45 ACP Revolvers

[boatswainsmate]

Hello all,
I picked these up today from the auction house's FFL. Thanks for looking and any comments! Boats
https://i.ibb.co/NL4S0ZG/DSCN6328.jpg (https://ibb.co/2jbNzgp)
https://i.ibb.co/JqY4NMZ/DSCN6329.jpg (https://ibb.co/gd0pGBY)

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Comments? Well, I like them! Especially #2.

DG

[G W Wade]

The word JEALOUS comes to mind GW

[45workhorse]

Yep number 2 is the one I like!
Jealous I am!

[TNsailorman]

I have a 4" version of your Number 2 and I love it. Mine is blue though, it would be nice if the frame was case blued but it isn't and I will use it like it is. Mine is a Thunder Ranch Special. james

[DougGuy]

https://i.ibb.co/JqY4NMZ/DSCN6329.jpg (https://ibb.co/gd0pGBY)

This would be fun reamed to 45 Schofield and loaded a little on the warm side!

[G W Wade]

Jealous here Guess I am the odd duck! I like #1 Thats a 325 right Right now I have 3 SW 625's 3in 4in and a 5in. But they are a load on the belt GW

[imashooter2]

I have never seen a S&W revolver with a case color frame. Very different.

[Bigslug]

I think there are worse places for you to be than Starline's backorder list for Auto Rim brass, and if you don't have a mold for the 452423 yet, you should get busy!:awesome:

[Buckeyeguy]

Love #2, and extremely jealous. Both are amazing

[NuJudge]

My experience with S&W .45 acp revolvers is that their cylinder throats are huge. My 25-2 has .456" throats.

[Dale53]

I currently have a S&W 625-8 JM Special with 4” barrel. I gave my 5” Model 625-6 to my youngest son. Both of them have .4525” cylinder throats. They are extremely accurate with my home cast Mihec correct copy of the H&G #68 sized .452”. I have personally checked the cylinder throats on several other .625-8’s at our local club and they are also correct.

NuJudge, I am not disagreeing with you on earlier revolvers. However, it appears that Smith have the newer revolvers correct!

As you might suspect I am a BIG fan of the later 625’s!

FWIW
Dale53

[stubshaft]

I love my 325 PD Airlite.

290757

[Thundarstick]

Why!

I've never understood using an auto pistol cartridge in a revolver.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

Why!

I've never understood using an auto pistol cartridge in a revolver.

I believe it was started in WWI because Colt could not make enough 1911s so they had botH S&W & Colt chamber their big revolvers for the 45 ACP using half moon clips. The practice was also done in WWII. Others on this site know much more about this than I do.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

That is absolutely correct-- wartime expediency. But, users liked the ACP cartridge in the revolver so much that they continued to make them. And, if you find the clips to be a nuisance, there is the .45 ACP Auto Rim cartridge.

DG

[bimus]

Years back I bought a titanium Tauris revolver very light I liked so much about it but the use of the Tauris Steller clips was not good the 45 auto rim cases where to thick and the revolver would not close I shortened some 45 Colt cases and they worked but not eject the gun was made to use the Tauris clips. None of my Tauris have been keepers .

[Savvy Jack]

I really like that color case hardened revolver.

I do have an "ACP" (45 Auto) cylinder for my 45 SA and no clips of any kind!
290780
290781

[Jtarm]

My experience with S&W .45 acp revolvers is that their cylinder throats are huge. My 25-2 has .456" throats.

Smith has fixed that in later guns, I think beginning in the early 80s.

I had to send the cylinder from my 625 PC to Dougguy to open to .452.

My 25-2 slugs about .4545.

[johniv]

Beautiful revolvers sir. I like the .45 ACP round in autos and revolvers. It’s a good round . What’s not to like? I will admit to using the rimmedcase a lot, but the clips do make for a speedy reload.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

I use my Ruger Blackhawk 45ACP convertable for single action matches, if anyone asks it is a 45 "Short Colt"!

[Wheelgun]

I had a 22-4 like that but not case-colored. One of the dumbest things I’ve ever done was selling it.

