S&W 625-8

parsonbw · Nov 30, 2012

Anyone like to chime in about the 625-8, your shooting experience with it, overall thoughts of the revolver for range shooting? I have lots of .45 ammo, and would like to shoot some in a revolver instead of my 1911's.
I really enjoy my Smith revolvers I already have, and have a chance to purchase a 625-8 in pristine shape, box, etc. That means nothing to me (the box, etc) because it will be a shooter. What is your experience with this gun? I do not have one with the lock, but really doesn't bother me if the gun is a great shooter.

dentkimterry · Nov 30, 2012

I got a 625-8 about a year ago and it quickly became one of my favorite guns. I like the quick loading of the moon clips and like shooting it in timed events. Mine is a 4" and handles nicely. Very accurate also. Get it, you won't regret it!

Dale53 · Nov 30, 2012

I have both a 625-6 (5") and a 625-8 (4") JM Special. They are my favorite handguns of all time (and I have a passel of them). I shoot mine from 5000-7500 rounds per year. Most of my loads are light target loads (4.0 grs of Bullseye or equivalent behind a home cast Mihec version of the H&G #68 200 gr SWC.

If you want a powerful load for "whatever", my choice is the NOE version of a Lyman 454424 home cast 250 gr Keith bullet ahead of 7.0 grs of Unique - this chronographs at 900+ fps and should be suitable for whitetail deer at reasonable ranges.

I did a little tuning to my two 625's. I replaced the springs with a matched set from Bang, Inc (Jerry Miculek's outfit) and tuned the pull to 9.0 lbs double action and 3.0 lbs single action (my preference). These are amongst the most sastifying revolvers I have ever owned.

I shoot both ACP cases and Auto Rim cases. With the ACP cases I use the NEW Rimz Hydrocarbon/poly full moon clips mostly but do have some Ranch Products steel clips (they require tools to load and unload).

This is why I am so enamored of this handguns - shot at 25 yards standing:

Dale53

grumpy7159 · Nov 30, 2012

my 625 is my carry gun. I love the moon clips (Brownells) now that I have found some tools to load/ unload them. The gun is accurate and smooth. The gold dot front sight I have is not recommended for bright sunlight. Buy the gun.

parsonbw · Dec 1, 2012

Thanks for the responses. I will probably pick it up on Monday (if it's still there, I can't go today), and see how it performs. Supposedly it has only about 200 rounds shot in it. There are a very few slight smudges on it, I believe I can iron those out.
It has the matte finish, so not as easy as a stainless would be to correct. I've wanted a .45 revolver for awhile, and this one looks great and has been taken care of. I carry a kimber pro carry, colt commander, and occasionally a ruger sp101 in .357. I already have a holster for it, so no problem putting in the lineup.
Thanks for the responses, and anyone else have any input, it would be appreciated. Maybe what kind of moon clips work best, your favorite store bought ammo, etc.

625 Shooter · Dec 1, 2012

My 625 is a Model of 1989 (I think a dash 5.) Absolutely love it.

Moon clips are GREAT. Speedloaders simply cannot compete with moon clips.

I consider the M625 a bit large for CCW. But it is superb for competition (steel plates, bowling pins, ICORE, USPSA.)

parsonbw · Dec 1, 2012

By the way, does anyone care to list the engineering changes that was made on the 625-8. As far as I know, frame mounted firing pin, mim trigger. Correct?

Bosshoss · Dec 1, 2012

parsonbw said:
By the way, does anyone care to list the engineering changes that was made on the 625-8. As far as I know, frame mounted firing pin, mim trigger. Correct?

