I want a .45ACP revolver.

N

Nightcrawler

New member
There's no getting around it. I've been trying to talk myself into a .357, which would be both easier to come by and cheaper to feed, and have no doubts about such a weapon's utility. However, I can't help but want a (double action) revolver in .45ACP.

What are my options?

-Used 1917. I want one of these, but not at first. I like the way it points, looks, and feels, but want my "primary" .45 revolver to be able to handle +P loads. Also, the 1917 has pretty crude sights.
-Taurus Tracker. Good carry gun, but only holds five shots. I want a six shooter at first, and a Taurus later.
-S&W 625. The most obvious choice, and I like the 5" barrel. But what's the deal with S&W these days?
-Dan Wesson 7460. The strongest choice, with interchangable barrels, and the ability to fire everything from .45 Super to .45 Win Mag. But they're almost $800 each, and that's kind of rich for my blood.

Also, who makes good moon clips and where does one get them?

So. Advice?
 
Also, who makes good moon clips and where does one get them?
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In my rather biased opinion, there is no such thing as "good" moon clips. All moon clips are a pain in the rear, and the quality from one to another is not that much IMO. They will eventually fail and break, the key is to have many "spares" so that you always have one to load your revolver with. After going through many moon clips and getting the same results (problems), I gave up on them and the revolver that used them--in my case it was a different caliber and model than what you are getting though.

The only two revolvers I would recommend for your needs is the S&W 625 and Taurus Tracker. Since you like 6 rounds, seriously consider the 625.
 
Of course you want a .45 ACP revolver. S'matter of fact, you need a .45 ACP revolver. Your life is not complete without one.

I'd suggest an older 5" 625; maybe a -4 at the lastest. That way you still get the sweet fine bead-blasted finish and the flash-chromed trigger & hammer. Downside is that they comand pretty heavy $$$ on the used market, but you'll still save maybe $100 over a new one and have a much more aesthetically pleasing gun with no keyhole marring the frame.

Here's my 5" dash-four, just in case you've forgotten... ;)
 

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Curious as to why you want one.
It's a fine cartridge, but if it's just the hole size, why pick that over 45 LC?

youngun
 
I have a Tracker 4" in 45 colt and I think barring the Ribber grips it would be a great carry gun. It is accurate and has low recoil. I would highly reccomend one in 45 acp if that is your hankerin'. It is just about the size of my S&W 65 and it handles just as well with a little muzzle weight. The only thing that keeps it from being fantastic is the lack of aftermarket grips.
 
I have a 1917 Smith, one of the ones made for Brazil in 1938. Lots of these came back into the US 10 or 15 years ago. Mine has the Brazilian crest on the sideplate. I have added Pachmayr rubber grips since the wooden ones it came with were oil soaked and too small to get a good grip on the gun anyway.

An adjustable sight, the Evans Wondersight, was available for 1917s when I bought mine. Some may still be around if you look hard. The Evans sight replaces the screws already on the gun with screws supplied. It goes on easily and allows some adjustment for different loads. Mine didn't adjust exactly but it was a lot better than the issue groove in the top strap.

I got 100 moon clips from Ranch Products years ago. I've had very few problems loading, unloading or using them. With them the 1917 is the fastest loading/reloading revolver in the house. I bought a simple tool to unload them, a piece of steel tube with a knurled grip and a step cut in one end to fit the base of the .45 cartridge. LaPrade is another place to find clips.

If I was buying a .45 revolver now, however, I'd get a Smith 625. Better sights, better steel, and a very cool gun. I'd get the three or four inch version so if I took a notion to shoot IDPA matches I'd be able to use it there. There are occasional deals on the longer barreled 625s in Gun List.

There may not be that much difference in power between .45 Colt and .45ACP in the 625. I've heard that they aren't rated for the real planet wrecker .45 Colt loads like some other revolvers are.
 
Well, I guess that settles it then. The 625 seems to be the best choice. I hope I can find a used one in good shape, though I'm not counting on it. The used market around here is rather limited.

And Smith just had to go and put the keylock, right? That doesn't bother me on a Taurus, 'cause Tauri have had 'em evers since I can remember.

I could live with it, I suppose, but would prefer one without.
 
I love the 625 and, in particular, that picture of Tamara's 625. That photo's shown up from time to time and it did the following for me. Clued me in to how great it could look, made me want one, made me need one, and now it just helps reassure me that I made the right choice.
I went with a 4", changed to some nice rosewood grips and carry it every day. It's just a three pound chunk of comfort.
 
"The used market around here is rather limited."

Nitecrawler, this is the 21st century, the market is unlimited. Keep an eye on the on-line aution sites and check Gunlist. I am sure you can find one in short order.
 
-Dan Wesson 7460. The strongest choice, with interchangable barrels, and the ability to fire everything from .45 Super to .45 Win Mag. But they're almost $800 each, and that's kind of rich for my blood.
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Are they really that much? I can't find anyone actually selling new DW's, so I can't ascertain how well their MSRP's represent real street prices. The prices I see on Pointmans, compared to their MSRP's, leads me to believe that a new DW would be quite a bit less than its list price. At least I hope so!
 
Buying online

I'm...uncomfortable...with buying a gun (for which I'll have no warranty) before I cant take a look at it up close.

And besides, I don't know how these online operations work with Michigan handgun law.
 
I think you could find the gun you want on the Net, or in Gun List or Shotgun News, then go to the dealer you know best and have him order it for you. A lot of sellers allow a three day (no firing) inspection period.

I ordered the Smith 1917 I mentioned above that way, and several other guns with no problems.
 
Hell Nightcrawler that's the easy part. The gun MUST be shipped to an FFL. Then the local laws take over same as if the dealer had it in his display case all along.
 
Nightcrawler,
I can't comment on your states laws, but can only report positive results from several purchases through AuctionArms. I have both bought and sold, all with great results.
Truthfully, every firearm I have bought has been in better condition than described.
Oh, by the way, I got my Model of 1989 625 through AuctionArms, well under the NIB price.
 
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