Smith and Wesson 625 45 acp- 5" vs 4"

[Shtf45acp]

Ok so I posted the other day about a 625 3" and seems being they are out of my price range. So for now at least I'm going to settle for a 5" or a 4".

So my question now for someone who can and is willing to help beyond my research I've already done...... how much of a difference am I going to see?

I'd like to possibly carry it at some point. Probably more so during the fall winter and spring months. I'm not so much worried about weight and size as I do carry a full size 1911 as well. But size does come into play so I'm going to take that into consideration. During the summer I also carry my shield 45.

The main purpose will be plinking. I can shoot my 1911 pretty accurately at 50 yards being able to hit a 4" gong consistently. That being said it's a 5" government. Am I going to see the same performance and accuracy from a 4" 625?

At some point (when funds are available) I'd like to have a 5" 4" and a 3" so I guess the concealabilty isn't to much of a point at this time as I could always open carry it around hunting camp too.

I guess my big question is what are the real differences between a 5" and 4"?

Thanks for the help!

[Skwirl]

The difference is 1 inch. Lol.

Other than that, it depends how good of a shot you are.

[Shtf45acp]

I would say I'm about average maybe a bit better. I haven't shot in competition in about 8 years. I can hit a 6" gong at 75 to 100 yards with my 1911 but not near as good as the smaller at 50. It's probably safe to admit either the 5" or 4" would out shoot me.

[Pizza Bob]

Negligible difference between the 4" and the 5". However, if you decide to pursue gun games again, IDPA restricts you to a 4.2" barrel. Just something to consider.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

[Shtf45acp]

Idk that I would and when I did our area was uspca..... but I'm not sure of their rules either anymore.

What is the difference ballistics wise? From what I've seen it's all over the board from site to site.

[series guy]

I have both. Any difference is in your head. You will probably buy which ever one you find first in your price range.

[S&WIowegan]

I've been shooting 5" 625s in competition for 30 yrs. in IPSC matches. I also shoot 4" 625s in IDPA matches. The 5 " barrel makes a big difference in my opinion. Longer sight radius, more weight upfront make a difference. That said, they're both good!

[jwk]

In a word BALANCE. I've had both and while I haven't had both in my hands at the same time I recall them feeling different. I'd try to handle both and see which one feels best to you. What feels best to me is irrelevant.

Otherwise I can IWB carry a 4 inch. 5 inch not so well. Easier to find holsters for 4 inch N frames. Ballistically a 5 inch has a slight plus. Same for sight radius.

All said though it comes down to BALANCE and which one feels better in YOUR hand.

Final thought both are great revolvers. Pick one and ENJOY.

[oger]

5in N frames just seem to fit better to most people.

[girvin02]

If you plan to carry it, I would suggest the 4". Both will be extremely accurate, from my experience.

[robvious]

for shooting I prefer the 5", mine is better than I am out to 50 yards... beyond that I have difficulty with target acquisition .. but holster choices are minimal at best... if you really plan on carry I would think the 4" would be the better choice.. you will end up with both probably...

[rich5674]

I had one and appreciate the 5 Inch. Longer sight radius and recoil control worked for me. For carryability I’d skip the 4 and go right to the 3”.

[Benchrest1]

I also like the 5" better than the 4". The balance on a 5" hits a sweet spot for me.

[Shtf45acp]

Yeah I'm starting to see the holster selection for a 5" is slim. I like desantis speed scabbard. That is what I use for my 1911, shield 45, and M&P 45. Thanks for all the help guys!

[Lou_NC]

Originally Posted by Shtf45acp

Yeah I'm starting to see the holster selection for a 5" is slim.

Don't let that worry you, any good holster maker can fix you right up. Lobo Gun Leather comes to mind but there are many others out there to choose from.

Lou

[Groo01]

Groo here
Except for the 3 1/2 in M-27 [way back when] the "normal" barrel
length was 5 or 6 inches.
The 4 in started showing up when cops started to use cars.
This helped to keep from putting holes in seats!
The 3in and the 5 inch are the best fit for most as the 5 vs 4 length is not that much in a long barrel nor is a 2in vs a 3.
Also , the speed difference between a 3 vs 4 and a 5 vs 6 almost does not matter..

[TAROMAN]

As for holsters, I have both 4" and 5" Safariland 568 N-Frame holsters.
Use these for ICORE and speed steel matches.

[Scorpion520AZ]

Originally Posted by Shtf45acp

I'd like to possibly carry it at some point.

For any type of N-Frame carry, I'd go for the 4".

[Shtf45acp]

Thanks everyone! Today I purchased a a 625-8 4" for $650. I thought that was a excellent price and I'm happy with it. I'll post pictures when it comes on Friday. Again thanks for the help!!!!

