Which do you prefer, the tapered barrel of the mountain gun or the "full lug" barrel of the standard 625, in terms of shooting 45 ACP.

I tend to prefer the heavier barrel for 44MAG but I like the tapered barrel for shooting 45ACP/LC.

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Aaron Terry

I've had both and much prefer the Mountain Gun for all around use. The recoil of most .45 ACP ammo is mild enough you don't really need the extra weight...

That being said I am am MG lover...have a 657, 625 and 629....Bob

I have both. I prefer the slim tapered barrel on the mtn. gun. I think full lug barrels on Smith & Wesson's are an abomination.

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S&W Accumulator

If you are looking for a Mountain Gun...there is 625 .45 ACP over on GunBroker now....just type in Mountain Gun 45 and it comes right up...

It is NIB...current Bid $600.00...

Bob

I've had both also and I MUCH prefer the tapered Mountain Gun barrels. In fact, I feel that a M625 set up that way is the ideal fightin' revolver-good weight and balance and the fastest reload around, using full moon clips.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I actually prefer the straight taper barrel on the 1955 Model, cut to my preferred length of 5", like this one:



I have to admit, a tapered 4" barrel would make it a little better for every day packing, concealed or even just in a belt holster, but I love 5" N-frames. (smile)

Dave

PS: OOPS! Just realized the OP asked about 625s, not just 45 ACP revolvers. Well, just disregard my picture and comments. (LOL)

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Aaron,
My be it's me, but the recoil impulse is less on my Mountain Gun then my 625 4" JM.
Last weekend I did in fact try all the 4" series I have in my collection which are the two mentioned and also one of my 325 Thunder Ranch models the load was, and is 3.9grs. of Clays on top of a 230gr. lead round nose.
This load is my standard for shooting IDPA matches, I shot 24 rounds through each gun to compare, a bill drill at 21ft., and several target layouts for different scenarios.
My conclusion is the thin barrel Mountain Gun, and also the Thunder Rance, I was able to get back on target faster, verses the heavier 4" JM 625.
For next's years shooting season, I will be using my MG in .45 acp for matches.
Now this perceived recoil impulse works for me in my experience with these 3 that I tried if it works for you, thats yet to be seen, But thats my 2 cents worth.


Joe

Dave T
That's just an outstanding looking 5", I have one I bought with a 4 7/8 bbl and the balance is just perfect.

Joe

It all depends on how many rounds you're planning to shoot through it in one session and how quickly you shoot them. The stocks play a big part too. I'm starting to prefer my 3" full lug 625 over my SAC Mountain Gun. The short, fat boot grip style stocks on my 3" gun are very easy to manage and control the recoil very well, yet they feel terrible and out of place on the Mountain Gun. But somebody else with different hands might completely disagree.

Dave Sinko

If you were shootin pins and such for speed, you are probably better off with the 5" full lugged barrel. That said, I like the balance of the N-frame 4" Mountain guns. I occasionally shoot my 625 SAC at my club's monthly Harry Reeves match. I hang right in there. I have a few of the S&W Mountain guns in various calibers. All of them are very accurate. I think it may have something to do with the fact they may have to pay more attention to properly crowning that tapered barrel. My 625 SAC will keep 10 rounds inside the X-ring of a 25yd. B-8 target from a rest. If only I could do that while holding the gun with one hand on a regular basis.

Thing is............I've never seen a 625 that was not a fine shooter. Folks pay big money to tune 1911's that are hard-pressed to match an out of the box 625 in the accuracy dept.

I never did like the full lug. I have had both and prefer the tapered barrel. I have a model 22-4 now and it is like a mtn gun with fixed sights. I love the way it handles but the adjustable sights would be nice on it since I load different bullet weights.