Which .45 Colt?
#140339
01/15/2014 2:11 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 77
MOHunter
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OP
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Hello fellow handgunners!... I have not posted very much on here, and it has been a long while since the last time...but I do stop by and read posts now and again (great site and info!)....I still handgun hunt when I get the opportunity (10" t/c contender .357 mag. and .22 match, also ruger single six) ....But here is the reason I'm posting today....I want to get a revolver chambered for .45 colt and would like to get some recommendations on strong and accurate choices....I will be using this gun for mostly Missouri deer and I do handload when needed(cast boolits preferred)...Thanks!!
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: MOHunter]
#140340
01/15/2014 2:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
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Can't go wrong with a Ruger Bisley.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: s4s4u]
#140342
01/15/2014 3:16 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Can't go wrong with a Ruger Bisley. And that would be my suggestion as well!
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Dave Tarbell]
#140347
01/15/2014 3:41 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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I just got one myself, so X4. I haven't shot it yet, but I'm expecting big things from it!!! (Bisley SBHH)
Last edited by raptortrapper; 01/15/2014 5:13 AM.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#140354
01/15/2014 4:39 AM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 56
Insp Callahan
newbie
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newbie
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How bout the Ruger Bisley "Hunter"? Scope rings capable...
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Insp Callahan]
#140363
01/15/2014 10:51 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 649
dhom
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X 5 The Ruger 45 bisley is definitely my first choice.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: dhom]
#140364
01/15/2014 11:53 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I love the 5 1/2-inch barrel the best.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Whitworth]
#140368
01/15/2014 1:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 77
MOHunter
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Wow!...Looks like Ruger Bisley all the way!...Is the Ruger that much better than the Freedom Arms, Colt, or S&W?...or just price to performance?...Thanks!....btw, I really like that 5 1/2 s.s. ruger you have there Whitworth!!!
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: MOHunter]
#140369
01/15/2014 1:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 138
zac0419
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Wow!...Looks like Ruger Bisley all the way!...Is the Ruger that much better than the Freedom Arms, Colt, or S&W?...or just price to performance?...Thanks!....btw, I really like that 5 1/2 s.s. Ruger you have there Whitworth!!! I'll say no. It's not "better" than a smith or a Freedom Arms. But I believe it a better choice for a 45 Colt "bang for your buck" gun. FA's don't come in 45 Colt so you'd have to spring for the extra cylinder if you want a dedicated 45. That said, even though it's really expensive it is worth the money. The smith is a great double action gun but it doesn't have the strength the Ruger has. The Ruger is an very accurate out of the box gun, highly customizable, and a great first gun for the sixgun hunter.
Zac CO
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: zac0419]
#140370
01/15/2014 2:20 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 456
RioHondoHank
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Actually the Model 97 Freedom Arms is available in a 5 shot 45 Colt. I prefer the 97 because it uses a transfer bar safety instead of the hammer block on the 83. If I was planning on going to really heavy loads I might opt for a 5 shot FA over a Ruger. Of course there are 5 shot conversions for Rugers.
All that said, Rugers are unbeatable for bang for the buck.
Hank
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: MOHunter]
#140371
01/15/2014 2:30 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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Wow!...Looks like Ruger Bisley all the way!...Is the Ruger that much better than the Freedom Arms, Colt, or S&W?...or just price to performance?...Thanks!....btw, I really like that 5 1/2 s.s. ruger you have there Whitworth!!! I've got a Colt Anaconda in 45 Colt, and won't trade it for anything... right now. But I baby that gun. The bisley SBHH that I have coming is going to be my true work horse for the 45 Colt loads.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: RioHondoHank]
#140372
01/15/2014 3:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 138
zac0419
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Actually the Model 97 Freedom Arms is available in a 5 shot 45 Colt. I prefer the 97 because it uses a transfer bar safety instead of the hammer block on the 83. If I was planning on going to really heavy loads I might opt for a 5 shot FA over a Ruger. Of course there are 5 shot conversions for Rugers.
