45 ACP Revolver Info Request

[sapporo]

Greetings,
I was wondering if anyone could give me some info and history behind a 45 ACP revolver that S&W does not make anymore. I'm interested in the S&W Model 22 (45acp) with 4" barrel, NIB. I was told by my gun shop that SW no longer lists this in the catalog but it was offered recently in standard blue and case hardened version.

Can anyone tell me the history of this pistol? Why it is no longer made? Anyone own one? What would one be expected to pay for a NIB example in blue version? I plan on using this for casual shooting and my bedtime protection revolver. I prefer 45 ACP due to the fact that I own other pistols in this caliber.

I'm also open to other suggestions on ALL STEEL versions of the 45 ACP revolver. I'm not really interested in the Nightguard as I prefer all steel revolvers. I've handled the S&W 1917 and while it's a fine weapon, it's just a tad too large for what I want. The Model 22 in 4" seems perfect but I can't find any near me and would have to buy one out of state. Any suggestions and help greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JamesFlowers]

The 625 is an N-Frame available in 45 ACP. I think the typical barrel now is 4", though the older 5" models are highly sought after by USPSA Competition shooters.

 

[Rapidray]

Model 22...

This model was known as the "1950 .45 Military" before 1957. Chambered in .45 Auto Rim or .45 ACP. Used half moon clips on the .45 ACP. From 1951 to 1966 - 3,976 were made and the starting serial is S85000. Info taken from Standard Catalog of Firearms. Because I had to look it up! As for prices... this is an old copy and other forum members will give you a better price. Hope you get it and if you do...you know the rule...Photo's please.

 

[TSQUARED]

Check GunsAmerica or Gunbroker they usually have some for sale. I always purchased from Welcome to SportingArms.com, your source for discount firearms, ammo, and accessories. Brands such as Browning, Kimber, Remington, Sigarms, Colt, Winchester and more. in Texas.

 

[DCrunch]

Every thing you want to know about the S&W Model 22.

S&W Model 22 - Bing

 

[S&WIowegan]

The 22-4 was reintroduced in the mid-2000s at the instigation of Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. He saw it as a no nonsense personal defence revolver with fixed sights fed with moonclipped .45 ACP ammo. I have two of them and used them in a PD class at TR. They performed well with only one drawback....the front sight is a bit thick for 50 yard work.

In the last year or two, S&W made some of these in their Classic line.

 

[sapporo]

The 22-4 was reintroduced in the mid-2000s at the instigation of Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. He saw it as a no nonsense personal defence revolver with fixed sights fed with moonclipped .45 ACP ammo. I have two of them and used them in a PD class at TR. They performed well with only one drawback....the front sight is a bit thick for 50 yard work.

In the last year or two, S&W made some of these in their Classic line.

That's the one I want. Any idea what they go for NIB? They are no longer made by S&W. Fixed sights works fine with me. Many thanks!

 

[murphydog]

They usually sell in the $6-700 range, perhaps a little less if you catch the right seller at a weak moment.

 

[sapporo]

They usually sell in the $6-700 range, perhaps a little less if you catch the right seller at a weak moment.

Thanks. I'm not an FFL or a dealer. I'd be buying retail....sad to say. I'm not seeing them on gunbroker. I'd love to get one at $600-700 for a true NIB example. The repro 1917's sell for $809.00 at Buds.

 

[mbnatt]

Sorry, all I can say to add is it's a hoot! Two 625's and all I want is more!

 

[Auto426]

I hate to hear that. A new 22-4 had been on my wishlist for a few years now. I had told myself 2 years ago that I should get one because S&W might stop making them. And now it's too late.

I guess I'm going to have to move the 27 classic up the list now. I do like the way they redesigned the barrel lug to look more like the older guns. The 27 will also be cheaper to feed.

 

[S&WIowegan]

You make it sound like you want an unfired gun to put in your safe. Do you plan to shoot a 22-4 if you get one?

I am willing to sell my least used 22-4 which has been used but not abused. PM me if you care and I'll get it out and see how it looks.

 

[nipster]

Any of you that have the model 22 actually fire rimmed 45 auto in them? After doing a little research I found that ammo choices are limited and it's kind of hard to find. I find the moon clip gimmick kind of bothersome. I borrowed a buddy's Taurus Judge once and ran 45 auto through it using moon clips. First time I had ever had to use them in a weapon. Found it kind of clunky.

 

[Dale53]

I don't have a Model 22 S&W but I DO have two 625's. I consider this one of the most practical revolvers that Smith has ever made.

I have NO problem with using either the full moon clips OR the .45 Auto Rim. I do both.

A suggestion for those that don't like the fact that you need tools to re and de moon the clips. RIMZ clips are now made of a carbon polymer product and can be loaded and unloaded by hand. I have both the original polymer clips and the newer hydrocarbon polymer clips. I prefer the new clips (they are rigid, hold the cartridges more securely and yet you can still load and unload them with your fingers). The original clips were steel and were called half moon clips (each clip held three cartridges). The more modern "full moon clips" hold six. The steel full moon clips DO require tools to re and de-moon but they are certainly usable.

The full moon clips allow the quickest of all reloads in a revolver. If you prefer rimmed cases, and reload (as all good pistol shooters really need to do) then Starline Brass .45 Auto Rim cases are the answer. I have and use both.

I prefer adjustable sighted revolvers for general use, my self. However, if you prefer fixed sights then the Model 22 is a dandy for home defense and also general field use. Work up a load that shoots to the sights with a proper bullet and you are "good to go"...

FWIW
Dale53

 

[bipe215]

My son just traded for a 1950 this weekend. It has Thunder Ranch grips and case. What's special about this version or is it just cosmetic.?

Steve

 

[Dennis The B]

Here's a Model 22-4, that's not a Thunder Ranch Model. I changed the original stocks out for a set of Ahrends. It's an outstanding shooter. The stocks on it in the picture are Altamont service stocks in rosewood.

These might not have been high-volume sellers (also the Model 21), so they don't stay in the catalogues very long.

 

[sapporo]

Dennis,
That is the exact revolver that I'm looking for. Impossible to find around me. What did they sell for new? Max Retail price? Thanks

 

[trikerider]

Looks mighty fine, Dennis. I want one. trikerider

 

[Stinger4me]

I bought one a couple of years ago to settle an estate. My goal was to have a .45 revolver to carry to the woods. The gun shots very nice but works much better with auto rim ammo which is very hard to find. I purchased some brass and loaded my own. Even a rookie can have fun loading these and shooting the gun. The gun is nice to handle and fun to shoot. I am giving some thought to selling the gun because I think I will be going to a SIG in the same caliber. It has higher capacity.

Stinger

 

[Shiloh Shepherds]

OK don't laugh at my question. If the revolver is marked as S&W 625-4, and says on the right side of the barrel "45 caliber of 1989" is the gun chambered for .45 ACP or 45 Long Colt? It is satin stainless, pre-MIM and has the Pachmyer rubber grips. No box, no paperwork and no listing of moon clips with the gun. Any help will be appreciated.