[Dale53]

I also have a SS Ruger Bisley .45 ACP/.45 Colt Convertible. Using the .45 ACP cylinder, it is not possible to use .45 Auto Rim cases, due to the lack of sufficient headspace in a single action, but Starline .45 Cowboy Special cases work PERFECTLY in the single action convertible .45 ACP cylinder. They have the same rim thickness as the .45 Colt, so headspace perfectly using the .45 ACP cylinder. This allows the user to roll crimp for those heavier bullets that may be desired. That allows the single action shooter pretty much the same benefits that the double action shooter has using the .45 Auto Rim cases.

Just a thought or two…
Dale53

[murf205]

Boats, you have the best of both worlds, a light weight carry gun and a beautiful range gun. What's not to like. I had a 1917 Colt is excellent shape about 8 yrs ago until some body offered me too much $ for it and I sold it like a nit wit. They don't kick like a mule or breathe fire but they punch above their weight. I regretted selling that Colt and a couple weeks ago I fixed that problem. This one is a model of 1989 and it is home to stay! I am betting yours are too.

[No_1]

My first 625 was a gift from dad and had the cylinder machined by Clark Custom to accept 460 Rowland before I received the gun. I have several other 25’s / 625’s as well as several “truck gun” clones made from combining genuine Mod 25 pieces/parts picked up (cheap) over the years with inexpensive N Frames when I come across them. I have a stainless snub barrel and cylinder squirreled away in case I run across a Round butt, N frame parts gun.

I also have 2 Ruger 45 Colt / 45 ACP caliber convertible pistols. One has an additional (3rd) cylinder which has had if I remember correctly .040 machined from the face to allow the use of 45 Auto Rim cartridges.

[G W Wade]

Remember. Old- Fat and Slow will get the job done GW

[boatswainsmate]

Thanks for a the reply's and comments

[murf205]

Robert, I have always wondered why the 460 Rowland was not made into
A commercial round. It punches hard if you want it to or lends itself to plinking loads as well. You can chamber it in a smaller frame than a 454 and not worry about it getting souped up and stuffed into an old colt 45.

[Baltimoreed]

290922
Just fit a blkhawk 45acp cylinder to one of my .45colt vaqueros. Did it to use small pistol primer acp brass for cas shoots saving my much smaller supply of lpp for my .44-40/45colt cas rifles.

[Good Cheer]

Charter made a .45ACP five shot that would have been good bedside manner.
And I like #1 and #2.

[RJM52]

Very classy guns....

I've had two 25-2s, several S&W Mountain Guns and a 625-7PC 5"...

A friend had one of almost all the .45 ACP revolvers made. The main one he was missing was the Heritage 5.5" with the case hardened frame... He sold off most of his collection a few years ago and I got a very nice S&W 1917 from him. He did keep a Charter Arms Pitbull, Ruger 3" stainless Vaquero with Birdhead grip and a S&W Governor.

I still have the 1917, 625-7PC and a Taurus 4" Tracker... Of all the ones I have ever shot the 625 Mountain Gun was the best all-around gun there is...should have never sold my last one...

Bob

[No_1]

Robert, I have always wondered why the 460 Rowland was not made into
A commercial round. It punches hard if you want it to or lends itself to plinking loads as well. You can chamber it in a smaller frame than a 454 and not worry about it getting souped up and stuffed into an old colt 45.

Sorry I am late responding.

I am not sure why it wasn’t turned into a commercial round as it definitely is versatile. Maybe it is too much like the 45 Super. Anyway, when dad gave me the gun in the early 90’s it came 250 pieces of Starline brass, an 8# jug of AA7, and a one page print out of load data. I loaded to all levels using different jacketed as well as lead projectiles. My hottest loads came from Georgia Arms and pushed a 185 XTP @1400+ FPS. My favorite load for the revolver is a RCBS 255 Keith @1250 FPS. I also have a Colt 1991A1 with a Clark Custom drop in 460 Rowland barrel kit. I tightened up the slide and smoothed the trigger using methods my gunsmith friend and fellow member Preacher Jim has taught me. My favorite 230 grain load for both guns is a 230 Rainier, REM 2 1/2, Starline brass, and enough AA7 to get it going 1125 FPS but since I hate picking up brass the Colt usually takes a back seat to the revolver.

