Narrowed down my choices for a home defense and range revolver to between a 325 Thunder Ranch vs 327 TRR8. Both have the removable rail that I want. The key differences for me is 45ACP vs 357 Magnum/38Spl, the barrel length (4" on 325 TR and 5" on TRR8), and capacity (6 Rnds on 325 TR and 8 for the TRR8).

For home defense, the barrel length makes no real difference. Out on the range, the 5" would give me some better accuracy a longer distances.

The TRR8's ability to shoot the cheaper 38Spl vs the 45 ACP at the range is a slight advantage. However, I doubt I would use 357 Magnums for home defense. Too much noise and less recoil control if used inside the home. The 45ACP probably is almost as loud but maybe less recoil. So for home defense, if I used 38Spl in the TRR8 it would be less powerful/effective than the 45ACP in the Thunder Ranch.

The extra 2 rnds for the TRR8 would be helpful for home defense but not any real factor of the range.

Comments appreciate! Thank you!

I probably pick the 45 TR.

I just checked and the price of practice ammo is the same from on-line sources.

As for HD, and 230 gr hollow point is likely just as effective as a 357 magnum with less recoil, flash and noise.

I'll just come right out and say that I really don't get the drive for semi-auto ammo in revolvers when looking at it from a functionality standpoint. If I'm going to run 9mm or 45auto (or any other round commonly found in a semi auto firearm) for self defense, I'm going to run it in a semi auto firearm. For range fun? Meh...I guess I could see that.

I have a 627Pro...and I have it for a reason. 8 rounds of .357 or .38.

Personally, I'd go with the 327, but take that for what its worth. I'm a huge fan of the .357 magnum.

(On a related note...I keep a XD in 9mm loaded for home defense.)

I have owned both but sold off the 325.

I really love the 327 TRR8. With it's tensioned barrel, it is astonishingly accurate, just like the Dan Wessons of old. I also think it looks great, but mine is the two tone TRR8
I do own other 45ACP revolvers. I have a 625 V-comp and a Thunder Ranch Revolver model 22 so I am not sure why I sold the 325 since I seldom sell anything. It just did not catch me right.
The 8 shot 357 Magnum has always appealed to me since Smith and Wesson introduced it in 1996. I own and shoot many of them

As to the sound, do not even give it a second thought. I have discharged a single round of full power 357 Magnum ammunition in a 12' bedroom and I have fired 4 45ACP+P Hydrashoks from inside a closed Dodge K-car. I can tell you that I have no conscious recollection of hearing the shots. Plus, if your life is on the line, do you really care which one is quieter?

Recoil control is not a function of ammunition, it is a function of training and practice. Never choose ammunition based on how loud it is . . . Choose ammunition based on how well it can stop.

I'm just trying to understand the factors to be clear:
-Loudness; usually measured in decibels-
-Capacity; not a factor, but measured in number of rounds in the cylinder and doesn't include reloading-
-Power; unsure how this matters, but measured in foot/lbs. If there's enough energy to "power" through a barrier (like clothing and skin) and still penetrate into a human body to approx. 12", then that's what evaluate. There are a few sources to research the ballistics of given brands/models of rounds within calibers. .45 ACP, .38 Special, and .357 Mag all have a track record of being good for self-defense.

Let us know what you decide as both of those revolvers look like good choices.

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66/642/640/627/586/60/638/686

Would you do us all a favor and stop posting pictures of this revolver. My drooling over it has has rendered two keyboards totally useless.

Beautiful revolver!

"As to the sound, do not even give it a second thought. I have discharged a single round of full power 357 Magnum ammunition in a 12' bedroom and I have fired 4 45ACP+P Hydrashoks from inside a closed Dodge K-car. I can tell you that I have no conscious recollection of hearing the shots. Plus, if your life is on the line, do you really care which one is quieter?

