045 Long Colt Revolver

Introduction to the.45 Long Colt Revolver

The .45 Long Colt is a cartridge designed for use in handguns, particularly revolvers. It has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century, and has been a popular choice for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. In this article, we will delve into the details of the.45 Long Colt revolver, its history, characteristics, and uses.

History of the.45 Long Colt

The.45 Long Colt was introduced in 1873 by the Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. It was designed to be used in the Colt Single Action Army revolver, which was a popular sidearm among the United States military and law enforcement at the time. The cartridge was developed to provide a more powerful alternative to the .45 Schofield cartridge, which was also used in revolvers. The.45 Long Colt quickly gained popularity and became a standard cartridge for many revolvers.

Characteristics of the.45 Long Colt

The.45 Long Colt cartridge has a number of distinctive characteristics that make it well-suited for use in revolvers. Some of the key characteristics of the.45 Long Colt include: * Caliber:.45 inches (11.43 mm) * Case length: 1.285 inches (32.64 mm) * Bullet weight: 230-255 grains (14.9-16.6 grams) * Muzzle velocity: 850-900 ft/s (259-274 m/s) * Muzzle energy: 350-400 ft-lbf (475-542 J)

Uses of the.45 Long Colt

The.45 Long Colt is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes, including: * Self-defense: The.45 Long Colt is a popular choice for self-defense due to its large caliber and powerful muzzle energy. * Hunting: The.45 Long Colt can be used for hunting larger game, such as deer and wild boar. * Target shooting: The.45 Long Colt is also used for target shooting, particularly in cowboy action shooting and single action shooting.

Types of.45 Long Colt Revolvers

There are several types of revolvers that are chambered in.45 Long Colt, including: * Colt Single Action Army: This is one of the most iconic revolvers ever made, and it is still widely used today. * Ruger Vaquero: This is a modern revolver that is designed to resemble the classic Colt Single Action Army. * Smith & Wesson Model 25: This is a high-quality revolver that is known for its accuracy and reliability.

🔫 Note: When handling any firearm, it is essential to follow proper safety procedures to avoid accidents.

Comparison to Other Cartridges

The.45 Long Colt is often compared to other cartridges, such as the .45 ACP and the .44 Magnum. Some of the key differences between these cartridges include: * Muzzle energy: The.45 Long Colt has a higher muzzle energy than the.45 ACP, but lower than the.44 Magnum. * Caliber: The.45 Long Colt has a larger caliber than the.45 ACP, but smaller than the.44 Magnum. * Case length: The.45 Long Colt has a longer case length than the.45 ACP, but shorter than the.44 Magnum.

Cartridge	Caliber	Case length	Muzzle energy
.45 Long Colt	.45 inches (11.43 mm)	1.285 inches (32.64 mm)	350-400 ft-lbf (475-542 J)
.45 ACP	.45 inches (11.43 mm)	0.898 inches (22.81 mm)	300-350 ft-lbf (407-475 J)
.44 Magnum	.44 inches (11.18 mm)	1.285 inches (32.64 mm)	500-600 ft-lbf (678-816 J)

In summary, the.45 Long Colt is a powerful and versatile cartridge that has been used for a variety of purposes, including self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. Its large caliber and high muzzle energy make it a popular choice among handgun enthusiasts, and its rich history and classic design have made it a beloved collector’s item. With its wide range of applications and enduring popularity, the.45 Long Colt is sure to remain a staple of the firearms community for years to come.