Ok, I have decided I want a S&W .45 acp revolver. So far, I have seen the M25-2, M625, and M325. The M25-2 I would rather have a 4", but I have heard they are scarce and would really like a nickel version. I like the M625, but not sure if a -2,-3 or -4, whatever, are the best. Would like a 3", but again, scarce. I do not own a S&W with a lock, but like the looks of the M325PD, black with grey cylinder, but there is not much about it online. Any suggestions on the ones mentioned would be greatly appreciated, and if you have any other models that I should consider, please I am all ears. Well not really all ears, but since my hair left it just looks like it. Thanks.

"... please I am all ears. Well not really all ears, but since my hair left it just looks like it."

That's hilarious!

I am a big fan of S&W's .45 ACP revolvers, as well. It is as great a revolver cartridge as it is pistol cartridge.

Many people buy a M-25-2 with a 6 or 6-1/2 inch barrel and have it cut to 4 inches. It looks great if done well, and handles well but a decent job will probably cost you $200 or more. I have owned 2 so done, one I had cut and another, I found an already cut, crowned and front sight mounted new barrel and had it installed on a gun with an aftermarket barrel in place when I had purchased the gun. I have always wondered why S&W didn't make this a standard option, I think they would have sold a lot of them.

The Mountain Gun was made in .45 ACP, but they tend to be pricey and scarce, as well.

Probably the most available 4 incher would be the M-625-3 The -2, -3 and -4 variants (I have never seen a 4 inch -4 in .45 ACP) should all work well. I bought a 5 inch -2, a 4 inch -3 and a -6 Mountain gun new when each was introduced and all work just fine. The MIM parts were first used on the -6, and while many traditionalists hate them, users have found that the MIM parts work just fine. If fixed (edited) sights are okay, the Model 22-4 is a 4 inch blue gun with a ejector rod shroud, and has been made in plain finish as well as the Thunder Ranch-embellished guns with the big gold logo on the sideplate. It is an IL gun but the lock can be easily removed if it bothers you and there is an aftermarket steel 'plug' available to fill the hole in the frame.

If you want to go old, the 1917 series was made in large numbers but again, nice ones have really escalated in value, and they are 5-1/2 inch guns with fixed sights. Keep in mind that all of S&W's .45 ACP revolvers have pretty well been good sellers in the used gun market and hold their values well, so bargains are not common. It looks like you are finding this to be the case.

Buff, yes, I am finding them to be rather pricey, but I am determined to have one. It will be a sometimes range gun, I do not have to carry on the job, so it will spend some time in the safe as well. I do not mind adjustable sights at all.

I have a model 625 4" .45 acp. revolver which has been a great shooter for me. I would recommend the 625 as a good choice.

625 all the way!
Here's a "-4" and a "-3" in the 3" variations.

A 625-4 with a 5" barrel is on my radar.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
WFR

Nice looking 625's and really like the 3", version, but the 5" may be less expensive. Thanks to all that have answered, and thanks to those who will come later.

I am a BIG fan of the S&W 45 ACP revolver. I have been using a Mod 25-2 since the early 1970's. I bought it for bullseye shooting, and for low cost double action practice, as it is cheaper to shoot than my Mod 29.

I used one as a Duty Gun for several years.

I too wish they had made one in a 4" barrel, back in the day.

I also have a 325 Night Guard. I Love it. It is like a 2 1/2" Mod 19 on Steroids, only lighter.
For your FIRST 45 ACP revolver I would get one with a steel frame, as you will be shooting it a lot...

So My advice to you is to pick a Mod 25, or 625 in the barrel length you like best.

I prefer a 45 ACP revolver to a 357 Mag revolver by a wide margin.

In fact if a person does not need the raw power of a 44 Mag, I think a S&W revolver in 45 ACP is the best way to go.

And actually, with Buffalo Bore 45 Auto Rim loads I would feel safe against black and grizzly bears in the lower 48.

Get a 1917. It is light and powerful.

I have a 625-3 and wouldn't sell or trade it. I carried it for 3 years when I first became a deputy and had no problem with qualifying with a 3" barrel. I was the only carrying a revolver that could knock the steel poppers down. Mine is stainless and has "45 cal model of 1989" on the barrel. I sent the crane and cylinder to clark customs in Louisiana and had it chambered for the 460 Rowland caliber. It gives the velocity of the 44 Mag pushing a .45 inch bullet. I like mine a lot.