Robert

[gwpercle]

I use my Ruger Blackhawk 45ACP convertable for single action matches, if anyone asks it is a 45 "Short Colt"!

45 Short Colt ... I love it :drinks:

I have a Taurus 455 ... in 45 Short Colt ... aka 45 Auto Rim ?
Gary

[megasupermagnum]

Robert, I have always wondered why the 460 Rowland was not made into
A commercial round. It punches hard if you want it to or lends itself to plinking loads as well. You can chamber it in a smaller frame than a 454 and not worry about it getting souped up and stuffed into an old colt 45.

This is only my opinion, but the biggest detractor to the 460 Rowland is that it can not work in a normal semi-auto handgun. It has to be specially set up, and as far as I know, will not function without a compensator. Very few people are ok with a compensator on their handgun. I feel it would be a very good hunting round, but then again, I have a hard time choosing that over a 10mm auto that doesn't need all the acrobatics.

In a revolver, I fail to see what it can offer that a 45 acp or a 45 colt does already. It's a niche of a niche cartridge that doesn't really offer anything to most people. That's why it would be foolish for any company to want to use it. It's a wildcat for a semi-auto handgun.

[murf205]

Why does it need a compensator?

[jsam]

I have 3 revolvers in 45ACP.
Love them all. 4" 625. 5" 625. 5.5 " bisley convertible. Dont have a favorite one.

[wl620]

Why!

I've never understood using an auto pistol cartridge in a revolver.
Why! He say’s. Why not?
My number 1 reason would be I don’t have to chase brass!
#2 I don’t have to worry about swapping springs or beating my 1911 to death with 454424’s
#3 Call me old fashioned but I prefer a revolver over an auto, for several reasons but my favorite is;”Six for sure.”
# 4 commonality of ammunition
#5 if you already have a 1911 or 6 why not buy a cool wheeler that shoots the same ammunition? ( I know this kind of goes with #4) just sayin.
I’m sure there’s a lot more that could be added to the list but that’ll do for now.
To each his own I guess.
To the O.P. Nice 45’s that is a good find.

[ddixie884]

Skeeter said many moons ago 'the best .45autos were wheelguns' or something like that. I own a coupla 1911 variants but I think I have 12 revolvers that will shoot .45acp....

[BKS]

I just sent the money for my first, a 625-6 with a 5” barrel.
I hope to pu a 325 or one of the Thunder Ranch guns in the future.

[Harter66]

The 2 I have are 1917s from 1918 . Both have .453 throats , .451 grooves .

I like the moon clips it makes picking up brass pretty easy .
I have 5-600 45 AR brass .

I paper patched a .448 dia 430421 which shot ok . The 454424 and NOE copy not so much . 200s in about any form shoot well .

I'd really like to have a 230 gr RNFP shaped like the 358-158 Lee .
I do have a 454424 HP but haven't cast it yet . The NOE with the large pins did shoot ok but were gifted to me .

I wish I had a 453421 ........to bad it's not a thing .
A 230 shaped like the 454424 or moving the crimp groove down about a drive band on the 423 .
Probably the SWC 45-230 CM would be great .

The 2nd is a bubba gun reamed to case mouth head space for 45 S&W . It has to have AR or clips for ACP . Yes it's a dandy hot loaded Schofield .

I like the 2nd example but would be quite happy with the first finish and the seconds grips .

[murf205]

On my 3rd trip to the range with my new-to me- 625-3 it showed me what it wanted to be fed.291707 I am really starting to like this gun. 291708 Probably because it shoots these so well. 6.7 gr of Accurate #5 and a 253 gr Accurate molds boolit. 45"shorts" dont beat the bejesus out of the shooter and are just plain fun to shoot.

[beshears]

Picked up a S&W 1917 today at Tulsa Gun show. Brazilian contract stamped 1937 45 ACP. Found full moon clips at the show also. I already load for 45 ACP so I will try it out tomorrow.

[Harter66]

Picked up a S&W 1917 today at Tulsa Gun show. Brazilian contract stamped 1937 45 ACP. Found full moon clips at the show also. I already load for 45 ACP so I will try it out tomorrow.

