Author Topic: 45 Colt (Read 3258 times)

redawg · « **on:** February 14, 2005, 11:32:10 AM »

First off, I already have a SRH 44 mag and two Acusport Bisleys in 45 Colt. I'm a fan of Rugers, but don't care for the barrel contour on the Redhawks. I absolutely love the looks of the Anaconda, but don't like the prices at all. I believe I read that Bowen and Clements will install barrels that resemble the Anacondas on a Redhawk, but by then I could have got the Anaconda and probably be money ahead. Anybody had any work done by either one of these guys?
How does the Anaconda compare to the Ruger as far as durability? I'm pretty sure the Redhawk is stronger, but is the Anaconda stronger than a S&W or not?
Which would you get and why?

longhornrph · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2005, 04:47:21 PM »

I've owned both, kept the Redhawk-although I'm perpetually dissatisfied with the Ruger grip shape and seem to have a shoebox full of discarded grips to prove it. Never got the Anaconda to shoot up to my standards, and I tried everything from 155gr bullets up to 325gr, powder charges from light cowboy type loads to "how much of this fun can I stand?" levels. Dimensions were OK, barrel looked great-just didn't perform. Of course, one gun is a pretty small sample! I'm not knocking Colts-my favorite plinking pistol is a 6" stainless Python tuned by the Colt Custom Shop-amazingly slick and accurate.

TScottO · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2005, 03:43:07 PM »

I saw your help post on the handgun hunting forum

Both of the guns you are referring to are no longer in production. If Im not mistaken, 2004 was the last year Ruger was going to make the RedHawk in 45LC. Youll be stuck with the used market but its possible you could still find a RedHawk NIB on a dealers shelf somewhere.

From my understanding the Anaconda is plenty strong but a tad less strong than the Ruger. Contrary to popular belief the Smith is by no means weak but its not meant to routinely be stretched to the limit. If you really want to load the 45LC to its full potential I would suggest going with a bigger loading such as the 454 or 475 Linebaugh.

The Anaconda will cost a bit more. At the gun show last weekend there was a used Anaconda for 600. I dont know if this is on par or slightly above what they are selling for elsewhere. The Anaconda will be a better fit and finished gun than the Ruger as well as having a better action and to me, is a prettier gun and more ergonomically pleasing.

Bowen is revered as one of the best Pistol Smiths in the country and his fees are priced accordingly. Clements is a fine fellow and one heck of Smith as well. With Clements you will get more bang for the buck with exceptional quality.

If money is not a real big concern I would probably choose the Redhawk, send it to Clements for an action job, bead blast finish, Bowen rear sight, partridge front sight, 5.5 Smith and Wesson lug type barrel and put a nice set of Herrets or BluMagnum grips on her.

If you want to see some of Clements handy work check out Billys links and photos of two different projects he has had Clements do for him:

http://www.huntamerica.com/wwwthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=604949&an=0&page=1#604949

You can also see various specimens of his handy work on the single action forum here at GB. Those will be listed under Lloyds threads.

Be Safe,
Scott

redawg · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2005, 05:10:21 PM »

Thanks for the responses!

TScottO, thanks for the info and the link. I've seen pics of the .500 Linebaugh of Fiveshooters before. Gorgeous gun. I believe Fiveshooter posts here as well. I've got two Acusport Bisleys. I've thought about having one converted to .475 Linebaugh. That's a caliber I'd really like to try.

I just found out earlier this week that the .45 Colt is no longer chambered in the Redhawk. I found one NIB for a pretty good price, hence my question. At the same time, I've always wanted an Anaconda. I gotta agree with you that the Anaconda is a much better looking gun.

I may just buy the Redhawk and shoot it for now until I can send it off. I've even thought about having it converted to .475 Linebaugh. I've heard the Bisley grip is better than the XR3(?) for recoil, just not sure where the Redhawk grip would rate. I'm sure some type of aftermarket grips would be needed for the Redhawk anyway. The single action would hold up longer though, at least I assume it would. It's probably pretty unlikely that I'd shoot either one loose though.

I've also thought about a FA. I'd probably be money ahead with one of them vs. a custom Ruger. I've done searches on the .475 Linebaugh and it's come up that they have shorter cylinders (might have even been your post?)and wasn't sure what to make of that. I just don't want to have to limit my options with the heavier bullets. I've never had the opportunity to handle a FA, or a custom Ruger for that matter.

