45 Colt handgun Suggestion

[tomme boy]

I am looking to get a 45 handgun chambered in 45 Colt. I know just about nothing about revolvers.

All I do know is to stay away from Taurus. I have had two of them and they were not the best guns I have seen. They work, but that was it. One have the rifling missing on one side of the whole bore. I bought this 357 mag. as a present to me as my 21st birthday a long time ago. I never could figure out why it shot so poorly. My brother bought it from me. About two years ago he said hey you want that gun back? He said here, never did shoot it. I looked it over and then noticed the barrel. Back when I was younger, I would not have seen this. I guess age does help us.

Anyway. I am mainly going to shoot targets most of the time. But I am also going to deer hunt with this. So I want to be able to run full power loads with it. I want to stay around the $1200 area if that helps.

[Calamity Jake]

Ruger New Model Black Hawk, comes with adjustable sights and is less than half of that $1200

[218bee]

In my opinion I would suggest a Blackhawk. Rugers are one of the strongest out there so full house loads are no problem. Cost would be way less than your $1200 limit. Some may warn about various size differences of cylinder bores, mine are ok (circa 70's gun). But there is a guy that will true them all equal for ya and it dont cost much if ya needed it...cant remember his name but someone here will know.
But my old Blackhawk with 7 1/2" barrel shoots real well and has accounted for a few whitetails...love the cartridge. Thats my .02

[polara426sh]

Some may warn about various size differences of cylinder bores, mine are ok (circa 70's gun). But there is a guy that will true them all equal for ya and it dont cost much if ya needed it...cant remember his name but someone here will know.


http://www.cylindersmith.com/

[wildcatter]

http://www.cylindersmith.com/

Thats a good guy to do the work, and chamber throats are critical!! But I just wanted to cast my vote Blackhawk and I prefer the Bisley models for hunting as they handel the heavy loads better. Now if I had the money and could afford it, you cant beat a Freedom Arms, $1200.00 is real close to affording a good used one. If not the Rugers have and still serve me well, but I would sure miss my FA!

[tomme boy]

Man that Bisley looks great!!

[9.3X62AL]

I've had mine for 15 years+, and after opening its throats from their undersized condition it has become an accurate and enjoyable shooter that dotes on most of the boolits I've tried through it. The more recent Ruger 45 Colts seem to have better throat dimensions than the 1990s examples, but the fix isn't expensive in any event. A DEFINITE "keeper".

[Dale53]

I feel fortunate to have a Ruger SS Bisley .45 Colt/.45 ACP Convertible. I DID need to open the cylinder throats (used a "made for the job" Manson Reamer kit complete with pilots).

It is arguably one of the most versatile revolvers around. It works well for range use, field use, and hunting (it will handle the heavy "Ruger Only" loads that will handily take most big game in the hands of a good handgunner).

Further, it didn't cost an arm and a leg, either. Here it is with the .45 ACP cylinder installed:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/DalesPistolsRevolvers4Selects-0385.jpg

Dale53

[jh45gun]

I would not sneeze at a Uberti they make good guns I have had no issues with mine and it is a accurate gun. Even with the fixed sights.

[9.3X62AL]

I would not sneeze at a Uberti they make good guns I have had no issues with mine and it is a accurate gun. Even with the fixed sights.

I enjoyed my Uberti example also. The original poster spoke of "full power" loadings, and that might have prompted the Ruger slant seen herein. 1873-level loads--255 grainers at 900-1000 FPS--are no slouch as hunting rounds. This would be well within a Colt's or Uberti's safe zone.

[RobS]

The Ruger BH's are good solid guns and hard to beat dollar for dollar. My vote would be a BH; I had one once and now wished I hadn't let it go.

[BackWoods Billy]

Love this gun for the .45 Colt...Pushing them 315grainers @ 1,400 fps with mild recoil. H110 @ 23.5gr shoot real well in this FA. 1,330 fps. .45 Colt is a nice round..


URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/img3722sided.jpg/]http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/9792/img3722sided.jpg[/URL]

[tek4260]

I must have slow revolvers. I can't get anywhere close to 1400 fps.....