If you decide you want a bunch of clips , Revolver Supply I believe is the supplier for Midway and Wilson Combat . Get a buddy and split 100 . They go from $1.25+ for 5 or 10 to $0.75 ea for 100 . Let your buddy pay the shipping and keep the extra trial clips yourself :) . Or not ...... I got 105 about 6 yr ago for $82 shipped and split with a buddy that had a brand new Governor .

A large dia pill bottle makes a perfect storage container for empty clips and a tall pill bottle makes a nice 24-30 round loaded clip magazine depending on your bullet and seating .

[StrawHat]

…I picked these up today from the auction house's FFL. Thanks for looking and any comments! Boats
https://i.ibb.co/JqY4NMZ/DSCN6329.jpg (https://ibb.co/gd0pGBY)…


Hi Boats,

A little late to the party but you have had a month with your new revolvers! How do they shoot? I have several ACP revolvers, (heck, I have several of the Model 22-4) and like them all. The newer ones seem to like boolits better than the 1917s but all can be made to shoot with patience.

I have considered getting the 325 but not sure if I would like a barrel that short. I prefer 4” for carry and even for my house gun. Longer for range work.

292108

Kevin

[boatswainsmate]

Hi Boats,

A little late to the party but you have had a month with your new revolvers! How do they shoot? I have several ACP revolvers, (heck, I have several of the Model 22-4) and like them all. The newer ones seem to like boolits better than the 1917s but all can be made to shoot with patience.

I have considered getting the 325 but not sure if I would like a barrel that short. I prefer 4” for carry and even for my house gun. Longer for range work.

292108

Kevin

Both of the firearms shot well. The 325 went down the road when someone made a offer I couldn't refuse. I'm still looking for a set of factory grips for the Model 22. I like the look of the grips your using with the Tyler T's. Happy Shooting. Boats

[StrawHat]

Hey boats,

Refresh my memory, what were the original stocks on the Model 22-4?

Kevin

[QuackAttack24]

My experience with S&W .45 acp revolvers is that their cylinder throats are huge. My 25-2 has .456" throats.

Same here. I thought the throats on my 25-2 were big at .454.

[boatswainsmate]

Hey boats,

Refresh my memory, what were the original stocks on the Model 22-4?

Kevin

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/archive-model-22-sw-classics-4-blue

[boatswainsmate]

Same here. I thought the throats on my 25-2 were big at .454.

I believe it was a common problem in the early pinned barrel firearms in 45 acp and 45 colt.

[StrawHat]

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/archive-model-22-sw-classics-4-blue

That’s right, a variation of the old service stocks. I like the Magna stocks as they are a bit wider and the grip adapter allows my hand a better purchase on the grip frame.

Kevin

[StrawHat]

I believe it was a common problem in the early pinned barrel firearms in 45 acp and 45 colt.


Not sure it was a common problem but it was a problem especially if you did not cast your own bullets.

SOME revolvers have been reported with oversized throats. Some are okay and some were perfect. Usually only noted by those who were competitive target shooters. Many of those who echo the problem don’t shoot enough to know the difference. I have a Model 25-5 that I have never bothered to measure. The first load I tried with a 260 grain SWC shot well enough for me that I was able to hunt and take many deer with it.

It satisfied my need for that revolver.

My 25-2 shoots well enough with my standard ACP load, I see no need to mess with it.

My newest 25-2 is not been tested.

It really all depends on how you intend to use the piece as to what level of accuracy you can live with comfortably.

Kevin

[StrawHat]

I just got these new stocks for an N frame. The first revolver I could easily grab was my old EDC, a Model 1917 from the Brazilian contract.

307283

They looked fine but I knew they would be a better match on one of my other ACP revolvers. I swapped them around and when I put them on this Model 1950 ACP Target Revolver, I knew they had found a home.

307284

307285

Ran three cylinders through it to settle them in and she shot great!

Kevin

[StrawHat]

320251

Just to revive this post, my latest ACP revolver. It likes the same load all my others like, the SAECO 453 over a hardball dose of Bullseye, on left. Now working with two other boolits, the 45-283, middle and the Arsenal 45-250-WC.

320252

I will start with hardball doses of powder and see how they do. It will take a lot to unseat the SAECO boolit!

Kevin

[murf205]

Kevin, what speed are you getting out of that 283 boolit. I'll bet that thing hits pretty hard. Is it accurate?