All that said, Rugers are unbeatable for bang for the buck. Yes this is a fact. I should have pointed that out seeing as how I own a 97 in 45 Colt. My kids are making sure I don't sleep enough to speak in public.
Zac CO
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: zac0419]
#140418
01/16/2014 12:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 77
MOHunter
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Thanks for the replies folks. I am seriously considering the FA97 or FA83 (multi cylinder)and the Ruger Bisley....I prefer accuracy over price!...But if the Ruger Bisleys are very close in practical accuracy to the the FA's then I might go the Ruger route....Does anyone own both in .45 LC?....
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: MOHunter]
#140419
01/16/2014 1:42 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
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MOHunter, I'm partial to this 45 Colt; M97 with 5.5" tube... It's very handy to carry around on the belt and wicked accurate! I also have the bigger brother version, too..... No complaints here either, but for a pure breed 45 Colt, I like the M97 the best.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: KRal]
#140472
01/16/2014 9:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
old hand
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old hand
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My personal experience is that I have never owned a Ruger that was as accurate as my FA revolvers (and I have owned many Rugers). I expect that many will dispute this based upon their experience --- but that is my experience.
I also own a M97 in 45 Colt. It is my favorite "packing gun." Small, light and with a big hole in the bbl. However, if you have not had any experience with a M97, you should handle and shoot one before you buy. I love them (all three of mine), but they do not fit everyone.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: wtroper]
#140473
01/16/2014 9:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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No doubt that the chances of getting an accurate FA from the factory are much greater than that of a Ruger. That is what you get for the money -- a hand-built revolver. However, when it comes to bang-for-the-buck, it is hard to beat a Ruger. The price of admission is much lower. I am particularly fond of the Williams Shooters Supply distributer exclusive Ruger Bisleys with a 5 1/2-inch barrel. I customized mine a bit, but out of the box it shot lights-out. Obviously you can't go wrong going the FA route.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Whitworth]
#140484
01/17/2014 12:04 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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I have that bisley SBHH in 45 Colt coming that Junebug found. What, if anything, can be done to it to help the accuracy? Of course I am going to shoot it and see how it does out of the box, but are there things that can be done to help with accuracy? I'm talking about things that can be done to the gun itself, not just finding the right load that the gun likes.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#140486
01/17/2014 12:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 386
campbellkids
enthusiast
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I own a bh 5.5 in 45 colt and a sbh10.5 in 44 mag. While i like to carry and shoot my 45, it is as accurate as i am, i really like shooting my 44 more. It is accurate and has nothing done to it. I just enjoy 44's better. Seems like i can load 44's hotter and with more bullet choice. More meat around the cylinders. The pros for the 45 is it rolls off the tongue and sounds more powerfull and definantly more prestigious when you name drop a 45 colt.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#140491
01/17/2014 1:40 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
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I have that bisley SBHH in 45 Colt coming that Junebug found. What, if anything, can be done to it to help the accuracy? Of course I am going to shoot it and see how it does out of the box, but are there things that can be done to help with accuracy? I'm talking about things that can be done to the gun itself, not just finding the right load that the gun likes.
Slug your barrel and cylinder throats. If anything, you want the throats to be slightly larger (.001") than the bore. My Bisley 45 had throats that measured .4505, same as the bore. I couldn't push a bullet through them without a hammer. Shot terrible. I honed the throats so that a 250 XTP (.4515") would go through with little to no effort and what a difference that made.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: s4s4u]
#140507
01/17/2014 4:50 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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Thanks Rod. Slugging the barrel and throats... is that something I can do, or do I need to take it in? I don't know what "slugging" is.
