This 5"-barreled Model of 1988 625 has been modified somewhat to suit my taste. It's equipped with Ahrends round-to-square butt conversion grips. I substituted a red-ramp front sight for the original Patridge design. It's been given an action job by Nelson Ford in Phoenix, and now has the slickest action of any revolver I own, even outclassing a primo Colt Python. It's completely reliable even with GI ammo not loaded into clips. It reloads quickly with full-moon clips, and I use Federal .45 ACP 230-grain Hydra-Shoks. While I'm no double action wizard, I can shoot this one quite accurately and fast in DA mode. If concealment is not an issue (such as for a house gun), I think this would be at the top of the heap for a self-defense gun. How about you?

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

That is very nice, but I like something a little more compact, this 7 shot 242 works for me with Crimson Trace laser grips.

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May God Bless The USA

Nice!!! I think you are right, as long as you said, concealment is not an issue. Why oh why did I ever sell my 625?!

It'd work for me Paladin!
I believe brother Erich too runs something rather similar, for his Wife's night stand gun?

Paladin,
I am with you on the 625 being one of the best revolvers for self defense. I have a 3" 625 I had night sights installed on them and a custom trigger job done on mine. I also threw on a set of Ahrend round butt finger groove grips. I carry her for a back up gun on duty and as my off duty carry gun...She does me just fine.

Top gun in the picture.

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M.J.Hanna

That is a nice gun, but I'd go another direction personally. I like .357 Magnum over .45 ACP for a man stopper. I'm not looking to start a caliber war. This is just my own personal opinion. Also, for any "close quarters" fight, I like shorter barrels. You don't need the extra velocity or accuracy and if they do manage to get closer than they should, I want them to have less to grab to try to wrestle the gun away from me. Also, I think it is highly unlikely that you would need to reload in a home defense situation. Don't get me wrong. I love the 625. I just wouldn't call it THE BEST self defense revolver. This would be my personal choice...

S&W 686-4 w/ 2.5" barrel

I too would go the 686 2.5-3" in 357 mag. over the big 625. Bent moon clips and rimless 45acp belong in auto,s and the 357 has more proven stopping power.

The best is the one you can hit what you're shooting at with. In low light, when you're groggy and confused. And very, very scared. I've read enough accounts of enough shootings to know that caliber matters very little, and ammo choice even less, regardless of how those things are debated constantly on gun forums. Just hit your target and chances are things will work out OK for you.

I'll also take the 625, thank you very much. I've owned them in 3" full lug, 4" Mountain Gun, 4" full lug and 5" full lug configurations and I believe the best of the lot is the 4" Mountain Gun. It serves just as well on my belt as it does on the night stand.

I've been carrying a 625 concealed full time for about nine years now and shooting them in practically all the gun games and I have NEVER managed to bend a moonclip. I believe that the .45 ACP is a much better revolver cartridge than a semiauto cartridge. This revolver does everything extraordinarily well.

Dave Sinko

+1 pinkymingeo

I won't get into what I'd consider to be the best and why (because honestly, there are too many good options for me).

But that is one mighty fine lookin revolver.

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- The Federalist #46 -

To answer the question in the title, it would be the one in your hand when you need it. The 625 is a great gun. I really like my 25-2, but if I had it to do over, it would be a 625 mountain gun. Too many suitable SD handguns out there to pick a best. It's what fits you best and isn't home in the safe.

For me my four inch 25-5 in .45 Colt gets the nod. Ground the target trigger smooth with a slight radius on the edge's had a new front sight installed to shoot POA (it shot way high with the rear sight the whole way down with the factory front sight) and have a set of smooth Hoag's on it. This one for me, is a comfortable easy to put em where you want em six-gun. Second runner up is a heavy barrelled four inch model ten, not the most powerful one around but is very easy to put em where ya want em in a hurry.

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Stay safe people!

S&W says this is the Ultimate Defensive Revolver...does that translate to "best self defense revolver" ??

