When you hear someone say .45 Auto, you automatically think of a semi-automatic pistol, and then the semi-automatic pistol that you commonly associate with .45 Auto caliber is usually the 1911's. Even the ammo is usually head stamped as .45 Auto, and if it's head stamped as .45 ACP, the ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol. So why is this article titled .45 ACP Revolvers
? Because they actually exist! The .45 ACP
is actually an old round that has been used in pistols for nearly a hundred years. In the early onset of the round, there were also revolvers that were manufactured and chambered in .45 ACP
. The sad thing is that there are only a few companies that currently still manufacture .45 ACP revolvers. And there are few that manufacturer revolvers that are chambered in .45 Colt and can accept .45 ACP
ammo with the use of a moon clip.  

SMITH & WESSON THUNDER RANCH 325

Currently, the most well-known manufacturer of .45 ACP revolvers is Smith & Wesson. They have a few outstanding revolvers in this class. Some of the top of the line models in this caliber from Smith and Wesson are the model 625 in variances of the Jerry Miculek and the S&W Performance Center model and the THUNDER RANCH 325. The THUNDER RANCH 325 is a single-action / double-action revolver with an interchangeable gold bead front sight and white outline rear sights. This 9.5-inch overall length revolver features a 4-inch barrel and weighs in at only 31 ounces. The revolver sports a chrome hammer, chrome trigger with trigger stop, muzzle brake, and a PC tuned action. The THUNDER RANCH 325
hails from S&Ws Performance Center. Firearms from the Performance Center are the epitome of old-world craftsmanship and innovative modern technology. These precision firearms are hand-cut and fine-tuned. These firearms are top performers. In addition to being a rare and top of the line revolver, the THUNDER RANCH 325 comes with a gun rug and Defensive Revolver DVD. The Thunder Ranch 325 is cut for a moon clip.

Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch .45 ACP Revolver

CHARTER ARMS PITBULL

The Charter Arms Pitbull
chambered in .45 ACP is an outstanding little revolver. This revolver features an exposed hammer and a 2.5" barrel with a five-round cylinder. The full-frame revolver has fixed sights and weighs only 22 ounces. The Pitbull has a unique and patented design that provides a dual-coil spring assembly located in the extractor, which allows for easy cartridge loading and retention in each of the five chambers of the cylinder. Charter Arms patented system gives the shooter an advantage over most 45 ACP revolvers, in that it doesn't require a moon clip. The shooter easily ejects the spent cartridges and the cylinder becomes available for immediate reloading.  

Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP Revolver

CIMARRON P-MODEL DUAL CYLINDER REVOLVER

Hogleg, equalizer, smoke wagon, and peacemaker all bring about nostalgic fantasies when we think of frontier-style revolvers of the early 1900s. When you look at this exquisite revolver made by Cimarron, first you see its beauty then you see its history. Rangers and villains of yesteryear all carried the Model P. Then came the silver screen and cowboy movies where saloon shootouts, bandits, and hero sheriffs were all the craze, and they too carried Model P's. Cimarron's reproduction of the Model P is considered to be the highest quality and most authentic reproduction of the 1873 Colt. This reproduction has one change, however, it is a change for the better. Cimarron eliminated the weak actions that plagued the 19th-century design. This revolver comes with two cylinders. One cylinder for 45 LC (Long Colt) and another one for 45 ACP. Another feature of this Model P is the beautiful color case hardened finish and distinguished walnut grip handle plates. If you are an Old West Cowboy at heart, or if you just love beautiful recreations of workable art, this is the revolver for you. It is available in 7.5" and 5.5" barrel lengths.

Cimarrion P-Model Dual Cylinder Revolver .45LC/.45ACP

COWBOY ROUND-UP

Using a moon clip for .45 ACP Revolvers
is not ideal but if you don't mind using them, all of the aforementioned guns would be an outstanding selection for open carry, big bore plinker, or a home defense firearm without the expense of other revolver cartridges, and minus the flash and recoil of a magnum. .45 ACP ammunition
is everywhere, so finding it won't be a challenge, it is also less expensive than 45 Colt
and .44 Special
. Multiple manufacturers have stopped making revolvers, and even more have stopped making this historic caliber revolver, but they are worth a look at. Get 'em while you still can. Shop All .45 ACP Revolvers
Shop All .45 ACP Ammunition
Shop All Handguns