Wanting a 45 colt

[Phish]

Well now I got the 45 colt in the picture for my next revolver that I will use this for deer hunting and target shooting so I am deciding wether I get the Smith Model 25 or a Ruger Blackhawk so which would be a better buy. I was originally going to pick up a 686+ Deluxe but keep going back and forth.

 

[GypsmJim]

I had the same dilemma, so I bought one first, and then the other a few years later.

Now that i have both i still can't decide.

 

[moralem]

I have two 25-5s. Everyone should have at least one.

 

[Topsarge]

I've got a 25-2 2.75" and I love it. You've got to scratch the itch for a 45 Colt. There is a 4" for sale on the forum now for a decent price. If I didn't have one I would grab it.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The Ruger BH will handle hotter loads but the M25/625s can handle ones hot enough for most needs.

I've had many Rugers in the past (& I keep fondling their 4-5/8" bbl. BH when I see them at the gun shows) but I'm just happier with the feel, & trigger, on S&Ws.

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[Davinman]

I dont own either one, and though i do love the model 25's, id have to go w/the Ruger Blackhawk. It will do anything from targets to hunting bear, and at a lower cost than a nice Smith.

 

[one eye joe]

MY CHOICE WOULD BE THE M625 MOUNTAIN GUN IN .45 COLT. IT IS EASILY CARRIED IN THE FIELD, SUPERBLY ACCURATE ON THE RANGE, AND ADEQUATE FOR ANYTHING THAT YOU ARE LIABLE TO ENCOUNTER IN THE LOWER 48.......

THE RUGERS ARE BETTER SUITED, IF YOU ARE INTENT ON SHOOTING A STEADY DIET OF HOT HANDLOADS. (YES, THERE ARE THOSE AMONG US WHO ENJOY THAT ACTIVITY) THE 625 WILL HANDLE ANY FACTORY AMMO, ON THE SHELVES---AND EQUIVALENT HANDHOLDS......

IMHO, THE S&W TRIGGERS ARE SUPERIOR TO RUGER TRIGGERS---RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. AT LEAST, THAT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE, WITH THE FEW RUGERS THAT I HAVE OWNED OR MERELY SHOT.....

THE RUGERS ARE VERY WELL MADE, AND THEIR COST IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN AN EQUIVALENT S&W---IF THAT IS AN ISSUE. I HAVE ALWAYS LOOKED AT MY S&W PURCHASES AS LONG TERM INVESTMENTS, AND THE INITIAL STING OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, IS SOON OVERTAKEN BY PRIDE IN OWNERSHIP, AND THE ENJOYMENT OF SHOOTING A FINE FIREARM. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.......

 

[moralem]

I dont own either one, and though i do love the model 25's, id have to go w/the Ruger Blackhawk. It will do anything from targets to hunting bear, and at a lower cost than a nice Smith.

Ah, you say that now, but just fondle a 25 and have her up close and in your hands feeling that crisp triger........oh oh oh......I forget this is a family forum....but you see my point they are true works of art.

 

[eveled]

I'd be looking at a .454, you can shoot all the .45 colt you want, but when you want to step up, you can step way up. Ruger Redhawk would be my choice for hunting.

 

[Davinman]

Indeed, when you buy a Smith you get a real work of art that anybody would be proud to show off and own, there is no doubt about it. Years ago when I had the 45cal itch, I went the 454 casull rout. It will do anything I could ask a big bore handgun to do.

 

[Revolver-time]

I have both and actually 4 of the Blackhawks. I guess I would recommend the Blackhawk convertible 45 Colt/ACP. You can practice all day with the 45ACP cylinder and then put the other Colt cylinder in loaded up with loads more effective than the 44 Mag. You will see in the loading manuals, Ruger Only Loads. You don't see Smith Only loads. The cylinder walls of my Smith seem too thin for heavy 45 Colt loads.

 

[Mike0251]

Thoroughly enjoy my 25-5 S&W Colt, a very nice shooter, accurate, and typical N frame quality. The Colt cartridge is very nice at the lower pressures. I load all my own now.

 

[Phish]

I had the black hawk with Conversion cylinder years ago but felt I needed something a little nicer. Sold it but don't remember why. I used to own a 25-2 back in the 90's. Always liked the N frames pistols so that itch is growing. I need at least a5" barrel to hunt legally in Ohio if giving the chance. Not going to shoot that hot loads so standard loads will do fine as I will be hitting steel targets and paper with occasional woodchuck showing its ugly side. I do carry a Taurus 450UL 45 colt in the woods/mountain while fishing.

 

[gwpercle]

I hate to say this on the S&W site , but if I were in the market for a 45 Colt I would get a Ruger Convertible in 45 Colt / 45 acp. That set up can cover a lot of power territory. Light loads in 45 acp , heavier hunting loads in the Colt.
I was looking to buy one in 1971 when I spotted a 357 Blackhawk in dealer's case priced $75.00. Owner bought it, shot 1/2 box, saw the movie Dirty Harry and traded it back in on a 44 magnum. Dealer said there was very little demand for used SA 357 magnums , even a almost new Ruger, so he priced it at $75.00 to get rid of it. I still have it but never got the 45 convertible , still would like one though !
Gary

 

[Beemer-mark]

I have a lot of 45 Colts, Had a Mod 25 (2?) and finally got rid of it because it wasn't nowhere accurate with the oversized throats. I reload and cast but I couldn't make that gun shoot. I have (and had) a Colt and that's a decent gun, but for hunting the Colt New Frontier is better. And then I have a number of Rugers. Convertible, Bisley, and a Plain Jane.

You really can load the Rugers to 44 magnum levels (and the bigger cartridge generates less pressure, so less recoil). The Bisley handles the recoil very nicely. My load is a 270 gn LSWC @1100 fps. So the Ruger Bisley would be my choice for hunting.

I also have a later model S&W 625 Mountain Gun. Even though it has the disdained lock (or should did) and MIM; it is the most accurate 45 Colt I've ever owned. Target grade. So if you want a nice packing, good looking gun the Mountain Gun is your only other choice. The 625 can safely handle 270 grain lead bullets @ 950 fps which should stop a deer.

 

[series guy]

A Model 25-7 would be a great way to go. Super accurate and handsome.

 

[gen3guy]

I'm of the opinion that there are very few bad choices when it comes to this caliber.

In 1986 I purchased a new 4" S&W 25-5 because of an article I read in 'Guns & Ammo'. I fell in love with the revolver and the cartridge. I still have that revolver and have since collected many Rugers, a Uberti, And a Marlin 1894. You may catch the bug as I did.

I think for hunting I'd recommend a 5 1/5" Ruger Old Model Vaquero...but that's just me. Have fun!

 

[Grayfox]

There's no need to hot rod the .45 Colt. At standard velocity it'll go completely through an average whitetail deer.
I've always admired the SA revolvers. I've had 6 over the years. But the SA grip and I just don't get along. They're all gone.
I much prefer the .45 Colt out of a S&W N-frame. I have 4 in various barrel lengths and love 'em.
IF you can find one, the Model 25-7 is the absolute best S&W ever made.

 

[DwayneV]

I have a S&W 25-2, 45ACP and a Ruger Convertible Blackhawk in 45 Colt / 45 ACP. I shoot ten times more 45ACP than 45 Colt. As much as I appreciate the S&W fit and finish I would dearly miss the Ruger if I had to part with with it.

 

[iPac]

45LC would be lucky to make it into my top 5 calibers for hunting. However, I rarely think like anyone else and this thread shows that.

There are too many better calibers that require 'less' gun and are more efficient.