The 45 Long Colt Rifle: A Buyer’s Guide

The 45 Long Colt cartridge is a tried-and-true classic that has been used for over a century in both military and civilian applications. It is a powerful round that is capable of delivering devastating stopping power, making it an excellent choice for self-defense or hunting. But with so many different 45 Long Colt rifles on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the 45 Long Colt cartridge and discuss the factors you should consider when choosing a 45 Long Colt rifle. We will also recommend some of the best 45 Long Colt rifles on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

So whether you are a first-time buyer or you are simply looking for a new 45 Long Colt rifle, read on for all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Table of Best 45 Long Colt Rifles

| Rifle | Caliber | Price |
|—|—|—|
| Ruger GP100 | .45 Long Colt | $699.95 |
| Smith & Wesson Model 29 | .45 Long Colt | $1,049.99 |
| Colt Python | .45 Long Colt | $1,599.99 |

The Ruger GP100 is a six-shot, double-action revolver with a 4.2-inch barrel. It is made of stainless steel and has a textured grip. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a six-shot, double-action revolver with a 6-inch barrel. It is made of carbon steel and has a checkered walnut grip. The Colt Python is a six-shot, double-action revolver with a 6-inch barrel. It is made of stainless steel and has a checkered walnut grip.

History of the .45 Long Colt Cartridge

The .45 Long Colt cartridge was developed in the late 1870s by Smith & Wesson for their new Model 1873 revolver. The cartridge was based on the .45 Colt cartridge, but with a longer case to accommodate a heavier bullet. The .45 Long Colt cartridge was adopted by the U.S. military in 1873 and served as the standard sidearm cartridge for the U.S. Army until 1911, when it was replaced by the .45 ACP cartridge. The .45 Long Colt cartridge is still in use today by some law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters.

Origin and development of the .45 Long Colt cartridge

The .45 Long Colt cartridge was developed by Smith & Wesson in the late 1870s for their new Model 1873 revolver. The cartridge was based on the .45 Colt cartridge, but with a longer case to accommodate a heavier bullet. The .45 Long Colt cartridge was designed to provide more power and range than the .45 Colt cartridge, while still being compatible with existing revolvers.

The .45 Long Colt cartridge was adopted by the U.S. military in 1873 and served as the standard sidearm cartridge for the U.S. Army until 1911, when it was replaced by the .45 ACP cartridge. The .45 Long Colt cartridge is still in use today by some law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters.

Use of the .45 Long Colt cartridge in military and civilian applications

The .45 Long Colt cartridge was used by the U.S. military from 1873 to 1911. It was the standard sidearm cartridge for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, and the Philippine-American War. The .45 Long Colt cartridge was also used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during the same period.

After the adoption of the .45 ACP cartridge in 1911, the .45 Long Colt cartridge was gradually phased out of military service. However, it remained in use by some law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters. The .45 Long Colt cartridge is still in use today by some law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters.

Impact of the .45 Long Colt cartridge on firearms design

The .45 Long Colt cartridge had a significant impact on firearms design. The cartridge was developed for use in revolvers, and it led to the development of larger and more powerful revolvers. The .45 Long Colt cartridge also led to the development of the first semi-automatic pistols chambered for a large-caliber cartridge.

The .45 Long Colt cartridge is still used in some revolvers and semi-automatic pistols today. However, it has been largely replaced by the .45 ACP cartridge in military and law enforcement applications.

Performance Characteristics of the .45 Long Colt Cartridge

The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a rimless, centerfire cartridge. It has a bullet diameter of 0.451 inch and a case length of 1.25 inches. The cartridge is typically loaded with a 250-grain lead bullet. The muzzle velocity of the .45 Long Colt cartridge is typically around 800 feet per second.

The .45 Long Colt cartridge has a muzzle energy of around 400 foot-pounds. The cartridge has a high level of energy and momentum, which makes it effective for stopping power. The .45 Long Colt cartridge also has good terminal ballistics, which means that it tends to stay on target and penetrate deeply.

The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a relatively accurate cartridge. It is capable of producing good accuracy at ranges of up to 50 yards. However, the .45 Long Colt cartridge is not as accurate as some other cartridges, such as the .45 ACP cartridge.

The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a powerful and effective cartridge that has been used by the U.S. military and law enforcement for over a century. The cartridge is still in use today by some law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters. The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a good choice for shooters who are looking for a powerful and reliable cartridge for self-defense or hunting.

