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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 11-29-2011, 02:50 AM
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Default Model 625-8 Performance Center

Well, I knew getting a part time job at the gun counter of a local store was a bad idea. Today I purchased a 625 Performance Center in .45 ACP. It is only my second stainless revolver (first was a model 60), and first with a lock.

First impression was very favorable except for the stocks. They fit my hands but the red, white and blue was a tad much. So any recommendations are welcome, but I prefer wood stocks.

Took it to the indoor range (50 ft max) this afternoon with Federal Premium and American Eagle 230 gr. FMJ. At 25 feet, single action, weaver stance, six shots, I manged to make one ragged hole in the center of the target. At 50 feet I was able to keep em within a 2-2.5 inch group. The range doesn't really have much to use as a rest so I really couldn't test it on a rest. Double action firing opened things up a bit to 3-3.5 inch at 50 feet. Didn't even have to touch the adjustable sights. Overall I'm satisfied as I can achieve the same groups with my old Kimber at the same range and speed. Trigger is really good. Don't have a way to test but my old blue 60s-70 era Model 10, 14, Model 17, 19s, and 28 all seem to have improved with age. This 625 is right up there in smooth.

Will I be able to squeeze a bit more accuracy handloading lead bullets? And I see quite a few posts about measuring the cylinder throats. Is that applicable here?

Any recommendations for a leather holster for CCW and moonclip holders would be appreciated.

Photos to follow.

Thanks,

Last edited by wogentry; 11-29-2011 at 02:56 AM.
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Old 11-29-2011, 11:42 AM
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Quote:
Will I be able to squeeze a bit more accuracy handloading lead bullets? And I see quite a few posts about measuring the cylinder throats. Is that applicable here?
It's worth a try, but I've found that the shallow rifling S&W now uses seems to work better with jacketed or at least plated bullet. Your cylinder throats should be fine. I'll bet if you measure them, they will be a perfect .450 --> .451".

My 5 1/4" 625-7 2001 vintage Camfour exclusive.
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Old 11-29-2011, 12:10 PM
nutsforsmiths nutsforsmiths is offline
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I too didn't like the looks of the red, white and blue grips that came with the pistol, so I bought these American Pride stocks off the S&W website. I like them a lot and I think they look pretty good on the stainless pistols too.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/members...nter-45acp.jpg
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Old 11-29-2011, 06:57 PM
scooter123 scooter123 is offline
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Another grip you may want to look for is the grip for the 625JM. It's the same contour as those gaudy red white and blue grips but basic wood with some subdued laser etching. I don't know the product code for the JM grip but if you call customer service they should be able to help you out.
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Old 11-30-2011, 04:28 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to look into the American Pride and JM grip. Ordered a Simply Rugged Sourdough for it as well as more moonclips. According to the specs I saw this version uses deep cut broached rifling in order to be more compatible with lead bullets.

Last edited by wogentry; 11-30-2011 at 04:31 AM.
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Old 11-30-2011, 09:41 AM
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I got a 625-8 PC about 1 1/2 year ago. I liked the OEM grips although the color/pattern took a little getting used to. I have used the gun a lot and those grips are still on it. 30 years from now they'll be considered desireable, mark my word.....just like "old" S&W OEM grips are now.

Some people who have shot my gun don't like the feel of the grips. The complaint I've heard is that they are too 'thin' in width. I don't find them so, but if the gun kicked more I might.

Find grips that you like, but I suggest that you put the OEMs in the box and save it for posterity!

Last edited by MTKTM; 10-07-2018 at 07:00 AM.
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Old 11-30-2011, 12:05 PM
nutsforsmiths nutsforsmiths is offline
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I agree with all of what MTKTM said about the red, white and blue grips being desireable in the future so make sure you keep them.

So far the 625-8 PC is the only pistol these grips come with and the more people replace and possibly discard them, the more they will be sought after by purist collectors in the future.
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Old 11-30-2011, 12:38 PM
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I'll be keeping the original grips . I didn't open or use anything that came in the box 'cept the de-mooning (proper name?) tool. Reading the posts on this forum, and looking back at the cleaning rods etc that came in my revolver boxes and got tossed back in the 80s makes me save everything and anything that came in the box!
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Old 12-01-2011, 07:48 PM
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Quote:
According to the specs I saw this version uses deep cut broached rifling in order to be more compatible with lead bullets.
You are correct. I'd forgotten, my bad.

If you are a reloader, try 4.5 grains Bullseye and a 200 grain SWC plated bullet. I use either Rainier or Barry's.

The plated bullets are the best of both worlds. They are soft enough to work well with the broached rifling and the plating makes clean up a snap.

Good Luck...

