Everyone who shoots it wants one . . .

[Erich]

Ever had a gun that makes everyone who shoots it want one just like it?

I believe this 3" 625-3 Model of 1989 .45 ACP/AR has literally done that. Its action was worked over by 38/44HD45 who traded it to me (a wonderful deal that I consider an act of charity on his part), and, seriously, I can't recall a person who has shot it who didn't want one just like it. I mean, Gina (not a gun person) likes shooting this gun - better than any other gun she's shot. Says it's fun and asks to shoot it. The gun is accurate (a good trigger will do that, but the barrel seems to work well in this one, too) and shoots "fast." It reloads in a twinkle and hits hard with .45 AR handloads. It's my house gun.









Anyhow, anyone else have a gun like this? One that everyone who shoots it wants one just like it? I can think of a couple of them here, right off the bat . . .

[Erich]

Ever had a gun that makes everyone who shoots it want one just like it?

I believe this 3" 625-3 Model of 1989 .45 ACP/AR has literally done that. Its action was worked over by 38/44HD45 who traded it to me (a wonderful deal that I consider an act of charity on his part), and, seriously, I can't recall a person who has shot it who didn't want one just like it. I mean, Gina (not a gun person) likes shooting this gun - better than any other gun she's shot. Says it's fun and asks to shoot it. The gun is accurate (a good trigger will do that, but the barrel seems to work well in this one, too) and shoots "fast." It reloads in a twinkle and hits hard with .45 AR handloads. It's my house gun.









Anyhow, anyone else have a gun like this? One that everyone who shoots it wants one just like it? I can think of a couple of them here, right off the bat . . .

[tulsamal]

Same sort of gun in my case. I always get twice as many questions about it as anything else I bring out for people to shoot. Mine is the 625 Mountain Gun version which started out chambered for .45 Colt. Mine has had work done to it so that it can use .45 ACP with moon clips. And I put some better wood grips on it. It was made 1997, no lock, no MIM, firing pin on hammer. Whenever people shoot it, I hear some variation of, "where can I buy one just like this?"

Gregg

[Mickey D]

Very very nice Erich! Kinda glad I don't live by you, or I'd try it and like it!

Mike

[BlackSky]

Outstanding gun!

The one that I have that everyone seems to want after they shoot it is the 586-7.

[DCWilson]

Erich, I haven't shot it yet and I want one anyway just based on your photos. VERY attractive piece.

David W.

[boltonguy]

My 686 SSR seems to be inspiring friends to buy 357 revolvers. It has a great trigger as well.

[Dale53]

Erich;
You're preachin' to the choir when you talk to me. I don't have a 625-3 but I have a 625-8 JM Special 4" and a 625-6 5" and shoot them a LOT! So, you can truthfully state that I am a 625 FAN!!

I have been buying and shooting Smith's for more years than you are old and have several "favorites". Some I just call "user friendly" (really easy to consistently hit well with them) and I must say the 625's are at least "tied with the best".

My JM has just a little bit better action than my 625-6 but frankly, I am nitpickin' here. No more than a "shade" better. The slightly longer barrel MAY make the 5" a bit easier to shoot but the jury is still out on that. I can see why you have become attached to the 3". If I run onto one of them, it just might come home with me (but actually, I have little need for a shorter barrel for my use).

I am getting a bit "long in the tooth" to start deer hunting again, but the 5" is legal for deer in Ohio and I KNOW that with the proper load (with the 452424 at about 900+) would get the job done. I have taken a half dozen deer with my .44 magnums (429421 Lyman or equivalent). All but the first one were taken with one shot (from 10 yards to 85 yards)and I have no doubt that the 625-6 would do just as well.

Incidentally, nice pictures. Thanks again for sharing with us.

Dale53

[Imaposer]

I don't have to shoot it to know that I want one just like it. If I ever run across one I think I may just have to take it home.

[semperfi71]

Very nice sixgun. I have heard that a revolver with moon clips is a faster relad than a semi-auto.

I also heard years ago that the stainless Smith .45 ACPs with 4 inch barrels sold for a lot of dough because the combat shooters claimed they were the perfect gun.

[okie john]

Now that I think about it, the only 45 ACP revolver I've ever fired was a creaky old Colt 1917 that I owned about 20 years ago, and I was too young to appreciate what I had.

Fortunately, I have a 4" 625 inbound as you read this, so I'll soon join the 625 club.


Okie John

[Ron H.]

Sir, very nice rig. I like my 25-2 and all, but it's, well, BIG. I do wish it were handier.

Smith really should have recognized the need for shorter .45 ACP sixguns much sooner. Can you imagine if they'd offered a 4-inch 25-2 as a regular catalog item way back when? Makes my eyes roll back in my head just thinking about it.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

[toroflow1]

Nice pictures Erich, thanks for sharing. Luckily I secured one of them 3"ers myself a month or so ago. They are SWEET! I actually prefer shooting my 4" a bit better.

