Difference in 45ACP Revolvers???

[Retired LTC USAR]

I am going to liquidate a few fireams to purchase a 45 revolver.

Been looking and would like to know what the differences are in the 625's (no dash to latest dash) and the 425 cal of 1989 and those of the PC Center and the 625JM? Does any model have an unfluted barrel?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[sunday bill]

Darn, Sir, you're one of those men I salute for your efforts toward making our country safe, and the ACP revolvers are some of my favorites. I've got'em from old 1917s to a 625-8 and treasure'em all. You also live in my home state, so I'd like to help, but there's so much info out there, I don't know where to start.

My advice would be to order a copy of the 3rd Edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson and everything you want to know (and then some) will be right at your fingertips. It's one heckuva source for just a few bucks.

While you wait for your copy, you might consider caling the library to determine if they have a copy or if they can get you one on inter-library loan.

Hope this helps,

sunday bill

 

[Dave T]

Ditto on the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson and ditto on thanking you for your service.

Dave

 

[Mack]

Well to get you started the first one was the 625-2 model of 1988, next was the -3 mdl of 1989 with longer stop notches in the cylinder and then the -4 drilled for a scope mount, different extractor and rear sight. All of these had full lug barrels.

 

[peyton]

Well, I hope you post what you have to sell in our classified. I get confused about all the .45 acp models as well.

 

[GDubya]

I have a 98% .45ACP -Thunder Ranch M325 on sale in the Classifieds...

 

[k22fan]

[...I] would like to know what the differences are in the 625's (no dash to latest dash) and the 425 cal of 1989 and those of the PC Center and the 625JM? Does any model have an unfluted barrel? [...]

Since all the 625s I can think of have unflutted barrels I'm guessing that you meant to ask if any 625s do not have Colt Python style heavy barrels which S&W calls full lugged barrels. Some of the PC 625s have most of the full lug machined away to reduce weight and 625 Mountain guns have 4" tapered barrels similiar in shape to standard barrels in the 1950s. Also there have been snub nose 625s in recent years and model 325s with aluminum alloy frames.

Although dash numbers are rather confusing in 625s and I find it easier to just shop for the features that I want, the dash numbers up to a few years ago are in the Standard Catalog of S&W (SCSW) and it's a great reference.

I hope this helps a little.

Thank-you for your service.
Gil

 

[Retired W4]

Product code

One item that might help in your search for the right gun is the Product Code. SCSW lists all the product codes for each model by year, with all the features listed. Why is this handy? Newer S&W's have the product code printed on the label on the box, right below the bar-code. Older labels, without bar codes make it a little more difficult. The other problem is the 3rd edition only goes up to about 2006, when it was published.

 

[stevieboy]

I sometimes get the sense that S & W has made more variations of the 625 than of any other model it manufactures. Part of the problem for me is that the appellation "625" describes two different calibers of ammunition: .45 ACP and .45 LC. So, just saying that a particular gun is a 625 doesn't even tell you what caliber it shoots. Then, there are the various iterations of the barrel: fully underlugged, half-lugged "mountain gun", and various Performance Center configurations. It all gets really confusing pretty fast.

Btw, my 625 is a 625JM, a variation of the 625-8, with the special JM grips, a replaceable gold bead front Patridge sight, and a 4" barrel. The replaceable sight is, in fact, a splendid change. I've replaced the Patridge on mine with a fiber optic front sight.

 

[jwk]

I can't figure out why the .45 ACP Mountain Gun isn't a standard production item.

 

[peyton]

Stevieboy, you have hit the bullseye with your comment on why is different caliber revolver called the same?

 

[wintermute76]

No kidding, I'm looking for a new 45 revolver and half that I see are 45lc.

Is the PC version a big improvement over a JM or std model?
Looking to replace my 22-4 Thunder Ranch for the local action pistol matches.

 

[donvieira]

Dear Sir,

-I write in regards to your 45acp revolver with joy and concern.

-I just recently purchased a brand new Model 325 Thunder ranch revolver for my wife/home protection.

-My main basis/justification of cost was forged trigger/hammer and the guarantee of 6 pulls of the trigger if the ever-so-unfortunate situaition ever arose.

-After 1 month I noted some surface rust on the hammer/trigger/thumb release despite having yet to be fired and kept inside in a dry environment.

-I call the S & W customer service and speak with the rep about sending the revolver in for re-coating of the items at issue, no problem.

-I receive the revolver yesterday with the trigger/hammer/thumb release "replaced" instead of "Re-Coated" with MIM "factory" parts instead of color case hardened forged parts (Performance Center).

-I have called S & W all day today, first I was told that the MIM parts are just as good as forged- I find that hard to believe since MIM is a cost cutting process. Now I await a call all day from the manager.

-I am sending the gun back and if I cannot receive the original parts then the gun does not meet the original specifications nor the intent of why I paid almost twice as much money.

-Save your money and do not get a PC gun, I hesitate at this point. I do not appreciate the "run around" I have received from Smith and Wesson.