[atfsux]

320272

I realize this likely makes me a pariah here,...but I really enjoy my Governor. I previously never saw the utility of spending money on a .45acp revolver. But the ability to shoot 3 calibers (actually 5 if we count .45Schofield and ..45AutoRim) was too much to resist. Plus, I've long wanted to be able to carry .410 Dragon's Breath as potential riot medicine. I also like how intimidating it appears when drawn down on someone. It's like seeing the largest snubnosed EVAR pointed at you.

[murf205]

Pariah or not, you must not be alone in thinking that because they sell pretty well.

[StrawHat]

Kevin, what speed are you getting out of that 283 boolit. I'll bet that thing hits pretty hard. Is it accurate?

I have not had it out to target in yet. November is our busiest month as everyone suddenly realizes they need their knives sharpened for Thanksgiving ! December is only slightly less busy with Hanukkah and Christmas, ( Yes, I am also a Kosher knife sharpener).

And speed? I will have no idea as I do not need a chronograph. I need a load that groups accurately enough for the sport at hand. The 45-283 will start over 5.0 grains of Bullseye. It will go up slowly until groups start to fade. I will shoot it from 5 or 6 revolvers and see what it does for an average. With at least a dozen ACP revolvers, I look for a load that is accurate in all of them. I am not interested in finding a specific load for each revolver. If I take up Bullseye or PPC, then maybe I will dial in a specific load but realistically, a good load is a good load. A specific load MIGHT be a bit more accurate but …

I will keep you posted.

Kevin

[45 Dragoon]

My 2 favorite 45acp revolvers are my Uberti '60 Army's with Walt Kirst's cylinders!! They are both very accurate and +p ammo seems to be the preferred ammo. Definitely correct the "short arbor" with this setup for best results!!

Mike

[JimCunn]

I also have the Uberti 1860 and Kirst .45 acp conversion.
Thanks, Mike for your advice. You were a big help.
It's rapidly becoming my favorite handgun.

[Kosh75287]

The "utility" of a .45 ACP revolver may have come and gone (unless your last name is Miculek), but I have always wanted one, "just because". If, for some bizarre reason, I was constrained to carry a revolver for personal defense, it would certainly be one of the N-frame S&Ws in .45 ACP. Since I can now carry what I want, my need for one of these is less immediate, but my WISH for one has not abated one bit.
For the right money, I'D get one just because they are very wonderful works of firearm art.

[StrawHat]

Here is the birth year revolver my wife convinced me to buy. It is a Model 1950, 45 ACP, Target revolver. Here is how it came to me with the Magna stocks numbered to the revolver.

324909

324910

Here it is with my preferred set up, smooth elk magnas and a grip adapter.

324911

Well! We got photo bombed! The newest Model 1950 is the top revolver with the shiny grip adapter and the smooth elk magnas. The bottom revolver is also a Model 1950 but it has caribou Magnas and a grip adapter.

Back to the birth year revolver, here it is with what may become my favorite stocks for this revolver, maple magnas with the shiny adapter.

324912

324913

These are a special set of magnas. They were a gift to me from the stock maker. I am humbled to have received them.

Kevin

[shooting on a shoestring]

StrawHat thanks for posting the pics. Nice to see your beautiful old 45’s. Those maple magna’s are glorious! You are blest Sir!

[StrawHat]

StrawHat thanks for posting the pics. Nice to see your beautiful old 45’s. Those maple magna’s are glorious! You are blest Sir!


Thank you. Blest?, indeed. My wife found that revolver on a forum of which I am a member and asked if I knew about it. When I told her the seller had contacted me before listing it, and I passed on it, well, that is when the discussion started.

As for the stocks, they were a gift from a stock maker. I sent him two chunks of fiddleback maple fire logs. He was surprised at the gift and after checking around, discovered that I like magnas and N frames. He specializes in Target and Ropers. But a couple of months go by and a package with these stocks show up! I was floored. He was pleased that I sent the timber with no strings attached and chose to make the Magnas as a thank you. What a gentleman! He said Magnas present a fitting problem because they should be sanded to a perfect fit on the frame. These fit very well, considering he did not have my revolver.

They are very special to me, as is that revolver so I think they will stay together.

Kevin