Bill

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I've become a big fan of the 625s. In a typical "Hog" moment, over about a three week period l ended up with three of them. So much for my 2012 toy budget. Then l found a 1917 in Missouri; l just need to pick it up from my FFL. That puts me into the 2013 budget. I've been watching way too many debates... talk about deficient spending!

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Phil. 4:13

I have a Nickel 22-4 and a Mountain Gun in .45 ACP. Love em both. The Nickel 22-4 has been discontinued i believe, but you could probably find either gun with a little effort. They both carry well, when shooting past 25 yards the Mountain Gun puts the 22 in the shade. So, for strictly defensive purposes and close range plinking the 22-4 has a slight edge, for a do it all gun, I'd give it to the Mountain Gun (or other light barrel adjustable sight gun ). That's my humble opinion. Any way you look at, you can't go wrong with an N Frame .45!!

I have both a 625-6 Model of 1989 with 5" barrel and a 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special with a 4" barrel. Either would be a fine choice. If I had to pick a favorite, I guess (almost too close to call) it would be the 4" JM Special.

I MUCH prefer adjustable sights (in fact, both of my currently have Red Dot sights on them) as I shoot 200 gr SWC to 250 gr Keith's in mine. I INSIST that my guns shoot "where they look" - you see, I want to hit what I shoot at...LOL.

Dale53

I found Model 22-4 awhile back in their classic line, model 1950. I had always wanted one and when they brought it back in the classic line I jumped. Very happy with mine.

I don't do S&W locks, so for me it'd have to be a 25-2 or an M1917 (or related Brazilian model).

I've got a 25-2 and it's a great gun.

for carry i like the 325PD....for range fun 625JM and 25-2.....the 325PD is a little snappy with hot loads....as far as locks go get a PLUG from Bullseye Smith and jerk the lock out

I love those 22-4's, yours is fine lookin'. I think they were even made in color case finish.

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I am leaning toward the M625. However, I must admit, I really do like the looks of the M325 PD. The lock, while being answer to a question not asked, will not keep me from buying a Smith with one if I like it. Luckily, I believe the M625 is going to be a better deal. Thanks to you all for your opinions, and if anyone has a M325 PD, I would love to hear your opinion about the model. Thanks.

[QUOTE=JCS&W;136411710 and if anyone has a M325 PD, I would love to hear your opinion about the model. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

look up.....it's a great shooter and have not found a round it don't like...here is what i carry in it....45AR 270gr Thunder Heads runnin' a little over 1000fps...

In late 2009 I found and bought a 625-2 "Model of 1988." I bought a 100 rd. box of WWB 230 gr. FMJ ball and headed for the range. 100 rounds later, I concluded that that new to me 625-2 was the most accurate revolver I've ever owned. To this day it continues to be the most accurate revolver I've ever owned, held, handled or fired. It is simply remarkable. With plain ball ammo it will routinely put two cylinder fulls (12 rounds) into 2.5 inches at 25 yds. It's SA and DA trigger pulls are simply amazing. If I didn't know better I'd think it had been worked over by a good gun smith. I am amazed that S&W produced a standard revolver at this level of quality for fit, finish, and function. FWIW, I consider this 625-2 to be the finest S&W revolver I've ever seen. I wish I'd have known just how remarkable a revolver it was in 1988... I'd not have waited till 2009 to buy one! It will shoot rings around any 1911 .45 ACP I've ever seen. And... I don't have to hunt for my fired brass in the grass! Very way cool in the extreme!

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ghitch75, my apologies. I totally overlooked your post, not sure how I did, but I managed not to see it. Beautiful M325 PD. That is the exact .45 I saw. Again, sorry I missed your post.

brucev, that is one insightful post. I can tell how much you like your M625 from reading how you describe it. As I stated earlier, I am leaning toward the M625. Thanks for the responses.

I've had this one as my primary carry gun since early 2005.



Nice shooter, easy to carry. With "ball" ammo it stops being fun to shoot after 1 or 2 boxes, but with my mid-range 200 grain reloads it doubles as a fun range gun.

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Thank you JoeHatley. Nice shooting!