625-5 Mountain Gun Question

[shottist]

First off, I am not a S&W collector in the purest sense but I do accumulate N frame pre-lock, non MIM revolvers in excellent condition, and shoot them. I am sensitive to the fact that I have a responsibility to preserve these guns in good "shootable" condition so others can enjoy them in the future. With this in mind, I have recently acquired a very nice 625-5 Mountain Gun that I am considering having TK customs cut the cylinder for .45acp and .45 Colt Moon Clips. My question is: Is this modification one that is worth while and one that will not diminish the accuracy/performance potential of these 2 Cartridges. The added versatility is very attractive but not at the expense of turning a fine Revolver into a so/so shooter. My other option is to track down a pristine MG in .45 acp which I don't mind doing but a multi Cartridge Revolver is appealing. Please opine and give a lost soul your thoughts and give me a little input here.
Many thanks to all who respond.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I would leave it and go find one in ACP..........Everything is a compromise.
BTW. Way back when they first came out I bought both.

 

[bamabiker]

In the forum classifieds as we speak. (write)
http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-s...625-mountain-heirloom-precision-s-w-66-a.html

 

[Doug M.]

I am sensitive to the fact that I have a responsibility to preserve these guns in good "shootable" condition so others can enjoy them in the future.
My question is: Is this modification one that is worth while and one that will not diminish the accuracy/performance potential of these 2 Cartridges.

*
While I am in fact very curious about the latter part of your inquiry, I cannot agree as to the first. First and foremost, a firearm is a working tool. It absolutely MOST suit the user. If your needs require a conversion of this nature, then do it. You have no obligation to someone who will or will not buy it because of what you had done to make the revolver work better for you.

Let the collector of 40 years from now whine about "the butchery". I see such regularly, and admitting that some of the stuff done is ... a poor implementation of a stupid idea, other examples are in fact very useful for some purposes and were well thought out by whomever did the work or had it done.

 

[twodog max]

I have seen quite a few custom adaptations to firearms over the years. Some were excellent examples of craftsmanship and function. Most leave you scratching your head and wondering WTH was whoever thinking of when they did that. If it were mine I would leave it as is.

 

[retiredbadge8091]

The gun is yours to do with as you please. As far as selling it in the future, an old truck salesman once told me, "there's an *** for every seat." (That doesn't mean the value won't be adversely effected.)

My personal opinion, however, is leave these classic guns like you find them. A selfish opinion because I'm always hoping to find a gun like yours when I have cash in hand and the owner is in a selling mood.

 

[The Norseman]

625 Mountain Gun 45lc/45acp

Check it out. For instance go to the Hornady site.
45 Long Colt = .452 diameter bullets.
45ACP = .451 dia bullets.

For this reason alone I would not adapt this MG.

You run the risk and too many variables of the 45ACP
not being very accurate. It may be good for minute
of belt buckle at 30ft, but then why have a 45 Long Colt.

I would not do it. Now if I found one converted for $600
at a Gun Show, I would buy in a heart beat.