Firearms 101: 10 Best 45 Long Colt Rifles

The 45 Long Colt has a storied history in American firearms, first introduced in 1873. This revolver’s powerful performance made it a favorite among police, military, and civilian shooters for over a century. Our roundup highlights the most reliable and accurate 45 Long Colt rifles available today, comparing their trigger mechanisms, barrel lengths, and overall performance to help you choose the right firearm for your needs.

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Reviews

1/12 Scale Realistic Rifle Kit

The 1/12 scale realistic rifle models offer detailed reproductions of the Japanese 89-type rifle, US M4A1, and Soviet SVD with PSO-1 sniper system. Each kit includes parts to build two of the three rifle types, featuring hollow slide-molded construction. The sets provide durable figure accessories with realistic proportions, though some users noted minor issues with bipod stability and slight warping in certain models.

Colt AR Patent 45 Long Rifle Design

The AR-15’s legacy began with a pivotal 1966 patent from Colt’s Manufacturing Co. , which laid the groundwork for what would become America’s most iconic rifle. Today, those original blueprints aren’t just historical artifacts—they’re celebrated in every detail of the design, from the reinforced bolt closure mechanism to the sleek lines that make it a marksmen’s favorite. Whether you’re a collector admiring the technical precision or simply appreciate the story behind the shot, this shirt captures a piece of firearms history that’s still influencing new designs today.

The Colt Rifle, 1884-1902

This limited-edition hardcover book marks number 487 of just 1000 copies, featuring a signed inscription from the author, Ted Tivey. The dark brown cover exudes vintage appeal with its gold-gilt text, though the dust jacket shows some minor scuffing. The glossy black and brown boards protect what’s clearly a book well worth adding to any firearm or history collection.

Barrett M82A1 .50 Cal Sniper Rifle with 3D Engraved Crystal XL

This isn’t your ordinary rifle - the Barrett M82A1 . 50 Cal packs serious firepower into a surprisingly elegant package. The “XL” designation might refer to its impressive 3D crystal engraving, which really makes this sniper rifle stand out. While we don’t have any user reviews just yet, every detail from the oversized grip to the premium crystal work suggests this is a weapon built for lasting appreciation, not just casual shooting.

French 45 Long Colt Rifle with Bayonet

This Spanish-made replica captures every detail of a 1806 French rifle, from the wood and zamak construction to the precision of its 183 cm length. The result is a striking centerpiece that brings authentic Napoleonic-era weaponry to any collection, with each piece crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques.

Bolt Action Military Rifle

This bolt action rifle looks cool and feels decently heavy, with a 30-inch length that matches real military rifles. It comes with an attached scope for that extra-realistic touch, and you get three fake bullets that pop out one by one when you pull back the bolt. While the toy looks the part, expect some frustration since parts tend to break easily - the bolt has snapped off for more than one unlucky buyer.

Denix 1138 Kentucky Rifle Replica

This replica of a 1700s Pennsylvania rifle captures the design that helped shape early American expansion. At just over 44 inches long, it matches the shorter version carried on the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. The rifle’s signature “rifled” bore delivers exceptional accuracy for its time period.

Goat Guns AK12 Model, FDE

The modern AK-12 carries on the legacy of the trusted AK-47 with several upgrades for today’s military and law enforcement. Chambered for 5.45x39mm or 7.62x39mm, this assault rifle combines improved ergonomics with modular design for versatility. Its enhanced accuracy and reliability make it a significant advancement in the longstanding AK platform.

Denix 1030L Old West Lever Action

The double barrel design packs a hefty punch, while the 24-inch octagonal barrel and 15-round capacity harken back to Civil War-era repeating rifles. The brass-finished frame really makes it stand out, adding that authentic Old West flair you’re looking for. Whether you’re reenacting or just admiring this piece of history, it delivers on both counts.

M1866 Lever-Action Repeating Rifle

This reproduction lever-action rifle captures the authentic feel and appearance of the historic 1866 model. The antique gray finish and wooden stock give it a weathered look that deserves a spot over your fireplace. The 19-inch barrel and 38.75-inch overall length make it a commanding presence, though it’s important to note this is a non-firing display piece.

