Show yer Peacemakers, folks!

[Fx51LP308]

As many here may know, I'm not very big on Wheel guns. I prefer semi-auto pistols for the capacity in re HD/SD scenarios. I do own a SW Model 10, given to me by my Uncle. That said, I do acknowledge that revolvers have their place in our community and they are well liked. So I should learn to get used to them, if only for sport/skill purposes.

The revolver that has fascinated me over time is the Colt SAA or "Peacemaker," .45acp. For my Miami Vice brethren here, Willie Nelson, playing an old, retired "Texas Ranger" in the "El Viejo" episode pawned one of his Colt Peacemakers




And here's the opening of that episode. Note that while it appears in Season 3, ep. 7, it must have been broadcast "out of order," because, by this time, they had already blown up he Daytona Spider and replaced it with the White Testarossa.



And the last "gunfight" scene where Willie uses his remaining Peacemaker and dies after helping Crocket stop the BGs... Not sure if the sound effects are accurate in re: the Peacemaker, but it is rather interesting.



When I went onto Gunbroker to look up the SAA or Peacemaker, I got a ton of different responses, barrel lengths, etc. I wasn't sure what was what. Therefore, I ask those of you who own a Peacemaker, what you consider to be the best model. I'll use the gun featured in the Miami Vice episode as the "canonical standard." If you have pics, please post. I'd like to see what you have. I have to figure that's one of the better wheel guns on which to learn how to shoot wheel guns. Don't think I'd want a SW 500 class gun at this point.

If ya got a Peacemaker, show it here.... Thanks much.

And, here's a bit more Willie.....

 

[kthomas]

My wife's favorite handgun:

 

[wvfarrier]

I had a couple I used for mounted shooting, they were a lot of fun.

 

[Edsel]

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

My wife's favorite handgun:

View attachment 8749273

But is she your favorite wife?


(Couldn’t help myself, BearPit)

 

[Maser]

Not exactly a Buntline Special, but this is the cap and ball revolver I used to own.

 

[Rookie]

Agreed, stay away from the giant caliber revolvers. if you need to put that much energy on the target buy a rifle. Here's my Ruger new model Vaquero, which is the same size frame as the old Colt peacemaker. In 45 Colt.

 

[Modoc]

My SASS rig with matching NM Vaqueros

 

[Norther]

The revolver that has fascinated me over time is the Colt SAA or "Peacemaker," .45acp.

.45 Colt, not .45 ACP.

 

[Maser]

.45 Colt, not .45 ACP.

You can buy .45ACP cylinders.

 

[chevy_man]

Ruger Blackhawk is a solid and not overly expensive option. I've shot a few of them, .41 Magnum seems to be a favorite (and I don't know why because energy is similar, but the 41 shoots much softer than a 44.)

Anything in 357 mag is going to be a great option. You can get reduced power 38s to plink all day, or full house 357s for bear defense.

 

[Fx51LP308]

.45 Colt, not .45 ACP.

Understood, having just Googled it. 45 Colt (or Long Colt) is a rimmed and a longer cartridge for revolvers. 45 ACP is a center fire cartridge and a bit shorter for semi-autos like 1911s. They are not interchangeable.

https://ammo.com/comparison/45-colt-vs-45-acp

 

[tarheel7734]

My Uberti in 45lc charcoal blue.

 

[Alphatreedog]

Ruger Blackhawk is a solid and not overly expensive option. I've shot a few of them, .41 Magnum seems to be a favorite (and I don't know why because energy is similar, but the 41 shoots much softer than a 44.)

Anything in 357 mag is going to be a great option. You can get reduced power 38s to plink all day, or full house 357s for bear defense.

44 mag is next purchase . We rented one at the local indoor range . The boy is hooked .

 

[supercorndogs]

44 mag is awesome. I used to shoot 240 cast bullets around 800fps and also around 2000fps. I had a 629 classic stainless 5". It's one of the few guns I have sold in would care to have back. Lol

 

[Sandhog308]

Was my Granddads , Dads, mine Purchased in 1917 for $ 17.00 !
I have the original receipt and the letter from the Colt historian.

