When it rains, it pours! *Update: Range Report in post #34*

[tlawler]

I’ve been on the lookout for a .45ACP revolver for some time now. The ones I’ve seen at shows are usually in poor condition and over priced in the case of M1917’s and way overpriced in the case of 25’s and 625’s. So in the past couple of days, I managed to find two nice shooter examples at prices that were pretty attractive. I’ve posted about the M1917 in the appropriate section, so you’ll have to go over there to check it out. For this one, I had to take a little road trip after work yesterday and didn’t get home until almost 10 o’clock last night, but despite the 400 mile+ round trip, I think it was well worth it. Now I’ve got a BUNCH of moonclips to load!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have yet to experience a drought of guns that I wanted to buy; only my wallet and better half keep me in line. You realize the forum answer will be to buy them both.

 

[tenntex32]

Nice, and I have done similar things when the deals are right!

I need to add a more modern S&W .45acp example to my .45acp revolver collection. (I do have a cased 25-2 Model of 1955 from the 1970s though.)

I did purchase a new Charter Arms PitBull in .45acp a short while back, just for the lightweight/handiness of it.

I was thinking maybe one of the newer made-to-look-like M1917 models to go with my other M1917 examples, or maybe a 625-2 "45 Model of 1989" to go with my 25-2. (The year 1989 has personal meaning for me.)

Maybe both!

Dale

 

[brucev]

Back about 2009 I found and bought a 625-2 Model of 1988. If memory serves me I paid $600 OTD. The shop threw in a box of .45 ACP ammo. Just about the best large bore S&W revolver I've ever shot/owned. Positively love the moon clips. Makes that revolver really quick for dealing with surplus ammo! In just a short while you can turn two or three boxes of ammo into empty casings ready for reloading! Only thing I do not like is the round butt. I fixed that by putting a Pachmayr Presentation Grip on the 625-2. Much prefer the square butt design. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[StrawHat]

...Now I’ve got a BUNCH of moonclips to load!...

tlawler,

There are a couple of tools that make loading moonclips easier. You can buy one or there are a couple you can make. I built a lever action loader from lumber, a washer and a piece of angle iron for the lever. While I was using it one day, my Pop was watching. He grabbed the larger pair of water pump pliers in my tool box and opened them wide. Next thing I see is him loading two at a time in the moonclips.

An umooner is easy to make also. A piece of 1/2” conduit or such with a shelf form on the end. Slip over the cartridge and twist. Pop made an easier one of those also. An empty 50 caliber ammo box. Hook the round in the corner and pull. Round pops free and drops in the box.

Have fun with your ACP revolvers.

Kevin

 

[7shooter]

I thought this was going to be a retro ad for Morton salt.

 

[StrawHat]

...I was thinking maybe one of the newer made-to-look-like M1917 models to go with my other M1917 examples, or maybe a 625-2 "45 Model of 1989" to go with my 25-2. (The year 1989 has personal meaning for me.)

Maybe both!

Dale...

Dale,

I believe you are referring to the Model 22-4. It came in two flavors, the one you mentioned with a 5 1/2” barrel and lanyard ring to resemble the Commercial 1917. Another version sported the 4” barrel with the reinforced shroud. Both had improved fixed sights and good triggers.

I enjoy shooting any of my ACP revolvers but these two can handle loads above hardball.

Kevin

 

[Erocksmash]

Thats awesome Tom... good find !

 

[bananaman]

You may wish to try using RIMZ poly moon clips. No tools needed to load or unload. (I have metal also ) For the range, only use the poly in my 625 JM. Bob

 

[tlawler]

Thats awesome Tom... good find !

Erik, I finally picked up a M1917 too.

 

[OldChief]

Nice revolver you have there, I have a 625-2 that I really enjoy, great shooter.

 

[Redlegvzv]

You may wish to try using RIMZ poly moon clips. No tools needed to load or unload. (I have metal also ) For the range, only use the poly in my 625 JM. Bob

Yes, I love the RIMZ clips for the range. You can moon and de-moon them quickly just using your fingers. They are just wonderful. Cost a buck or two, but worth every penny. When I go to the range, typically I'll take maybe half a dozen steel moon clips just to stay proficient with them, and the rest the RIMZ. I can moon my RIMZ clips as fast as my semi-auto shooting buddies can load their .45 auto magazines! Since no post is complete without a photo, here is my S&W 625JM:

 

[Protocall_Design]

No one ever shows a picture of what the Rimz moon clips look like. Are they different than the metal ones, or just a plastic copy?

 

[tenntex32]

Dale,

I believe you are referring to the Model 22-4. It came in two flavors, the one you mentioned with a 5 1/2” barrel and lanyard ring to resemble the Commercial 1917. Another version sported the 4” barrel with the reinforced shroud. Both had improved fixed sights and good triggers.

I enjoy shooting any of my ACP revolvers but these two can handle loads above hardball.

Kevin

Yup, with regards to the Model 22-4 I was thinking something more along the lines of this one. I just haven't seen one yet at a price I'm willing to pay for a "knock-off" M1917. I do like the looks though, but I would prefer the original/older style checkered silver medallioned service stocks...…….and no lock.

S&W Model 22-4 Classic Series

I still have a few other older commercial model M1917 variants I'd like to acquire before getting too crazy with the modern era stuff...….unless priced attractively enough of course!

Dale

 

[LPD256]

No one ever shows a picture of what the Rimz moon clips look like. Are they different than the metal ones, or just a plastic copy?

Here you go. They work one way. Flat side on the left. Grooved side holds the rim like the loaded clip and the one on the right. Hope this helps.

 

[cremaley]

Nice find. Congrats.

 

[StrawHat]

Here you go. They work one way. Flat side on the left. Grooved side holds the rim like the loaded clip and the one on the right. Hope this helps.

Thank you for posting that photo. I, too, have not seen them. Heard good things about them but I have several hundred of the Ranch Products moonclips so no real need for more.

So, they appear thicker than metal but the rim fits in the recess so the thickness adds to the strength. Interesting. I can see why folks like them. Went to the website and there is a newer version that holds the rounds better.

Thanks again for the photograph.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Yup, with regards to the Model 22-4 I was thinking something more along the lines of this one. I just haven't seen one yet at a price I'm willing to pay for a "knock-off" M1917. I do like the looks though, but I would prefer the original/older style checkered silver medallioned service stocks...

Dale

The casehardened version! Somehow did not have you pegged for the blingy sort

Kevin

 

[tenntex32]

The casehardened version! Somehow did not have you pegged for the blingy sort

Kevin

I'm usually not...……….but if yer gonna fake it ya might as well fake it good. I wouldn't want anyone to accidentally mistake it for a correct M1917.

I did buy a factory nickeled 10-5 not too long ago...…..which I still haven't pimpshined yet.

Dale

 

[tlawler]

I am range ready!

But I have to wait for the weekend. I’m all mooned up and itching to try it out along with my newly acquired M1917. The college kids are back in town from Tally until Monday, so we’re going to go have some fun. Range report to follow...stay tuned.