Which .45lc? Ruger or Taurus?

[canuck1911]

I've been considering getting a .45lc after renting a Colt Anaconda at the range a few times. A wonderful gun, unfortunately not made any more. The only two .45lc guns I can find are the Ruger Redhawk (I like double action), and I noticed a sweet looking Taurus titanium vented snubby in .45lc. However, I don't know anybody who has those guns, and I'm nervous about getting that powerful a caliber without having shot it. So, my questions to anybody who has some experience they would like to share, are:

If you've shot the Colt Anaconda and either the Ruger Redhawk or Taurus Titanium, how would you compare the felt recoil and trigger action to the Colt?

If you've shot the Redhawk and Taurus in .45lc, how would you contrast the recoil and trigger action?

Finally, I've never heard much about Taurus. Is their gun likely to be of good quality?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[Gunslinger]

Canuck, I apologize because this is really not addressing your question but.....

What is the intended purpose of the gun? The Redhawk and the titanium Taurus are about as far apart, other than caliber, as two guns can get.

[sks]

Ruger makes the Vaquero in .45 lc with several different barrel lengths. I've got one with a 7 1/2" barrel and love it. I also use the Taurus total Ti ported snubbie in .45 LC and think it's great.

The Taurus is my carry gun, while the Ruger is just to have fun with. Both are great. Big difference? The Taurus kicks twice as bad.

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The best weapon for self defense is the one you have when the need arises!

[Bob C]

S&W Mountain Guns in .45Colt are still available used, and are heavy enough for controllable recoil, and light enough to carry (including concealed with the right holster).

[canuck1911]

My intended use for the gun is primarily recreational shooting, with the option of taking it along backpacking, or leaving in a bedside drawer sometimes. I don't think anything over 5 1/2" would work for me. Mostly I'm concerned about recoil and trigger feel, with size and weight second. So when you say the Taurus has twice the recoil of the Ruger, that's a big negative for me. A used S&W mountain gun might be an alternative. Bob C, how would you compare the recoil to the vented Taurus, or Redhawk with 5" barrel? Basicly, if the recoil much worse than the Colt, I probably won't like it. If the trigger action is very poor, it won't be fun to shoot.

Thanks again for the advice

Canuck

[Bob C]

Canuck 1911,

The perceived recoil with a .45 Colt Mountain Gun with factory or equivalent loads is comparable to a 1911, perhaps a little less as you don't have any slide momentum.

Triggers on S&W's are normally very good.

[Cosmoline]

Why not go for a Peacemaker? Uberti makes a wide variety under different labels, and American Western Arms has just started. You can pick up a used clone for $250-$300. The 1873 was perfectly designed for long colt. Its an absolute joy to shoot, the fixed sights are *very* accurate, and the simple mechanism is easy to clean and repair (just keep a few main springs in stock). It's designed to use the recoil to kick the hammer back to your thumb--Colt was a genius.

The Rugers in LC (Redhawk, Vaquero, Bisley, or Bisley Vaquero) are much tougher than the old Colts and can be used for hot loads. Gary Reeder, inter alia (see www.sixgunner.com), (http://www.sixgunner.com),) does some amazing and wonderful things with Rugers. If you want your ideal trail gun for .45 LC, one of his custom jobs would do the trick.

As far as Taurus, I just picked up the stainless version of that titanium snub in .45 Colt. I'm going to go shoot it shortly.

[WESHOOT2]

Recommend the Ruger Redhawk (suggest stainless, 5.5", add Millett orange-ramp front sight and Pachmayr Decelerator grips) for the highest owner satisfaction.

Can take light target-type loads up to 335-350g hunting loads.
Generally very accurate, and extremely robust.

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"

[Derringer]

I have several Single Action rugers. They all shoot well and recoil is not bad with factory ammo. I only own vaqueros. If you start shooting alot you may need a reloader as ammo gets expensive

[lonegunman]

The best bet for a sweet DA revolver in 45 Colt is the S&W Model 25.

Not made anymore, but still pretty easy to find at big gun shows, down here in GA, you can get them easy for $400-450, for LNIB.

