I’ve always been a simi-auto guy. But now I’ve decided to tip toe into revolvers. I need some advice on what seems to be many variants of the 625. There’s the JM, performance center, the mountain version, as well as many “ 1 of 500” or whatever # they made.
I want to shoot 45acp since I reload them. I don’t have a problem spending enough to get a really nice or special one.
Advice or recommendations???

Hahaha, only dropping this reply because I’m first on the scene. Nobody will share my opinion.

Moon clips just suck. For so many reasons. Folks who love these guns absolutely love them and I respect that for sure. I tried... twice. But the moon clips and everything about them are no fun.

With that said... proceed good sir!

"But the moon clips and everything about them are no fun"

EZ moons. Once you try them..45acp makes a LOT of sense for a revolver. Load and unload them easily with just your fingers. I now own several 45acp revolvers just because EZ Moons make it..FUN!

18 rounds fits easily in a "safe" pill container, and they can ride right in a pocket.

Attached Images

IMG_4270.jpg (112.5 KB, 173 views)

Moon clips are the bomb!
I load up a couple hundred rounds watching TV.
Never lose brass.
Super quick reloads.
Have not had to replace one in several years.
It is like having $1 magazines for an auto.

I have a D-Mooning tool and pliers in the range bag.
Pic is a 325 Nightguard with a Simply Rugged holster and moon clip holders.

To the original post, hard to go wrong with any 45 ACP S&W. I have this one and a JM model.

Attached Images

3D045585-B821-4465-B41E-35F7ADC81374.jpg (66.0 KB, 115 views)

Here's my 625-2 Model of 1988. I customized it somewhat and treated it to an action job by Nelson Ford. Smoothest DA revolver I own, and a perfect self-defense or trail gun. This .45 ACP wonder is a true joy.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

IMO, the 625-2 is the first and best version of the 625's. As for moon clips, I wish all revolvers used them. They provide the fastest and most convenient way of loading and unloading a revolver, but don't forget that the 45acp round will headspace in most revolvers, although the ejector won't push them out. Also, 45 auto rim will work with the ejector. For loading and unloading moonclips, I highly recommend the BMT tool. It is pricey, but once you use it, you'll forget about what you paid for it.

Attached Images

	20200915_115055.jpg (191.1 KB, 116 views)
	20200219_091712.jpg (95.2 KB, 117 views)

Groo here
I have a "few" and find the moon clip to be one of the better ideas...[fast reloads and no lost brass.
First get the correct tools[they can be made also]
next get a supply of clips [I get mine from " Ranch Products"in bulk 100 at a time]
The original clip [half moon] was a 3 shot but intended for one use.
The 6 shot full moon clip is much stronger [ aka harder to bend]
and can be used "a lot". the rubber ones are for the range.
There is also a 2 shot [1/3 moon] that is great for CCW as they fit in a
drop pouch , a 2x2x2 pouch, some loop loaders, AND are flat in the pocket.[Ranch Products makes]
Your revolver will shoot most any 45acp you make for your auto.
BUT it will also handle any bullet style [even full wad cutters]
and weights up to 250gr[ 45 colt] or more AND heavy stuff like 45 super.
If made using 45 auto rim brass , these "heavy" loads will not be shootable in your autos where they could "stress" things a mite........
If your area allows, the heaver stuff will take deer etc and come close to " mid range 44mag or heaver loaded 44special.
Ps shot loads are around to...[CCI]

I have a pair of 625-3 - one 4 inch and one 5 inch. They shoot fantastic and have led me to divest all of my 45 auto pistols save one. No chasing brass and super accurate. If I was looking, the 4" JM model seems to be a reasonable price compared to the older versions.

__________________
Regards,

Tom

I am in the moon clip fan club. The Rimz moon clips are as easy to reload as a speed loader. Metal moon clips for the 10mm have a slot between the cartridges, which makes it a breeze to load and unload.

