45 ACP, which S&W in "45" would you pick, and why???

 

[jbull380]

I have a 25-2 that I purchased in the 80s. I chose it for no other reason than my uncle had one and I fell in love with it. Thought it was a beautiful revolver chambered in an inherently accurate and widely available military cartridge.

 

[jimmyj]

S&W Model 25-2 w/ full moon clips.
It don't get any better!

 

[bgrafsr]

I have a Colt SAA with 4 3/4" barrel, but I also have a 25-5 6" and a 25-7 5". I also have a WWII Remington Rand .45 ACP, a rebuilt WWI Colt with
Remington slide. and a WWI Model 1917.

 

[ScottJ]

If I didn't already own something in .45 Auto (and don't own any .45 Colt) I'd probably still get something in .45 Auto to shoot ESR in IDPA.

In fact I plan to do that sometime between 10/6/2013 and 10/6/2014 since I will be 45 years old

 

[BearBio]

Well, I have 2 Colt SAAs in .45 and 5 1911 Colts in .45 acp.

I also ave a 1917 S & W (and 1917 Colt) in 45 acp, a S & W 25-2 and a S & W Model 1989 in 45 Colt.

The classiest looking of the S & Ws is the 1917. My nightstand gun was the 1989 Model for a couple of years. Best "feeling" is the 1989 Model. Most accurate is the 25-2. I would have to say, limiting it to the S & W revolvers, my favorite is the 25-2, provided I can use 45 AR (I don't like to mess with the clips).

 

[Richard Simmons]

Though I own and shoot several 45ACP pistols, CZ97B, S&W 645, Colt Series 80GM I also own and am very happy with a S&W 25-14

and a 22-4

For me the ability to use full moon clips, (one of the fastest ways to reload a revolver IMO), as well as the stopping power of the 45ACP makes owning a 45ACP revolver a no brainer.

The 25-14 packs quite nicely with the shorter barrel and with the addition of a Tyler T-Grip it's a dream to shoot.

The 22-4 with it's classic, fixed sight profile is just a nice, all around piece whether your plinking, woods walking or just putting some rounds on paper. It's no slouch for CCW either.

 

[Kavinsky]

well just how strong are the moon clips for the model 25? I've heard of them bending over time and when they do that they can give the gun functioning problems.

although I think those were primarily full moon clips, not the half ones.

and with smith I dont have any in .45 caliber but I am planning on aquiring a 645 or a 4506 once the money that just went to the taxes regenerates, but first I need to deal with the gunlocker problem as I've pretty much run out of space.

 

[glenncal1]

I have a 1917 brazillian because they were selling them so cheap when they imported them it is a little rough looking but a great shooter. Also much easier to get .45acp ammo at what used to be reasonable prices. Gonna have to add a Smith in .45colt someday too.

 

[Richard Simmons]

well just how strong are the moon clips for the model 25? I've heard of them bending over time and when they do that they can give the gun functioning problems.

although I think those were primarily full moon clips, not the half ones.

and with smith I dont have any in .45 caliber but I am planning on aquiring a 645 or a 4506 once the money that just went to the taxes regenerates, but first I need to deal with the gunlocker problem as I've pretty much run out of space.

I've got full moon clips that are both steel and plastic/synthetic and have never had a problem with either and use a dowel to unload and load by hand.

For CCW I keep a couple of new, steel ones and don't use them for range sessions. The biggest factor I would see for damage would be from how you carry the loaded clips for CCW. If you're not using a carrier of some type I could see them getting tweaked in a pocket. Other than that I guess they could experience metal fatigue from repeated use, loading, unloading, etc., but seperating range and carry clips should alleviate that issue. Just my $.02

 

[Dennis The B]

I fitted this...

...325NG with Ahrends combat stocks. It's in the daily rotation with my 696 and 65. The stocks are very comfortable, and definitely look better than the original "Goodyears".

