Best 45 ACP revolver model?

[tom turner]

I sold off my 625-4 (firing pin hammer), non-MIM 5" revolver when I stopped shooting as many bowling pin matches as that sport died out.

Heck, my chopped barrel, 3 1/4" 25-2 from 1980 was just as fast and accurate (and had the most incredible custom action job I've ever found on a Smith).

MY RECOMMENDATIONS . . .

I'd be looking for any good, used "Model of 1989" version of the 625 WITHOUT the damn lock on it. Most of 'em were 5" guns, since the crybabies in IDPA hadn't banned the 5" barrel yet as being "unfair" in matches. Today, the older 4" barrel Model 1989s are not only fairly rare, but they command a premium because they are "legal" in the gun games. As others have posted, the 3" revolvers were also made. They are fun to shoot for shooters who grip 'em properly (firmly), but will "spank" those who don't a tad. Held properly all the 45ACP revolvers are pussycats to shoot!!!

BTW . . . ALL the 625 "Model of 1989" models, to the present day, are very, very accurate, "one-holers" at ten yards and are fun to shoot well out to 100 yards once you learn how much to "hold over."

The MIM parts ain't that big a deal to me but I won't own a revolver that can mysteriously lock up with me in the half-cock mode with the flag partially up. If that happens . . . you lose the match; lose the trophy buck . . . or lose your life. I don't spend a lot of money on a gun to lose ANY of these things!

Final preference . . . one with the hammer-mounted firing pin. You can shoot these guns usually without moon clips for single action plinking, as you can with the 25-2 guns. The frame mounted firing pin revolvers have shown an inability to do this . . . unless you swap out the factory frame-mounted pin with an extended length one. Again, another thing that makes the new ones less reliable in the "real world" when you might be under stress and have to load single rounds without any moon clips! I don't believe in making guns that are less reliable. This is NOT progress and innovation.

 

[lev83]

I prefer the 5" Model 625. Great guns.

 

[Leonard]

25-2 Jovino accurate and great action

 

[Hoot]

My favorite, a 625-2 Model of 1988;

A 625-4 that doesn't shoot as well for me (yes, it's the wrong box, I know, I have the right one);

I had a 625-6 5" that didn't have as good a trigger as the -2, and neither does the -4.



I also have a 3" -7, but that's in 45 Colt.

 

[NE450No2]

My favorite S&W is a 4" 44 Mag. I used one, and a 6.5" as well as a work gun for many years.

Due to "burocratic" decisions, I switched to a S&W Mod 25 in 45 ACP, 6.5" [it was one of my NRA Bullseye guns, later I bought a 6" for carry, putting the 6.5" back for competition].

I always wished S&W made a 4" Mod 25 45 ACP, but back then they did not.

A S&W 45 ACP just might be the best "social" revolver there is.

[I am just not comfortable with a 38 Special or a 357 Mag as a primary carry gun.]

I know mine worked plenty good...

I still do not have a 4" 45 ACP, but I am retired so I do not NEED a 4" 45 ACP Holster gun, still wish I had one... I do however, have a S&W 325 Night Guard 45 ACP, with the IL removed, for a Concealed carry gun, and I REALLY like it.

 

[manny25]

625-4

 

[Stainz]

Below are two of the best buys in current production - the 625JM and the 627 Pro:

The 625 is a -8, resplendent in it's full-lug and IL. Sure, I'd rather have a 625MG in .45 ACP - love that tapered tube and partial lug. I am a realist - and this was ordered the very first day I saw it on S&W's website. The spring-loaded front sight, easy tool-less change in seconds, made the deal. I don't care for the IL, but I won't let it's inclusion keep me away from some fine/new S&Ws. There is just something about a frugal big-bore, ie, .45 ACP/AR, revolver. Load AR cases with .45 Colt lead, moonclip 230gr FMJ ball ammo for speed shooting, or some combo in between - fun revolver - and available new.

Stainz

 

[Andy Griffith]

Group photo.

Here's my "group photo" with my

Top: Model 10-11
Middle: Model 22, .45ACP
Bottom: Model 21, .44 Special

 

[fyimo]

I love my model 1955 25-2 with 6 inch barrel

 

[David Sinko]

Mr. Turner pretty much said it all.

I have three 625s and they are all -4s by coincidence. I have no complaints about any of them. If I had to have only one revolver it would be my SAC Mountain Gun like those pictured above. As for the weight differences, my Mountain Gun feels MUCH lighter on the hip than my 3" full lug version. Come to think of it, my 4" full lug gun actually feels more comfortable on the hip than that 3" gun. Nothing beats a 4" N Frame.

I'll always be willing to pay more money for the older guns.

Dave Sinko

 

[cmort666]

6" 25-2. I hate stainless and full length lugs, at least on anything besides a Python or Diamondback.

 

[deanodog]

My favorite....M25-2 6 inch...but I would love to have a 625JM

 

[epj]

The one I like best is the one I have:

I would like to have one of the newer guns with a 4" barrel. Maybe someday.

 

[Revolver_Fan]

Of all the .45 ACP revolvers I've owned, the best overall has been, without a doubt, the Performance Center Model 325 Thunder Ranch. It's pointability, handling and accuracy are excellent - if not exceptional.

I can state without hesitation that it is superb straight out-of-the-box revolver; customization is absolutely unnecessary. I've had only one other similar experience and that is with H & K's P7: out-of-the-box it is a superb automatic pistol.

For the money on the 325 TR you get features found only on a $2,250 custom revolver.

 

[Hoot]

If you look around enough, and go to enough gun shows, you might run across something like this, a Model 1917 that somebody "fixed" long ago. I still like my 625's. but this would get the job done.