Double Tap in 45 acp . . .

Prof Young · July 4, 2024, 03:24 PM

So I've been looking for something chambered in 45 acp that is not a 1911. Have had a lot of great suggestions (see post in semi auto forum). I think I assumed it would be a semi auto.

Well, the local LGS has a double tap in 45 acp. Now before anyone gets all riled up . . . THIS WILL BE A RANGE TOY NOT A CARRY GUN. :-)

If you have one or have shot one, please talk to me.

I suspect it is hard on the hands, but that may not be enough to slow me down. They want $468 for it. I think it's used.

Life is good.
Prof Young

44caliberkid · July 4, 2024, 03:42 PM

Ridiculous. Put the same money down for a Charter Arms Pitbull and have something that will still hurt your hand, but at least potentially have some practical value, even though it’s a range toy.

MC 1911 · July 4, 2024, 04:24 PM

Having tried one I can without hesitation say DON'T do it. I like my .44 mag & 45's but the DT is the most painful thing I've ever had the pleasure of trying. Seriously it isn't a range gun.

Save your money & get something you will really enjoy because this isn't it!!

**Aguila Blanca** · July 4, 2024, 09:49 PM

Review: https://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/...pistol-review/

Does not sound like a particularly enjoyable "toy."

DaleA · July 5, 2024, 02:05 AM

Good advice from all those that posted above.
Don't get it.
.....
Unless you want to.
.....
My friend bought a Mossberg 12 gauge 590 Shockwave...the shorty pistol grip "non-shotgun".
"I went full retard on that one," he's admitted, but he said it with a smile and now he knows about the thing (and so do I, he let me shoot a few rounds thru it...something I'm not sure I'll ever do again) and he's got stories to tell.
As you say, 'life is good', but as we get on we find it shorter than we'd like.
Good luck.

Shadow9mm · July 5, 2024, 02:46 AM

My main concern is that it would wind up being more of a project gun than a range toy.

But if your not planning on using it for defensive purposes, you understand what your getting into, and you like it, go for it.

jstert · July 5, 2024, 09:46 AM

a bond arms derringer with large grips is absolutely no fun in 45acp. anything smaller can only be worse.

Prof Young · July 5, 2024, 12:27 PM

Okay. I'm convinced to pass on this one.

Tell me about the Charter Arms Pitbull.

Life is good.
Prof Young

MC 1911 · July 5, 2024, 03:06 PM

Good decision! Another you should consider if you can find one would be a S&W Model 25!!
Available in 45 acp & 45 LC.

Ricklin · July 6, 2024, 11:09 AM

IMO the Charter Arms pitbull was made to carry a lot and shoot a little. 5 shot inexpensive revolver chambered in .44 special.
I have not owned one, IMO rather largish for a carry piece.

Wag · July 6, 2024, 12:13 PM

Sig P220. Great range toy and if you ever do decide you'll carry it, good for that, too.

--Wag--

44caliberkid · July 6, 2024, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricklin

IMO the Charter Arms pitbull was made to carry a lot and shoot a little. 5 shot inexpensive revolver chambered in .44 special.
I have not owned one, IMO rather largish for a carry piece.

The Pitbull is not an inexpensive revolver, at least I don’t consider $500 to be inexpensive. Also not 44 Special, it is 45 ACP. Doesn’t use moon clips, has an ejector that works with the rimless cartridge. It is smaller than the Charter Bulldog (the 44 Special) New Charter pistols are pretty well made with good customer service if you did have a problem.
https://charterfirearms.com/collections/pitbull/45-acp

Ricklin · July 7, 2024, 11:38 AM

Sorry was thinking of the old Charter. Never mind.

Super Sneaky Steve · August 1, 2024, 01:15 PM

Gunbroker has a used Pitbull in 45 going for $275 right now. There's a brand new one for $333 with a buy it now price of $499.

I have a S&W Nightguard 45 which is a light weight N frame and it has plenty of recoil. I would never want to even try a Doubletap.

The Pitbull is a revolver I'd like to own someday.

FITASC · August 1, 2024, 05:24 PM

If you want a range toy in 45acp, a S&W 25-2 would be a lot of fun to shoot and allow you to easily keep you brass for reloading

Drm50 · August 2, 2024, 10:31 PM

I would go for the m25-2. I good investment and a worthy accurate revolver. Charter Arms are second rate firearms. You get what you pay for. My boy got out of school back in 80s when this area was hard hit with shutdowns. He decided to go to police school. I sold ammo, targets and misc to the police school. My boy could ruin a bowling ball in a padded room when he was a teen. So I bought a new CA Police Bulldog 4” for the boy. 1st range day he came home with a message for me from head instructor. I won’t go into exact wording but was a threat If I didn’t send kid back with decent gun. Next day he had one of my 4” m19s and lived happily ever after. There is no second place firearms. If it’s not quality it’s a toy.

