I have a 625-10 performance revolver that I really like but had to send it in for a cracked frame, known issues with this model. I have been told that since they no longer make these that most likely they will offer another gun. These guns have increased in price but have to give it up. Any recommendations on an equal value gun, revolver or auto? Oh I should say that it will be a ccw. I have looked at the sw pro series subcompact 1911 and the night guard snubnoses but sure what’s even available. My wish is that they have parts for a repair but that doesn’t seem promising. Thanks

There is a chance that they will have one back in the vault. That is unless they have had dozens returned for the same issues and they have all been replaced. If not, they normally give you the choice of two or three very similar firearms. You could probably take your choice of current production N frames.

That would be great if they have one available. This gun was one of my favorites. I carried it often as well.

I talked to them today and it looks like they may be offering me a replacement. The only two guns that I see that would be fairly close in value would be either the snubnose nightguard or pro series subcompact 1911. I know these are two very different guns but if you had a pick which would it be. The closest thing I have to a 1911 is my sig 380. I do like that gun a lot. My inventory on hand guns are split between 5 revolvers and 5 autos. I do like 45acp although.

OP, sorry to hear about your gun. Where did it crack? I had not heard of any problems with this N frame model.

Given a choice, I would get the PC 1911, especially as a carry piece. Flatter, easier to carry than a large frame revolver. More rounds. Besides, every serious shooter needs at least one 1911....

Larry

It cracked under the barrel on the frame. Fairly large crack. A friend and myself had taken it and a couple of other guns to the range and I used a box of factory Remington, not hot loads. I was just getting ready to order another holster for it and cleaning it when I noticed the crack. Doing a google search showed others have had the same experience unfortunately. This gun has been one of my favorites and to be honest very accurate. I have been thinking of asking for the 1911 but haven’t been given any options yet. I’ll let you know what happens.

Yes, that has been the S&W policy for a long time. If a gun breaks and it's their fault they replace it and if they no longer make it then another gun of equal value. if it is the shooter's fault they will replace the gun with ANY gun at S&W's "cost", not wholesale per se or MSRP but their cost.

I didn't check the values but if you like carrying a revolver of that size why not a 686+? Why switch to a pistol when you like carrying a large wheelgun?

And, despite the remark above, which I understand but disagree with totally, 1911s have long since passed their time as a gun of choice for modern shooters who carry concealed. YMMV of course!

I did own a few; all dumped for modern hardware (okay, NOT that modern; my handguns are mostly still all metal, with one or two exceptions).

Thanks, I’ll check out the 686. Other than the sig p238 my auto carry’s are striker fire. My carry revolver was the 625-10 and the pd340. I do have a snubnose Taurus 455 I believe which is actually a nice shooter. The n frame may be big but just feels so good in my hand. Unlike some I do like 38 ammo although in my little j frames.

Just checked out the 686 plus. Really nice looking gun. 7 rounds and the unfluted cylinder is a plus for me. It is heavier although but would make it more pleasant with the magnums. One of the things that bother me about magnum loads is the flash in dark conditions. I am liking this although.

My two cents on this matter of choice. I have owned some really good quality and nice 1911's. They have their place. But for a man who has carried and used and enjoyed a good revolver AND is used to shooting them double action without having to manipulate a safety to fire, I never could warm up to the use of a 1911 for the purpose of my self protection. Others who had much training with them do not feel the same way. This has to do with me and my experience and personal likes and dislikesl

I own some semi autos that I will carry, and they are M&P models that are striker fired and do not require a manual safety for safe carry and use for my purposes. Drawing and firing them is pretty much the same drill as doing so with my revolvers. My head is NOT programmed to have to disengage a manual safety before I press the trigger, and I simply do not trust myself to remember to do that with any handgun that requires it, regardless of it's quality or accuracy potential. As I said, I freely admit the potential problem is with me, but I'm not willing to put in the number of hours of practice to get comfortable with any single action handgun that requires the use of a manual safety to carry and use it safely. I am not comfortable pointing a firearm at any person with a relatively easy single action trigger if my finger is on that trigger! I am comfortable doing so when using the double action trigger pull of my revolvers.