The ones i have fondled have all had wonderful triggers, about 4-5 lbs in SA mode. They are a little more refined, and a whole lot prettier, than Rugers and Tauri.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

Ever consider S&W 625's? In either 4", 5", or Mountain Gun format? .45 ACP is a round no-one can complain about, it's only detraction being that it won't run the heaviest bullets. Auto-rim is no slouch either. Just make sure it's pre-agreement...
;) :D ;)

[cpileri]

I own the Taurus 45 LC but stainless and a Ruger SuperRedhawk in 454 Casull (which also fires 45 LC).

I do, in fact, sleep with the Taurus. :)

The SRH is fantastic, capable of handling everything from 200gr "light" long colt rounds, to 360gr hunting ammo at 1500fps in 454 Casull. very versatile for hunting, or bear protection. Accurate, too. But not very concealable at 7.5" bbl.

The taurus is quality. I chose stainless over titanium for the very reason of the weight helping to control the kick. I find the kick manageable, but I admit I like a gun that pushes back. It does have a hard kick that many would not like, I'd bet.
It is as accurate as a snubbie can be, don't expect miracles. I'd say slightly-less-than-1-inch groups at 21 feet (defense distance), but bigger farther out- given my pretty average marksmanship. Also some confusion as to how "hot" the ammo it will take. I know some who regularly use the 200gr Cor-Bon defense loads (1100 fps), but no hotter even though the gun is rated "+P" by Taurus. 45LC has no official +P ratig by SAAMI, so no one is exactly sure what it means. I do like the little thing. Biggest hole in snubbie-land.

Overall, I'd choose the Ruger in the bbl length you specified. Better recoil, no doubt. More accurate. And should do fine for the purposes you intend.

Hope this helps.
Carl

[Ala Dan]

Ruger makes QUALITY handguns; IMHO Taurus
does not. With that said, I would perfer the "Redhawk"
DA revolver; but would not be mad if someone gave
me a "Blackhawk", as a gift.:D :) Oh! did I tell ya' that
Ruger revolver's are proof tested with loads that are
30% above normal? Yep, that's right; a full 30%.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A.

[citizen]

Well...........THAT saves me a thread.

Thanks, guys.:cool:

[Salt]

I recommend the Ruger Bisley Vaquero chambered in .45 Colt.

[ViLLain]

canuck1911,

If you are serious about defending yourself in the woods and at home. Stick to double action. The Ruger is heavy and bulky for carry, as is the Taurus Raging bull. The Titanium series from Taurus has a swaged barrel and is limited in what can be shot through them. Sounds like you are looking for a Smith & Wesson Mountain gun in .45 Colt. Light, practical and concealable if needed. I'd reconsider the caliber issue too. Forty four Magnum is by far more readily available and less expensive to shoot.

Gabriel

[Dan in GA]

I too like the Blackhawk and Vaqueros, but Canuck said he liked double action when he opened this thread.

As far as the Taurus are concerned, I try to shy away from any big bore handgun that's "titanium, air lite" etc. because I'm from the school that says big bore needs heavy platform to manage recoil.

The S&W 625 mountain gun is a good option and my father owns one. I've fired his and it's very nice, but the S&W's have that thin top strap that keeps them off the list of .45LCs that can handle full load ammo. Their cylinders are a little small, and are also a little thin in the cylinder at each chamber. If you're just going to feed it factory ammo, this is an excellent choice.

If the Anaconda is what you really like, don't totally dismiss the Colt as an option. If you're patient, you can find one at a gun show every once in a while. I picked one up in .45LC at a gunshow two months ago. First opportunity to use it was at my gun club last Friday, and I took a friend and my wife. They both fired about 24 rounds of factory ammo apiece thru it and loved it. Anaconda is big, heavy, but manageable, even for my wife. They also CAN take the full load ammo and have the big heavy cylinders and thick top strap. Call a couple of ammo companies that provide hotter .45LC ammo and ask them if they don't recommend their stuff in an Anaconda if you're worried about the Anaconda strength and want to use full loads. Good luck in your search......Dan in GA

[reprobate]

canuck,
You might want to check out the ultralight version of Taurus 450. It's made out of stainless steel and aluminium, and its only about 2 ounces heavier than the titanium version you were looking at. It's also a lot cheaper. CDNN investments has them on sale for $279. They also have the all stainless version on sale for $269. http://www.cdnninvestments.com
Unfortunately, you have to download the entire catalog(~6.2 mb) to see the ads.

[WESHOOT2]

But 30%? Ha! I'm not normal.