Ricklin · August 3, 2024, 12:15 PM

Charter is not the same company today. The old Charter arms revolvers were of questionable quality. IMO, they worked to be carried a lot and shot a little. I don't have an opinion on the new Charter arms guns.

rmh3481 · August 3, 2024, 01:04 PM

The older 44 Specials are the best ones. Ours shoots very straight, and is fun to shoot. I reload for it using AA5 or IMR Blue so I can tailor the loads. The 240gr flat point is what Ive been using.

**44 AMP** · August 3, 2024, 01:37 PM

I believe that the Double Tap and guns like it are intended to be used twice. Once when you get it, to ensure it works, and after that, only fired at extreme need.

Small, flat, light in a service class cartridge = heavy recoil. There's no free lunch.

Rudimentary sights, a 12lb trigger and barrels not regulated to a single point of impact means you won't get much accuracy, but considering what the gun is meant to do, you don't need much.

Carried (alot?) and used only at dire need, at arms length (or less!) I see it as the pistol equivalent of a punch dagger, not useful for much else but adequate for its intended purpose.

For a non-1911 pattern .45ACP (one that you can actually shoot often) I have 3. A Browning BDA 45 (Sig P220 early version) which I think is an outstandingly good semi auto pistol, a Ruger new model Blackhawk in .45 convertible, and a 1917 Webley Mk VI that someone (barely) shaved to allow it to use .45acp BRASS. .45acp AMMO is too hot for that gun.

My Blackhawk using the ACP cylinder is fun, turns the .45acp into a tame mild recoiling round, is as accurate as I am (and the gun has adjustable sights) and you only pick up your fired brass off the ground if you drop it,

Downside? large heavy SA revolver (if that matters) and for me, since it also runs the .45 Colt, it almost never gets used with acp ammo.

SIGSHR · August 3, 2024, 02:48 PM

Looks a modern style Remington Double Derringer. Prefer the traditional version myself. Used in its intended tactical niche-a belly gun or card table distance-it will do.

FITASC · August 5, 2024, 12:04 AM

Quote:

If it’s not quality it’s a toy.

Nope, it becomes a paper weight

Adventurer 2 · August 7, 2024, 04:34 PM

A few years ago, at a gun show, a table had amazing prices on the Double Tap 45 -- like $200 new. I was going to buy one, but the guy behind the table was shaking his head, saying he wouldn't take one for free. He said it was a very painful firearm to use. I didn't buy the double tap.

Oldrifle · August 7, 2024, 08:29 PM

Its potential to become more of a project gun than a range toy is my biggest worry. I'll gladly pass since I've tried one before.

July 4, 2024, 03:24 PM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,508	Double Tap in 45 acp . . . So I've been looking for something chambered in 45 acp that is not a 1911. Have had a lot of great suggestions (see post in semi auto forum). I think I assumed it would be a semi auto. Well, the local LGS has a double tap in 45 acp. Now before anyone gets all riled up . . . THIS WILL BE A RANGE TOY NOT A CARRY GUN. :-) If you have one or have shot one, please talk to me. I suspect it is hard on the hands, but that may not be enough to slow me down. They want $468 for it. I think it's used. Life is good. Prof Young

July 4, 2024, 09:49 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,033	Review: https://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/...pistol-review/ Does not sound like a particularly enjoyable "toy." __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

July 5, 2024, 02:46 AM	#6
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 4,591	My main concern is that it would wind up being more of a project gun than a range toy. But if your not planning on using it for defensive purposes, you understand what your getting into, and you like it, go for it. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

July 5, 2024, 12:27 PM	#8
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,508	Hmmm . . . Okay. Okay. I'm convinced to pass on this one. Tell me about the Charter Arms Pitbull. Life is good. Prof Young

July 6, 2024, 11:09 AM	#10
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,370	IMO the Charter Arms pitbull was made to carry a lot and shoot a little. 5 shot inexpensive revolver chambered in .44 special. I have not owned one, IMO rather largish for a carry piece. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

July 4, 2024, 03:42 PM	#2
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,270	Ridiculous. Put the same money down for a Charter Arms Pitbull and have something that will still hurt your hand, but at least potentially have some practical value, even though it’s a range toy.

July 4, 2024, 04:24 PM	#3
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 418	Having tried one I can without hesitation say DON'T do it. I like my .44 mag & 45's but the DT is the most painful thing I've ever had the pleasure of trying. Seriously it isn't a range gun. Save your money & get something you will really enjoy because this isn't it!!

July 5, 2024, 02:05 AM	#5
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,384	Good advice from all those that posted above. Don't get it. ..... Unless you want to. ..... My friend bought a Mossberg 12 gauge 590 Shockwave...the shorty pistol grip "non-shotgun". "I went full retard on that one," he's admitted, but he said it with a smile and now he knows about the thing (and so do I, he let me shoot a few rounds thru it...something I'm not sure I'll ever do again) and he's got stories to tell. As you say, 'life is good', but as we get on we find it shorter than we'd like. Good luck.