The worst part of my situation is "what's practical" is clouding my thoughts. I can find cast .45 bullets cheaper than I can .475 bullets. In all honesty, I'll probably never "need" a .475 Linebaugh. A .45 Colt with Ruger/ TC loads will probably be more than I'll ever "need"(hate that word).

Anyway, sorry for letting my mind wander. Kinda got off topic there. If anyone's got anything to add, I'm all ears! Thanks again!

unspellable · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2005, 02:41:07 AM »

I have a Taurus Raging Bull chambered for 45 Colt. Yeah, you read that right, 45 Colt, not 454 Casull. As such it's a six holer instead of five. Not very many of them around. Of course Taurus says it's only rated for factory loads or level I equivalents, but I plan to work up to level II loads. I'll be astounded if it isn't happy with them.

The one dissapointment I have with it is that the chambers are the standard over sized 45 Colt chambers. I had been hoping the diameters would be tight like the 454 Casull.

TScottO · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2005, 05:40:11 PM »

I always chuckle when I read about someone wanting to buy a practical gun. Ive decided this is a ploy to help us justify or feel better about feeding our addiction. For practical purposes someone can get away with only a fist full of guns. Once we have the basic arsenal anything is gravy or isnt needed for any other reason than to make us happy and give us one more trinket to enjoy our hobby.

There is nothing wrong with buying what you want or buying something to test it out. If you have entertained the thought of a pricey FA I would guess you have the practical bases already covered. Maybe Im wrong.

Im not up to snuff with the model numbers for Ruger single-actions but in order the best for recoil will be the bisley frame, Blackhawk frame and the Redhawk drags the bottom of the barrel for making recoil tolerable. Aftermarket grips will help the Redhawks personality some but you still have to deal with the strait back grip which, for me and most people, does not direct recoil in a favorable fashion. Some people believe the FA gripframe is the best for recoil with the bisley frame coming in second. This is the crowd I fall under. Others feel the bisley is the best with FA second.

When comparing a FA to a custom built gun a custom built gun will never be the quality of a FA. Bowen even says that a custom built Ruger will not last as long as a FA. FA are built to perfection from the ground up. With the Rugers you are starting with a lesser foundation in respect to metallurgy held to less strict tolerances. The FA cylinder is shorter and restricts the OAL. However the long nose bullets can be used safely by seating the deeper. Even with the shorter cylinder, I feel FA is the best way to go for a 475, hence my avatar. Im having John L. build a 500 on a Ruger bisley but the only reason I didnt go with FA is because FA guns are not made in a 50 other than the 50AE.

I was 25 or 26 when I bought my first FA and to be honest FA are the only single actions I own other than a few rimfires and the 500 Im having built. Id rather save for a year or two and buy one FA than to buy a few other type of SAs.

To shoot the 475 1500 times using 100pcs of brass would work out to about 26 cents a pop using gas-checked bullets. I dont think thats too bad but have never compared that to the cost of reloading the 45 Colt.

Anyhow, guess I rambled enough.

Take Care,
Scott

redawg · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2005, 12:55:55 PM »

Quote

I always chuckle when I read about someone wanting to buy a practical gun. Ive decided this is a ploy to help us justify or feel better about feeding our addiction.

When you're right, you're right!

I've been trying to save for an FA83. I'm just too impatient and usually find something else I think I want. That and I kinda want a double-action with a shorter barrel then my SRH. Sounds like brass-life in your .475 is very good. $0.26 a pop isn't bad at all. On seating the heavier bullets deeper, how do you get a good crimp? Do the bullets you get have 2 crimping grooves?

I think I'm gonna try the Redhawk and see how I like it. If I do, I'll send it off when I can afford it.

Quote

I have a Taurus Raging Bull chambered for 45 Colt. Yeah, you read that right, 45 Colt, not 454 Casull.

I've seen 1 or 2 of these. Kinda surprises me they say to stick with Level 1 loads though. I'm assuming that means loads intended for any guns chambered for .45 Colt, including the old SAA's. You'd think it would stand up to the Ruger/TC loads pretty easily. Anyway, I hope you find a load that it'll shoot!

Thanks guys!

