45 ACPWheel Gun Love It Or Leave It

[USMC586]

For some reason I have been getting a hankering for a .45 ACP wheel gun with a 4" or shorter barrel. Those that I have spoken with love the accuracy on these babies.

I am looking at several potential models that meet the resrictions of my state. That is, if they can be found to purchase. The new models I can own, in this state of misery, they are the 625, 625 JM, 325 PD, and the 325 Thunder Ranch.

Before I begin a quest I want to know if I should spend my time elseware or grab one of these beasts. What does the S&W Forum crew think?

 

[ejeli]

I assume you mean 625 not 645. I have a PC625 4" and it is a hoot. I like a light trigger so to have it at 8.5 lbs I have to be sure to keep to ammo that uses federal primers.
Good handling and good accuracy.
e.

 

[71firebird400]

I hate moon clips, but I can't say no to a nice 45ACP revolver! Just bought a 25-2 not that long ago....

 

[USMC586]

I assume you mean 625 not 645. I have a PC625 4" and it is a hoot. I like a light trigger so to have it at 8.5 lbs I have to be sure to keep to ammo that uses federal primers.
Good handling and good accuracy.
e.

You're right I changed it, I should not talk on the phone and type, damn I am getting old

Thanks for the input about your shooter! Is the primer concern due to the firing pin length?

 

[ejeli]

Some different primers seem to have a lot harder case especially Winchester. Somewhere in this forum is a reference to a chart showing the different hardness of primers.
I have installed the Apex extended firing pin and spring kit but to be 100% reliable I stick to Federal Primers.
e.

 

[JCS&W]

I had never owned a .45 acp revolver until last year. I do not know what too me so long. I really enjoy shooting it. As for accuracy, well it is more accurate than I am, but what isn't. However, it does make me look good at the range. I have just added another one, so yeah, I like them.

 

[dennisn]

M-22

Couple of months ago I picked up a M-22 4 inch. Had to put on some larger grips and a green Hi Viz front sight. Gun is a keeper. I think the .45 wheel is going to be a new "I want to get"

Dennis N

 

[ChasFred]

I just got a 625 PC and LOVE IT!! I own a Sig, H&K, and SA, and I will say that it shots as well if not better than ALL of them. Dont have any seconds thoughts, just DO IT.

 

[tommy F]

they are alot of fun 17s, 22, 25 and 625s.

 

[TAROMAN]

Agree with the above. 45 revolvers are great and great fun.
Mine even does double duty as my bedside companion:

Since repurposed as a match gun. 1st place first time out.

 

[IkenI]

.45 ACP is my favorite caliber...

I know this is the wrong forum but I have to show off my favorite .45 ACP wheelgun - no moonclips needed!

Now back to S&W. I just shot my new S&W Governor today. I picked it up to be a camp/kayak gun for the .410 bore. I was amazed at how accurate and mild shooting the .45 ACP was. The new grips even worked well. As soon as I plug it - it will be gtg. I did have a 625 PC at one time for a range gun but didn't shoot it as much as I thought I would so when someone else really wanted it bad it went to them. It was a great handgun, however. I'm on a quest now to find a 325 Night Guard to replace a retired 3" 625. But they are getting hard to find. I was introduced to .45 ACP when I joined the Army MPs and it's been a favorite of mine for over 50 years. And the wheelguns are my favorites of the bunch.

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

My 625-3 with a 3inch barrell is a hoot to shoot and it's very accurate at that.

Get one if you can!!!!!!

 

[Beruisis]

The only bad thing I've found about them is that they're addictive.
And you aren't regulated to moonclips either as you can shoot the 45 Auto Rim cases. I've started using them more & more. You won't be disappointed.
Beruisis

 

[JParanee]

I love mine

 

[Dennis The B]

These are a ball to shoot, especially the Model 22. I carry the 325NG as a CCW gun. The Ruger has been carried as a "trail" gun. The extra .45ACP cylinder is fun, and no moonclips. I don't shoot the Model 22's with the standard stocks. They both get a set of Ahrends for target or carry work.

 

[mc5aw]

My TR 325 is an outstanding revolver. Steel case ammo sticks as expected, but brass cycles flawlessly. The 325 is a happy medium between the heavier .45 steel guns and the lighter weight .45 snubs. It weighs in at 31 oz, and is surprisingly nimble to carry and shoot.

 

[jughed440]

Gotta love the .45 ACP revolver. Good luck finding a 3"!!! Spent over 2 years trying to find one at a bearable price. It's a sweet shooter, and no FTFs when shooting without moonclips, and it's the last S&W i'd sell. Found the 4" at a gun show last month, but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.

 

[r1_addict]

It's a sweet shooter, and no FTFs when shooting without moonclips

I just picked one up locally last week. So are you saying you do not have to use the moon clips to shoot? I know it makes removing the spent cases more bearable but I didn't know you could omit the moon clips altogether.

 

[jughed440]

I just picked one up locally last week. So are you saying you do not have to use the moon clips to shoot? I know it makes removing the spent cases more bearable but I didn't know you could omit the moon clips altogether.

Sure can. The spent shells will fall out until the fouling makes it more difficult and a dowel rod or pencil may be needed to push them out. I have bought some Rimz moonclips which can be loaded by hand, and they're very easy to use. Others have mentioned experiencing FTFs when not using moonclips

 

[Maximumbob54]

When I first bought my 625-3 I wasn't sure I was going to keep it. I still laugh at that thought. It quickly went into "from my cold dead hands" status.

625-3 wearing Ahrends moradillo tacticals with Rimz on the side:

15 yard rapid fire with multiple reloads:

Various reloads with copper tubing demooning tool:

Close up with Rimz vs. steel clips:

Wearing factory Pachmayr Gripper:

Swapped out for Pachmayr Presentation as I shoot better with this grip:

My favorite target ammo cast 185gr SWCHP: