S&W 45ACP question.

[bucksnort18]

Has S&W ever produced a model 625 with a 6" barrel? Or, have they ever produced a model 25 (6"), chambered in 45 ACP. The case dims differ between the 45ACP and 45 Colt. Just wondering. Thanks.

[Bill Lear]

Absolutely they have. Many years back I owned such a version - 6" tapered barrel and .45 ACP cylinder. I was surprised when shooting it to find the mighty .45 auto cartridge had so little recoil compared to the 1911 style pistol.

Long barrels have fallen out of favor with the post-modern "tacti-cool" movement. The .45 Colt case rim is substantially larger than the ACP, and the case is longer, and meant to head-space on the rim. Any .45 Colt can be modified to accept .45 auto using Moon clips.

[skeezix]

They made a 25-2 with a 6-1/2 inch barrel. This one shipped in June 1978.

[bill-in-texas]

Originally Posted by bucksnort18

Has S&W ever produced... a model 25 (6"), chambered in 45 ACP... Just wondering. Thanks.

YES!

-Bill


25-2 (Model 1955), .45 acp, 6" bbl.

[Plinkasaurusrex]

Don't forget the 1917.

[sodacan]

Originally Posted by Plinkasaurusrex

Don't forget the 1917.

5 1/2" barrel on a 1917.

[bill-in-texas]

Originally Posted by Plinkasaurusrex

Don't forget the 1917.

Not with a 6” barrel.
-Bill

[505Gibbs]

To the initial question - the 625 was never released with a 6" bbl.
As answered - the 25-2 was a long tube so to speak as was the 1917.

[k22fan]

A 6 1/2" barrel was standard on the Model 25-2 .45 ACP until S&W temporarily discontinued all 6 1/2" barrels, then it became a 6". The old light or tapered 6 1/2" barrel adjustable sighted .45 ACP was the Model 1950 which was assigned model #26. Similar light barrel blued .45 ACP were made recently but I do not follow all the modern revolvers.

[colt_saa]

There were Model 25s in the Heritage series chambered for either the 45 ACP or 45 Long Colt

I have several of these revolvers in 45 Long Colt. They were offered with Blue or Color Case Hardened frames

There were a couple Performance Center Model 625s done stainless that I have always liked

I am a fan of unusual serial numbers. The last revolver pictured above, the 625 Lite Hunter chambered for 45 Long Colt is serial numbered CLT0045

[k22fan]

As far as I know neither the standard production line nor the Performance Center made 6" or 6 1/5" Model 625 .45 ACP revolvers. I presume both the Hunter 625s that Colt SAA posted pictures of are .45 Colts because that's the only .45 cartridge I've seen them chambered for. A 6 1/2" .45ACP 625 with a barrel that is not so heavy would be fantastic but, considering S&W discontinued all .45 ACP N frames, it's not likely they'll make one.

[bucksnort18]

So, a Model 25 using moon clips to accomodate the ACP round should work? Any issues with leading? The bullet has to jump a little more. Just wondering. Thanks again.

[k22fan]

Originally Posted by bucksnort18

So, a Model 25 using moon clips to accomodate the ACP round should work? Any issues with leading? The bullet has to jump a little more. Just wondering. Thanks again.

Model 25-2 .45 ACP cylinders are shorter in the front than Model 25-5 .45 Colt cylinders so the distance bullets have to pass through the cylinder throat might not be as different as you think. All the S&W .45 ACP revolvers I've owned head space .45 ACP cartridges on the case mouth the same as auto pistols. The moon clips have not been necessary for them to fire reliably. The bullet jump issue you're asking about mostly concerns .45 Colt cylinders that have been milled to accept .45 ACP moon clips so they can fire both cartridges. I'd rather have separate revolvers for the two cartridges.

I have found lead bullet loads that do not lead significantly for all my .45 revolvers. For as long as S&W broach cut barrels their .45 ACP revolvers got GI Joe rifling, 6 small lands, the same as most 1911 autos. Their .45 Colt revolver got five deeper grooves that were about the same with as the lands the same as all the revolvers made for rimmed cartridges. The different rifling never seemed to matter.

[StrawHat]

Originally Posted by bucksnort18

So, a Model 25 using moon clips to accomodate the ACP round should work? Any issues with leading? The bullet has to jump a little more. Just wondering. Thanks again.

As mentioned, the Model 25-2 has a shorter cylinder than the Model 25-5. It is also set up as a target revolver and with proper loads, leading is not an issue. Hard lead is neither necessary nor foolproof. A properly fitting bullet does not lead. Slug your throats and size appropriately.

A modified cylinder in a Model 25-5 is out of my ken so, no comment.

Kevin

[bucksnort18]

It sounds like I am looking for a 25-2. Is it still being produced, or can it go through the custom shop? I've owned a 625JM for a couple of years, and really like not having to chase brass as I do with my 1911s.

[local_dirt]

Originally Posted by skeezix

They made a 25-2 with a 6-1/2 inch barrel. This one shipped in June 1978.

Yep. I have one, too.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by StrawHat

As mentioned, the Model 25-2 has a shorter cylinder than the Model 25-5. It is also set up as a target revolver and with proper loads, leading is not an issue. Hard lead is neither necessary nor foolproof. A properly fitting bullet does not lead. Slug your throats and size appropriately.