Recoil control is not a function of ammunition, it is a function of training and practice. Never choose ammunition based on how loud it is . . . Choose ammunition based on how well it can stop."

Good point about the sound. If I have to use the gun to defend my family, do I really care how loud the discharge is?

If I go with the TRR8, then I should use .357 Magnum as my defense rounds. I would then have 8 rnds for defense. Good point!

Txs!

Groo here
I have both.
The TRR8 is a great hunting / long range revolver.
With a red dot sight , clay birds at 100yds is almost easy.
BUT, for defense I would always use 357's [125gr ones ]
at full powder.
You need the expansion the high speed HP gets you [ against bad person]
The Thunder Ranch can also hold a light but not red dot.
The TR faster/easier to reload[shorter shells in moon clips]
and due to the larger bullet can still be effective with lighter loads.
For inside I would choose a low pressure big bore over a a high
pressure small bore.
Both are Very fine shooters.
The TR makes bigger holes, the TRR8 makes smaller ones,very far away!

I would go with the 325, but then I favor big bores for the real chores.

I would go with the 325 TR .But I love 45acp revolvers and own and carry several.

I have become a huge fan of 357 firearms. The Remington 357 125 gr Golden Saber is nice option because it is lower flash and power but still effective. It shoots great out of my R8.

I say go for the TRR8 and then pair it with a lever action 357.

With both rounds being chambered in a revolver I would give the edge to the 357 over the 45 for the simple fact it holds 2 more rounds and you can shoot 38s. That's just me and I'm sure either will serve you well. Not just because I have a TRR8

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Getting some great comments. Thank you all!

I'd vote for the 325TR but I don't understand why S&W doesn't make it in a 5" bbl. like the 327TRR either.

325TR = 31oz.
- & -
327TRR8 = 35oz.

Both great guns but I'm a 45 (friendly) fiend. You can bump up the 45ACP's power to 45 Super if you really feel "under-gunned". And I like shooting mine with S-L 45 Auto Rims (they can handle 45 Super power too!)

Can't go wrong either way.

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325TR

(-07c)

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327TRR8

(-07b)

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Waiting for the break of day

Right now leaning towards the TRR8. I like the 5" barrel and the 8 shot capacity. However as many have said, both would get the job done.

I found a LGS in the area that had both the 327 TRR8 and the 325 Thunder Ranch. Plus they also had the M&P R8! So I got to put hands on all three.

My first time holding a Scandium frame revolver. I like the feel of them. Also, even though they are N frames, their weight is less than an L frame. The triggers on all 3 were very good.

While all three are nice, I will go with the TRR8. Reasons:
1. Like the 8 rnd capacity for Home Defense
2. TRR8 comes with both the top and bottom rails included.
3. While it would be cool to shoot 45 ACP, .357/.38 Spl is fine for Home Defense and at the range.
4. I prefer the 5" barrel. I already have 3", 4", and 6" revolvers so the 5" sort of fills things out.

Now to work the finances!

Sounds like a well thought out choice to me. I went with the R8 because I knew I was going to attach a light...so I preferred the integral bottom rail rather than a removable one. It still comes with the extra rail to install on the topside if I ever decide to add an optic.

I did not realize that the R8 also comes with the top rail. WHile it doesn't change my mind, it is good to know.

Also, what is the purpose of the metal clip that is located between the forcing cone and the top of the frame?

I owned a TRR8 for about a year before getting a craving for a .45 ACP revolver. I like the weight, handling, smooth PC trigger and above all, the superb accuracy of the TRR8. The DA pull is about 9.5 pounds (and I did check the tension screw - tight). It is the most accurate .357 I have ever fired. At 35 oz, recoil is easy even with hot loads.

For me, the choice for .45 was between the 325TR, 625JM and 625PC. Unlike the TRR8, reviews for the 325TR were mixed, particularly with regard to accuracy. There are concerns that a tensioned barrel might require factory service more often for guns used in competition (not my gig).

