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Moonduck · 09-25-2003, 10:51 PM

There are a number of .45ACP revolvers around. They arose out of need for sidearms in WWI when production of 1911's were too low. Colt had plenty of tooling available for revolvers that was not being used, and offered to do a revolver using existing cartridges and existing lines. It would increase production without requiring more materials for tooling. The War Dept agreed and Colt began to produce them (cannot recall their model designation, sorry).

The rounds, being rimless, would not work in a normal revolver cylinder, as the rim is what keeps the cartridge from moving forward. Thus a "moon clip" was devised that held the rounds in place. Each clip held three rounds and were utilized in pairs. A practiced user (with modern single piece moon clips) can load/reload a .45ACP revolver faster than just about any other handgun. It's a very efficient system when prepared properly.

Smith & Wesson got in on the act with the M-1917. Tons of these were made as well. They are VERY well made guns for war production items, and fairly desirable as collector pieces. In 1937, S&W received a major contract from Brazil to arm their military and national police force with the same design, thus producing the M-1937. Mechanically the same gun, though not quite to the standards of the M-1917. It is however much easier (and thus cheaper) to locate M-1937's that have been reimported. I know as I own one and love it. It's abused and looks rough, but is one of the best shooter's I've ever owned or fired. Awesome gun.

S&W updated the design with a more modern version of their classic triple lock in 1989 with the remarkably unsurprising name of M-1989. This is a fantastic piece if you can find them. They tend to be stainless and have bull barrels and are excellent weapons. I believe they recently made another run, as well as rereleasing the M-610, a 10mm Auto revolver on the same platform (and a hot gun that one).

There are other manufacturers that have made .45ACP wheelguns, and generally have done them well, but the best bang for the buck is the M-1937. I paid $200 for mine a few years back, tax included. I consider it a steal at that price.

09-25-2003, 10:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	There are a number of .45ACP revolvers around. They arose out of need for sidearms in WWI when production of 1911's were too low. Colt had plenty of tooling available for revolvers that was not being used, and offered to do a revolver using existing cartridges and existing lines. It would increase production without requiring more materials for tooling. The War Dept agreed and Colt began to produce them (cannot recall their model designation, sorry). The rounds, being rimless, would not work in a normal revolver cylinder, as the rim is what keeps the cartridge from moving forward. Thus a "moon clip" was devised that held the rounds in place. Each clip held three rounds and were utilized in pairs. A practiced user (with modern single piece moon clips) can load/reload a .45ACP revolver faster than just about any other handgun. It's a very efficient system when prepared properly. Smith & Wesson got in on the act with the M-1917. Tons of these were made as well. They are VERY well made guns for war production items, and fairly desirable as collector pieces. In 1937, S&W received a major contract from Brazil to arm their military and national police force with the same design, thus producing the M-1937. Mechanically the same gun, though not quite to the standards of the M-1917. It is however much easier (and thus cheaper) to locate M-1937's that have been reimported. I know as I own one and love it. It's abused and looks rough, but is one of the best shooter's I've ever owned or fired. Awesome gun. S&W updated the design with a more modern version of their classic triple lock in 1989 with the remarkably unsurprising name of M-1989. This is a fantastic piece if you can find them. They tend to be stainless and have bull barrels and are excellent weapons. I believe they recently made another run, as well as rereleasing the M-610, a 10mm Auto revolver on the same platform (and a hot gun that one). There are other manufacturers that have made .45ACP wheelguns, and generally have done them well, but the best bang for the buck is the M-1937. I paid $200 for mine a few years back, tax included. I consider it a steal at that price.