Why a 45 LC?

[OCEquestrian]

OK here's the single best reason to get a 45 Long colt single action Army pistol: that's what John Wayne carried !

[IVC]

While there is indeed no *official* "45 Long Colt" (only "45 Colt"), we can call it "45 LC" to distinguish it from 45 ACP, which is also colloquially called just a "45." Much like when you shoot "a nine," nobody is nitpicking on the terminology - we all know it's 9x19 and not 9x21 or any other variety of "nines."

As to why 45 LC, it's partly history, partly a good hunting cartridge for lever action rifles, partly a good low power cartridge for revolvers chambered in 454 Casull or 460 S&W Magnum (also called just "460 Magnum" and never confused with "460 Weatherby Magnum").

As a side issue, by far the most common Cowboy Action caliber is actually 38 special fired out of 357 Magnum revolvers, not 45 LC.

[jeffyhog]

Because


Photo courtesy of member Ti-tick.

[NoHeavyHitter]

Since you reload you are aware that .44 Mag is really .43, right?

Mine's a .429

[JTROKS]

Got a Ruger SRH in 454 Casull. 45 Colt loads are very soft shooting with this gun. Get a single action in 45 Colt and you won't regret it.

[GreggieBoy]

How about tradition as a legit reason?

[plumbum]

Because they don’t make a .46 Colt?

[Carcassonne]

I have 44mag, .38, .357, 45acp & 10mm.

What's the draw....just one more?
Which I get!

Because they dont make a 46 Colt

There is no 45LC. There is only the 45C.



.

[RAMCLAP]

Because 1873's rule and they might as well be in .45 C.

[TI-Tick]

I'll try another angle:

It's kind of like red headed women. Blonds, brunettes, black hair, are nice and fun but...

One taste of a red and you know you got the real McCoy and the next thing you know it's like an addiction. Chasin' the red dragon - chasin' the Colt SAA 45

[champu]

Since you reload you are aware that .44 Mag is really .43, right?

Looks like you need a .454 Casull.

It is amusing to me that I have both a .44 Magnum revolver (which is actually .43) and a .44 New Model Army (which is actually .45)

[Loiterer]

If you are asking the itch has started, over time this will increase slowly and develop into a rash, ...

Then you have to get the lever to go with it.

[aklon]

The first time people shoot anything pushing the .45 Colt, they are surprised - and in a good way.

[Tere_Hanges]

.45LC or .44WCF is the only way to go if you want an 1873 Single Action Army. Thats pretty much it. I wouldnt own any other model of gun in .45LC.

[Army GI]

Already covered pretty well here, but:

1) Enjoyment of a historical cartridge. Introduced in 1873, the .45LC is still going strong. Though not as popular as the .45ACP, it still maintains a respectable place on the shelves of gun stores.

2) Guns are STILL being made for it. Henry, Winchester, Uberti, even Charter Arms make, firearms for this caliber.

3) Versatility of the cartridge. Everything from light cowboy action plinkers to heavy magnum loads suitable only for Rugers can be loaded.

4) Companies such as Underwood Ammo, and Buffalo Bore, sell "standard pressure heavy" .45LC, which approximate the power levels of the original black powder loads from a 7.5" barrel -- something like a 250gr slug at a nice 1000 fps, which makes for a very suitable self-defense load. Considering a standard .45ACP round is a 230gr bullet at 825fps or so, this is a nice step up in power from the auto cartridge, but still not anywhere near magnum level recoil.

5) Did I just mention black powder? Oh that's right, BLACK POWDER!!!! If you've ever wanted to enjoy shooting full powered black powder (warthogs as those in SASS referr to them) loads, then you can't go wrong with the .45LC. The reason the case is that large, compared to the smokeless .45ACP, is that it was designed in the age of black powder, and that is how much volume was needed to drive that 250gr slug at those formidable velocities. Now a days, a 250gr projectile at 1000fps can easily be achieved with much less smokeless powder, but nothing compares to the fun of shooting "Holy Black"