I ultimately chose the PC version. I like the heft and balance of a steel gun with a tapered lug, and the trigger is very smooth and light. The PC has cut rifling, which is less likely to lead with cast bullets, and still good for jacketed.

With the right tool, it is very easy to load enough moon clips for an afternoon of shooting. Loading the TRR8 is easy if there are no steps in the cartridge. I use RNFP bullets, or Jacketed HP, rather than semi-wadcutters, which tend to hang up. If anything, the 625 is even easier. The chambers are well-chamfered.

The metal clip is to protect the aluminum top strap from flame erosion. The top and bottom rails are still in the original box, and I plan to keep them there.

The metal clip is to deflect hot gasses escaping from the barrel/cylinder gap, so they do not flame cut the top strap on the Scandium frame revolvers.

It is a shield to prevent pressure/gases from harming the scandium frame. At least that's what I think it does.

Txs! Does it make it harder to clean around the forcing cone? Do you remove it to clean around there?

No, and

definitely no.

Hope you like your TRR8.

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Waiting for the break of day

Txs! Working thru the Finance and Executive committee for agreement.

Still deciding while I work things thru the finance committee. I shot my 686 6" today at the range. I realized that the TRR8 (at the range) would not give me a much different experience than the 686. The TRR8 holds 2 more rnds but has a 1" shorter barrel.

However if I go with the 327 Thunder Ranch, I will be shooting 45ACP. So right now leaning back towards the 327.

Owning a 625 and a Trr8, I have to say they are both really great guns. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of either!

However, I have found tactical reloading with moonclips to be slicker and less problem prone with the 45 cal. The 45 acp is a short, fat rimless round that just launch slicker than goose poop into the cylinder. The longer, skinnier 357 mag rounds tend to be more temperamental in positioning within the clip due to their rimmed case design and harder to line up (all 8) with their chambers. Some brands of ammo/cases work better than others but I've found all can be knocked out of alignment fairly easily if carried in the pocket/dropped.
FWIW,I think I'd lean towards the 45 for that reason alone. It carries 2 less rounds but on the outside chance you need 9-10 rounds, the 45 is going to be easier to load under stress /at 3 am in the dark .

p.s. If the finance committee veto's your budget, you could do ALLOT worse than to be armed with a 686 and a couple of speed loaders.
p.p.s. A M&P 45 semi auto will get you 11 rounds of 45acp and a rail for a light at a lot less $ than either revolver. I mention this only because my M&P45 has displaced my bedroom revolver in recent years ( because of these attributes combined with simplicity of operation and super reliability.)

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Dave

All three of my S&W 45 ACP revolvers shoot individual 45ACP rounds reliably, without moon clips. For casual shooting this is fine. I actually prefer to feed mine 45 Auto Rims though, no moon clips either, of course. However, I always have a couple full moon clips loaded up for emergency/SD use.

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Waiting for the break of day

But will it extract the casings without the clip? Many on the forums report no because most DA revolvers in .45 ACP may not require a Moonclip to fire the ammunition, but spent cases will have to be poked out of the chambers one-by-one with a pencil, twig, or other such instrument as there is no rim for the ejector star to bear against. If it does extract, you are using the significantly more expensive work around and less reliable auto rim ammo (as if .45 isn't expensive enough already). 45 AR is basically a .45 ACP with an extra-thick rim so that it can properly extract without a moonclip.

And then there's this:

Didn't state that individual 45ACP cases will eject with the extractor. They pluck right out with my fingernails though. Again, fine for casual use.

Of course 45AR eject with the extractor. That's what they are designed for.

Minimal extra cost for Starline 45AR cases, to reload. My cases will still be reloadable years from now, once I'm gone. Way more convenient. Worth every penny. Also, they can safely handle 45 Super power loads, for those wanting more, & I do.
.

Whether 45ACP rounds fire individually in every revolver ever made is not a concern to me, only the ones in mine.

