As a CCW Instructor and editor for a web site, I am always looking for new and accurate information. When I find a great desk resource it is a real treasure. Frank Barns has put together one of the best desk reference tools that I have been able to find regarding rifle and handgun cartridges.

How many people take the time to understand why a handgun or rifle cartridge is invented? There are several classics like the .45 Automatic ACP. It was invented by John Browning in 1905 and placed into service by the United States Ordinance Dept. in 1911. The author points out that the .45 ACP is the most powerful handgun used by militaries today.  It has been proven in combat with excellent stopping power. It has limited range because of its curved trajectory. We at Carryconcealed.net have been practicing for fun at the 100 yard range and found that using the .45 is more like “Lobbing”  than target practice. We have to aim about one foot above the intended target.

The .45 Colt or commonly called the .45 Long Colt has seen a resurgence in the last 20 years with the increase in Cowboy Action Shooting. This coupled with companies making affordable replicas of the Colt Sixshooters has added a whole new chapter to this round. It was introduced in 1873 by Colt for the “Peacemaker” single-action revolver. It has been around for over 130 years. It is only surpassed with knockdown power by the 44 Magnum. Hornady, Sierra, Speer and other have stepped forward to fill the new demand for the .45 Long Colt demand.

Some of the other advantages to this book also provide clues to handguns that may be family heirlooms that may need some clarification. For example is the handgun pictured on the right. The serial number on the handgun matches the serial number on the cylinder. It has almost no markings, but is manufactured from a blacksmith style or individual manufacture type rather than the modern machine tools. It is a 45-70 chambered handgun and we were able to date this handgun in the 1870’s based upon the markings and the  information in the Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges section. The practice of having a handgun chambered the same as your rifle was practiced in the west. It was practical as it allowed the frontier adventures to carry only one cartridge. The 45-70 was also used in the Sharps rifles. Many of us can recognize the gun from the movie “Quigley Down Under”.

If you are a CCW Instructor or just a gun historian, this is an excellent desk reference. I got mine from Borders for $29.99.

Happy Trails and keep the lead down range. Clark – Carryconcealed.net