Best DA revolver in 45 LC?

Radny97 · October 17, 2015, 10:23 PM

Lets just say I was in the market for a double action revolver in 45 long colt for $1000 or less. What's the best revolver out there in that price range, new or used?

Bill Siegle · October 17, 2015, 11:26 PM

Best one IMHO is the S&W Mountain Gun. Hard to find but worth the search

Model12Win · October 18, 2015, 12:09 AM

The new Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt/.45 ACP.

An awesome gun, and a real manstopper with either cartridge, or a good bear stopper with max power .45 Colt +Ps.

Kosh75287 · October 18, 2015, 01:51 AM

Will you be running mainly factory-level loads (250gr. @ 850 f/s) through the revolver, or do you anticipate the use of more powerful loads on a regular basis? The S&W's action is likely more "tuneable" to give you best accuracy, but may not stand up to a steady diet of heavier loads. The Redhawk's action is less amenable to tuning, but is somewhat more robust, so regular use of more emphatic loads is unlikely to loosen it as rapidly or as much.

I'm not sure that the S&W can be made to shoot twice as accurately as the Redhawk. I'm pretty certain that the Redhawk will tolerate higher pressure loads twice as long (or more) as the S&W. All factors being equal, I'd probably go with the Redhawk, but I might regret the decision later.

Model12Win · October 18, 2015, 11:51 AM

Sounds like if you want to run +P .45 Colt, you shkuld get the Ruger. Way stronger!!

TraumaRN · October 18, 2015, 02:19 PM

Go with the RedHawK in 45 Colt/ACP. Durable and versatile. ACP for cheaper plinking/defense or 45 Colt for defense/ hunting. Trigger can be sweetened with a Wolffe 14# spring.

Real Gun · October 18, 2015, 06:17 PM

I would buy the Smith & Wesson and forget the heavy loads over 20k psi and bear hunter bullets. All of the 45 Colt remaining issues have been worked out in 44 Magnum. The nice trigger with separate spring is in the Super Redhawk, which is 44 Magnum only. The Redhawk 45 Colt, which I own, is a massive gun for just shooting SAAMI spec ammo. The trigger can't be tuned particularly when sharing the hammer spring. so I find the DA action long, heavy, and stagey. I shoot it exclusively single action but enjoy the swing out cylinder. I tried a step down in spring and it was mushy feeling. The 45 Colt is more in its element in single action guns.

Radny97 · October 18, 2015, 08:06 PM

Well I probably would like to take it into grizzly country occasional so +p capability would be nice. The grip on the new 45acp/45lc Redhawk looks really small to me with likely few aftermarket options. And I have very large hands so I like the largest grips possible on most guns. But I am worried about what's been said about the single spring trigger on the Redhawk. What other revolvers can handle 45lc +p loads?

Model12Win · October 18, 2015, 08:26 PM

Not many.

The Ruger Redhawk is about the only DA I know of that can handle them. The others are all single actions, which aren't bad.

Don't fool around, and just get the Redhawk. Ruger revolvers are built tougher than bull snot. A LOT toughter than bull snot, which actually isn't very tough at all. It's just snot.

If the grips are too small, I think the rubbers that come on the other new Redhawks will fit this gun. Keep in mind you will be able to shoot .45 ACPs which are much cheaper and there are some real nice defense loads in .45 ACP for defense against human beings, and when the time comes, you can load up the gun with the maximum power anti-Ursidae grizzle thumpin .45 Colt +P torpedoes. Mammoth stopping power with those.

Whatever you decide OP, make sure you go with the Ruger.

Radny97 · October 18, 2015, 09:09 PM

I love Rugers so that is what I lean towards but I wanted to make sure I was not leaving out other good options.

Super Sneaky Steve · October 18, 2015, 09:18 PM

Taurus 450 (used) for carry. Get the titanium 5 shot and it's as light as your J-frame .38.

For everything else get a Redhawk.

BigJakeJ1s · October 18, 2015, 11:03 PM

The Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull will handle ANY 45 Colt loads. Available in 7.5", 5" or 2.5" (Alaskan). Grips interchangeable with GP100.

Andy

Model12Win · October 19, 2015, 12:03 AM

Quote:

The Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull will handle ANY 45 Colt loads. Available in 7.5", 5" or 2.5" (Alaskan). Grips interchangeable with GP100.