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C & L

While I agree that either a 19 or 686 with a 2 1/2" barrel is extremely good for both carry and night stand usage. I have come to favor a Lew Horton 3" barrel .44 Mag. I don't own one but it strikes me as a very nice gun. I carry a 2 1/2" 629 and love it, not overly heavy but heavy enough to hit someone with, if need be. It has fixed sights for ease of draw from concealment and smoot wood grips for nice aesthetics.

Thomas

That's another good choice!

2.5" 629-5

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C & L

Sir, good choice--it's hard to go wrong with a .45. For years my "nightstand gun" was a 4-inch 25-9 (.45 Colt).

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

The 1911 is probably my most favorite handgun.
The 44 Mag, in a S&W revolver is probably my most favorite handgun calibre.

However for several years I carried a S&W Mod 25-2 in 45 ACP for a work gun.

When I first started carring it I used Half Moon clips. Later when Full Moon clips were invented I used them.

The S&W N Frame and the 45 ACP cartridge, IMHO are the best combination of power and controlability, for a defense revolver.

True they are bigger than a K or L frame, but in a Milt Sarks Summer Special, I have no problem carring one.

In fact I am wearing a S&W 325 Night Guard now.

It is light weight and even with full power 45 ACP ammo it is very controlable.

Since I have shot a lot of 44 Mag as well even Plus P 45 ACP, is not painful for me to shoot.

Full moon clips provide ultra fast and fool proof reloads.

I like a big bore, and this 325 Night Guard is the smallest revolver I would consider carrying as a primary.

HOWEVER IF, I was a 357 Mag kind of guy, one of the light weight S&W 8 shot 357's would be worth a hard look.

I shot a buddies and it was pretty slick.

I just prefer the 45 ACP, or a 44 Mag with the proper ammo.

That would be a very good choice as well.

Great looking 625 and I love my 25-2 but it has a 6 inch barrel. I carry a model 64 no dash with 2 inch barrel and my night stand gun is 27-2 with 3.5 inch barrel

night stand

carry

First, a little clarification re the op's 625 stocks. They are referred to by the maker as 'Retro Targets', while the older style was known as the 'Square Conversion'. The Retro Targets have a more rounded front and a heel/butt that ends parallel to the barrel. The Square Conversions, usually with finger grooves and OEM on a few somewhat recent S&Ws, are thicker at the front and have a heel/butt upsweep at the rear. The 617 below sports the Retro Targets while the 696 has the Square Conversion grips. I really liked the Square Conversions - but the last two I bought were Retro Targets and went on my 4" 617 and 627 Pro... and may be my present favorites!



For me, my favorite self defender, still pocketable in a Mika's pocket holster with the OEM boots in most of my britches' front pockets, is my 296. It looks just like the earlier poster's 242 - just five larger chambers and a larger bore barrel - it's a .44 S&W Special.



My favorite for the home or Jeep is a 625MG in .45 Colt. I will relent to the use of my 625JM (.45 ACP) and my 200+ loaded moonclips as my best Zombie defense (Only ball ammo.).



Stainz

I certainly wouldn't feel underarmed with any of the choices here for a sidearm. my personal choice is the 681 4" bbl. It is the perfect balance of size, power and durability for me. the 357 is a good compromise between the 45 and the 44 as far as power and recoil for follow up shots.

In keeping with the intent of this thread, I'd say the best self-defense revolver is one of the 8 shot .357 Magnums, such as the Model 327 M&P R8. Although a fairly large gun, it could be reasonably concealed depending on your wardrobe. If carrying openly, the weight and size would not be a factor with proper holster and belt. The moonclips make for very fast reloading, just as fast as a semi-auto pistol. The rail option for additional accessories is also useful.

However, I don't own one of these revolvers. The revolver I carry every day for self-defense is a J-frame with 2 inch barrel. Mine happens to be a 9mm conversion, but I would feel comfortable with either a .38 Special or .357 Magnum model.

The one that's in your hand when you need it.

5 or 6 or 7 shot, small frame or medium. Whatever you practice with, and feel comfortable
with.

Shot placement is most important, ammunition choice is secondary.

