Posted: 4/1/2011 6:48:25 AM EDT
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My department currently issues it's members the Glock 37 .45GAP and also gives certain members(myself included) the sub-compact Glock 39 of the same caliber. Due to some reorganization within the agency I have to turn in my Glock 39 today. Rather than buy a Glock 39 of my own I'm thinking about getting a .45 caliber revolver for a backup/off-duty gun. I have a J-frame 638 .38spl that gets used most of the time, but I'd like something with a bit more fire power that is also capable of shooting the .45GAP round issued by my agency.
I've been looking hard at the S&W 325 Night Guard, but from the research I've done so far it seems some folks consider it too big for use as a BUG. Others have suggested that the recoil is severe. At 28oz it's about 9oz heavier than the Glock 39. I can deal with the internal lock, even though I don't like it. The price tag is also a big draw-back. I like the S&W 625 with a 3" barrel and no internal lock, but it may also be too big and heavy for a BUG. I'm about 6'2"/175lbs with a slim build so sometimes it's difficult for me to properly conceal certain firearms. A S&W Model 25 seems too big and heavy. I'd have to find or build a custom gun with a short barrel which could be problematic. I suppose I could also look for an old, beat up S&W M1917 or Colt 1917 and have the barrel chopped. What can you suggest for me? |
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The x25s guns are N frame. meaning up till the 500, was the largest frame made by S&W (i belive. maybe some older frames were larger). i imagine you could use it for CCW/BUG, but dont know where. i have the 625 in both 45acp & 45LC and even if they had a 2 or 3" tube, it still wouldnt be a small gun or something i would personally try to CCW.
not sure if the 45GAP is the same rim size as ACP for use of moon clips. dont have my loading manuals to access at this time. |
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Thanks for the input guys. It seems that one of the N-frame Smith&Wesson guns would be too big.
I carry a S&W j-frame as a BUG so the .45 would primarily be an off-duty piece. What do you think about a S&W or Colt 1917 with a chopped barrel? I'm not sure on the frame size of these guns since I've never had a chance to handle one, but from what I've read it's fairly large. Is it comparable in size to a S&W N-frame? |
| The 625PC has the shortened cylinder and set back barrel; the equivalent of a 3 ¾” barrel. It is a little smaller, but it is still an N frame, and it weighs 42 oz. so it is no mouse gun. I think you might find it suitable as a primary gun, or range gun, but a nice J frame .38 might make a more suitable BUG. |
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Quoted:
Thanks for the input guys. It seems that one of the N-frame Smith&Wesson guns would be too big. I carry a S&W j-frame as a BUG so the .45 would primarily be an off-duty piece. What do you think about a S&W or Colt 1917 with a chopped barrel? I'm not sure on the frame size of these guns since I've never had a chance to handle one, but from what I've read it's fairly large. Is it comparable in size to a S&W N-frame? The S & W 1917 is an N-frame (actually the N-frame is the modern designation for the .44 /.45 hand ejector frame that originated with the Triple lock, then evolved into the second model hand ejector which in turn was also produced as the 1917 revovlver for the armed forces. The Colt 1917 is slightly larger but will fit in the military flap holsters of the day. The only .45 cal DA revolvers built on smaller frames (that I am aware of) are the big-bore five shot snubbies by Taurus and (maybe) Charter Arms. Wasn't Charter supposed to be producing a .45 version of the Bulldog that used a spring loaded extractor so you didn't need moon clips ? |
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Quoted:
The only .45 cal DA revolvers built on smaller frames (that I am aware of) are the big-bore five shot snubbies by Taurus and (maybe) Charter Arms. Wasn't Charter supposed to be producing a .45 version of the Bulldog that used a spring loaded extractor so you didn't need moon clips ? The Taurus has been discontinued for 2-3 years. The Charter is still "real soon now". 
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| I found out that the Taurus wheel gun in .45acp was a model 455 Tracker which came with a 2", 4", or 6" barrel length. In the 2" variety it weighs 23oz, which is less than the S&W 325 and the Taurus is a medium rather than a large size frame. Does anybody have any experience with this gun? I found one with a 2" barrel, which is what I would want, on GunBroker, but the price seemed pretty high for a used, discontinued gun. It ooks like a pretty sweet little revolver. I posted in the Taurus section, but so far no one has responded. |
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Quoted:
I found out that the Taurus wheel gun in .45acp was a model 455 Tracker which came with a 2", 4", or 6" barrel length. In the 2" variety it weighs 23oz, which is less than the S&W 325 and the Taurus is a medium rather than a large size frame. Does anybody have any experience with this gun? I found one with a 2" barrel, which is what I would want, on GunBroker, but the price seemed pretty high for a used, discontinued gun. It ooks like a pretty sweet little revolver. I posted in the Taurus section, but so far no one has responded. They came in both steel and Titanium models. The Titanium ones will be pricey. Even the steel ones are reasonably pricy since there are so few options for a 5-shot .45 acp revolver. |
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I wouldn't suggest modifying a older Smith 1917/37 Brazilian contract or Colt 1917. These are old guns that were not designed for the higher pressures of the GAP cartridge (23,000). Smith also made a 325 PD 2" gun. I think your best bet would be trying a Tauras Tracker for your desires.
CD |
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Quoted:
I found out that the Taurus wheel gun in .45acp was a model 455 Tracker which came with a 2", 4", or 6" barrel length. In the 2" variety it weighs 23oz, which is less than the S&W 325 and the Taurus is a medium rather than a large size frame. Does anybody have any experience with this gun? I found one with a 2" barrel, which is what I would want, on GunBroker, but the price seemed pretty high for a used, discontinued gun. It ooks like a pretty sweet little revolver. I posted in the Taurus section, but so far no one has responded. I responded. I have the 4" titanium version. I wanted a large bore revolver, and the 455 fit the bill perfectly. The titanium model has fixed sights, is really light, but the recoil is manageable. Certainly better than a .38 snubnose. Not a sharp snap, more like a firm push in your hands. The steel model has a ported barrel and adjustable sights. I enjoy mine. I rarely use the moon clips because they're a pain to load. It works fine without them, but they are great for very fast reloads. To empty the cylinder, I find it easier to just upend the gun and the spent casings usually fall out. Ones that stick can be pushed out with an empty chamber indicator flag. On my gun, during double-action shooting, I really have to let the trigger fully reset, or the cylinder won't fully turn. I bought mine 5 years ago, but I don't know what the titanium model costs now on the market. I don't intend on selling mine, It's too unique to let go, and it took me many months of searching to find one, and that was years ago. |