IF ATTACKED, DON'T RESIST. CALL 911.

Alliance Independent ^ | [9/11/01] | Matt Maggio

[archy]

If the new owners of the venerable Smith and Wesson wanted to try to get back into my good graces they could start by introducing a .45ACP pistol about the size of a small 9mm. Since .45 is approximately 11mm the appropriate model designation for this new 9mm sized pistol could be the S&W 911. I might buy it just for the name

But it damn well better shoot when I "dial"

I'd be quite happy with a 5-shot k-frame S&W revolver, approximately the size of the .44 Charter Arms *Bulldog*, *Pug* and *Target Bulldog* revolvers [any of which will handily drop into a holster meant for an M10 or M15 S&W sixgun] but chambered in the .45 Auto Rim and .45 ACP cartridge rather than the .44 Special.

Concerns that the .45 round is *too short* for such use or requires a 5-inch barrel to develop the velocity of the military load specifications are evenly countered by the cries for overpenetration with the .45 ball round from a M1911. This works out to *just about right* with a Star PD or Colt Officer's Model with barrel lengths of around 3½-inches, and of course more interesting projectile profiles are available [though ball is all that's allowed for civilian ownership and use in some foreign dictatorships and New Jersey] But if S&W continues with the Quisling policies of the previous ownership, or won't build such a nifty item, I bet Taurus will. And though the polymer-framed Taurus PT145 .45 autopistol appears to have some reported teething problems, it's a good bet that Taurus will work them out okay, and may then be able to work on a .45 AR version of their .44 Special caliber 5-shot revolvers.