As for a gun that makes folks want one just like it, hands down it is my M82A1 Barrett.

[Bullseye Smith]

Hey Erick, I have one like that. It is a 686 that is cut for moon clips, 4 to 5 pound double action trigger(depends on weather). Here is a PIC. Have Fun - John

[Spotteddog]

The lady obviously has very refined tastes in revolvers, and barrel lengths. How long was it, before she slapped you aside and said "this one's mine." After the first six, or did it take twelve?

[user]

It's awfully purty. Love that finish, and you're obviously rigorous in your cleaning. Do you use any kind of wax on that?

The first thing I thought upon seeing a 3" .45 was, maybe this thing's too light to handle the recoil? Is it all that comfortable? And not being a .45 fan myself, I'm wondering how's that compare to a .44 magnum?

[rayb]

Love mine. At one time I thought maybe mine was somehow "inferior" to some kind of 1988 version, but I got over it by shooting it a lot.

rayb

[boatswainsmate]

This one shoots pretty straight for being blue!

[Srigs]

Very nice gun Erich. Looks like a real fun shooter.

[Poohgyrr]

Everytime you guys start posting pictures of these, we have to hide my checkbook..

[Landpimp]

got the same gun.......and yup me and everyone that see's it(and I ask if they want to shoot it) love it.

I actully shoot it as well or better than my 5"

[bettis1]

You're right, Erich. "Fun, Fast, Hits Hard!" What's not to like?

This may be your gun's ancestor...an M25-2 .45ACP customized in '83 by John Jovino. Glass like action, nickel, perfect balance. The popularity of these "short barrel, big bore" customs was probably instrumental in causing the factories to start producing them.

You are also correct that once someone shoots it, I have to start defending my ownership of it.
Bob

[deanodog]

This is as close I have to it but it is nice and I have been pleased with it.Model 22-4 45 ACP



Also have a 25-2 but it is big

[Ben Dare]

Of course, Erich, you make them all look good . . .

I had to wait for the -4, but I have one in my nightstand wearing Crimson Trace.

The one that gets the most attention at the range, though, is my 586L-Comp. The ported barrel draws attention and the 7th shot downrange brings them over to have a look.
-

[GF]

+1 with what bettis1 said, "You're right, Erich. "Fun, Fast, Hits Hard!" What's not to like?"
Neat lookin' and great shootin'!

[panamajack310]

I purchased my 625-4 3" barrel from here on the forum...I love it ....I will 2nd your motion for the gun every one would want.....

[Erich]

Gents, thanks for the kind words and for the great pix of your guns - I'm really enjoying reading folks' thoughts on this thread.

[tom turner]

Yep,

LONG before S&W realized what an ultimate competition and defensive gun that a short barreled, moon-clipped .45ACP revolver could be, folks took it on their own to create 'em.

John Jovino made a bunch in New York, but other gunsmiths also made their own versions of what the ultimate big "snubbie" would be.

Mine was converted in the early 1980s in Savannah! It is hands-down my best handling big bore revolver I've ever used in competition. It has a little longer barrel ( 3 1/4") and a radically narrowed, rounded and smoothed trigger. It retains it's original square butt design, which I like better anyway.



When I stumbled across it years ago, I simply HAD to have it. BTW, in a match, it wears Hogue "Goodyears" which increase it's speed and eliminate any chance of torquing in the hand.

[winter1857]

I haven't even shot it and I want one!

[tommy F]

I also belong to the 625 club. My 3" 625-3 was found with slightly rough exterior but a great shooter. Can not find wood grips that perform with pachs, but keep looking. Also have a 4" M25-2, 4" 625-3, M22 TR and I like to chop 1917s. Only bad habit I have.

Tommy F

[Beaver]

Hey Erich! Brian Pearce just wrote a great article about loading 45AR in a recent "Handloader". What is your favorite 45AR bullet and load? beaver

[45Wheelgun]

I love my 45Wheelguns. My 625-3 has sold at least three others. My Brother and two of my good friends have all gone out and purchased 625-3 3" guns after firing mine. They are addictive!

[pinkymingeo]

I got my -6 about a month ago, and it's already replaced my 15-3 (w/factory action job) as my favorite shooter. It's pictured here with it's -6 45Colt sibling just because I wanted to make the point that these two prelock, MIM guns are the smoothest revolvers I've ever shot.

[pjsjr]

Originally posted by Erich:
Ever had a gun that makes everyone who shoots it want one just like it?
...seriously, I can't recall a person who has shot it who didn't want one just like it.

Erich, I really don't think I'd like shooting it that much...BUT, I'm willing to give it a go, just send it to me and I'll give it a good trial...say several years and I'll let you know for sure . Just kidding ...sorta! I have a Rugxx NM Blackhawk, 45 Colt/45 ACP convertible. I enjoy shooting both calibers!!

Great looking gun and photos. Preston

[Wayne02]

Sigh... this forum costs me so much money.....

