Should I get a .45 LC or a .357 magnum?

In the next month or two, I'm going to be buying a single-action revolver. The revolver is purely for recreation: target shooting, and possibly cowboy action shooting down the road.

I've identified the model I want, but it is available in .45 LC and .357 magnum. The .45 is, to me, more "cowboy," which is part of the appeal of the gun. On the other hand, I have another .357 mag, and a .38 special, so that is a consideration.

I don't need a wide variety of ammo available, as this will not be used for hunting or self defense. Which would you choose?

Missourian2016-06-25T19:11:57Z

Favorite Answer

another 45LC vote. Far more fun to shoot than a .357 for me...but as others have said...45 Colt will drive you to reload. The good news is that is a great thing. 45 Colt can be loaded to Cowboy Action low pressure up to and beyond 44 Magnum. Originally produced as a black powder round means plenty of room for hot loads. Which leads me inextricably to my final point. In revolvers, to my knowledge, only the Rugers will handle these loads in single action firearms.

Whether you decide on the 357 or 45 Colt...keep in mind, Blackhawk by Ruger can be had with a convertible cylinder to be both 357/38 plus 9mm NATO AND a 45LC plus 45ACP . Just something to think about. Link in the comments...

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foodcritic2016-07-05T04:29:34Z

both.

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USAFisnumber12016-06-24T08:22:12Z

I have one of each.

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Anonymous2016-06-23T15:04:45Z

I'd recommend .357 Mag for the versatility of the cartridge. For recreation, hunting, defense, you've got the .38 Special, .38 Special +p, and the .357 Mag all as viable options. I haven't tried .38 Long Colt because I have no idea where to get it around here. Not really an in-demand cartridge.

57

Anonymous2016-06-23T12:26:14Z

.45 Colt. Cowboys didn't use a .357 Magnum, which was invented by Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson about 1934. Besides, the .45 Colt is way cooler.

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