Attached Images

	C04D37BA-A99C-41FB-920F-69CD0F068CA9.jpg (65.1 KB, 71 views)
	7253BDC4-A1CD-4978-9DBB-1800361A816D.jpg (142.7 KB, 77 views)
	3159AFC4-4454-42F5-AB3D-FC2045F0D227.jpg (134.4 KB, 78 views)

__________________
213th FBINA

The moon clips don’t bother me at all.
I may even grow to love them. As I look around I have found several special edition ones, only a small # made. They seem very interesting even thou they are priced quite high. I plan on keeping it so the pain of the high price will fade away after awhile.
What do you guys think of these small batch runs? Also what do you think of the PC ?

years ago I loaded a bunch of 45 auto rim to get around having to deal with the moon clips.....the experience convinced me of the magnificent advantages of the moon clip;


I've used many of the alternative clip loaders, and favor these to kinds: Rimz, the fiber-something or other, that work well with the fingers alone; or the BMT, which I use on an 8 shot 627 with great advantage over others. Some day I'll get one for the 625. I had 'Vinnie' at the S&W garage tune up my standard 625-8 years ago, and I swear his chamfering of the cylinder resulting in loaded moon clips flying across the room to insert themselves without my guidance. Sure (!)...




Re: Model: whichever falls best to YOUR hand & eye, develop a load that works well with both your O-frame and your 625. If yours isn't a PC, it's worth having an actual 'Smith mechanic do a tune up for yours.

__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas

Add me to the list of moon clip fans.

These days if I buy a revolver that is not cut for moons from the factory, off the cylinder goes to TK Customs to be cut.

I wouldn't cut any of my old classic Smiths but for CCW or competition they can't be beat.

I also don't use any tools for loading the clips, just snap them in with my fingers. I do have an inexpensive lever tool that I think came from Wilson many years ago for unloading though.

It took me almost half a century to recognize the benefits of moon clips (and half moons). They make a lot of sense for a revolver.

Watch Jerry Miculek put 12 rounds on target in less than 3 seconds, using a S&W 625:

Another fan of the 625 and moon clips. I have my second 625-2, unfortunately sold the first, and will not part with this one. As others have said it’s a joy to shoot.

If you have the tools loading the clips is no problem and easier on arthritic thumbs and hands than loading magazines. Another advantage if you compete in IDPA or USPSA it’s easy to pickup your brass. Unloading with a simple and cheap tool is a breeze too.

I can’t remember replacing any clips. I bought a bunch thirty years ago when they were cheap and don’t think I’ve ever had to throw any away. I recently straightened one by that’s it.

A fellow competitor from years ago had a 5” and in my opinion that’s the best balanced of the different barrel lengths. Mine is a 4” and it’s great but if I found a really clean 5” in a 625-2 ( not sure the -2 was made in a 5” ) or 25 I’d consider grabbing it.

I think most of the hate of moonclips come from those that are inexperienced with moonclips. I have owned a 625 JM for about two years. I like it so much I recently bought a no lock 625-2 for some custom work.

A lot of us have found our speedloader pouches can carry twice as many loaded moonclips. I generally don’t have a hard time getting individually loaded 45acp cases out of the cylinder. If gravity doesn’t drop them a fingernail or the rim of a new case can pick them out. I have tested a lot of individually placed rounds and all of them have properly spaced on the case mouth.

Moonclips add a lot of versatility because you can often shoot a second caliber like 45Gap, and 45Gap is available right now online. I have a 10mm revolver that I also shoot 40s&w that my agency provides me.

Ever try RIMZ Poly moon clips? No tools needed. I use them with my 625JM. Bob

I keep an ammo can full of loaded clips...No need bother with unloading them in the field. Also I shoot a lot of auto rim with 250 gr cast swc's. I don't a problem with either. One of mine that I've shown before. 625-3 3" barrel.