[Shtf45acp]

Here is the picture from the gun broker ad.

[Jimmy4570]

Bought a NIB 4" Model of 1989 625-3 from an estate in 1998 for the princely sum of... $250!!! Second best deal on a firearm I've ever made. I carry it regularly in lieu of my agency issued P-229R. I greatly improved my revolver shooting with this piece over the years using GAT branded hard cast 200 gr SWC or 230 RN over 5.2gr of Super Target. Terrific load with either bullet weight. Despite having shot the SIG and Glock pistols more at this point in my life I still hit better and more quickly with the Browning designed automatics or a good revolver and I just feel much more confident with a .357, .44 Spl, .45 acp or .45 Colt than the 9x19mm.

[Shtf45acp]

Boy for that price I would have bought three lol. Last night two ended on gunbroker. One went for $1650 and the other went for $2050.

I ordered a desantis speed scabbard as that is what I like and use with my 45 shield and 1911 government. So hopefully I like it just as much.

Is it bad to shoot FMJ round ball out of this or does it have to be a lead nose. I have thousands of rounds of blazer brass and Winchester white box from my competition days for my other 45 semi autos. I use Winchester defenders in them when I carry. Any suggestions on ammo?

Also what is a good grip for the N frames? It has the large hogue rubber grips. I was looking at combat or boot grips to carry it and reduce the grip size to prevent printing.

[rockquarry]

Purely personal preference on barrel length. Longer sight radius "advantage" may be more textbook than real, but it's often repeated. I've had 3" and 5" versions for a long time. These guns, regardless of barrel length, are generally easy to shoot well because they have a big frame and are heavy. Same reasons make them less than ideal for concealed carry.

Many don't realize that frame size (bulk) or lack of it has more to do with comfort and concealment than barrel length, within the realm of reason.

[S&WIowegan]

Originally Posted by Shtf45acp

Boy for that price I would have bought three lol. Last night two ended on gunbroker. One went for $1650 and the other went for $2050.

I ordered a desantis speed scabbard as that is what I like and use with my 45 shield and 1911 government. So hopefully I like it just as much.

Is it bad to shoot FMJ round ball out of this or does it have to be a lead nose. I have thousands of rounds of blazer brass and Winchester white box from my competition days for my other 45 semi autos. I use Winchester defenders in them when I carry. Any suggestions on ammo?

Also what is a good grip for the N frames? It has the large hogue rubber grips. I was looking at combat or boot grips to carry it and reduce the grip size to prevent printing.

The 625s were born to shoot 230gr FMJ ammo in moonclips...fastest reloads you can do! They shoot lead OK too.

Enjoy

[atx357]

I've found that 1" differences in sight radius at that size of revolver actually make a very noticeable difference. Maybe not at the 7 yard line but definitely at the 25 yard line and beyond.

A 5" barreled revolver is too long for most people to carry if you will be sitting down with it for any period of time. Believe me, I've tried. 4" is great and 3" is better for carrying. But for shooting every inch of sight radius I think really makes a difference.

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by Shtf45acp

Is it bad to shoot FMJ round ball out of this or does it have to be a lead nose. I have thousands of rounds of blazer brass and Winchester white box from my competition days for my other 45 semi autos.

I have a bucket full of used 45ACP brass too but for casual range time I've invested in some Starline 45 Auto Rim brass to keep that "traditional revolver" feel. Of course there's always some full moon clips loaded up at the ready.

While most loads that shoot good in my 45xx's pistols also do well in the revolvers I do maintain quit a few loads just for the revolvers using 45AR brass. Many in the +P range.

The S-L 45AR brass is very strong & can easily handle 45 Super power loads (which I keep a stash of) & your 625-8 can handle them as well.

I like Sierra's 240gr JHC with a good load of Power Pistol & a heavy roll crimp in it's cannelure for my thumpers.

Hope you enjoy your new 625!

.



.

[series guy]

Well bought! Looks like a gem. I would bet that if you shoot it with those grips you won't want to change them.

[Jimmy4570]

I have Eagle's secret service grips for the round butt N frame on my 4" 625-3. I'm not crazy about finger grooves in general but like that they don't extend below the bottom of the frame. Conceal very well.

[revshtr]

Had both sold the 4" kept the 5" I seemed to like it better.

[one eye joe]

Originally Posted by Shtf45acp

Thanks everyone! Today I purchased a a 625-8 4" for $650. I thought that was a excellent price and I'm happy with it. I'll post pictures when it comes on Friday. Again thanks for the help!!!!

CONGRATS ! ! ! THAT'S A GREAT CHOICE. I CONCUR THAT IT WAS AT AN EXCELLENT PRICE......

THE ONLY THING LEFT IS A RANGE REPORT. ENJOY......