[tuckerdog]

you cant go wrong with a ruger. tough reliable accurate inexpensive when compared to others of same quality.

[41 mag fan]

Go with the Ruger Super Redhawk. You can get it chambered in the 45 Colt/ 454 Casul. That was you can shoot 2 different calibers out of the same gun.
Heavier framed than the blackhawks, it's more recoil friendly, and cheaper than the $1200.
I picked 1 up last fall, had 1 cylinder shot thru it for $650.00.

[subsonic]

Here's a neat one that is a 5 shooter for +P+ loads:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/980577883/Guns/Pistols/Magnum-Research-Pistols/Magnum_Research_BFR.htm

If you want +P performance, there are only a few options and they've all been listed (except some you probably won't find anyway).

For $1200, you might just find a used custom 5 shooter on a ruger frame.

[HammerMTB]

I had a 45 Colt BH, it was one of the few guns I could never get to shoot well, so sold it.
I like my Rugers, and have several. Got me a 4" 45 Colt Redhawk instead. I love this one, and it is a shootin' machine! :2gunsfiring_v1:
I have a SRH too, and it is a good shooter, but kind of ugly, and REALLY heavy. That makes it a good gun for hot loads, but not so great to carry.

[Char-Gar]

Another vote for Ruger.

[jh45gun]

you cant go wrong with a ruger. tough reliable accurate inexpensive when compared to others of same quality.


I disagree there the last two Rugers I bought went back to the place I bought them a Stainless Single Six and a 44 mag Super Blackhawk. Both were very inaccurate and that made me swear at and swear off Ruger guns and I have owned a bunch of them in my lifetime.

[Sheriff]

I'd say get a Ruger NMBH (I prefer the Bisley grip frame) and spend the rest of your $1200.00 on powder and primers.

[PacMan]

Beleive me i have no problems with Rugers. But if i had that amount of money to spen i would do what i just done again.

This is the .44 mag short cylinder BFR. They make it in .454 Casull which will also shoot the .45 Colt.
Should be able to find one for around $900.00 new.
It has a lot of good points that i described somewhat in my other post , somtimes it just takes a womans touch.

Click on picture for a better look.

[BackWoods Billy]

I must have slow revolvers. I can't get anywhere close to 1400 fps.....
I could get more speed out of the .45 Colt but no need for it. Wanted to keep the hunting loads under 1,400 fps. The .454 loads don't shoot well at them lower speeds. This gun is a 6" ported .454. Very strong gun. I shoot mostly heavy .45 Colt out of it. If I want to shoot the .454 load,I always shoot them first then the .45 Colt. I clean the cylinders out very well after every time I go out..:bigsmyl2:

[white eagle]

I have the same gun as Dale
what more can I add
it is very capable and won't set ya back 1200.00

[harvester]

Colt still makes a large variety of Single Action Army revolvers in 45Colt. Check their web site price list, it should fit your budget and they are fine guns.

[cajun shooter]

After reading the OP I think that his best choice would be a Ruger. I base this on his talk about strong loads. I own USFA revolvers and think they are the best SA revolvers being made today. That is if fired with standard type of loads. The 45 Colt case may be loaded to out do the 44 mag but you have to have the beef in the gun and the only two that are there is FA and Ruger. The Ruger makes the money line.

[jh45gun]

If you want a 44 mag buy one there is nothing wrong with pushing a 250 grain bullet at 850 to 900 FPS as replicates that BP loads it will kill anything I want to kill.

[smkummer]

Nobody mentoned the Smith25-5. It officially is not rated for Ruger loads but: Lets just say it handles the warmest of SAA loads very well and absolutley loves the 452454 Lyman/Keith bullet.. As stated the standard SAA loaded at max pressure sends a 250/255 gain bullet out at 900 to 1000 and really puts down the metal plates with authority. If it had to be a single action ruger for myself, then the bisley grip frame really helps the loads warmer than standard. My Colt SAA with a 7 1/2 barrel is very well balanced, is fun to shoot all day long with cowboy loads and fine with full power Colt loads. Colt has reintroduced the New Frontier with adjustable sights.