Attached Images

100_0569.jpg (130.8 KB, 94 views)

__________________
S&W Accumulator

I have the JM and love it. Moon clips are no big deal and they do not have to be used. You can shake the brass out or poke it out easy enough if there is no moon clip on them. Also you can buy and use 45 auto rim brass since you reload if you don't want to use the moon clips. I bought some 45 auto rim when I got mine but have never loaded it as I use the moon clips or just shoot without and turn the cylinder upside down and dump the ammo when I am shooting here at the house.

Attached Images

S&W 625-2 JM2.jpg (84.8 KB, 43 views)

I have the JM and love it. I do have to use moon clips in mine due to goofy chambers. With out the clip the round id driven too deep in the chambers. S&W quality...............

The OP ask about which 625, not moon clips! First you must ask yourself what is the primary purpose of your new 625! S&W has made the 625 since 1988. This was a 5" full under lug gun and shortly after that they introduced the 3" & 4". The only way you will find one of these guns is on the used market. Later they dropped the 5" and made the 4" standard production because of an IDPA rule change. If you don't like the full underlug your only choice is a 45 ACP mountain gun, a 4" thinner barrel non underlug gun. Again you will need to haunt the used market for one. Production today is the JM 4" gun and the PC 4" guns. I would recommend the 5" model of 1989 on the used market and rather easy to find. I own 2 and have the 3" also!
IMHO - Load clips at home - shoot at the range and don't chase brass

jcelect

I have 2 625's... 625-8 5 inch full lug & a 625-9 4 inch mountain gun..
MG is in 45lc.. but am hoping to get it cut for moonclips to make it a "convertible"... RIMZ are great for the range.. think of moonclips like loading one bullet that goes bang 6 times..

I bought 45 Auto Rim brass and my moon clips are now sitting in a draw. Except for contingencies during world wars, moon clips are a solution looking for a problem.

Lots of good info. Thank you!

I find RIMZ moon clips work great for shooting my 625 at the range and don't require tools.

Another fan of the M625 and full moon clips here.

Back about 1999, my duty .45 1911 was giving me some feeding problems, so I strapped on my 5" M625 .45 ACP. After a week or so, the extra weight of that 5" full lug barrel began to wear on me. Remember, I was a patrolman and had to carry all of the other stuff on my Sam Browne belt.

I called S&W, looking for a 4" Mountain Gun barrel, but they had none. Brownells had a full lug 3" barrel, so I bought that and swapped it out. As noted in post #15, four full moon clips will fit in an N frame double speedloader pouch, 2 moons with the bullet points down and 2 moons with the bullet points up.

During qualifications, I could reload as fast or faster that my fellow officers armed with semi-autos. I out-shot most of them too.

I retired in 2001, still carrying that 3" M625. I later sold it and bought a 4" Mountain Gun, which I consider the finest fighting revolver built IMNSHO.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

[quote=ezee;140977953]I’ve always been a simi-auto guy. But now I’ve decided to tip toe into revolvers. I need some advice on what seems to be many variants of the 625. There’s the JM, performance center, the mountain version, as well as many “ 1 of 500” or whatever # they made.
I want to shoot 45acp since I reload them. I don’t have a problem spending enough to get a really nice or special one.
Advice or recommendations???[/quote

Great guns.
Best,
Gary

I know the OP asked about 625’s in 45 ACP, but the OP should know that not all of us are enamored with moon clips.
I have owned a few 45 ACP smith revolvers and they cured me of 45 ACP revolvers.
I know I am in the minority, but I do not like moon clips. .
I solved my problem by buying a 625-6 in 45 Colt. Does everything that an ACP will do and then some. Two speed loaders in my pocket and I am good to go.
Just another opinion that is worth the cost of admission.

This is the truth.

I use them and get lazy about midway through a shooting session, and start dropping them straight into the chambers with no moon clips.

Auto rim is the only way to go if you want to shoot them and just have fun.

I shoot a 625-8 PC w/CT grips, great revolver, I use both moon clips and auto rim and, find both to be very good. Any 625 you decide on will not disappoint you.