 

[ol' geeser]

IMHO the 45 ACP was developed for JMB's pistol and that is where it belongs...it is what it is...the the .45 Colt on the other hand is a revolver cartridge from the get-go.

i'm very perjudiced in this vein and freely admit it. I own handguns chambered for both and can, have, and do carry them daily and interchangeablely. I do not feel at a disadvantange againt any beast that walks with either( not many grizzlies in my part of Texas).

After carrying both for better than 30 yrs. my experience is:
At least in Texas, a 1911 carried in condition "one" commands respect for it's handler. Miscreants instantly recognise it and are keenly aware of it's potential when deployed properly. It creates an atmosphere of " this ain't my first rodeo and you will cooperate" in the eyes of even the younger badguys. This doesn't hold true if I happen to be carrying my USP or one of my .380's for some reason. Can't explain it, just know it works that way.

The 25-5, on the other hand is a conversation "icebreaker",if you will...usually goes something llike this..." Golly, Mr. ol' geeser, sir you still carrying that old revolver? What is it, a 357 or 44 mag.?" I reply that it is a 45 colt and then they say something like, " Holy smokes, my grandaddy had an old cowboy pistol like that", we talk old guns for a while then get down to business with a few less walls between us.

The ACP cartridge is a dismall at best performer on deer and feral hogs while the 45 colt is more than adequate for game of like size,weight, and temperment. Again, can't explain it, just my experience.

 

[snake charmer]

well just how strong are the moon clips for the model 25? I've heard of them bending over time and when they do that they can give the gun functioning problems.

although I think those were primarily full moon clips, not the half ones.

and with smith I dont have any in .45 caliber but I am planning on aquiring a 645 or a 4506 once the money that just went to the taxes regenerates, but first I need to deal with the gunlocker problem as I've pretty much run out of space.

The only moonclips I have ever bent were bent by stepping on them.

 

[Dave T]

I would choose the ACP chambered revolver. I don't have occasion to shoot deer or hogs. I may well have occasion to shoot a two legged varmint and the 45 ACP cartridge has been doing that well for something like a century (smile).

I am fond enough of S&Ws chambered in this cartridge I had one built in a configuration S&W never made but should have...

a blue steel 45 ACP Mountain Gun.

Dave

PS: I'm getting to be an ol' geezer too! (LOL)

 

[smokey04]

DaveT, S&W did make .45 ACP Mountain Guns in SS and Blue but just try to find one!I have a 1950 Target barrel[slender] and a 1955 Target cylinder and if I don't find a Mountain Gun soon I'm going to try to find a donor frame and build one!Please tell me about yours by PM.
Who built your gun? That is exactly what I want but would prefer SS.
ol'geezer, In the June 1973 issue of Shooting Times Magazine, Skeeter Skelton did an article entitled," The Best .45 Autos are Sixguns" it is the definitive work on reloading .45 ACP & .45 Auto Rim. He divided his info for 1917s,Ruger SAs,and S&Ws Mod. 25.
I won't quote the loadings off the top of my head but I remember loading some rounds that exceeded 1100 FPS and one round over 1300 FPS for the Mod. 25[6&1/2" barrel] with no bad effects.
Maybe you could "google" it or find that article some where. I lost mine in a flood [1990] and only have a few notes.I wouldn't hesitate to take hogs or black bears with some of those loads if needs be.
I will admit,sir, that after 23 years of active duty in the Army and some 12 years in LEO duties I've been involved in too many fracasses and my pistol of choice[ like yours] for serious social intercourse is ALWAYS going to be a 1911A1 or some variant.Thanks for reminding me I'm going to search for a copy of Ol' Skeets article now. Nick

 

[james56]

I Love my 2 45 acp's Revolvers M-625JM & 1917 and my Springer 1911...

 

[on the prowl]

... [I think the best N frame is one in 44 Mag...]

But for this discussion let us consider the N frame's in "45".

Now I can see if a person is a Colt SAA 45 Colt shooter, he would want a S&W in 45 Colt...