625-6 had mim and fmfp.
625-8 added lock

buck45 · Dec 1, 2012

625-8 mods

Got this from a gun mag some years back. I currently have 2 625-8's. a PC and a Model of 89'. I prefer the 4". Seems a bit quicker on target for my hands.

parsonbw · Dec 1, 2012

Thanks bosshoss and buck45. I believe I'll take the plunge, never had a .45 revolver before. Plenty of 1911's in .45 though. I like the .45, and I have plenty of ammo. I stocked up before all the Oboma era came.
I was just completely unfamiliar with the .45 in a revolver.
By the way, dale53, good shooting!!. I can do that three feet away from the target.

parsonbw · Dec 5, 2012

Just a quick update. I went to the LGS on Monday to look at the 625-8 mentioned in my first post. It was in great shape, but they also had a 625(-4) I believe. I'm sure most would like a pre-lock model. They were very open that .45 revolvers in their store had a long shelf life. Not many interested.
But I would like a .45 revolver to fill out my stable. Here's the question to you "smithys" out there. What would you consider to be the 'best' of the 625's? Try to be objective as to engineering changes, etc., not just the model you have. And if you have any input that you could share from personal experience as to function, accuracy, let me have it!
After I get a .45 revolver, I hope the itch will be scratched, and I can settle down with what I have.

sunday bill · Dec 5, 2012

parsonbw said:
..........They were very open that .45 revolvers in their store had a long shelf life. Not many interested.

SAY WHAT!

parsonbw · Dec 5, 2012

I'm only repeating what the counter boy told me. I live in the southeast, and he said .45 revolvers were not very popular. The going thing right now is the 1911 platform, and the AR15.

sunday bill · Dec 5, 2012

When word gets out in this neck o' the woods that any local shop has a 625 on the shelves, the potential buyer who thinks long, thinks wrong.

Plstu · Dec 5, 2012

Absolutely LOVE my 625. It is a prelock but I doubt that makes a difference when shooting. Its a gun that is quite accurate and can be shot all day long with no problem. Very little recoil and leaves a nice big hole in paper! LOL

photocosmo · Dec 6, 2012

A few years ago I set out to pick up a new 1911 and got totally side-tracked by the 625-8. I had the chance to compare both 4" and 5" barrels and decided that the 5" version just felt/handled better to me. I have never regreted my decision and consider that "big mahmoo" my favorite handgun. Incredible accuracy, no recoil, and no brass to pick up thanks to the lightning quick-loading moonclips make this manly revolver a true "grail gun". BTW I still haven't got that 1911 yet (no rush) because I "discovered" the 4506 and CS45! At any rate; good luck with your purchase and enjoy.

jaymoore · Dec 6, 2012

Currently have a 625 "JM". It's been quite satisfactory.

The previous frame mounted firing pin 625s had misfiring dramas that never quite got sorted. The 5" hammer-mounted firing pin 625-2 was also most satisfactory until IDPA changed the rules some time back, so it was reluctantly swapped for one of the problematic 4" jobs mentioned above. Nothing reloads like a 625! Fashion up some dummy rounds and practice pitching them into the empty cylinder. Just don't watch Jerry Miculek do it too much, though. It'll make you feel...inadequate...

Bello · Dec 6, 2012

My wife calls my 625 the Dirty Harry gun I just look at her and smile and say not even close!

parsonbw · Dec 13, 2012

parsonbw said:
Anyone like to chime in about the 625-8, your shooting experience with it, overall thoughts of the revolver for range shooting? I have lots of .45 ammo, and would like to shoot some in a revolver instead of my 1911's.
I really enjoy my Smith revolvers I already have, and have a chance to purchase a 625-8 in pristine shape, box, etc. That means nothing to me (the box, etc) because it will be a shooter. What is your experience with this gun? I do not have one with the lock, but really doesn't bother me if the gun is a great shooter.

A quick update: I thought the gun was gone at this stage, but checked in today, and still there. Not anymore, I brought it home with me!! I have a post in gunsmithing section, that I did today. I believe I'll enjoy it very much. The condition of the gun is in my former post, and it came with 25 moonclips; so didn't have to purchase those. Will let you know how it shoots after time in the woods.

Redhawk500 · Sep 12, 2013

The only small drawback is using Keith style case bullets in auto rim cases for hunting seer. The cylinder mouths are correct for. 452 Jacketed bullets but so cast bullets require finger pressure to seat. Since I've never been charged by a whitetail, it really isn't an issue. I reload "revolver only" loads from Sierra loads, 200 grain JHP with Blue Dot for over 1170 fps. 7 grains Unique with 255 grain hard cast bullets whistle through the both shoulders of a 700 pound elk cow or 250 pound pig.

S&W 625-8

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