Attached Images

625.jpg (59.0 KB, 29 views)

I have a 625JM I bought in about 2006 or so and love it and the moon clips. Bought for IDPA and at lost brass matches I don't lose brass I just pick up my moon clips. I also use it as my carry piece at times, makes sence to me as that is the handgun I shoot the most and the best. The JM grips make the grip pretty long for concealment so went with Hogue Bantam grips. Much easier to conceal and I found I like them better for IDPA than the JM grips so the Houges stay.
Having spent the last year in the process of moving and settling into the new house I have shot up pretty much all my 45acp reloads and not much time to shoot. The one match I did hit this year I picked up some WWB and couldn't reload for nothing, rounds just wouldn't fall in. Finally figured out when reloading for the revolver I finish with a roll crimp. Does not seem like much but it sure made a big difference for me.

Almost forgot; another nice thing about shooting moon clips at IDPA, I have enough of them to load enough for an entire match so no messing around between COFs. Jim.

I have a few of the ACP revolvers. jcelect is correct. Decide what is important to you in a revolver. I prefer 4” barrels on N frame revolvers. Full lugged barrels are sluggish in my hands so I find the tapered barrels preferable. For EDC, I prefer fixed sights. That limited me to the Model 22-4 and the Thunder Ranch version of the same unless I cut the barrel on a 1917 or the 1950 Army. For adjustable sights with the 4” tapered barrel my choices were the Mountain Gun or custom.

If you like the full lugged barrels your choices expand some. If you like longer barrel, like 5 1/2”, you can still find 1917s and the occasional 1950 Army. And don’t forget the target versions, the Model 1950 and the Model 1955.

I have fired most of the ones I mentioned and all have performed well. I have a Model 28-2 that I converted to 45 ACP in the 80s and it too is a good performer.

I have no desire to emulate JM, so moonclips for me are a convenience. I competed with revolvers and depended on them long enough that my reloads are fast and without thought. Yours will becomes so also, with time.

The older revolvers should probably stay with hardball equivalent reloads or softer. The newer Models can handle the 45 Super so there is a range of power available.

My moonclips come from Ranch Products. They are the originator of the modern full moon clip (I believe). Buy them in bulk and they are not expensive. Load them up before leaving the house and shoot all day! Tools for loading and unloading can be simple homemade items or fancy storeboughts. For years I used a large pair of water pump pliers to squeeze two rounds at a time into the clips. A pipe of tubing with the end shaped properly gets them out of the clip but so does a metal ammo can. Slip the empty case into the corner and pull straight out. The empty drops into the box.

So once you figure what you want to do, the rest is easy!

Good luck!

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

All of you who don’t like moon clips!

Make me an offer. I always can use more.

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I could never warm up to moon clips, until I picked up a 625

Those short, fat rounds just jump right in the gun.

__________________
- Post No Bills -

Mr. ezee, please accept my apologies! We, on this forum/thread, have turned your original post into a discussion of moon clips! I would like to welcome you to the forum and I can only hope we have helped you with your decision to purchase a 625! Almost any of the 625s on the market, new and used, will be enjoyable to shoot! I have owned at least one for 25+ years and have enjoyed shooting them in bowling pin matches.

Suggestion; if you are a reloader, revolver - roll crimp and auto - taper crimp. The key to shooting and enjoying moon clips is to have many!
jcelect

It seems there ought to be more 625s (and 25s) on the used market.
USPSA pretty much obsoleted them for Revolver Division when they allowed the 8-shooter .38 Shorts. Maybe they are just on the back of the gun safe shelf. Maybe there aren't all that many Rev. Div. shooters.

I never understood why the 625 was not the best selling N frame. The 625 is very versatile and plenty capable of carrying concealed during the week, shoot competitively on Saturday, and hike in the mountains on Sunday. Everybody wants to buy a 629 in 44 mag which has expensive ammo for range, 44spl, and expensive ammo for woods carry, 44mag. Range ammo, and self-defense ammo, for the 625 is fairly cheap and a lot easier to find than 44spl. Good hard cast or flat nose ammo for the 625 isn’t any more expensive than 44 mag ammo.