A modified cylinder in a Model 25-5 is out of my Ken so, no comment.

Kevin

What is a "Ken"?

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by local_dirt

Yep. I have one, too.

These are pretty common and shoot cast bullets incredibly well. Big and bulky, but certainly among the most accurate of revolvers.

[Doug M.]

Originally Posted by rockquarry

What is a "Ken"?

*
In this context, knowledge or understanding.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by Doug M.

*
In this context, knowledge or understanding.

Thank you for the translation; never seen that before.

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by bucksnort18

It sounds like I am looking for a 25-2. Is it still being produced, or can it go through the custom shop? I've owned a 625JM for a couple of years, and really like not having to chase brass as I do with my 1911s.

The revolvers falling into the 2nd engineering revision of the Model 25 have not been made since the 1970s.

Smith & Wesson does not have a shop where custom firearms can be produced to an individual buyers specifications.

However you are not limited to just a -2

I think there was a 6 1/2" 45ACP Model 25 in the Heritage series. This was a -10 manufactured in 2001. Only 200 were produced in each finish so these are pretty hard to find

I do not recall any other 45ACP chambered Model 25s being produced in the last 30+ years with 6" or 6 1/2" barrels

Now ANY Model 25 factory chambered for 45 Long Colt can have the cylinder converted so that the one gun is capable of shooting both 45 ACP in moon clips and 45 Long Colt without moon clips

That modification is offered by several after market Gun Smithing firms

[M66 3"]

Yes, they did. There was a run of 625s made for Camfour, 6.5in barrel and blacked out hammer, trigger and cylinder release. Google 625-7 in .45 acp. Good luck with your search!

[StrawHat]

Originally Posted by bucksnort18

It sounds like I am looking for a 25-2. Is it still being produced, or can it go through the custom shop? I've owned a 625JM for a couple of years, and really like not having to chase brass as I do with my 1911s.

No, the Model25-2 has been discontinued for some time now. But, there are quite a few changing hands daily. Mine are not going anywhere. Is there any particular reason you want the 6” variant?

Kevin

[StrawHat]

Originally Posted by rockquarry

What is a "Ken"?

Originally Posted by Doug M.

*
In this context, knowledge or understanding.

As answered by Doug Mm, understanding, experience, comprehension. Another way of saying, out of my wheelhouse. And it should be lower case not upper case k. Auto correct got me. I swear auto correct is my worst enema!

Kevin

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by M66 3"

Yes, they did. There was a run of 625s made for Camfour, 6.5in barrel and blacked out hammer, trigger and cylinder release. Google 625-7 in .45 acp. Good luck with your search!

If you are referring the the 2001 run of product code 170176 for Camfour, wasn't that a 5 1/4" barrel?

Or do you have a different product code in mind?

[bucksnort18]

I'm thinking the 6" barrel would be good for bowling pins.

[murphydog]

If you are looking for extra muzzle weight (similar to a 6 - 6.5" model 25-2), the 625 was made with a 5" full lug barrel. These are 'relatively' easy to find.

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by bucksnort18

I'm thinking the 6" barrel would be good for bowling pins.

the 4" 625 V-Comp is what I have ben using for pins.

I load it with 45 SUPER. Pins leave the table with Great authority

[series guy]

I just picked up this Model of 1955 or pre Model 25. It is incredibly accurate and makes a .45ACP round feel like a .38 Special.

[Doug M.]

Originally Posted by rockquarry

Thank you for the translation; never seen that before.

*
I'm not just the uncouth lout that I am often and correctly perceived to be. I am a well educated and highly literate one.

FWIW, an angry social worker introduced me to another meaning having to do with a Ken doll. At my age, it is not often that I am introduced to a crudity with which I am not already familiar.

[M66 3"]

Originally Posted by colt_saa

If you are referring the the 2001 run of product code 170176 for Camfour, wasn't that a 5 1/4" barrel?

Or do you have a different product code in mind?

You are correct. I posted before looking. That said, unless the OP is stuck on a 6" barrel, it's a pretty sweet 625.

Thanks for making me look/keeping me honest.

[Plinkasaurusrex]

Originally Posted by sodacan

5 1/2" barrel on a 1917.

Thanks, very much.

[verde]

Skeezix , Are those factory moon clips in your presentation box?
Do they require a tool to load the cartridges ?
Verde

[StrawHat]

I am not Skeezix, but the clips pictured in the photo are two half moon clips, 3 rounds each, similar to what was issued with the Second Model Hand Ejector of 1917. Full moon clips would hold six. To easily load full moon clips, there are a variety of tools available for purchase or home made. I use a large pair of water pump plier (adjustable offset pliers) to load two rounds at a time.

Kevin

[skeezix]

I am at least the 3rd owner of the gun, so I don't know if those 1/2 moon clips are "original factory" or not. The presentation case, cleaning tools, and all the "papers" appear to be original.

I've never used those 1/2 moon clips, but I've never had any trouble loading steel moon clips by hand. I do use a homemade de-mooner to remove fired cases.

I usually use the plastic "RIMZ" moon clips when I shoot .45 ACP. They work fine and are much easier to load and unload.

Originally Posted by verde

Skeezix , Are those factory moon clips in your presentation box?
Do they require a tool to load the cartridges ?
Verde

[verde]

Lorin,
Thanks, I'll try the plastic ones.