[Erich]

Preston, I can't send it up to you, but let me know the next time you're down here and you can try it out!

bwienert, I have two .45 AR loads that I like a lot: one throws a 200-gr LSWC at 1050 fps from the 3" tube and the other puts a 250-gr RNFP out the front at 950 fps (the same as the old .45 Colt did from a 7.5" barrel).

[rljatl]

I am glad to hear all of these reports. I just bought a .45 Colt Mountain Gun. It should be here Monday or Tuesday. I plan on sending it to Pinnacle to have the cylinder milled to accept .45 acp moon clips. Can't wait!

[pjsjr]

Erich, thanks, I just might take you up on that offer. Preston

[AKAOV1MAN]

Very nice Erich. You always seem to be sharing the neatest guns, and with great photo work. Thanks again.

[Beaver]

Erich, what powder and loads do you load? beaver

[Erich]

Thanks, guys! I'm happy with my inexpensive Nikon camera - amazing how tech can make a lay person look good nowadays.

Beaver, I use a lot of Unique loads. For range blasting, I have some mild ones with Unique and Bullseye - and I intend to try some 7625 soon in this role. For home defense I have a 200-gr LSWC that does 1050 fps from the 3" barrel, and for the trails I have a 250-gr hardcast RNFP that moves out at 950 fps (the same performance, essentially, that was made famous in the 7.5" Colt SAA in the 1800s). I load these last two loadings in .45 AR brass so that I don't inadvertantly stick them into a 1911 - plus, I like look of the fat little rounds. The high-powered loadings are above maximums that are presently published.

L to R: 200-gr LSWC in ACP brass, 250-gr RNL in AR, 225-gr WC in ACP brass.

[SWAT Lt.]

The 3 inch 625s are really neat guns. They're rare too. After not seeing any for years at local gun shows, I spotted no less than three of them at the last show. Funny how you never see any of the rarer guns for a while then at the next show there are several.

[Dale53]

amazing how tech can make a lay person look good nowadays. Smiler

You still have to know how to use it - it is obvious that you do!

I've used a good bit of 7625 in my 625's with 200 gr SWC (H&G #68, H&G #103, and Saeco #68) at target velocities (750 fps or so). It works decently, but has a little more velocity spread than I like. However, it shoots VERY well. The main criticism I have is that it is pretty dern dirty. When I finish shooting my hands are soiled a good bit-enough that I carry handy-wipes to clean them before depositing the greasy dirt all over my steering wheel.

My 625's are not my defense guns so I mostly load target loads (200 gr SWC at 725-775, depending on powder). I am currently using up several pounds of 5066 (long obsolete Dupont Powder - 4.5 grs. is an old standard 1911 recipe that shoots extremely well and is considerably cleaner than Bullseye, 7625, or Unique). I know this information is not going to be useful to most as 5066 is no longer available.

My next target load will be built using Hodgdon's Clays (I am getting rid of powder I have around - Clays looks like a good candidate for target loads). I'm also going to eventually try Titegroup - it comes highly recommended for this purpose.

In all fairness to 7625, when I was active in IPSC, I shot about 50,000 rounds loaded with 7625 and a 200 gr SWC bullet at a Power Factor of 180 (that's what it used to be before they lowered it to accommodate sissy loads . 7625 burned a bit cleaner and the velocity swing was less at this pressure level. It worked very well in that mode and measures well.

Incidentally, Erich, what WC bullet are you using in the picture? I probably will not be changing bullets (I have an H&G #130 cast bullet 4 cavity mould that casts SO well and shoots SO well that I'll stick with it ) However, from an academic standpoint, I would still like to know..

Dale53

[Erich]

Hi Dale,

I'm not a caster so I can't reference a mold number - it's a 225-gr full WC that I got from Bob Palermo at Penn.

I've also noted that 7625 (like many powders) likes a little more pressure to get it performing well. My latest playing with it resulted in a great mild loading for my .41 Mag (about 1015 fps from a 4" tube with a 215-gr LSWC).

cheers, erich

[500 Magnum Nut]

Erich, back in the day I was carrying N frame revolvers, yours would have been perfect!
You see, guys want one like that, on-line too.

I'm always 1-2 years behind the curve...

[bmcgilvray]

I'm a believer! Erich's S&W .45 ACP revolver is positively magical. He gave me an opportunity to shoot it last summer. It's everything it's cracked up to be.

[Beaver]

Erich: How Much Powder??? beaver

[Erich]

Beaver, email me.

[Landpimp]

damn....forgot a pic of my 635-3(I think) snubbie...love that gun, more so than my 5"

[johnnywitt]

Originally posted by pinkymingeo:
I got my -6 about a month ago, and it's already replaced my 15-3 (w/factory action job) as my favorite shooter. It's pictured here with it's -6 45Colt sibling just because I wanted to make the point that these two prelock, MIM guns are the smoothest revolvers I've ever shot.

Pinky, I like those black grips. Are they factory? I shoot the square style better, at least on my J-frames.