TScottO · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2005, 03:59:03 PM »

Some hardcast bullets have a top band above the cannalure (sp). The cannalure is where you are supposed to crimp. On the cast bullets with a top band you seat the bullet to where you will crimp above the band.

The hard cast bullets that do not have a top band you will seat the bullet past the cannalure to where the nose of the bullet begins to slope and crimp towards the slope.

Most jacketed bullets have such a shallow cannalure that its pretty much no existent. Seat the bullet to the desired OAL and crimp. The copper is soft and will form to the crimp. Be careful not to crimp too much because you dont want to deform the bullets shape. Just enough for the crimp to hold.

One thing though, when you seat the bullets deeper you are also taking up case capacity. Reduce the powder charge and work youre way up until you reach the desired velocity as long as the velocity can be achieved safely with no pressure signs.

The way I ensure is good heavy crimp on cast bullets is to seat the bullet .002 longer than the desired OAL and then set my crimp die to where it seats the bullet the additional .002 during the crimping process.

Be Safe,
Scott

Old Griz · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2005, 08:19:47 PM »

:cb2: I've owned both. The Redhawk was a terrific shooter. I loved the looks of it, however, mine was painful to shoot. For some reason it hurt the web of my thumb like no other bigbore handgun I have ever owned. Traded it. My 4" Anaconda was one of the first guns I ever bought. Someone will have to steal it to get it.

Ravenwolf · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2005, 08:37:39 AM »

Hi all. I don't post often but felt the need to weigh in on this thread. I have several Rugers, two being in 45 Colt. One is a custom Ruger 5-shot single action with a round butted Bisley grip frame and the other a Redhawk that I had Dave Clement rechamber and rebore to 45 Colt from 44 Mag. These two handguns are the reason I don't have a need for a 454. If I had to start over I would probably go to a 454, (no check, that I wouldn't), but my heavy loaded 45 Colts do all I need to do in a 45 caliber. In all reality I hardly ever go over 1200 fps with a 300 grain or heavier bullet. If I need more I'll go to a bigger bore.

I am pretty much the exception to the rule with grip frames. For single actions I rate the FA grip frame behind the Bisley and even the Super Blackhawk which I also have in 44 Mag persuasion. This isn't to belittle the FA, it is a great firearm, but just doesn't work for me. As far as the Redhawk goes, I don't have any problems shooting even stout 45 Colt 360 grain loads out of it. I do have medium to small hands meaning small palm, long fingers, which goes to prove everyone is an individual so you won't know what works for you until you try it. My Redhawk is one of the most accurate revolvers I own, being only second to my K-38 I use for target competition. My advice is to shoot one before hand, if possible, or at least handle one to see if it feels comfortable to you. Good luck and good shooting....RW

redawg · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2005, 05:26:55 PM »

Well, I failed to take advantage of the good deal I had on the 45 Redhawk. Someone else got a heck of a deal. Anyway, I'm still thinking about this one. Someday, I'll probably have both. It just a matter of which to get first.

Old Griz, do you have a 4" Anaconda in 45 Colt, or 44 Mag? From what I've read, the 4" 45 Colts are very rare. Sounds like you're very happy with it, regardless of chambering! :grin: Someday, I hope to have one, even if it is a 44 Mag instead of a 45 Colt.

Ravenwolf, thanks for posting! Did Dave Clement do your 5-shot Bisley? I understand what you mean about using heavy loaded 45 Colts, or going to a larger caliber instead of a 454. For some reason, I've never really warmed up to the 454. I've never had a chance to shoot one though either. I also kinda figured that grip preference varies from person to person. I've got a Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. A friend of mine has a S&W model 29. We shot the same load through each one and he said my SRH recoiled worse for him than his mod 29. I didn't notice it being any worse, but everyone is different.

Anyway, thanks for your input guys! If anybody's got anything to add, feel free. You never now when someone might see some aspect that hasn't been mentioned yet.

Thanks again!