[Dframe]

I'll go against the ruger chorus and suggest an older S&W model 25. They are out there and shoot quite well. At it's factory capacity loadings the 45 Colt is quite adequate for your needs. If you need more buy a 44 magnum. I'm NOT one to ascribe to the school of thought that just because a gun is heavier it is better. I find most of the old model rugers needlessly heavy and overbuilt

[missionary5155]

Good afternoon
+1 on the Ruger BH´s. I guess I should write +3 as I have 3. You may have to uniform the cylinders throats to groove diameter + but that is a simple process. You can buy nice used RBH´s for $350 if you haunt just a little. Last one I bought cost $285 with an extra scope base. So it was $310 shipped.
A 265 Lee RFN 50/50 driven at 1000 fps will take down any corn cruncher that I have seen and in East Illinois they get up to 300 pounds. With a heavier boolet (300+ ) at 950 fps you can break both shoulders which makes tracking real easy.
I hunt river bottoms & woods so long shots are not needed.. I sight in for 75 yards but have never popped one farther than 35 yards.
Mike in Peru

[GLL]

Take a look at the S&W 25-7 (or 25-9) and read John Linebaugh’s article. He shoots 275 grain bullets at 1200 fps.
I own a couple myself ! :) :) VERY accurate guns !

Jerry

http://www.fototime.com/D6DBB36312AD6AD/orig.jpg

[bigboredad]

Take a look at the S&W 25-7 (or 25-9) and read John Linebaugh’s article. He shoots 275 grain bullets at 1200 fps.
I own a couple myself ! :) :) VERY accurate guns !

Jerry

http://www.fototime.com/D6DBB36312AD6AD/orig.jpg

do you have a link for that article?

[wildcatter]

I disagree there the last two Rugers I bought went back to the place I bought them a Stainless Single Six and a 44 mag Super Blackhawk. Both were very inaccurate and that made me swear at and swear off Ruger guns and I have owned a bunch of them in my lifetime.
I have to remind you the Smit is highly modified that linebaugh shoots and cost more the double the 1200 mark from him, and even he says they will shoot loose even with his mods, but a nice light made gun if you can be satisfied with a double action,. I would also like to say the BFR is capable from everyone I have talked to that owns them, but there not a ruger, and they cost more!!
Once you get the throats right on the blackhawk, ($35.00) they will give the Freedom Arms a run for there money, and that is the only 45 Colt I have ever had that could shoot as good as my Bisley's!!:arrow:

This is my convertible, and the colt cylinder does as well these are 200 grain
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu266/saumbi/XD7P1686-1.jpg

then my hunting partner seems to get acceptable accuracy! 250 grain plain base right, 340 grain GC left
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu266/saumbi/XD7P1485.jpg

all self cast sized and lubed, and shot at 25 yards, all group under 1" at that range. the scoped Hunter will group both bullets about 1 5/8 @ 50 yards. I love the 45 caliber!! & :cbpour:

[eastwa]

For hunting with the 45 Colt, this is a pretty good read:

http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm

You could try a slicked-up Vaquero also...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/eastwa/left.jpg

[jh45gun]

I have to remind you the Smit is highly modified that linebaugh shoots and cost more the double the 1200 mark from him, and even he says they will shoot loose even with his mods, but a nice light made gun if you can be satisfied with a double action,. I would also like to say the BFR is capable from everyone I have talked to that owns them, but there not a ruger, and they cost more!!
Once you get the throats right on the blackhawk, ($35.00) they will give the Freedom Arms a run for there money, and that is the only 45 Colt I have ever had that could shoot as good as my Bisley's!!:arrow:

This is my convertible, and the colt cylinder does as well these are 200 grain
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu266/saumbi/XD7P1686-1.jpg

then my hunting partner seems to get acceptable accuracy! 250 grain plain base right, 340 grain GC left
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu266/saumbi/XD7P1485.jpg

all self cast sized and lubed, and shot at 25 yards, all group under 1" at that range. the scoped Hunter will group both bullets about 1 5/8 @ 50 yards. I love the 45 caliber!! & :cbpour:



I am more than satisfied with my Uberti Cattleman.

[Ziptar]

do you have a link for that article?


Right here Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5 By: John Linebaugh (http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12)

25-7 or 25-9 is next on my list. :-)