625JM vs Thunder Ranch 325

[sonofthebeach]

Could any of you here that have owned these revolvers (hopefully both) comment on how you liked them?

I presently have an almost new 625JM with 60 rounds through her, but the 45oz loaded weight is giving my shoulder fits (2 surgeries making handling the all steel gun a problem).

I've owned a 625 in the past, and it was a joy to shoot. It clover-leafed 200gr (over 6.5gr Unique) LSWC's loaded in AR brass, and handled any factory or hand-loaded ammo equally well.

I bought the present JM to hopefully bring back the fun I had with the other revolver, but my ability to handle the heavier revolver is now giving me problems. I'm kind of bummed out over this, and rather than go to an alloy-framed 1911, I'm hoping that the TR will give me the revolver I want in a weight I can live with.

My present JM is nicely fit (.004 B/C gap), and I have absolutely no problems with it, except for the weight.

I'm thinking of trading or selling this revolver, and looking to replace it with a 325 Thunder Ranch for the reduced weight.

Any suggestions or experiences with the TR325 would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[NE450No2]

***

In the past, when I was "Working" I never had a problem carrying a heavy handgun. In fact for many years I carried a 4"Mod 29 on duty and a 6.5" off duty, because the longer barrel kept the gun in my pants with the cylinder and frame above the belt line. Like wise I carried a Govt. model 1911 of duty for many years as well... This was called Mexican carry, ie. no holster, just stuck in your belt...

This was before the excellent Milt Sparks IWB holsters were made.

But now that I am retired I do like carrying a little lighter handgun, as my threat level is down a fair amount.

So for a 45 ACP revolver as a daily cary gun [an EXCELLENT CHOICE BY THE WAY], I would look at the Scandium framed guns, not only the 4"ers, but at the 325's as well. I have a 325 Night Guard, and I really like it.

My current everyday carry is a Wilson Compact XTac 1911 in 45 ACP, as I am a 1911 kind of guy, but I keep my 325 always close at hand.

I would still keep the 325JM as a range gun/house gun.
It is a great combat revolver.

Also, I used a Mod 25 in 45 ACP, first with a 6 1/2" barrel as a duty gun, I originally bought it for Bullseye target shooting, and later a Mod 25 with a 6" barrel, so I could save the 6 1/2" gun for the matches.

First I used half moon clips, later when they were "invented" I used full moon clips.

I carried these Mod 25's as duty guns for several years, even when on the Tactical Team. [Durring this time we had to carry a 38 or a 357 Mag or a 45 cal. NON magnum revolver]

IMHO a S&W revolver in 45 ACP is the best combat revolver on the Planet...

 

[b_san]

I don't have a JM but I do have a 325TR, it's a great shooter with a nice trigger and is my house gun.

And here's gratuitous pictures of my other .45 wheel guns...

325PD


And the Governor I recently picked up

 

[billk75]

I had a 325 night guard, but found the recoil a bit much. I carry a 625 JM on duty (Armed Security), and a model 25 with a 6 inch barrel near my bed. I really like the 625, but the model 25 is just a beautiful gun the person who owned it before me had a nice trigger job done on it. The cylinder spins like a gyroscope, better than all of my other revolvers (I have a lot of them . I carry a model 60 with a 3 inch barrel when I am off duty.

 

[colt_saa]

Before you rush off and trade your 625JM for a 325TR you might want to find a Forum Member in your area that will let you shoot one.

While the weight might be too much at the moment, that can possibly be resolved with some exercises with hand weights to strengthen the muscles of the arm and shoulder.

If you go with the lighter weight gun to solve the strength issue, how will the increased recoil affect you? Will it cause pain in the damaged joint? Reduce the amount of range time per session because of the recoil?

 

[turbo38gn]

I don't have a JM but I do have a 325TR, it's a great shooter with a nice trigger and is my house gun.

And here's gratuitous pictures of my other .45 wheel guns...

325PD
View attachment 146275

And the Governor I recently picked up
View attachment 146276

I'd share pictures too.... but I have all 3 of the same guns and have enjoyed shooting 2 out of 3 of them, especially the Thunder Ranch. I have yet to get the PD out, hopefully soon..

