I have a chance to purchase a 625 JM. But after looking at it, aiming in, and pointing it; I saw nothing special other than the adjustable sights and grips. My 22-4 seemed to point and feel better in the hand, also the action on it also felt better. My question is - how many others here feel the same way or dont?
22-4 ACP vs 625 JM acp
- Thread starter osilva40
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Dennis The B
US Veteran
I also...
...own both. Although both share the same frame, that's about it as far as comparability goes. They both serve two different purposes.
My 625 JM fits the picture of a "combat revolver". .45 ACP, round butt, front combat sights, etc. It's a really fun gun to shoot at the range. It has superb balance, lacking only (for me) in the realm of the stocks. The JM style stocks are like holding a baseball bat at the large end. Other than the stocks, though, I love the revolver. The solution for me was to use a set of 1980's Morado S&W combat stocks. I have two sets, one on my Model 29-4, and one on a Model 24-3 Lew Horton.
On the other hand, my 22-4 is a different bird althogether. It's profile harkens back to the age of carrying a fixed sight, large caliber revolver as an open-carry sidearm. However, for a different reason, the standard stocks are horrible. They are too small, and I end up over-gripping the revolver. I tried an older set of Herrett's Shooting Masters, and they worked a good deal better. I also tried a set of Altamont-made S&W rosewood service stocks, and they were somewhat better. Right now, I'm waiting on a set of Ahrend's to see if I like them better. The 22-4 has very manageable recoil, and I sometimes carry it as a concealed revolver in a Galco suede-lined holster. I know it's a bit large, but there's something about that nice N frame that I really like.
I thought once about trading in the JM on something else, but I just can't see letting such a great revolver go. There's just something about those shorter barrel N frames. I glad I didn't have to make a choice between the two.
PS - I also have a Model 21-4 (not a Thunder Ranch) that came with a set of Ahrend's combat stocks. It's also a really sweet shooter.
...own both. Although both share the same frame, that's about it as far as comparability goes. They both serve two different purposes.
My 625 JM fits the picture of a "combat revolver". .45 ACP, round butt, front combat sights, etc. It's a really fun gun to shoot at the range. It has superb balance, lacking only (for me) in the realm of the stocks. The JM style stocks are like holding a baseball bat at the large end. Other than the stocks, though, I love the revolver. The solution for me was to use a set of 1980's Morado S&W combat stocks. I have two sets, one on my Model 29-4, and one on a Model 24-3 Lew Horton.
On the other hand, my 22-4 is a different bird althogether. It's profile harkens back to the age of carrying a fixed sight, large caliber revolver as an open-carry sidearm. However, for a different reason, the standard stocks are horrible. They are too small, and I end up over-gripping the revolver. I tried an older set of Herrett's Shooting Masters, and they worked a good deal better. I also tried a set of Altamont-made S&W rosewood service stocks, and they were somewhat better. Right now, I'm waiting on a set of Ahrend's to see if I like them better. The 22-4 has very manageable recoil, and I sometimes carry it as a concealed revolver in a Galco suede-lined holster. I know it's a bit large, but there's something about that nice N frame that I really like.
I thought once about trading in the JM on something else, but I just can't see letting such a great revolver go. There's just something about those shorter barrel N frames. I glad I didn't have to make a choice between the two.
PS - I also have a Model 21-4 (not a Thunder Ranch) that came with a set of Ahrend's combat stocks. It's also a really sweet shooter.
Dennis,
Thanks for the words and opinions... I have also changed the stock factory grips on 22-4 TR; it wears a hogue mongrip now. Here lately I've been firing more on the revolver side of the house to improve on that skill. Looking forward to firing that 625 in the near future.
Thanks,
Osilva
Thanks for the words and opinions... I have also changed the stock factory grips on 22-4 TR; it wears a hogue mongrip now. Here lately I've been firing more on the revolver side of the house to improve on that skill. Looking forward to firing that 625 in the near future.
Thanks,
Osilva
Dale53
Member
In my view, the 625JM Special has it all over the 22-4.
Adjustable sights are the ONLY answer for a versatile revolver that is at home in the field as it is at the range. Use everything from light target loads with 200 gr SWC's to heavy hunting loads with 250 gr Keiths at 900+ fps and have them ALL shoot to the desired point of aim.