Ravenwolf · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2005, 02:59:22 AM »

Redawg, The 5-shot 45 was done by Gary Reeder. He does good work and I highly recommend him as I do Dave Clements also. I have a shooting buddy who prefers FAs and has the 454 and 475. I've shot both quite extensively. Actually, to me, the 475 in the FA was more user friendly as to recoil. Don't get me wrong the 475 does recoil a lot but differently than the 454 when using heavy bullet loads. Again, the grip frame preference is purely an individual matter and I would prefer either caliber in a converted Bisley. I do like the Redhawk well enough that if I ever save up enough green backs for another custom job it will be a Redhawk done up into a 4" or 5" packing model chambered in 500 Linebaugh or JRH, rounded grip frame, and McGivern style sights. Good luck and good shooting...RW

Old Griz · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2005, 06:08:23 PM »

:cb2: Mine were .44, but I chimed in because if you close your eyes and fired both, you probably couldn't tell the difference.

redawg · « **Reply #13 on:** March 26, 2005, 06:39:47 AM »

Quote

The 5-shot 45 was done by Gary Reeder. He does good work and I highly recommend him as I do Dave Clements also.

I've often wondered about his work. I go to his website every now and again. Judging by looks alone, I would've guessed he does good work. It's always nice to hear from someone with first-hand experience though.

Quote

I do like the Redhawk well enough that if I ever save up enough green backs for another custom job it will be a Redhawk done up into a 4" or 5" packing model chambered in 500 Linebaugh or JRH, rounded grip frame, and McGivern style sights. Good luck and good shooting...RW

Sounds good to me! While you're at it, just have 2 of them made and send one my way! :lol:

Quote

Mine were .44, but I chimed in because if you close your eyes and fired both, you probably couldn't tell the difference.

I agree. I hope you didn't take me wrong. I think choosing between the .44 Mag and .45 Colt is usually more of a personal preference thing than anything. I just prefer the .45 Colt. BTW, I was looking for personal experiences with these platforms more than anything, which is exactly what you gave me. I appreciate your input!

Thanks guys!

jakes10mm · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2005, 04:32:50 AM »

I love my Colt Annaconda in 44mag. Wish I could afford one in 45 Colt! I bought my Anaconda many years ago when it was actually competitively priced against S&W revolvers. Accuracy is excellent. Trigger, although different than the S&W, is nice.

redawg · « **Reply #15 on:** August 23, 2005, 03:19:06 PM »

jakes10mm, I know what you mean about affording one. Average prices seem to range between $800-$1000. I'd really like a 4" Anaconda in .45 Colt, but the last one I saw for sale was $1250 NIB.

I ended up getting distracted by another gun since originally posting this. Had to have one of the Bisley Hunters in .45 Colt.

BTW, I'm a 10mm fan myself. I've got a Glock 20C that I haven't shot near enough. It's a pretty awesome round!

Old Griz · « **Reply #16 on:** August 24, 2005, 03:23:18 PM »

:cb2: One of my dealers had a 4" Anaconda (.44 mag) with night sights for $600. It was in pretty good shape. Didn't last long.

redawg · « **Reply #17 on:** August 25, 2005, 04:50:10 PM »

At today's prices, I can see why it didn't stick around too long for $600. I don't come across them too often locally. The ones I have seen around here weren't priced that low. Oh well! One of these days.

jro45 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 30, 2005, 06:48:04 AM »

My 44 is the Redhawk, my 45 LC is the Blackhawk, and in 500 my S&W X frame is the S&W500.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2006, 04:36:59 PM »

I sold the Blackhawk Hunter in 45 Colt...or shall I say sacrificed it to finance a Browning Superposed Over-Under. Not to worry, the same dealer had a Colt Anaconda 44 turn up at a very attractive price. Although I have 45 Colt on the brain, the thumping in my head calls Anaconda louder. Hence, the 2006 Deer season will find a 6" Anaconda strapped to my side. Not a bad trade-off in my opinion. Now if I can find a reasonable Anaconda in 45 Colt!

Rover · « **Reply #20 on:** May 26, 2006, 02:32:42 PM »

From Garrett's website he rates the Redhawk and Dan Wesson as able to take his 330 gr loads as double actions go; no mention of Anacondas. Per Bowen the Anaconda barrels may be hard to obtain to use in a conversion as the the Anaconda is no longer produces and word is on other forums that the tooling no longer exists - Colt discontinued double action revolver production. I would say the Anaconda is tougher than the S&W as the cylinder is a lot thicker. The Anaconda, though, does not lock the crain in the front as on a Ruger or Dan Wesson. A .45 Anaconda is definitely rarer than the .44 with the 4" ones being very rare.