Andy

Well the S&W Model 460 can also shoot .460 Magnum.

OP, maybe you should look into that. Will handle any and all .45 Colt and .454 Casull loads, plus .460 magnum loads.

Real Gun · October 19, 2015, 07:09 AM

The better bet, given the interest in 45 Colt "+p" carried for bear, would be the 4.25" Redhawk. The other guns in the big calibers have long barrels that are not that easy to carry and would be awkward in close quarters. I don't know about the 460 idea, because the X-frame Smith is just way more gun than a person of average build should be expected to handle.

pete2 · October 19, 2015, 09:44 AM

Get one of the S&W guns, the action is much better and you won't need a sling to carry it. You can even hold up the Smith with 1 hand.

heyjoe · October 19, 2015, 09:59 AM

I second the Taurus 450 for carry. Its very light and easy to carry. Its thesame size as a smithand wesson model 10 but much lighter.

For +P I have a Ruger (Old Model) Vaquero.

mapsjanhere · October 19, 2015, 10:07 AM

After taking out my new Taurus Raging Judge Magnum to the range, it shoots 45LC+P like 38 spc target loads from a S&W 26. For that matter in 454 it's more pleasant than a S&W 29 in 44 mag due to weight and grips. Goes for around $800.

Model12Win · October 19, 2015, 10:44 AM

The Raging Judge Magnum would be very nice, OP.

Plenty o' thump.

JSMidd · October 19, 2015, 06:35 PM

I'm in love with my 4" Ruger Redhawk. Carry it every day. The new ones with the .45 ACP moon clips look pretty cool, too.

Super Sneaky Steve · October 19, 2015, 08:53 PM

For the woods

For everyday

SaxonPig · October 19, 2015, 09:18 PM

Just my opinion...

If I want a 44 Magnum I'll buy a 44 Magnum. I won't buy a 45 Colt and try to turn it into a 44 Magnum.

For a revolver to appeal to me it must be functional, be aesthetically pleasing, and have panache. Of course the second two criteria are subjective.

Based on the aesthetics part of the equation all Ruger DA revolvers are out. I find them incredibly unattractive.

I wanted a 45 Colt DA revolver and I knew exactly what I wanted. A S&W Model 25-5 with a pinned 4" barrel (pre 1982). I fail to see the logic in a barrel over 4" for the 45 Colt. It's not a Magnum so the 4" is perfect. About 2 years ago I got this at a local show from a gun shop dealer with a table for $550. Perfect. Well, nickel would have been perfect...but the blue is nice.

Radny97 · October 19, 2015, 09:34 PM

That is one sexy gun. Too bad they don't make them anymore. S&W seems to have stopped making guns in solely 45lc anymore.

Since I'm worried about the grip on the new 45acp/45lc Redhawk, could I buy the regular 45lc Redhawk and then get a second cylinder in 45 acp for it if I wanted? Anybody know?

skizzums · October 19, 2015, 09:42 PM

isn't the Ruger Alaskan available in your 45's, and small enough to carry? I would not doubt it's also capable of anything you could find to feed it.

I see, it's the Casull, even better, not sure what they run though
http://www.realguns.com/articles/264.htm

this thread has always stuck with me, i'll never get one, but when I dream....
this comes to mind
https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=558970

Radny97 · October 19, 2015, 11:01 PM

I've looked hard at the Ruger Alaskan but since I will probably be taking a trip or two into Canada I need a handgun with a barrel length of 4.2 inches and longer. And I find the Super Redhawk in other barrel lengths unattractive. It looks like they just took an Alaskan and stuck a longer barrel on it as an afterthought.
Cool links btw.

win-lose · October 20, 2015, 09:56 AM

I have both an alaskan and a 4.2 inch redhawk (both in 44 mag). Both are fine guns. The redhawk, with the hogue rubber grips is much more of a handful than the alaskan. Both have really good triggers, and both are very accurate. I tend to prefer the redhawk, even though the alaskan grip fits me better. I cc the redhawk with out issue and it has been one of my main carry guns for several years. I'm carrying the redhawk, at work, as I type this....