[7th Fleet]

Here's another vote for the Ruger Redhawk or perhaps a nice single action Ruger. If you want something more traditional check out the fine Uberti single actions, they are exceptionally well done examples of an 1873 Peacemaker clone.

7th

[jmlv]

For all your stated uses there is no finer gun than the Ruger Redhawk. Get a nice set of grips (the factory are crap) and a set of wolf springs to help with the action and you are goood to go. You have one of the strongest factory DA 45 caliber revolvers in which you can use everything from cowboy loads (250 grain bullet @ 800 fps) to buffalo bore +P hunting loads (325 grain JHP at 1400 fps). And every load inbetween! This sixgun will do it all for you. Perhaps at a future date you could obtain the 450 taurus 45 caliber snubbie. With this one stick to cowboy factory loads or handsloads (I like a 225 grain full wadcutter at 850 fps. It hits mucho hard and cuts a full caliber whole.) But till then the Redhawk will work in this capicity as well. Go with the Redhawk you won't be sorry.
Also trhe redhawk can be had for as low as $300 to factory retail (about $550 I think) the Colts are going for close to $1000 I hear these days It just ain't worth it. And the redhawk is just plain a stronger gun in ALL ways.:D

[Dan in GA]

Picked my Anaconda up in October for $545. The new ones are going for close to a grand....Dan in GA

[1redneck]

:cool: Just my opinion and will admit that I am biased,Ruger is probably be your best bet for what you have planed for it. Just in case you did'nt know the 454 casull will shoot .45 lc and .454s in case you realy wanted to go all out.

good shootin

[mobias]

Ruger...in 45 Colt. Not 45 Long Colt. I don't know what 45 Long Colt is!

[WESHOOT2]

You need to look at more ammo boxes LOL.

(454 Casull = REALLY LONG COLT)

[slickpuppy]

I would go for an Anaconda if I were you. If you can get a pre-sellout Ruger it would be second.

Ruger is on the same level as SW concerning our rights. Those recommending currently manufactured rugers have the satisfaction knowing there is a special place in hell along with bill stinking ruger for them.

[cmike]

I have a Vaquero (5 1/2" I think-too lazy to measure it now) in 45 Colt - love to shoot it, shades of Roy Rogers! I was interested in a large bore snubbie (I have a S&W 442 - which I carry when I can't conceal anything bigger), mostly to see what I could do with it, and a big bore is real intimidating to a ne'er-do-well who's looking down the business end. I don't expect the average dirtbag to be real impressed with an Airweight .38, especially if he's not 'xactly sober. A .45 has a commanding appearance, IMO. I can use one set of ammo for two guns - easier to keep track of.

OK, so I bought a Taurus .45 Colt Titanium 2" in bright blue. Marvelous piece, fun to shoot -- as long as I keep it to a 200gr load. 240 gr is a mite stout, even at the same muzzle velocity. I can shoot it, but I don't enjoy it. The porting might help, but it's a light gun, and easy to haul around. The Ribber grips are terrific (I also have a Ti Tracker in .357 Magnum which is a fun seven-shooter), and I am real happy with mine. Not a target pistol, but good enough for me. If it's being carried for CCW, I use 200gr Silvertips and don't envy anyone.

[mobias]

Well, what other rimmed 45 cal cartridge could it possibly be confused with? 45 auto rim no longer exists. There is no reason to call it Long Colt. I know, I know. Shut up already! Good night.

[reprobate]

How about the .45 Schofield? At one time, the U.S. Army issued both the Colt S.A.A. in .45 Colt, and the S & W Schofield in .45 Schofield. The .45 Schofield cartridge would work in the Colt, but the .45 Colt cartridge would not work in the Schofield. This must have been a quartermaster's nightmare. It was common then to refer to the Colt round as the "Long Colt" to emphasize the difference.
I still believe it is a good idea to use the "Long Colt" terminology.
There are a lot of idiots out there who will buy .45 Colt cartridges to to fire in their 1911's. "Well it's a .45 and it's a Colt". I used to work in a gunshop in the early '80s, and I had to deal with irate customers on several occasions because they bought the wrong ammo.

[mikey357]

reprobate--good explanation of the origin of "Long Colt"...even Webster's will GRUDGINGLY acknowledge that after a word or term has been accepted in common usage for a while, it becomes a part of the language...I guess some people need to "give it a rest"...as for me, I guess I'll go to the range and shoot my 625 "Mountain Gun"--in .45 LONG COLT--after I get off work this morning!!!....mikey357

[Steve Smith]

Stand on your "hind legs" gentlemen, and call it by its name....45 Colt.