 

[Jscb1b]

Understood, having just Googled it. 45 Colt (or Long Colt) is a rimmed and a longer cartridge for revolvers. 45 ACP is a center fire cartridge and a bit shorter for semi-autos like 1911s. They are not interchangeable.

https://ammo.com/comparison/45-colt-vs-45-acp

You can get cylinders in 45acp. They use half moon clips to hold the 45acp by the extractor groove.

 

[Sandhog308]

Not a Peacemaker but this S&W model 1917 can shot both 45 ACP or 45 Long Colt .
Half moon clip required.

 

[JoshPutman]

The only revolver I own is a 22lr/22 WMR single action. Fun gun. My boy shoots it better than I do.

 

[Mike Casselton]

There's also a 45 Auto rim.
It's the same length and same load as a 45 ACP. The brass has a rim.

Not really sure why it exists, but it does.

 

[Modoc]

There's also a 45 Auto rim.
It's the same length and same load as a 45 ACP. The brass has a rim.

Not really sure why it exists, but it does.

Wartime production initially. I was told that it was less expensive and saved the spring steel to produce the Auto Rim. True or not

Starline is also producing the 45 Cowboy Special, a 45 A.R. With a 45 Colt rim on it.

@Sandhog308 , which historian wrote the letter?

 

[Fx51LP308]

You can get cylinders in 45acp. They use half moon clips to hold the 45acp by the extractor groove.

I wouldn't want to mess with that. If it's designed for 45LC, I want to shoot it with 45LC. Part of the "skill" being to shoot it using the cartridge (and power) for which it was designed.

 

[acpchuck]

Never thought about buying a single action revolver, then came across a deal I couldn't refuse. Local cowboy (SASS) club was having a gun raffle for several different guns. Bought a ticket for $20, forgot about the drawing and then one night got a call saying I won a choice of gun. Best of the selection was a Ruger Vaquero in 357 mag. Turns out it was one of two in a Ruger SASS set of consecutive serial numbered guns. A friend in the club asked if I would be interested in buying the other gun as he was pretty sure the guy who won it wouldn't clear the 4473 paperwork. So I 'bought' the gun from him (was a certificate from the club redeemable at the gun store for the gun) for $460. Ended up with these two for a total of $480.

 

[Fx51LP308]

There's also a 45 Auto rim.
It's the same length and same load as a 45 ACP. The brass has a rim.

Not really sure why it exists, but it does.

Indeed it does. I see it on Ammoseek.com

.45 Auto Rim Ammo

In-stock best prices for 45 Auto Rim Ammo | Bulk 45 Auto Rim Ammunition - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

 

[Sandhog308]

Wartime production initially. I was told that it was less expensive and saved the spring steel to produce the Auto Rim. True or not

Starline is also producing the 45 Cowboy Special, a 45 A.R. With a 45 Colt rim on it.

@Sandhog308 , which historian wrote the letter?

Marty Huber

For some reason I have a S&W 1917 , my Dads Model 1911 he carried in WWll , a Colt Pre-Woodsman , and the SAA all manufactured in 1917.

 

[Modoc]

@Sandhog308 , I was hoping that the SAA (Peacemaker) had a letter from John Kopeck Only because of his friendship and the memories of seeing some of the revolvers sent to him for authentication.

 

[Sandhog308]

@Sandhog308 , I was hoping that the SAA (Peacemaker) had a letter from John Kopeck Only because of his friendship and the memories of seeing some of the revolvers sent to him for authentication.

Cool !!
I met both Marty Huber and Kathleen Hoyt at a Colt Collectors Assn. event in Hartford CT years ago. Both were super nice.

 

[Fx51LP308]

So, some additional questions regarding the SAA/Peacemaker in 45LC. Is there standard barrel length or can that vary? What's the "canonical standard" for that? Also, are there speed loaders for the 45LC?

 

[Modoc]

So, some additional questions regarding the SAA/Peacemaker in 45LC. Is there standard barrel length or can that vary? What's the "canonical standard" for that? Also, are there speed loaders for the 45LC?

The three “main” barrel lengths were “Civilian” 4-5/8”, Artillery 5-1/2”, and Cavalry 7-1/2”, but I’ve seen from 1” to 14” barrels.

The setup does not really allow for speed loaders.