.45 ACP versus .357 magnum

R

RWK

New member
Gentlemen:

This post concerns a choice between two weapon/ammunition combinations for personal defense in my home and in public settings, including driving.

During the recent past, I have carried a full-sized stainless Kimber Custom/Classic with two Wilson 10 round magazines loaded with 230 grain .45 ACP Hydra-Shok. While this is a large "concealed" sidearm, I have always believed this weapon/load combination would be highly effective. In addition, my Kimber has not jammed or misfired in the last 2000+ rounds (I did experience a 1 to 2 percent jam rate during an approximate 500 round break-in period).

I am now considering the occasional use of a S&W 627 (stainless "N" frame, five-inch barrel with full under-lung) in lieu of the Kimber. I would use 158 grain .357 magnum Hydra-Shoks and would probably carry a couple speed loaders.

I feel VERY comfortable with both firearms and believe my tactical accuracy would be essential equal.

The knowledge provided by TFL members has been a BIG help in making firearms decisions. Accordingly, I would appreciate your analyses, opinions and experiences. However, for this thread only, please keep it to my Kimber 1911A1-type versus my Smith 627.

Many thanks.



[This message has been edited by RWK (edited February 05, 2000).]
 
Save some weight and some money. Both guns are about the same size, but those 1911's weigh quite a few ounces less than the 627. Those 627's are not easy to come by use and the newer ones are only coming from the Performance Center, commanding a premium price. If you wish to match the performance of a .357 Magnum, feed your Kimber a dose of 45 Supers. Change to a heavier spring and shoot them, check for reliability.

OR, stick to the original plan. That is a good excuse to justify the purchase of another gun. Wonder if my wife will buy that one.

Robert

[This message has been edited by Robert the41MagFan (edited February 05, 2000).]
 
If you are comfortable with both guns and your "tactical" accuracy is the same, then I suppose you could use either one. I can tell you that the five inch N-frame will be tougher to tote around concealed. Like me, it is kind of on the hefty side.
 
Well, if the Texas DPS and Rangers know what they are talking about, the 357 SIG beats the 230, 200, and 200 +P 45, is as good as the Magnum, and can be had in much handier pkgs too. :)

You can always find a reason to buy another "excaliber"?

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>>>>---->
 
Greetings Poster's, If you own a Kimber that
you can readily depend on :rolleyes:, then
I would lean towards the use of it. As my
friend Robert, the 41MagFan has stated; the
627 is very heavy and not as easy to conceal.
I would take the Kimber, load her up with
Federal 230 grain JHP Hydra Shok's; and be
ready for the first prep that happened by!!!
On the subject of home defense, wouldn't you
rather have a large caliber that stayed inside the prep (or at least inside the dwelling); or would you rather have a fast
projectile (1200 to 1500 fps, depending on
your choice of magnum ammo) that sailed
completely through your home and killed your
next door neighbor's grandmother? Think about
your choice's; because if you select the
second choice, be sure and let us know what
prison we need to send your care package's
to? Most D/A's would hang you by your private
parts!!! :eek:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

Message edited by Dan H. Ford on 02-05-00
 
The .45 would be my choice. The fact that it holds more ammo and offers fast reloads would be one deciding factor, the fact that it offers fast and controlable double taps and the ability to engage multiple targets efficiently would be another. The .45 has less flash and the fact that the .45 operates at much lower pressure than the .357 would be another deciding factor, a .357 would certainly cause you much more hearing damage if fired inside a room or car.
smileyshot2.gif
 
I'd go for .45 ACP. If you want a faster round, you can always shoot 165 grain HP's @ about 1250 fps. The .357 was designed for penetration in cars. I am certain it works fairly well in that role, but who hunts cars?
 
If you are using the .357 for concealed carry, you may want to go shoot it in low light conditions first. I recently did this and was surprised by how severe the muzzle flash is with the .357. I mean I knew it was bad, but even factory Corbon loads that are supposed to be low flash make it damn tough to see the sights after the first shot. If you intend to carry a 5" N-frame, consider the 625 in .45 ACP.

John
 
Firing a gun IN your car or while seated in the gun is never pretty nor enjoyable.
I carry a variety of guns and in a .357 have NO problem with .38 Special +P's. Very effective without the brutality.

------------------
Specialists in the use and training of lethal force.
 
Thanks to everyone for the excellent input. It's nice to have a wide choice of options. I certainly like my Kimber, and agree the 1911A1/230 grain Hydra-Shok combination is a proven, potent one.

Then again, I like the "N" frame Smith 627 . . . . and the Sig P-226 (.357 Sig/.40 S&W) and P-220 (.45 ACP), too.

Based on my "gut" feeling and all your good advice, I suspect I'll keep carrying the Kimber with 230 grain Hydra-Shocks.

Thanks again for your sound recommendations.
 
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