Either way your statement is still incorrect. You have a choice when shooting a 45 ACP revolver.

(Don't know why you deleted your original post.)

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Waiting for the break of day

I like shooting 45 acp in revolvers & semi autos especially my 945 no dash pic. The ammo is cheap $13 / box S&B 230 delivered including shipping. With my 625-2 1988 model moonclips are convenient & fast & I have never had a misfire. Demooning & loading the moonclips at home before I go shoot is easy & doesn't take much time even with just the moonclip tool. My 357 guns are 6 shot so I can't speak of how the 8 shot moonclilps are as I shouldn't because I don't have one! For me to give advice like it's an order should be dismissed. I have never shot my revolver without the moonclips but I have read that mine would fire as Bluedot stated. I also have never had a misfire with moonclips.

Deleted original post because my follow up gave more information from three experienced posters directly on issue.

Finger picking individual shells. No thanks.

"Whether 45ACP rounds fire individually in every revolver ever made is not a concern to me, only the ones in mine." Well the thread's not really for you is it? Trying to help the OP with a specific decision here aren't we?

Correct, and to provide accurate information.

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Waiting for the break of day

Does the 325 Thunder Ranch come with any moon clips? Also, what is the correct thickness for moonclips for this gun?

Thanks!

I think the 45acp moon clips are all the same thickness due to the fact that the brass is standardized by all manufacturers. Unlike 38 Special that manufacturers have different case specifications.

Both guns will come from the factory with some moon clips, but not enough for serious fun. Do yourself a favor and buy a good tool like the BMT for loading and unloading and get some more moon clips to load up a bunch before heading to the range....you can burn up ammo almost as fast as a semi auto.

I have had a couple of 625's and currently have a 610.....I will have another 625 5 " soon, I still have a bunch of moon clips loaded with .45 acp waiting for me to find one!

Mine came with (5) full moon clips that measure .040" thick. Some are stamped with "TK" which I figure means they got them from TK Customs, which makes many accessories for it.

Don't forget for casual use you can use Rimz polymer moon clips. They can be easily loaded by hand & are fine for informal target shooting or plinking & save the metal ones for more critical use.

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Waiting for the break of day

Just do like I did and get a moon tool and a whole lot of clips. I have 5 S&W that fire 45 acps, and maybe 100 clips. I love full moons and never mess with individual rounds or AR cases. Simple quick reloads, easy and complete brass clean up.

I can not for the life of me see why anyone would be so stubborn as to load and pick out push out individual 45 acp rounds. A good clip tool and life is very good with moonclips. Even with out a clip loader I have never found it hard to load clips and with a simple notched tube set up simple to declip. Never even bothered to try the Rimz clips but they do sound like a good product. I do have a few of the 2 round clips. I have been carrying a 325 with a 2 1/2" barrel and some of the 2 round clip are handy and carry easy in the left pocket without a bulge if I ever need to reload.

If you don't like clips I suggest you go with a 44 or a 45 colt.

Thanks for the responses!

The 325 Thunder Ranch (nickname will be "Thunder Chief") is now on order. It will be in Monday or Tuesday.

I have a demooner on order.

Two questions for those who shoot the 325 TR:
1. The gun has an adjustable trigger stop. Have you adjusted this and how does it help?

2. What ammo do you suggest? A guy who shoots competitively and reloads suggested I use 180gr instead of the "normal" 230 gr I use in my 1911s.

Txs!

The trigger stop on the 325TR, like on others, is not adjustable. It's just a roll pin filed to the right length. You can remove it or file it some more.

The bullet weight that works best for you will depend on what type of shooting you're doing & which one your revolver likes best.

For casual target shooting I use 225 or 230gr. I only shoot lightweight (185gr) for P+ or 45 Super loads.

Hope you like yours as much as I do mine.

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Waiting for the break of day

Thanks! I am going to try a variety of ammo.