 

[mc5aw]

The TR 325 is an outstanding revolver. If you're sensitive to recoil, it can be a bit snappy. I remedied that by putting the 500 grip on mine. The gold dot front sight is extremely easy to pick up, and the revolver is one of the most accurate I've owned. In using different types of ammo, I found some to stick with moon clips, but it wasn't too much of a problem. There is also a rail for mounting a light, if that's to your liking. If I recall correctly, the TR 325 weighs in ~ 31oz, so it can be carried all day without noticing.

 

[at_liberty]

My sense is that you should talk to a gun friendly physical therapist first. You may have to learn to shoot without full extension. I'm pretty puny, when it comes to strength, and my 625JM is one of my favorite fun guns.

 

[Waywatcher]

If you like your present 625, I suggest you keep it.

I would look into lightweight options in another caliber; as much as you like .45 there are loads of affordable, lightweight options in different calibers, especially .38 special.

I've fired a 325 and it was not pleasant; I'd rather shoot a aluminum frame snubby .38 for sure.

 

[sonofthebeach]

Thanks for all your replies. Colt_saa, you might have something there...never considered the increased recoil from an alloy .45 revolver, since light-weight poly semi-auto .45's don't bother me.

And at_liberty, I'm still trying to get my physical/occupational therapists to warm up to my riding my Suzuki Burgman scooter with my back problems...don't know how they feel about shootin' irons.

Since I want to use the revolver for a house gun, and as a shooting range type of gun, maybe I should re-think this.

That's why I posted this here...to get differing points of view.

Thanks again all.

 

[Dale53]

sonofthebeach;
I'm with Colt SAA on this matter. "Do not do in haste what you will regret in leisure" (or words to that effect). I am an old man (nearing 79 years of age) and no one will mistake me for a muscle builder. Every spring after a winter lay off, it takes several range sessions to get back in "shooting shape". I suggest you dry fire at home (using snap caps) and "weight train" using your 625 JM (one of the finest revolvers Smith has ever made IMHO). After a few ranges sessions in the spring and some dry firing, I will be back shooting in the 90's on a NRA slow fire target. Right now? Not quite but SOON.

One of the pleasant surprises I discovered as I got older is that the body still responds well to "training". You can regain strength in many areas. I have chronic back problems from a serious fall when I was a young man. That has not kept me from my desires. I have back packed all over the country, raced motorcycles for ten years, handgun hunted in rough country and taken a number of deer with said handguns. That meant dragging them out of mountainous country.

I have had my ups and downs, and am familiar with physical therapists (my last one several years ago turned out to be a gun enthusiast). Ask permission of the therapist if he or she will allow you to bring a handgun into the work room (or bring a toy pistol) just to show EXACTLY how you have to hold a pistol and how much it weighs. You may be pleasantly surprised how much they will try to help you with your specific problem. They are used to occupational therapy and that covers MANY different physical types, injuries, and requirements.

Good luck in your quest and keep that fine revolver. Report back to us as to your progress.



Here's why I like these revolvers so much - standing at 25 yards:


FWIW
Dale53

 

[sonofthebeach]

I think I'm going to try to go into "training" using my 625 as a "weight", and will look into how the therapy people feel about helping me with this very special rehabilitation.

Dale53, every time I see the picture of your JM model with the Pachmayr Decelerators and dot sight over the top strap, it reminds me of the 625 that I had so much fun with some years ago.

Thanks again.

 

[mc5aw]

Another lighter weight option, though not as traditionally attractive as the TR 325, is a Governor. Size and weight are comparable, and there is flexibility as to caliber choices. Also, the Gov retails for 2/3 of the TR 325.

 

[sonofthebeach]

I was looking at the Governor, and the one thing that keeps me from buying it is that it won't accept auto-rim brass, which is what I'm going to be doing.

I took the 625 to the range yesterday, and the only ammo I had was WWB ACP and 4 moonclips. I really need to get a moon clip tool if I'm going to the range with ACP ammo...the range firing line kept going "cold" by the time I had the clips unloaded/reloaded. I was using small robogrip pliers to gently squeeze the rounds into the moonclips, and a "DeMooner" tool I picked up some years ago.