Thanks!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: MOHunter]
#140509
01/17/2014 5:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 138
zac0419
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Does anyone own both in .45 LC?.... I own both the Stainless Ruger Bisley 45 Colt and the Freedom Arms 97 45 Colt. Both guns are 5.5 inch barrels. I sometimes shoot the Ruger better than the FA but that is on me and not the gun. There is really no comparison in quality. The Ruger is the Chevy Camero and the Freedom is the Maserati. The FA is much lighter and sometimes more to deal with recoil wise. The difference in frame size is very noticeable. In my limited opinion, there are light years of accuracy between a revolver that shoots 1-2 inches at 25yds and on that shoots one hole groups. The Freedom comes with the 5 shot group shot at the factory. Mine looked like a 2 shot ragged hole but all 5 shots were there. You can't really compare the two fairly. If it's in the budget, I'd buy the FA every time.
Last edited by zac0419; 01/17/2014 6:06 AM.
Zac CO
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#140530
01/17/2014 3:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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Thanks Rod. Slugging the barrel and throats... is that something I can do, or do I need to take it in? I don't know what "slugging" is.
Thanks! You can use a 1/2 oz egg sinker or a cast bullet. You will need a hammer and something to use for a "drift" to push the lead through. Brass is best, but I use a 3/8" blunted steel spike that I wrapped electrical tape around so as not to ding the rifling. Start the lead at the muzzle and tap it through the bore. Measure the diameter when it pops out the other end. Do the same for the cylinder and compare the measurements.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: zac0419]
#140551
01/18/2014 2:14 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 77
MOHunter
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Thanks for all the feedback folks!....I have owned a number of Ruger pistols, just not in .45 LC (but that might change soon also!)....I think I would like to get the FA 83 or 97...Looks like at least a 10 month wait according to the FA site, unless I find one that is already out there?....How does the dimensions of the .454 cylinder differ from the .45 LC?...Is it just where the throats begin?.....
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: s4s4u]
#140552
01/18/2014 2:40 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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Thanks Rod. Slugging the barrel and throats... is that something I can do, or do I need to take it in? I don't know what "slugging" is.
Thanks! You can use a 1/2 oz egg sinker or a cast bullet. You will need a hammer and something to use for a "drift" to push the lead through. Brass is best, but I use a 3/8" blunted steel spike that I wrapped electrical tape around so as not to ding the rifling. Start the lead at the muzzle and tap it through the bore. Measure the diameter when it pops out the other end. Do the same for the cylinder and compare the measurements. What do I do with this information? Take it to a gunsmith and have him match things up?
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#140555
01/18/2014 3:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
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What do I do with this information? If the throats are the same as, or smaller than, the bore you may want to have them reamed. See how she shoots first and go from there.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: MOHunter]
#140556
01/18/2014 3:34 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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How does the dimensions of the .454 cylinder differ from the .45 LC?...Is it just where the throats begin?... Yes. The difference is in the length of case that will chamber. You can shoot 45's in the 454, but be sure to clean it up good before you go back to the longer case.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: s4s4u]
#140557
01/18/2014 3:43 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 77
MOHunter
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Thanks s4s4u, that' what I figured....I will have to contact the two local dealers here in my part of Missouri and see what they have in stock and find out what it will take to get one of these fine pistols...I have wanted one for a long time now!...Thanks again folks
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: MOHunter]
#140561
01/18/2014 4:49 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
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Thanks s4s4u, that' what I figured....I will have to contact the two local dealers here in my part of Missouri and see what they have in stock and find out what it will take to get one of these fine pistols...I have wanted one for a long time now!...Thanks again folks MO, Keep a check on GunBroker. They frequently have to two FA's your drooling over. Here's a M83 454 Casull with 45 Colt and a M97 45 Colt with 4.25" and a M97 45 Colt USED with 4.25" and rounded butt.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: KRal]
#141146
02/04/2014 4:01 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69
Redhawk500
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journeyman
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I would suggest you try the trigger on a S&W Model 25. The new classic with a 6 1/2 inch barrel isn't bad and any 25-5 6 inch does well too. If you are a deer hunter this gun will shoot all the deer loads you need. I love my Ruger Bisley SS 5.5", it's a tank and will take all the Ruger only loads I care to use but any 20,000 psi load will do just fine in a S&W and it is easier to squeeze good groups out of it, quicker hammer fall, crisp sear release, less over travel.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Redhawk500]
#141153
02/04/2014 11:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I would agree that out of the box the S&W trigger is typically much better, but who leaves well enough alone? All of my revolvers have their triggers worked over and frankly the SA Rugers are as slick as anyone could ever want. I love the N-frame .45 Colt, but prefer the option of being able to load it hotter -- much hotter -- if need be. JMHO.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Whitworth]
#141162
02/04/2014 4:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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Yeah Whit, all my triggers get worked also and I agree, the Rugers are as good as any.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: zac0419]
#141515
02/12/2014 4:09 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 508
Badubet
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Bisley. It will give you options later if needed.