3. Pros and Cons of the .45 Long Colt Cartridge

The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a popular choice for both self-defense and hunting. It is a powerful cartridge with good stopping power, and it is also relatively affordable. However, there are also some disadvantages to using the .45 Long Colt cartridge.

Advantages of the .45 Long Colt cartridge

• Powerful: The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a powerful cartridge with a high muzzle velocity and a large bullet. This makes it a good choice for self-defense and hunting.
• Good stopping power: The .45 Long Colt cartridge has good stopping power, meaning that it is more likely to stop an attacker than a smaller caliber cartridge. This is important for self-defense, as you want to be sure that you can stop an attacker quickly and effectively.
• Affordable: The .45 Long Colt cartridge is relatively affordable, making it a good option for those who are on a budget.

Disadvantages of the .45 Long Colt cartridge

• Heavy: The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a heavy cartridge, which can make it difficult to shoot for extended periods of time. This is especially true for smaller shooters.
• Long: The .45 Long Colt cartridge is a long cartridge, which can make it difficult to fit in some magazines. This is especially true for compact handguns.
• High recoil: The .45 Long Colt cartridge has a high recoil, which can make it difficult to shoot accurately. This is especially true for inexperienced shooters.

Overall, the .45 Long Colt cartridge is a good choice for self-defense and hunting. It is a powerful cartridge with good stopping power, and it is also relatively affordable. However, there are also some disadvantages to using the .45 Long Colt cartridge, such as its weight, length, and recoil.

4. Best .45 Long Colt Rifles on the Market

There are a number of good .45 Long Colt rifles on the market. Here are a few of the best options:

• Ruger GP100: The Ruger GP100 is a revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt. It is a well-made and reliable revolver that is perfect for self-defense or hunting. The GP100 is available in a variety of barrel lengths, and it comes with a variety of features, such as a transfer bar safety and a shrouded hammer.
• Colt Python: The Colt Python is a revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt. It is a legendary revolver that is known for its smooth action and its accuracy. The Python is a great choice for self-defense or hunting, and it is a valuable addition to any collection.
• Smith & Wesson Model 29: The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt. It is a powerful and accurate revolver that is perfect for hunting large game. The Model 29 is also a popular choice for self-defense, and it is a valuable addition to any collection.
• Marlin 1894: The Marlin 1894 is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Long Colt. It is a reliable and affordable rifle that is perfect for hunting or target shooting. The Marlin 1894 is available in a variety of barrel lengths, and it comes with a variety of features, such as a side loading gate and a brass receiver.
• Henry Big Boy: The Henry Big Boy is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Long Colt. It is a well-made and reliable rifle that is perfect for hunting or target shooting. The Henry Big Boy is available in a variety of barrel lengths, and it comes with a variety of features, such as a side loading gate and a brass receiver.

Factors to consider when choosing a .45 Long Colt rifle

When choosing a .45 Long Colt rifle, there are a few factors to consider:

• Purpose: What will you be using the rifle for? If you are looking for a rifle for self-defense, you will need a different rifle than if you are looking for a rifle for hunting.
• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a rifle? There are a variety of .45 Long Colt rifles available at different price points, so you can find a rifle that fits your budget.
• Size and weight: How big and heavy of a rifle are you comfortable shooting? Some .45 Long Colt rifles are larger and heavier than others, so you need to make sure that you choose a rifle that you can comfortably handle

  there is no one definitive answer to the question of what is the best 45 Long Colt rifle. The best rifle for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, the rifles discussed in this article are all excellent choices for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate 45 Long Colt rifle.

When choosing a rifle, it is important to consider factors such as your budget, intended use, and shooting ability. If you are a beginner, you may want to choose a rifle that is easier to shoot and maintain. If you are an experienced shooter, you may want to choose a rifle that is more powerful and accurate.

No matter what your needs are, there is a 45 Long Colt rifle out there that is perfect for you. So take your time, do your research, and choose the best rifle for your needs.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• 45 Long Colt is a powerful and versatile cartridge that is well-suited for a variety of hunting and self-defense applications.
• There are a wide variety of 45 Long Colt rifles available on the market, so you can find one that fits your individual needs and budget.
• When choosing a 45 Long Colt rifle, it is important to consider factors such as your intended use, shooting ability, and budget.
• With proper care and maintenance, a 45 Long Colt rifle can provide you with years of reliable service.