[WESHOOT2]

Quit all whining; this cartridge has been called both since inception.

[mobias]

Well, if anyone could show me another rimmed 45 Colt with which it could be confused, I may oblige and call it LC. All that being said, cartridge nomenclature to the novice makes little of no sense. Why call it 357 Sig, when it is actually a 9mm bullet that is used? Why call it a 38 special when the bullet is .357? Or 44 magnum when that bullet is .429? In some cases it is to avoid confusion and in others it is strictly a marketing trick. I understand ALL of that. But there is still no practical reason to say LC today. I am nitpicking here I know. But I swear I don't remember anyone ever saying 45 LC until the last few years. Obviously some people always used that term. But the widespread use of it is a fairly recent happening. Opinions differ, it just strikes me as kind of stupid.

[WESHOOT2]

Know it sometimes get confused with 45ACP. Really.

[mobias]

Whether you call it 45 LC or 45 Colt, the people who don't know any better will still confuse it with ACP. What confuses people is the 45 in front of the name, be it Colt, LC, or ACP. All they see is 45 and they figure that is what they need. What does confuse people is the proliferation of two names for the same thing. I wish the gun manufacturers, as well as the ammo and component makers and the writers could all get on the same sheet of music and decide to use one name exclusively for that particular cartridge. A fantasy to be sure, but they really should.

[Hoss Cartwright]

Hold on there pardners. This has gone on long enough. Back at the Ponderosa, we didn’t care what you called it-s’long as you knew how to shoot it. If this stuff don’t stop, I’m gonna have to come over thar and sit on somebody. You don’t want that , believe you me. Do you have any idea what a 300 lb. dead guy smells like after all these years?

[DaHaMac]

Having shot the Ruger Redhawk and hoping to inherit it one day if I don't buy one of my own first, I'll have to recommend the Ruger.

I own the Ruger SuperRedhawk in .454Casull/.45LC, and my Dad's Redhawk easily handles my .45LC hunting load with no problems and very comfortable recoil. That is a 250RNFP @ 1200 FPS if my memory isn't entirely gone, loaded to produce 500ft-lbs @ 100yards for white-tails. The Redhawk is very comfortable, and although its a large gun the weight is not uncomfortable and would seem to be a nice trail-gun when carried in a good holster.

My recommendation is .45LC if you think you will ever consider reloading, as reloading or buying premium ammo is the best way to get the full use of the .45LC cartridge. If you are adamantly opposed or have no desire to reload and can't afford to feed a gun .45LC cartridges then consider the same redhawk in .44magnum.

Concerning trigger pull, the Ruger trigger is not as smooth as the S&W trigger in alot of ppl's opinion. However, a good gunsmith can refine that Ruger trigger to the point where IMO it no longer matters. Having had the trigger reworked in my SRH I speak from experience, the SRH single-action breaks very nicely and the DA is very smooth and consistent.

Hope all of this helps, and remember spend some time on the range with lower power rounds first and work your way up to the power level you desire and then on to the stompers. You will be doing yourself a favor by working up this way and recoil will not become a problem.

Best Wishes in your Gun Hunting!

[mobias]

Hoss, I am still laughing. That was pretty good. Just don't let Little Joe get his hands on those rabbits!

[KidIdaho]

If you have not already bought your choice, then my advice would be to stay with the Ruger.

First of all, recoil from standard 45 LC loads are not that bad at all. Second, if you are worried about recoil, the extra weight in the Ruger would give you a more comfortable shooting experience. Third, the longer barrel (in my opinion which doesn't mean much to any of the women I've dated) gives you a better line of sight for clearer sight and target acquisition and better overall accuracy.

If you are carrying for self defense only and are looking for concealed carry of the pistol, then the snub nose does have it's advantages. I personally had a snub in total titanium and while I loved the way it looked and carried in my front pocket....I sure hated the way it felt when I shot it and hated that I couldn't hit the turban of Osama Bin Ladin from a foot away.

The Ruger also will enable you the option to use stouter 45LC loads that will rival or even out perform 44 Mag loads if you so choose once you get comfortable with your gun. I don't think the boys at Taurus would recommend you doing that with their gun.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

Kid