Likewise if a person is a semi auto 45 ACP shooter he would want a S&W in 45 ACP.

I also used a Mod 25 in 45 ACP as a Duty gun for several years, first with half moon clips and later with full moon clips when they became available.

I now have a 325NG, and I really like it.
I am a BIG fan of a S&W revolver in 45 ACP. BIG FAN.

So here is my question, IF you do not shoot 45 Colt Single Action Army's, and you are not a 1911 shooter in 45 ACP, which S&W in "45" would you pick, and why???

I'm no SAA shooter, but I love the .45 ACP. It's by far my fav cartridge & as I acquire more guns, it will by & large, comprise largest part of my collection. After that, I love the .357 Mag.

Closest to a long Colt I'll get (or so far) is my Governor, that shoots either. Still unshot since it's recent purchase. I think I need a 325NG as I just purchased a 625JM a few days ago. Hope to shoot the 625JM soon.

...325NG with Ahrends combat stocks. It's in the daily rotation with my 696 and 65. The stocks are very comfortable, and definitely look better than the original "Goodyears". ...

I'd love to shoot a 325NG just to get a feel for it. As in should I buy 1? It'd round out my .45 wheelguns thus far. See above comment.

IMHO the 45 ACP was developed for JMB's pistol and that is where it belongs...it is what it is...the the .45 Colt on the other hand is a revolver cartridge from the get-go.

...

After carrying both for better than 30 yrs. my experience is:
At least in Texas, a 1911 carried in condition "one" commands respect for it's handler. Miscreants instantly recognise it and are keenly aware of it's potential when deployed properly. It creates an atmosphere of " this ain't my first rodeo and you will cooperate" in the eyes of even the younger badguys.

JMB's pistol is what exactly?

Interesting on the respect thing.

 

[Richard Simmons]

JMB's pistol is what exactly?

Interesting on the respect thing.

John Moses Browning inventor of the M1911 pistol.

 

[amazingflapjack]

.45's

First-James 56-that is one fine look'n JM! I might have to get my shint up after seein' yours. As far as the .45ACP is concerned, the military ruined me for it, but I was converted by the marvelous 25-2. I have two of those-one nice shooter, and one NIB, complete, in the safe. I also have, as I said, a 625-8 4 inch. It is not a JM, but that was the platform for the JM. I had S&W do the Master Revolver package on it, and I added a fiber optic sight, a green one, and some over size rnd bt=sqr bt grips in silver black. a wonderful gun. I was so impressed with the 45acp in a revolver, that I wanted to see what it would be like with an 8 3/8 barrel, so I did a project with a 25-5 long barrel. I had the cylinder machined to use 45 ACP's in moon clips, in addition to the 45 colt. I had some other work done on it as well, and it is a nice revolver. I did have to experiment with some ammo to get the big hawg leg to put the ACP's where I wanted consistantly. I ended up with a hard cast SWC of the same diameter as the throats (.451) from Mid Atlantic Bullets. They have a synthetic lube that seems to work a little better. I set them a little shallow, so that the first ring was outside of the case. These factors together allowed the bullet to jump the considerable gap, and enter the forcing cone in good shape, it worked well. 45 ACP's are quieter, and have less recoil in te big gun, and the moon clips make it more fun to shoot, and a source of rubber necking at the range! I likes my 45's. Flapjack.

 

[nawilson]

Dennis the B, those Ahrends look great on that Night Guard. All business with a touch of class.

I don't yet have a 45 ACP revolver, but I do have a 625 MG and a 45 Colt Blackhawk. I believe it is a wonderfully versatile cartridge that can handle a wide range of loadings. It can shoot everything from 185 gr to 270 gr at standard pressures.

I have several Colt Government Models and a LW Commander. They are great- powerful enough, concealable, accurate, and easily used. The loadings available for revolvers are impressive though. I haven't seen the above mentioned article by Skeeter, but Sierra lists some impressive "revolver only" loads. It lists something like a 230 gr bullet at 1100fps. Pretty stout stuff...