I agree with you that the Anaconda has more appeal lookswise. Also, the action both out of the box and after tuning is a lot lighter, especially in double action. Unlike the Super Redhawk the Redhawk has only one spring both for trigger return and mainspring. If one tries to bring down the single action too much they will get misfires in double action. Also, the Redhawk is noted for lack of sufficient firing pin protrusion which also adds to misfires. I have had 3 Redhawks tuned by 3 different so called major name gunsmiths. All had a heavy action compared to my 629's and a heavier single action than the Dan Wesson. In the last one I also put the Bowen extended firing pin in to get normal firing pin protrusion. Double action runs around 10.5 pounds and single a bit over 4 pounds. I do not have an Anaconda but have read about ones tuned with about a 9-9.25 pound double action and 3-3.25 pound single.

If I were to have Bowen to do a custom Ruger DA I would start with the Super Redhawk or Alaskan and have the frame extension milled off and put a barrel on it. The action can be tuned lighter in both single and double action. Here is one (not with the desired bbl. profile, though) in a string off the Ruger Forum:

http://www.rugerforum.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/009948.html

I suspect the lock-time is also quicker as the late model Colts had a short hammer arc.

dubber123 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 30, 2006, 12:53:38 PM »

redawg, if one of the things keeping you from buying a .475 FA is the shorter cylinder, I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it. Mine is a 4-3/4" model, in which I fire LBT bullets I cast myself. They average a tick, (very slight tick) under 1350 fps out of the short tube, and have shot a best group of .822" at 50 yds. (iron sights). It took alot of practice to do this but this is a box stock gun. The sights are great, the trigger so-so. They say they won't be over 4 pounds, and mine isn't, but for a little more when you order, they'll knock a pound off, and install a trigger stop. A pound doesn't sound like much, but it feels like a lot more. I will send mine back for this work. My gun has approx. 2500 mostly full power loads through it and is as tight as new. Brass life with my Hornady brass is excellent, I haven't lost a one, and I don't really have that much. Good luck whichever way you go.

Steve in Michigan · « **Reply #22 on:** May 31, 2006, 06:42:11 AM »

I've owned both a Redhawk and an Anaconda. I lucked out and got a good 6" Anaconda. It looked cool and shot cool. For some stupid reason I sold it. Later, I bought a 5.5" Redhawk. The action was really rough compared to the Colt. Of course Colt doesn't make the Anaconda any more, but when they did, quality was spotty and all their stuff was just too expensive for what you got. I wish some other company would make the old King Cobra and Anaconda designs.

Steve in Michigan · « **Reply #23 on:** May 31, 2006, 06:43:13 AM »

I've owned both a Redhawk and an Anaconda. I lucked out and got a good 6" Anaconda. It looked cool and shot cool. For some stupid reason I sold it. Later, I bought a 5.5" Redhawk. The action was really rough compared to the Colt. Of course Colt doesn't make the Anaconda any more, but when they did, quality was spotty and all their stuff was just too expensive for what you got. I wish some other company would make the old King Cobra and Anaconda designs.

unspellable · « **Reply #24 on:** May 31, 2006, 07:58:18 AM »

I have heard stories that the Anaconda does not hold up all that well. Keep in mind that cylinder wall thickness and load pressure is rarely the issue. The S&W 26 did not get a reputation for being delicate becasue they were blowing up. They developed end shake, went out of time, etc. I've also heard stories of indifferent accuracy on the part of the Anaconda. Triggers seem to be good and they look better than a redhawk, at least to my eye. I'll hang on to my Anaconda, if for not other reason, because I sepnt twenty years asking why Colt didn't make a 44.

The Redhawk will never have a really good trigger no matter what you do to it. Mediocre accuracy with most of them. Not pretty, makes odd sounds when cocking, grip's the wrong shape for me. But you can't break 'em.

Dan Wesson is pretty unbreakable, you can get a very good trigger, although occasionally they will need a bit of trigger work to get the best out of them. Most accurate DA around. To my eye prettier than a redhawk. I keep two barrels with mine, one with a scope and one with open sights.

AS for Taurus saying factory loads only in the Raging Bull chambered for 45 Colt, that's your basic COA lawyer talk. I'd bet Ruger would say the same about their Blackhawk 45.

Poll

Which one?

Author Topic: 45 Colt (Read 3258 times)