Despite the moonclip loading/unloading thing, I really had fun shooting the 625...it now has 160 rounds through it.

For whatever reason, I can still shoot revolvers double action better than any semi-auto, except for a steel 5" 1911 I had. At 30 ft yesterday, I was generally getting groups of about 4" with the 625, and with the 9mm Shield more like 12".

I'm sure it had something to do with my lack of practice for the past few years, and the weight of the 625. Incidentally, after the first half hour, my shoulder pain started to go away! Must have been the feel-good brain chemicals from doing something I really had fun with.

 

[Dale53]

Son;
You might want to look into the use of RIMZ clips for range use. Their new model is carbon fiber/polymer and is quite a bit stiffer than the previous type. I have both...

They headspace perfectly and do NOT require tools. They are not terribly expensive, either:

Ez Moon Clips

I also, on occasion use Ranch Products steel moon clips. These DEFINITELY require the use of tools but they are somewhat more secure than the RIMZ clips for "serious" use.

I use Starline Auto Rim cases most of the time, but also have a couple of 1911's and thousands of ACP cases so it is practical for my to use those on occasion.

There is NO way a Governor will shoot along with a 625. It just is NOT going to happen. Just train a few weeks with your 625 and I predict you'll be amazed at your progress. Just take it slow and you'll be fine!

Good luck!

FWIW
Dale53

 

[sonofthebeach]

Dale53,
Thanks for the link to EZ Moonclips. I watched the videos of the softer? 625 moon clips being loaded/unloaded, and it looks really easy without tools.

The model 25 carbon fiber polymer clips would seem to be more durable, but are they also easy to load/unload?

The metal moon clips I have now are made by Wilson Combat, I think, and one of those became warped, even though I have been very careful with the pliers-loading method. And so I'm looking forward to using these carbon fiber clips that you so kindly provided a link to.

I've got some AR brass I've pulled out of the tumbler, and I've got them sized and primed for loading tomorrow.

The EZ 25 moonclips will be used for when I don't have time to reload the AR brass, or when I want to keep the 625 loaded with commercial ACP rounds. If they prove completely reliable, I'll set aside a few for use in the 625 when I have it loaded for HD use. I'll have to look at the few ammo locator engines to see about the availability of commercial .45 AR rounds.

Thanks again, all.

 

[NE450No2]

b san

That would make an excellent "house gun", as well as for traveling and camping.
With revolver reliability, fast reloading with full moon clips and a light/lazer attached, I do not see how it could be beat.

 

[Dale53]

Son;
The carbon fiber clips are a real improvement in reliability (retaining the cartridges) and are still easy to load. I have both kinds but definitely favor the new ones.

I have shot thousands of rounds with the older versions of the RIMZ clips and so far, have never had a clip failure. They just keep on truckin'...

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
If you reload make some 185 gr with a starting load of a faster powder.
If not some target loads.
You will be pleased.

 

[MWC2068]

Son;
The carbon fiber clips are a real improvement in reliability (retaining the cartridges) and are still easy to load. I have both kinds but definitely favor the new ones.

I have shot thousands of rounds with the older versions of the RIMZ clips and so far, have never had a clip failure. They just keep on truckin'...

FWIW
Dale53

I'm glad that they are working out so well for you, I on the other hand have not had so good of luck using the RIMZ yes they load and unload easy without the use of tools, but I've not found them very durable. I ordered two sets and when they arrived I loaded them up, worked great but I dropped one on the floor and it broke, I then went to the range to use them and they worked ok until I dropped another one and it too broke. I called the manufacture and and they were great in responding and sent some replacements plus a different one to try. I have since broken 4 more and the New different one is so soft an loose when it gets warm in the sun that the rounds fall out. The RIMZ 25 are the original ones I ordered, the different one fits the governor model, and this has been in the last45 days. I hope that you continue to have good luck with them, but it looks like I'm going to have to use steel moons and tools.