October 17, 2015, 10:23 PM	#1
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	Best DA revolver in 45 LC? Lets just say I was in the market for a double action revolver in 45 long colt for $1000 or less. What's the best revolver out there in that price range, new or used?

October 18, 2015, 01:51 AM	#4
Kosh75287 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2007 Posts: 820	What is the Revolver's mission? Will you be running mainly factory-level loads (250gr. @ 850 f/s) through the revolver, or do you anticipate the use of more powerful loads on a regular basis? The S&W's action is likely more "tuneable" to give you best accuracy, but may not stand up to a steady diet of heavier loads. The Redhawk's action is less amenable to tuning, but is somewhat more robust, so regular use of more emphatic loads is unlikely to loosen it as rapidly or as much. I'm not sure that the S&W can be made to shoot twice as accurately as the Redhawk. I'm pretty certain that the Redhawk will tolerate higher pressure loads twice as long (or more) as the S&W. All factors being equal, I'd probably go with the Redhawk, but I might regret the decision later. __________________ GOD BLESS JEFF COOPER, whose instructions, consultations, and publications have probably saved more lives than can ever be reliably calculated. DVC, sir. انجلو. المسلحة. جاهزة. Carpe SCOTCH!

October 19, 2015, 10:07 AM	#17
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	After taking out my new Taurus Raging Judge Magnum to the range, it shoots 45LC+P like 38 spc target loads from a S&W 26. For that matter in 454 it's more pleasant than a S&W 29 in 44 mag due to weight and grips. Goes for around $800. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

October 19, 2015, 06:35 PM	#19
JSMidd Member Join Date: February 4, 2014 Location: Central Washington State Posts: 55	I'm in love with my 4" Ruger Redhawk. Carry it every day. The new ones with the .45 ACP moon clips look pretty cool, too. __________________ "Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon...neither I, my brothers, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us removed our clothes, each took his weapon even to the water." Nehemiah 4

October 19, 2015, 09:42 PM	#23
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	isn't the Ruger Alaskan available in your 45's, and small enough to carry? I would not doubt it's also capable of anything you could find to feed it. I see, it's the Casull, even better, not sure what they run though http://www.realguns.com/articles/264.htm this thread has always stuck with me, i'll never get one, but when I dream.... this comes to mind https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=558970 __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

October 17, 2015, 11:26 PM	#2
Bill Siegle Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 227	Best one IMHO is the S&W Mountain Gun. Hard to find but worth the search

October 18, 2015, 12:09 AM	#3
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	The new Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt/.45 ACP. An awesome gun, and a real manstopper with either cartridge, or a good bear stopper with max power .45 Colt +Ps.

October 18, 2015, 11:51 AM	#5
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Sounds like if you want to run +P .45 Colt, you shkuld get the Ruger. Way stronger!!

October 18, 2015, 02:19 PM	#6
TraumaRN Member Join Date: June 27, 2014 Posts: 46	Go with the RedHawK in 45 Colt/ACP. Durable and versatile. ACP for cheaper plinking/defense or 45 Colt for defense/ hunting. Trigger can be sweetened with a Wolffe 14# spring.

October 18, 2015, 06:17 PM	#7
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	I would buy the Smith & Wesson and forget the heavy loads over 20k psi and bear hunter bullets. All of the 45 Colt remaining issues have been worked out in 44 Magnum. The nice trigger with separate spring is in the Super Redhawk, which is 44 Magnum only. The Redhawk 45 Colt, which I own, is a massive gun for just shooting SAAMI spec ammo. The trigger can't be tuned particularly when sharing the hammer spring. so I find the DA action long, heavy, and stagey. I shoot it exclusively single action but enjoy the swing out cylinder. I tried a step down in spring and it was mushy feeling. The 45 Colt is more in its element in single action guns.

October 18, 2015, 08:06 PM	#8
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	Well I probably would like to take it into grizzly country occasional so +p capability would be nice. The grip on the new 45acp/45lc Redhawk looks really small to me with likely few aftermarket options. And I have very large hands so I like the largest grips possible on most guns. But I am worried about what's been said about the single spring trigger on the Redhawk. What other revolvers can handle 45lc +p loads?

