Considering a 45ACP or 9mm revolver, what say you?

[1lowlife]

I'm thinking about buying a revolver.
I don't have one.
I once owned a S&W 642 that I bought for pocket carry, but the LCP got that spot and I sold the 642.

I shot a friend's 44mag several years ago, like 1998.
I liked shooting the 44sp rounds, but the 44mag was quite a handful.
I also shot my Dad's Taurus Model 85 and S&W Model 10 that his Dad carried as a Chicago cop a long time ago.
I'd like something a little bigger than a 38sp or 357mag.

Thinking about a 45ACP revolver, but know nothing about them.
Reason I'm consider 45ACP is because I already buy that caliber.
Also, for that reason, considering a 9mm revolver.
But I'm guessing the 9mm will be about even, or less, than the 38sp.

Do all the 45ACP /9mm "auto" revolvers use moon clips?



I'd like info and recommendations on this issue.
Should I get a different caliber?
Can you recommend some guns?
I'm not a fan of Taurus semis, but I hear they make a good wheel gun.
I'm also not S&W's biggest fan, but I would consider one.
Charter Arms, I know nothing about them.
I'd like to keep this purchase under $800, but $600 would be better..

Looking for a 2-4 inch barrel, nothing longer.
May end up carrying it when Barry takes all my semis away..

Any and all info will be appreciated...
Thank you in advance...........1LL

[chupacabrachus]

Originally Posted by 1lowlife

Do all the 45ACP /9mm "auto" revolvers use moon clips?

Nope! Here is one such example:

Ruger 45ACP/ 45colt combo gun.
Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger Flattop Blackhawk 45 Colt / 45ACP

[TonyDedo]

If you want something bigger than a .357, you're not going to find it with a .45ACP. Results will vary with different loads, barrel lengths, etc, but on average they pretty much deliver the same energy. The benefit to a .357 is you can create custom loads on the light (.38 sp) or heavy (.357) end, and it's quite an economical caliber.

If you decide to go with a .45ACP revolver, I HIGHLY recommend a S&W Performance Center 325. The gun is a work of art, and simply a JOY to shoot. If you can't swing the price tag, a S&W 625 with a good action job is a close second place. Both require moon clips (as most 45ACP revolvers will).

If you decide you need a bigger bang, you're looking for a .44mag. Frankly I think carrying a .44 is just a bit silly, and anything shorter than 4" barrel is a waste of gun (I prefer 6" for a .44mag), but that's your call. The upside to a .44 is that if you reload you'll have a lot of flexibility creating custom loads (including 44sp). Of course, you can do the same with a .357/.38sp for a lot less in ammo cost and still generate a lot of energy. Again, I recommend a well tuned S&W, but Ruger also makes a fine gun. Dan Wesson made a phenomenal product, but they're hard to come by (no longer in production, I believe).

I'd stay far, far away from the Taurus revolvers - they look and feel like a cheap S&W knockoff. I've heard some people endorse Charter, but I think you get what you pay for.

[Minkman555]

Originally Posted by 1lowlife

I'm thinking about buying a revolver.
I don't have one.
I once owned a S&W 642 that I bought for pocket carry, but the LCP got that spot and I sold the 642.

I shot a friend's 44mag several years ago, like 1998.
I liked shooting the 44sp rounds, but the 44mag was quite a handful.
I also shot my Dad's Taurus Model 85 and S&W Model 10 that his Dad carried as a Chicago cop a long time ago.
I'd like something a little bigger than a 38sp or 357mag.

Thinking about a 45ACP revolver, but know nothing about them.
Reason I'm consider 45ACP is because I already buy that caliber.
Also, for that reason, considering a 9mm revolver.
But I'm guessing the 9mm will be about even, or less, than the 38sp.

Do all the 45ACP /9mm "auto" revolvers use moon clips?



I'd like info and recommendations on this issue.
Should I get a different caliber?
Can you recommend some guns?
I'm not a fan of Taurus semis, but I hear they make a good wheel gun.
I'm also not S&W's biggest fan, but I would consider one.
Charter Arms, I know nothing about them.
I'd like to keep this purchase under $800, but $600 would be better..

Looking for a 2-4 inch barrel, nothing longer.
May end up carrying it when Barry takes all my semis away..

Any and all info will be appreciated...
Thank you in advance...........1LL

Taurus 905 is awesome LL , I've heard nothing but great things and great #'s out of that snubbie.

Let me know if you pick one up !!!

Edit : S&w makes a .45acp and 10mm snubbie but I think they are around $900-1k , it's the nightguard series.

[Minkman555]

Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm/40 revolvers don't use moon clips -- I've read mixed reviews.

Taurus's 405 uses moon clips I believe

[Nukem_High]

I'd like to get this S&W 625, but who knows, might find something better lol

Smith & Wesson Model 625 .45 Colt Stainless Mountain Gun

[Cuda66]

1LL--

Pretty much all DA revolvers in .45acp use moon clips. I've got a 325 Night Guard that I really like; I've also shot some of the PC/JM 625 models, and they are sweeeeet. If you liked .44spl, the .45acp is pretty much the same, recoil-wise.

I'd recommend buying a Moonsetter pliers if you decide to get one; the clips are kinda a bitch to load by hand. You really don't need a special tool to strip the empties off, though..a short piece of 3/8 dowel works just fine.

And a pic of my 325...

[thetravlor]

When it comes to revolvers, S&W K frames can't be beat. S&W has a NRA instructor program that drops the price big time. Their price list won't come out until March but last year the 686 was on it.

[Cuda66]

Originally Posted by thetravlor

When it comes to revolvers, S&W K frames can't be beat. S&W has a NRA instructor program that drops the price big time. Their price list won't come out until March but last year the 686 was on it.

Yes, but S&W doesn't offer a K frame 9mm or .45...and by the bye, a 686 is an L frame.

And I would dare say the N frame is even nicer than a K...having both.

[Mick3411]

Just got my first revolver - S&W625. I wanted to stay with a caliber that I already had ammo for. This is a sweet gun and the single action trigger is lighter than my 1911s. Double action is very nice as well.