Joe
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Old 10-06-2018, 05:05 PM
murdock23 murdock23 is offline
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Default Grips and holster

I replaced the ***** grips with a beautiful pair of dark brown Altamonts. I then found a dark brown holster that sets everything off really sharp. Sorry no pictures, soon tho.
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Old 10-07-2018, 01:06 AM
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Zombie thread but here goes anyway:

Quote:
Originally Posted by wogentry View Post
According to the specs I saw this version uses deep cut broached rifling in order to be more compatible with lead bullets.
I have a 625 PC also. Never shot any lead bullets in it though, I gave them up several years ago. I get good performance from plated bullets in mine.

As for the barrel, it does have the broached (6) groove rifling vs (5) groove EDM/ECM rifling (ie: 625JM). It's bore measures .443". It's supposed to be "deep cut" but since the bore measures essentially the same as my other 45's I don't see how it can have deeper grooves, just squarer/sharper. The groove measures essentially the same as the throats, .452".
.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wogentry View Post
And I see quite a few posts about measuring the cylinder throats. Is that applicable here?
All my 45 ACP revolvers (325NG, 325TR, 625PC) have essentially the same throat size. I don't believe any of the modern ones have had an issue with throat sizing. S&W has been constant on these so I doubt your's would be off, but you never know for sure until you measure them (pin gages preferred).
.

I chamfered the muzzle on mine & feel it helped with it's grouping.
.



.

625PC with Badger grips, .300" SDM front sight & .146" rear blade.



.
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Old 10-07-2018, 01:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wogentry View Post
Well, I knew getting a part time job at the gun counter of a local store was a bad idea. Today I purchased a 625 Performance Center in .45 ACP. It is only my second stainless revolver (first was a model 60), and first with a lock.

First impression was very favorable except for the stocks. They fit my hands but the red, white and blue was a tad much. So any recommendations are welcome, but I prefer wood stocks.

Took it to the indoor range (50 ft max) this afternoon with Federal Premium and American Eagle 230 gr. FMJ. At 25 feet, single action, weaver stance, six shots, I manged to make one ragged hole in the center of the target. At 50 feet I was able to keep em within a 2-2.5 inch group. The range doesn't really have much to use as a rest so I really couldn't test it on a rest. Double action firing opened things up a bit to 3-3.5 inch at 50 feet. Didn't even have to touch the adjustable sights. Overall I'm satisfied as I can achieve the same groups with my old Kimber at the same range and speed. Trigger is really good. Don't have a way to test but my old blue 60s-70 era Model 10, 14, Model 17, 19s, and 28 all seem to have improved with age. This 625 is right up there in smooth.

Will I be able to squeeze a bit more accuracy handloading lead bullets? And I see quite a few posts about measuring the cylinder throats. Is that applicable here?

Any recommendations for a leather holster for CCW and moonclip holders would be appreciated.

Photos to follow.

Thanks,
CONGRATS ON YOUR PURCHASE. IMHO, THE ACCURACY POTENTIAL OF THE .45 AP CARTRIDGE IS BEST REALIZED BY SHOOTING IT OFF THE BENCH, OUT OF A REVOLVER.........

I FULLY ENDORSE THE USE OF RIMZ POLYMER MOON CLIPS. THEY ARE FINGER FRIENDLY, AND LOAD AND UNLOAD WITHOUT THE USE OF TOOLS. THEY HOLD AMMO VERY SECURELY. THEY CAN BE DROPPED ON THE CEMENT FLOOR OF A RANGE, WITHOUT SPILLING AMMO.......
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Old 10-07-2018, 01:49 PM
Pig Hunter Pig Hunter is offline
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I just got a set of Ahrend's round but grips without finger grooves. They are great for my hand. I've been shooting my cast bullets since I got it with complete satisfaction. Loads mild to wild with weights up to 255. I carry with an IWB holster, and use Safariland .38 Spec. over the belt speed loader holders. Ranch Products moon clips. A piece of 1/2 inch copper pipe can be fabricated into tool to de-moon.
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Old 10-07-2018, 02:06 PM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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Lots written here on this model if you search.
As for accuracy, I never found a gun that couldn't benefit from a good hand load. Mine gets fed mainly 200 gr SWC/FNRP cast bullets.
As for the grips, I think like 19 out of 20 owners replace them . ( I'd bet old Jerry himself replaced them on his :-)
Here is my favorite 625 with Thailand stocks.
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Old 10-30-2018, 08:54 AM
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I picked up a 625-8 awhile back. The PC version with the JM grips. The grip is comfortable but I think I will replace it with something less slippery.
Think I will have someone chamfer the cylinder. the trigger is smooth. I also put fiber optic pipe for the front sight since it is easier for my old eyes to pick up.
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45acp, 625jm, bullseye, camfour, ccw, kimber, leather, lock, model 10, model 17, model 60, model 625, performance center, smith-wessonforum.com, weaver

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