45 ACP revolvers have been around for over a century with the advent of the Colt and S&W 1917 revolvers. These 45 ACP revolvers were produced to fill the gap in the supply chain because the 1911 couldn't be produced fast enough. Since then, the 45 ACP revolver has been a popular choice for revolvers. They are quite popular in revolver competitions where the relatively low recoil and ability to use moon clips make them a dominant force. 45 ACP revolvers are a ton of fun, and the 45 ACP is a bit cheaper than most revolver cartridges making it a fun round for plinking and self-defense. With all this talk of 45 ACP revolvers, you might be wondering which revolvers should you be perusing in your quest for a 45 ACP wheel gun. Well, check out my five favorites.

The S&W 325 Thunder Ranch

The S&W 325 Thunder Ranch is the best 45 ACP wheel gun for defensive use. Thunder Ranch is a defensive firearms training school run by legendary Marine, lawman, and firearms instructor Clint Smith, and this 325 has his hands all over it. The Thunder Ranch edition comes complete with a Picatinny rail beneath the barrel, a rare feature for a revolver. This Picatinny rail allows you to attach a white light, which is a necessity for a home defense firearm.

Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch (1)

The 325 Thunder Ranch allows for swift reloads with full or half-moon clips. The included sights are designed for quick reaction shooting and it's complete with a gold bead front sight, and high contrast whited out rear sight. The revolver is dedicated to defensive shooting, and the features and design show that quite clearly.  

Cimarron MP437

Cowboy guns are always cool, and the Cimarron MP437 is a classic cowboy gun modeled after the classic Colt SAA. These guns are traditionally chambered in the powerful and potent 45 Colt load. That's great, but holy heck is 45 Colt expensive. The MP437 gives you a convertible cylinder to allow you to swap from 45 Colt to 45 ACP.

Cimarron MP 437

This makes shooting, training, and practicing so much cheaper. It allows you to get that cowboy experience at a much lower cost. The MP437 features a 5.5-inch barrel, a beautiful case hardened finish, and wonderful wood grips. The MP437 allows you to play Clint Eastwood for a few dollars less.

Ruger Talo Vaquero

Sticking to the theme of cowboy guns, we have to mention the Ruger Talo Vaquero. This is a compact cowboy, six guns that are commonly called the shop keeper. This micro model of the classic cowboy six gun is much more comfortable with 45 ACP that the hard-hitting heavy-duty Colt rounds.

Ruger Talo Vaquero

The Vaquero is a slicked-up single-action revolver that sports a short 3.75-inch barrel and a classic bird's head grip. The trigger is refined, the black finish is rugged, and both look absolutely fantastic. Accuracy is unbeatable with a cold hammer-forged barrel. The little Ruger Vaquero is a smooth-talking, fast shooting compact cowboy gun.  

The Charter Arms Pitbull

Charter Arms is famed for its ability to chamber revolvers in unusual calibers. Their famed 44 Special Bulldog started the trend that's continued to the Pitbull. The Pitbull is a snub nose style revolver aimed at concealed carry. The Pitbull packs five rounds of 45 ACP in a tiny package perfect for concealed carry.

Charter Arms Pitbull

The Pitbull features a unique dual coil spring assembly located in the extractor that allows you to load and remove cartridges without the need for moon clips. This revolutionary system simplifies things and keeps things traditional. The Pitbull is an appropriate name for this pocket-sized cannon.

S&W Governor

This is the wildcard option on this list of 45 ACP revolvers. The Governor is a hand cannon capable of shooting 45 ACP, 45 Colt, and 410 shotshells. This massive revolver does this all with a single cylinder and does it in style. This revolver is a little goofy and way too big for carrying, but boy oh boy, is it fun.

Smith & Wesson Governor

The Governor is a well designed and ultra-strong revolver that sports a barrel near the same length of its chambers! The good news is this big guy absolutely eats up the recoil a 45 ACP puts through it. The Governor is a beastly revolver, and you can't say it's not versatile.

The 45 Six Gun

45 caliber has always been a popular projectile size for revolvers, and it continues on in the world of modern revolvers. 45 ACP revolvers are simpler and more affordable than 45 Colt options, and they give you a more modern smokeless ammo option. The 45 ACP has been around for over a century but is still a popular choice for defensive shooting for a reason. 45 ACP revolvers are an odd choice, but odd doesn't mean ineffective. Shop All .45 ACP Revolvers
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