Buyer’s Guide

The 45 Long Colt (. 45 LC) has been a staple in American firearms history since its introduction in 1873. This guide examines key aspects of 45 Long Colt rifles, helping you understand their capabilities and considerations for both hobbyists and casual shooters.

Caliber Performance and Ballistics

The. 45 LC cartridge delivers reliable stopping power with its balanced recoil, making it suitable for various shooting applications. Understanding its ballistics is crucial: at 50 yards, expect muzzle energy around 400-425 foot-pounds, decreasing to about 250 foot-pounds at 200 yards. This makes it effective for personal defense and varmint hunting within reasonable ranges.

Rifle Characteristics and Design

45 Long Colt rifles typically feature blued or stainless steel construction with barrel lengths ranging from 16 to 22 inches. Consider the rifle’s weight distribution and balance, as the heavier barrel versions require more precision. Popular actions include single- and double-action designs, with some models offering adjustable sights for better accuracy.

Caliber Limitations and Considerations

While powerful, the. 45 LC’s bulk makes it less concealable and more cumbersome than modern alternatives. The cartridge’s performance does not match dedicated hollow-point loads, and its limited availability and higher cost affect cost-effectiveness for target shooting. Understanding these limitations helps in realistic expectations for the rifle’s practical applications.

Reliability and Maintenance

45 Long Colt rifles generally perform well with proper maintenance. Look for quality components and reliable mechanisms. Regular cleaning and inspection of the firing pin and extractor ensure safe operation. Consider the rifle’s trigger mechanism’s adjustability and the ease of disassembly for thorough cleaning and maintenance.

FAQ

What is a 45 Long Colt rifle?

The. 45 Long Colt is a black powder cartridge invented in 1873. It wasn’t used in service until 1877 and primarily found application in single-action revolvers and lever-action rifles. The cartridge provides powerful performance but requires careful handling due to its black powder propellant.

Modern reproductions and new production rifles chambered for. 45 Long Colt combine historical accuracy with contemporary standards of safety and reliability.

What types of rifles chamber. 45 Long Colt?

Popular rifle actions include single-action revolvers like the Colt M1877 and modern reproductions, as well as lever-action rifles from manufacturers such as Ruger, S&W, and Marlin. Semi-automatic rifles chambered for. 45 Long Colt are also available.

Many reproductions maintain the traditional aesthetics and proportions of 19th-century designs while incorporating modern features like improved safety mechanisms and reliability enhancements.

What is the maximum safe load for. 45 Long Colt?

Maximum safe loads for. 45 Long Colt vary by bullet weight and firearm type, typically ranging from 75 to 100 grains of black powder. It’s essential to consult the specific firearm’s manual and use only recommended loads.

Always verify load data for your specific firearm model, as factors like barrel length and rifling twist rate affect maximum safe loads.

What performance characteristics should I expect from a. 45 Long Colt?

. 45 Long Colt delivers significant energy and penetration, making it effective for medium-sized game at reasonable ranges. The black powder cartridge generally provides 20-25% more energy than modern smokeless powder alternatives.

While capable of impressively accurate fire at closer ranges, the black powder residue requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent fouling issues.

How does the. 45 Long Colt compare to modern cartridges in terms of recoil?

The. 45 Long Colt generates significantly more recoil than modern cartridges of equivalent energy. Recoil impulse is approximately 60% higher, requiring careful selection of shooting gear and ammunition.

Modern reproductions often incorporate improved stock designs and recoil pads to mitigate the impact of black powder firearms compared to their 19th-century predecessors.

What maintenance requirements are specific to. 45 Long Colt rifles?

Regular cleaning with a two-step bore cleaning process is essential to prevent black powder residue buildup. The acidic properties of black powder necessitate more frequent cleaning than smokeless powder cartridges.

Inspect and maintain the action mechanisms regularly, as black powder’s corrosive nature can accelerate wear on steel parts. Consider protective coating for exposed metal surfaces when not in use.

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