Yeah, my two 625's are probably my favorite handguns at this point in time, due to the fun factor more than anything else.

__________________
Regards,

Tom

I shoot a 625-8 PC ,tuned it with a wolf springkit and had some issue,s with light primer strikes , now with a extended firing pin ,the gun shoots great with a light single and double action triggerpull ,also replaced the cylinder release for aextended cylinder release
I like it more than my S&W 1911 who i recently sold
Great for competition shooting and never searching for your brass

Here's how I would approach deciding on what to buy in a 625:

• Finish - do you prefer bead-blasted, brushed stainless, or have no preference? The majority of straight-up 625's I've seen (and own) have been in the bead blasted finish, of which I'm not a particular fan. I prefer the brushed stainless. If you share that preference, that may limit your choices. Others here can tell you what specific models are available in what finishes, if this matters to you.
• Drilled and tapped for optics or not? Older models were not drilled and tapped, newer models are. Again, consider this if it matters.
• Barrel length - I've seen them in 3", 4", and 5". I like them all
• Do you require adjustable sights, or would you consider a fixed-sight .45ACP revolver? If you're considering fixed sights, you may want to look for a Model 22-4. I've seen these in both blued and nickel finishes, mostly with 4" barrels. I must say that I really like the nickel finish 22-4 revolver! The barrel contour on the 22-4 is is VERY similar to a 625 Mountain Gun - in that it is a slim barrel profile with no underlug. Might be a consideration if you want to carry one of these N-frames around in a holster!

Good luck narrowing your choice down to (only) one of the above!


Lou

__________________
NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

To be honest, the biggest question is do you spend the extra money for a prelock or settle for an internal lock gun. A used 625 with the lock can be found for about $700. The older prelocks get closer to a $1k. If you want a factory 3” you are looking at around $1300 but all of them should be prelock.

The fairly rare 2” 625-10 or 625-11 go for over 1k even with the lock. These guns are fairly fragile with an alloy frame.

Maybe it's just too many memories of older model 25 revolvers with huge throats that just did not shoot that well.

Okay, this thread is worthless, not enough photographs. Here are some 4”, tapered barrel options for you. Most have the reinforced ejector lug. At least one, the Model 1917, does not. The only 625 is a Mountain Gun, all are fedd 45 ACP, from moonclips.

Kevin

Attached Images

6C583C94-F907-489E-8B80-5FB01FB54C91.jpg (103.7 KB, 61 views)

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I’ve been a fan of the Performance Center model since I bought it a few years ago. The moon clips work just fine for me, and a demooning tool is a must have. I did pick up a couple hundred pieces of auto rim brass, just because. It’s a fun gun to shoot, and when I visit my Dad, I use it at his gun club for bowling pin fun matches. I’m not the best, nor the fastest, but I can hold my own and look good doing it.

For those who have trouble loading moon clips, here is a machine for you! It is what the Armory used to load the 1/2 moons for WWI.

Kevin

Attached Images

5B260D17-1B37-4DF3-A4BC-AA8E06FBDEAF.jpeg (26.5 KB, 63 views)

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Looks like it’s going to be a 625-2 4” with combat grips
Thanks for all the help!!

I didn't think any 4" -2s existed. I guess is possible though.

You know, I don’t know that I have ever seen a 4” 625-2 either. I know all of the Model of 1988 are supposed to be 5”. I think the Model of 1989 started with the 625-3.

You can expect this from a 625-8 JM at 50' offhand.
I shoot Precision Pistol using a Python38, Model 52, and the 625-8. The 625 is for me the easiest gun to shoot a one-hole slowfire group with.

Attached Images

	625 4.jpg (95.2 KB, 22 views)
	IMG_3340.jpg (139.3 KB, 35 views)

Yeah, the -2s were a run of like 5K guns. I thought they were all five inch guns as well, but I have never seen another one from mine. As far as I know, everything after the -2 was a model of 1989.

A 4” revolver is never a bad choice! Good luck with your selection. Looking forward to photosxand a range report.

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.