July 5, 2024, 09:46 AM	#7
jstert Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2013 Posts: 222	a bond arms derringer with large grips is absolutely no fun in 45acp. anything smaller can only be worse.

July 5, 2024, 03:06 PM	#9
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 418	Good decision! Another you should consider if you can find one would be a S&W Model 25!! Available in 45 acp & 45 LC.

July 6, 2024, 12:13 PM	#11
Wag Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2010 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 1,010	Sig P220. Great range toy and if you ever do decide you'll carry it, good for that, too. --Wag-- __________________ "Great genius will always encounter fierce opposition from mediocre minds." --Albert Einstein.

July 7, 2024, 11:38 AM	#13
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,370	Sorry was thinking of the old Charter. Never mind. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

August 1, 2024, 01:15 PM	#14
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,324	Gunbroker has a used Pitbull in 45 going for $275 right now. There's a brand new one for $333 with a buy it now price of $499. I have a S&W Nightguard 45 which is a light weight N frame and it has plenty of recoil. I would never want to even try a Doubletap. The Pitbull is a revolver I'd like to own someday.

August 1, 2024, 05:24 PM	#15
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,638	If you want a range toy in 45acp, a S&W 25-2 would be a lot of fun to shoot and allow you to easily keep you brass for reloading __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 2, 2024, 10:31 PM	#16
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,491	I would go for the m25-2. I good investment and a worthy accurate revolver. Charter Arms are second rate firearms. You get what you pay for. My boy got out of school back in 80s when this area was hard hit with shutdowns. He decided to go to police school. I sold ammo, targets and misc to the police school. My boy could ruin a bowling ball in a padded room when he was a teen. So I bought a new CA Police Bulldog 4” for the boy. 1st range day he came home with a message for me from head instructor. I won’t go into exact wording but was a threat If I didn’t send kid back with decent gun. Next day he had one of my 4” m19s and lived happily ever after. There is no second place firearms. If it’s not quality it’s a toy.

August 3, 2024, 12:15 PM	#17
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,370	I was reminded Charter is not the same company today. The old Charter arms revolvers were of questionable quality. IMO, they worked to be carried a lot and shot a little. I don't have an opinion on the new Charter arms guns. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

August 3, 2024, 01:04 PM	#18
rmh3481 Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2015 Location: Western Pa Posts: 108	The older 44 Specials are the best ones. Ours shoots very straight, and is fun to shoot. I reload for it using AA5 or IMR Blue so I can tailor the loads. The 240gr flat point is what Ive been using.

August 3, 2024, 01:37 PM	#19
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 30,433	I believe that the Double Tap and guns like it are intended to be used twice. Once when you get it, to ensure it works, and after that, only fired at extreme need. Small, flat, light in a service class cartridge = heavy recoil. There's no free lunch. Rudimentary sights, a 12lb trigger and barrels not regulated to a single point of impact means you won't get much accuracy, but considering what the gun is meant to do, you don't need much. Carried (alot?) and used only at dire need, at arms length (or less!) I see it as the pistol equivalent of a punch dagger, not useful for much else but adequate for its intended purpose. For a non-1911 pattern .45ACP (one that you can actually shoot often) I have 3. A Browning BDA 45 (Sig P220 early version) which I think is an outstandingly good semi auto pistol, a Ruger new model Blackhawk in .45 convertible, and a 1917 Webley Mk VI that someone (barely) shaved to allow it to use .45acp BRASS. .45acp AMMO is too hot for that gun. My Blackhawk using the ACP cylinder is fun, turns the .45acp into a tame mild recoiling round, is as accurate as I am (and the gun has adjustable sights) and you only pick up your fired brass off the ground if you drop it, Downside? large heavy SA revolver (if that matters) and for me, since it also runs the .45 Colt, it almost never gets used with acp ammo. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

August 3, 2024, 02:48 PM	#20
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,712	Looks a modern style Remington Double Derringer. Prefer the traditional version myself. Used in its intended tactical niche-a belly gun or card table distance-it will do.

August 7, 2024, 04:34 PM	#22
Adventurer 2 Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2006 Posts: 694	A few years ago, at a gun show, a table had amazing prices on the Double Tap 45 -- like $200 new. I was going to buy one, but the guy behind the table was shaking his head, saying he wouldn't take one for free. He said it was a very painful firearm to use. I didn't buy the double tap.

August 7, 2024, 08:29 PM	#23
Oldrifle Junior Member Join Date: October 26, 2022 Posts: 13	Its potential to become more of a project gun than a range toy is my biggest worry. I'll gladly pass since I've tried one before.