I practice with all my defense revolvers, so I've become comfortable carrying all of them.

Allen F.

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

I don't see a "best". There are just some better than others for particular situations.

I don't open carry, so the 3" Model 65 I'm carrying right now is a better self-defense gun out of the house for me than my 6" Model 25-2. Inside, I'd use either one or any of my other S&W revolvers over .22 caliber.

I like the PC327, 2 inch barrel with 8 shoots of 357Mag.

For me it would be my S&W 66PC. Can't make the argument that it's the best but it is my personal preference.

Well Frogger, you seem to have most of the bases covered! I agree with some other posters, caliber and handgun are less important than preparation.
I will admit, there are some mighty pretty Smith's on this topic, but my caliber of choice is a .44M, sorry Smith guys, Alaskan stroked with Cor-Bon 165 gr SD loads either in Special or magnum depending on the time of year. I have 4" Smiths, but the Alaskan is easier for me to shoot and it is the one I practice with.

A Very nice balance of reliability, exclusivity, Conceal ability, save your life ability & optional ability of .357 Power.

Lew Horton PC 640-1 Quadport:
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...IMG_0069zx.jpg
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Kramer Horse Hide
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640-1.Either .38+P or .357.



Or 37-2,.38+P.[No lock] Holster,cut down DeSantis Nemesis,in case anybody's interested.

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WALSTIB

Only my opinion but it can't really get any better than this Model 10 Heavy Barrel, stoked with +P 158 grain SWCs.

Already said several time here, I think the one you feel most comfortable carring and can shot best with.

I think of the old saying " a 25 cal in the pocket is better than a 44 mag under the bed at home if you need a weapon"

There may be NO "Best" self defense revolver, in that, what works for one, may not work for another. It is likely, however, that the revolver best suited to the individual is the one that they practice with regularly, have confidence in, and are the most comfortable with using.
I learned many years ago not to "send no boy to th' mill". Therefore, for me, I use a M-24-3 in 3" .44 Special, with something like an RCBS 44-250K ahead of 6.5 grs. of Unique, ignited by CCI primer. While I hope I will never have to use this combination on anyone,
should I have to, I want the person receiving it to KNOW they have been hit.

+1 Paladin, panamaJ, and Mr. Sinko. A .45ACP revolver is (arguably) the fastest to reload, a proven stopper, and accurate in spades. The problem is finding a 4" Mtn gun or any of the Models of 1989 (I like the 3"). There are a few around, but folks are pretty proud of 'em.

Of course AllenFrame is correct - the one in your hand is the best one.

Then I'd go with this one. At least the sight is S&W.

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C & L

Cocked and Locked:

Very interesting gun! Is it a worked-over U.S. Model of 1917 Colt? And who did the work on it?

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

The best defensive revolver is the one that you feel comfortable handling. I cannot tell you how many like new guns have been traided back at my local dealers because the buyer purchased the gun writer's flavor of the month. Mistakes can be expensive. I saw a guy purchase a $900 Smith fire only 5 rounds and traded it toward another gun and only got $400 for the trade. Do a lot of research and try some guns before you buy.

Thanks! This gun is a 1917 Colt New Service (US Property) and appeared in two of Dean Grennell's books from the 1970's, Book of the .45 and Pistol & Revolver Digest. The 1917 was owned by Dean's brother Ralph. There are pictures of the gun and pictures of "Ralph" shooting it in the books.

The books state the work was done by John B. Williams @ Williams Gunsmithing, 704 East Commonwealth, Fullerton California. I remember that name from the era, but can find no info now on Williams Gunsmithing in CA.

According to the articles, the barrel was cut to 2.5", the frame was satin hard chromed, and the trigger/hammer/thumb latch were nickled. A S&W rear sight was fitted and a S&W type front sight with red-orange insert was installed.

The action of the gun is super smooth and rivals any S&W I own...cylinder fitting and timing is like a Swiss watch...cylinder lockup is tighter than any revolver I own.

Shoots good too!

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C & L

Cocked & Locked,

What a sweetheart, ... Now that's a snubby with some punch!