Erotica is using a feather, pornography is using the whole chicken
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: zac0419]
#141710
02/17/2014 5:10 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 55
hawkeye80863
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journeyman
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My choice would be the old model ruger redhawk, if you can find one. If you can afford a new s&w, then by all means do it. I settled on a super redhawk in 454. It's not a true 45lc and it wasn't what i wanted but i stumbled upon it in a pawn shop and he price was too low to pass up. Someday I'll get my redhawk. No offense to the single action blackhawks or freedom arms, but i wrecked my wrist in a motorcycle accident years ago and i just can't shoot single action pistols any more.
Life is hard, it's harder when your stupid! (John Wayne)
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#141731
02/17/2014 9:47 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 50
rleprechaun
journeyman
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journeyman
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Posts: 50 |
Install a Hamilton Bowen rear sight on the Ruger for a better sight picture.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: rleprechaun]
#141904
02/23/2014 12:16 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 83
45BBH
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journeyman
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On my 5.5" Bisley, I had the cylinders reamed out, basically to where the bullets would drop through the cylinder without catching. I also lapped the barrel with Beartooth's lapping kit, and the accuracy of the Ruger is very good now.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: 45BBH]
#142597
03/12/2014 2:23 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 435
BINGO
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Another vote for the Ruger Bisley. And yes it is better than a S&W. Start thumping heavy 45 Colt loads through both & see which chums first? I doubt you'd loosen a Ruger in your life time. If you care to spend more try a BFR or even FA's. They're great but the Ruger gives the most value & you can do what ever you want to it as you go along & form your own preferences. $115 for a top notch action job from Mag-Na-Port & you'll have a sweet shooter.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: BINGO]
#142599
03/12/2014 11:49 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44
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Ruger Bisley by all means. It's digestive track is great. Hot loads? No problem. Light loads? Why not. Customize to your own preference without shelling out an arm and a leg.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: mike.44]
#142619
03/13/2014 2:38 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
H2OBUG
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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I have a standard blued Bisley with a Leupold base and rings. It has a Belt Mtn pin, Wolf springs and Power Custom pawl. Kind of the standard bling I have added to most all of my Ruger SA guns. I think it has better balance than the Hunter (had one of those too). This gun shoots better groups than most would believe. I had my buddy jig grind the chambers to within .0002" he did the same with my 4 5/8" SS Ruger 45 Colt. I also have a 625 S&W it shoots great too but as stated it will not take the loads the Ruger will. Then last is a model 25 S&W another bone stock gun that shoots great I run even lighter loads out of this gun.
I shoot one load out of the Rugers it is a 250 XTP over 2400. The Smiths i shoot 250 gr hard cast over a bit lighter load of 2400.
If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
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Re: Which .45 Colt?
[Re: H2OBUG]
#142703
03/14/2014 4:14 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69
Redhawk500
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journeyman
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One other option in .45 Colt: Buy a Redhawk 5.5 inch barrel in any smaller caliber and send it to Clements or Bowen and have them rebore it to a minimum spec .45 Colt. The brass will last longer, it will be more accurate and a set of custom grips and an action job can be done at the same time.
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