I just say these things to give you something to think about as you consider this question. You must make this choice based on what you are comfortable with. Target shooting or range work is one thing, but using a firearm under the stress of of a personal protection encounter for me requires keeping things as simple and easy for myself as possible. I'm not saying anyone else should agree, but this choice is easy for me. I hope you can find a choice that is comfortable for your needs!

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So long ... Ken

I do have concernes with the safety as well since as you said none of my carry’s have the thumb safeties. I’ll listen to my options but I sure do like that 686 plus. Maybe they’ll throw in a holster ��.

"either the snubnose nightguard or "

what model # is that?

The 327 nightguard is the one I was looking at but I don’t think they are offered anymore.

I have a nice Garrett IWB silent thunder leather lined IWB holster I would let you have reasonably. I am way too skinny to even try to hide my 686+. I do love to shoot it however. (Bought it used and the holster came with it.) I have bought 2 more Garretts and another is on the way. PM me if you get a 686+ and want the Garrett. It will be here.

Thanks, I’ll let you know. Have heard back yet on their decision. They received it on the 13th so should hear something soon.

SW just emailed me offering a replacement. After a lot of thought I decided to get the pro series subcompact 45acp. I wish I had been better prepared because the lady I talked to seemed like she would have given me whatever I wanted. That was the only subcompact that I had seen with a similar price tag. The ones she was offering were even more expensive but lengthier. Anyway as one guy said I needed at least one 1911��. Should get it soon, thanks SW.

Good choice.

Dumb Question: Why didn't you just get another 625 from the PC? S&W is showing one on their web site.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

This thread has a lot of different opinions, so I will not jump into the controversy, other than to say, I am a firm believer in the 45acp. i also believe that the 1911 is not outdated as a concealed carry gun. I do not carry anymore, but had permits for over 40 years. What did I carry?? A 1911, in the small of my back. No holster. If i were to carry today, it would be a short bbl, model 19 with 158 gr hard cast lead SWC in 357 mag

While a lot of this is pure preference, the thing that bothers me most is ( to paraphrase a comment) " a google search turned up that cracked frames are not all that uncommon".

The Performance Center division is supposed to be the " elite" dept of the company, yet I see many issues relative to weapons coming out of this group. Frankly, I think the name is oversold, and I question whether you are really getting something better, or just different.

Just my .02

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

They did initially offer a 625 4” barrel but it weighed I believe 40 oz. I wanted a snubnose light weight. She was very nice but not very knowledged on what options were available. I mentioned the 1911 pro series subcompact and she just said is that what you want. I had no idea that I was going to have such a open for options and since I wanted to get this done I just said yes. I felt lucky that they took care of me without even asking if I was the initially buyer. All I can say is they had excellent customer service for me. I am satisfied. I do have several more revolvers, and I know some will not agree but one is a Taurus 455 tracker snubnose 45acp that shoots great and very solid.

Just got back from the range. Ammo included Winchester (28 rounds),
monarch (28 rounds),
Wenchester hollow points (28 rounds). All was flawless. I will say that breaking it down to clean and reassembly was more of a challenge than the Mod2 and others but I didn’t mind. Picked up an own Bianchi iwb because I like leather and it was all the gun store had in stock. Seems to work well ( tight now), but it does ride higher than I am not used to. The good is better and quicker access, the bad is it doesn’t conceal as well. With a loose shirt it’s ok. Funny thing is for the first time I tried to shoot with both eyes open, not good lol, so I went back to one eye closed and very good groups. I guess it’s what your used too.

I do have a question although. The grip butt is sharp and I have read where some have filed it round. Does anyone know if there is a YouTube or info on doing this? Also would this void the warranty? I haven’t removed the grips yet and definately didn’t want to go too far.