I have two 625's (a 5" and a 4" JM Special) and they'll be the last two revolvers I own. They are THAT good!
I put a set of Pachmayr Decelerator grips on both of the revolvers and I LOVE that set up:
Here's a couple of pictures of ammo I use - first, a Mihec 200 gr H.P. at 1000 fps and secondly a NOE 250 gr Keith at 900+ fps:
Of course, by far, my most used loads are the Mihec 200 gr SWC (H&G #68 SWC) at target velocity. This is what I get when I shoot that load standing at 25 yards:
Before you ask "that" question, the answer is NO, I cannot do this every time but I do it often enough to make things interesting...
>))
Dale53
Adjustable sights are the ONLY answer for a versatile revolver that is at home in the field as it is at the range. Use everything from light target loads with 200 gr SWC's to heavy hunting loads with 250 gr Keiths at 900+ fps and have them ALL shoot to the desired point of aim.
I have two 625's (a 5" and a 4" JM Special) and they'll be the last two revolvers I own. They are THAT good!
I put a set of Pachmayr Decelerator grips on both of the revolvers and I LOVE that set up:
Here's a couple of pictures of ammo I use - first, a Mihec 200 gr H.P. at 1000 fps and secondly a NOE 250 gr Keith at 900+ fps:
Of course, by far, my most used loads are the Mihec 200 gr SWC (H&G #68 SWC) at target velocity. This is what I get when I shoot that load standing at 25 yards:
Before you ask "that" question, the answer is NO, I cannot do this every time but I do it often enough to make things interesting...
>))Dale53
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hastings
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I find I prefer the 22-4. I have the Thunder Ranch version, and I prefer the stock Thunder Ranch grips because they are small enough to carry the revolver as my daily CCW. I have always found the full underlug barrels on the 686 and 625 make them much better for really accurate, rapid shooting, but they add weight and change the balance quite a bit. If you want a range gun, or a hunting firearm I would say the 625 might fit the bill better, but for all-around use I prefer the 22-4. I carry mine daily, use it with 255gr lswc @ 950fps handloads as a hunting sidearm to back up my 45-70, and have found it to be as accurate as any of my fixed sight revolvers as long as I put the time in with it to learn the poa for the rounds I'm shooting. They definitely prefer the heavier bullets. Try Double Tap's 255gr lswc 45autorim rounds. They more accurate thru my 22-4 than I am able to take advantage of with my aging eyes. I find the fixed sights, smaller grips, and tapered barrel make the gun point more naturally for me, and it feels more lively than a full underlug. I have large hands, and I must admit that the smaller grips initially felt cramped. Like most things, however, a lot of practice changed my perspective and my comfort level to the point that I know gauge other grip styles against the 22-4's.
I say you can't go wrong with either, but for true versatility the 22-4 is the tops. Range work and hunting with the 625 may be great, but concealing a 4 or 5" full underlug N-frame comfortably and consistently summer and winter is going to prove to be a challenge most people aren't up to. I would suggest getting both so you can determine for yourself which best suits your needs and shooting habits.
I say you can't go wrong with either, but for true versatility the 22-4 is the tops. Range work and hunting with the 625 may be great, but concealing a 4 or 5" full underlug N-frame comfortably and consistently summer and winter is going to prove to be a challenge most people aren't up to. I would suggest getting both so you can determine for yourself which best suits your needs and shooting habits.
I have the Thunder ranch 22-4 and I like the handling better. I had a M625 but sold it and kept the 22-4. I never did take to the full under lug barrel on any gun. If the 22 had adjustable sights it would be the best of both worlds. It is like a mountain gun with fixed sights. I love the tapered barrel and the cool looks. It is plenty accurate enough for me.
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I have in order of purchase a 625-3 (4"&3"). A 45acp mtn gun and and 22-4. Love "em" all. No preference one over the other. .45acp revolvers are great!
Highlandmac
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I just bought the 22 classic in a nickel finish and love the look and feel of the vintage gun. I am looking for some stag grips to replace the altmonts and getting ready to order a holster, belt and accessories from El Paso saddlery.....
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