October 18, 2015, 08:26 PM	#9
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Not many. The Ruger Redhawk is about the only DA I know of that can handle them. The others are all single actions, which aren't bad. Don't fool around, and just get the Redhawk. Ruger revolvers are built tougher than bull snot. A LOT toughter than bull snot, which actually isn't very tough at all. It's just snot. If the grips are too small, I think the rubbers that come on the other new Redhawks will fit this gun. Keep in mind you will be able to shoot .45 ACPs which are much cheaper and there are some real nice defense loads in .45 ACP for defense against human beings, and when the time comes, you can load up the gun with the maximum power anti-Ursidae grizzle thumpin .45 Colt +P torpedoes. Mammoth stopping power with those. Whatever you decide OP, make sure you go with the Ruger.

October 18, 2015, 09:09 PM	#10
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	I love Rugers so that is what I lean towards but I wanted to make sure I was not leaving out other good options.

October 18, 2015, 09:18 PM	#11
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	Taurus 450 (used) for carry. Get the titanium 5 shot and it's as light as your J-frame .38. For everything else get a Redhawk.

October 18, 2015, 11:03 PM	#12
BigJakeJ1s Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2005 Location: Arlington TX Posts: 663	The Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull will handle ANY 45 Colt loads. Available in 7.5", 5" or 2.5" (Alaskan). Grips interchangeable with GP100. Andy

October 19, 2015, 07:09 AM	#14
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	The better bet, given the interest in 45 Colt "+p" carried for bear, would be the 4.25" Redhawk. The other guns in the big calibers have long barrels that are not that easy to carry and would be awkward in close quarters. I don't know about the 460 idea, because the X-frame Smith is just way more gun than a person of average build should be expected to handle.

October 19, 2015, 09:44 AM	#15
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	Get one of the S&W guns, the action is much better and you won't need a sling to carry it. You can even hold up the Smith with 1 hand.

October 19, 2015, 09:59 AM	#16
heyjoe Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 438	I second the Taurus 450 for carry. Its very light and easy to carry. Its thesame size as a smithand wesson model 10 but much lighter. For +P I have a Ruger (Old Model) Vaquero.

October 19, 2015, 10:44 AM	#18
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	The Raging Judge Magnum would be very nice, OP. Plenty o' thump.

October 19, 2015, 08:53 PM	#20
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	For the woods For everyday

October 19, 2015, 09:18 PM	#21
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	Just my opinion... If I want a 44 Magnum I'll buy a 44 Magnum. I won't buy a 45 Colt and try to turn it into a 44 Magnum. For a revolver to appeal to me it must be functional, be aesthetically pleasing, and have panache. Of course the second two criteria are subjective. Based on the aesthetics part of the equation all Ruger DA revolvers are out. I find them incredibly unattractive. I wanted a 45 Colt DA revolver and I knew exactly what I wanted. A S&W Model 25-5 with a pinned 4" barrel (pre 1982). I fail to see the logic in a barrel over 4" for the 45 Colt. It's not a Magnum so the 4" is perfect. About 2 years ago I got this at a local show from a gun shop dealer with a table for $550. Perfect. Well, nickel would have been perfect...but the blue is nice.

October 19, 2015, 09:34 PM	#22
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	That is one sexy gun. Too bad they don't make them anymore. S&W seems to have stopped making guns in solely 45lc anymore. Since I'm worried about the grip on the new 45acp/45lc Redhawk, could I buy the regular 45lc Redhawk and then get a second cylinder in 45 acp for it if I wanted? Anybody know?

October 19, 2015, 11:01 PM	#24
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	I've looked hard at the Ruger Alaskan but since I will probably be taking a trip or two into Canada I need a handgun with a barrel length of 4.2 inches and longer. And I find the Super Redhawk in other barrel lengths unattractive. It looks like they just took an Alaskan and stuck a longer barrel on it as an afterthought. Cool links btw.

October 20, 2015, 09:56 AM	#25
win-lose Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2009 Posts: 509	I have both an alaskan and a 4.2 inch redhawk (both in 44 mag). Both are fine guns. The redhawk, with the hogue rubber grips is much more of a handful than the alaskan. Both have really good triggers, and both are very accurate. I tend to prefer the redhawk, even though the alaskan grip fits me better. I cc the redhawk with out issue and it has been one of my main carry guns for several years. I'm carrying the redhawk, at work, as I type this....