Great pics, by the way,

Jerry

I just cannot carry ANY 38/257 as a Primary...

I am a big bore kind of guy.

I have not had my 325NG very long, but it is the smallest, lightest, revolver I would carry as a Primary....

With a pocket full fo full moon clips of course.

Model 65 with 3-inch barrel.....Speer GDHP 135-gr in .38-SPL+P or .357MAG

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

If concealment isn't an issue then I recommend a .50 or flame thrower.

I'd probably go with a .44 Mag in revolver or a 1911 in .45 ACP.

4" 629-4. I've since changed the grips back to a Hogue Monogrip. It's the only revolver that I own which I'll sometimes carry as a primary gun. I've got a drawer full of .38 snubs, but I consider them back up guns (I generally carry a Sig P229R in .357 Sig these days).

If I've got to lose capacity, then I'd prefer to have more "oomph" than what an auto provides. Big bullet, heavy, driven fairly fast... Yeah, that's likeable. It can of course be loaded with .44 Special rounds to roughly provide .45 ACP like performance.

Not quite as convenient as the old Model 58 that I used to carry for a while, but works fine OWB in an old Safety Speed Askins type holster. Weight isn't that bad, perception for me is that it is no worse than a full size steel frame 1911.

Control isn't horribly worse than firing a .357 snub. Same general problems as .357 Magnum revolvers persist - muzzle blast/flash is going to be a factor.

I should get night sights installed and have it Black T coated or a Robar finish or some such. One day I'll get around to that.

My choice of the best, for me , self defense revolver is simple. For open carry with duty type belt a 686 Mt. gun 7 shot 357 mag., for lt. jacket/wind breaker type carry a 7 shot 3in. 681 performance center model, and for summer carry a 642 38 spec. with 135 gr. Gold dot. I am lucky to own these without any locks. Not included in the question but included in my carry choices are also full size 1911 45acp Gov't, 45. commander and either 32 acp Kel-tec or Ruger LCP in 380.

Cocked & Locked:

Fascinating story on the 1917 custom! Dean Grennell was one of my favorite gun writers for many years. Too bad he passed away not too long ago.

There was a Williams Gun Sight company in existance back in the day, if my memory synapses serve me correctly. I wonder if there was any connection?

Thanks again for the great additional info.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I've owned many revolvers over the years. Some pretty good for their intended purpose and others not quite up to speed. If I was picking one revolver for self defense it would a Mk V Webley. I've never owned any revolver that point shot as naturally as those large frame, birds head griped Webleys PLUS they are a fairly quick reload. Yes they may be slightly less powerful that the 45 ACP, but not enough to matter.

I like my 325sc. Pack's well, & while hollow points might not always expand we know they won't shrink.

And then there's the "look"

No digital cameras were harmed in the taking of this photo.

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"DE OPPRESSO LIBER"

There is something to be said for the Webley revolver, both birdshead grip frame and square grip frame models. To many they look awkward and ungainly but they handle and balance like a dream, really fitting the human hand. Extraction and reloading are most sensible.



Showed this photo before I'm sure but I snap shot this running rat with a Webley Mark IV .455 while mowing high grass at our old lake cabin some years ago. Though I might never hit one again under those circumstances, the revolver smoothly came out of the 4-inch N-Frame holster in which it was carried (and perfectly fits by the way) and sent the big slug along the left side of the rat's head, plowing a circular furrow that removed his left ear and eye.

My brother-in-law sneaked this photo of me through the window of an old hunting cabin, burning off a couple of boxes of .455 hand loads on an outing a few months back.

Nice Webley pics!! I consider that a revolver you have to have personal experience with to fully appreciate. Another old one I always likes was the French M1874. To think the French were using a reliable, large bore, DA revolver that could be disassembled without tools while we adopted the Colt SAA is kind of humiliating. Obviously the Colt is a good SA revolver but Europe was moving past the SA by 1873.

"Best"? Don't know, but these work for me.

640 from the Performance Center.



M13-3.



M629-2 Mag-Na-Port



M624



tipoc