Looking to purchase an S&W 45 ACP revolver

[Penmon]

Looking to purchase an S&W 45 ACP revolver with a barrel length of no shorter than 4 inches.
The ability to use moon clips as well as a speed loader would be a plus.
I currently own a vintage 1917 AKA Model.22 , 25-5 and several 45 semi auto pistols ie. Colt, Para, Springfield,CZ-97, FNP .
I am currently considering the following-
625JM
625PC
325-Thunder Ranch although the Scandium frame makes me a little nervous.
22-But a more modern version than my WW I model

Our there any other variants I should be considering?
Any suggestions as to the best choice?

This will be my primary go to defense gun and will see considerable range use.

Penmon AKA Jim

 

[Sc0]

I recommend not getting the 625PC, you can pick up the 625JM and spend the extra money for trigger and chamfer work. The regular 625's are nice but the owners selling them seem to think they are gold or something and am not sure when S&W will do another non-special run of them...

My 625PC finish is not impressive and the trigger/timing matches the finish, quality control checks during assembly is questionable...

 

[fyimo]

The only one I have is a Model 25-2 with 6.5 inch barrel and it's an awesome and accurate shooter but I think you are looking for a shorter barrel. I love mine and keep around 200 rounds rounded off to multiples of 6 in moon clips full of HP ammo for it. It's one of my fall back defense revolvers because of the speed of loading with moon clips.

 

[Dick Craig]

I have a 22-4 Thunder Ranch and enjoy it very much. I've shot five or six local USPSA matches with it. I am considering putting it on my CCW. Only negative is while shooting matches you sure lose time to the faster, higher capacity magazine, semi-autos. It still can be relatively competitive and fun gun to shoot and it certainly is easier to pick up brass.

 

[rz625-8]

I have the standard 625-8 that I was thinking of selling but,changed my mind. It has a 5 inch barrel and it's stainless. And,it also has the Klinton lock

 

[Penmon]

Kilton lock?

Kilton lock, could you please explain what this is?
Thanks to all for the imformation provided to date.
What should I expect to pay for a 625?
Penmon

 

[Black_Sheep]

Kilton lock, could you please explain what this is?
Thanks to all for the imformation provided to date.
What should I expect to pay for a 625?
Penmon

Klinton lock = Hillary hole, the infamous storage lock commonly found on newer S&W revolvers. You can easily spot a revolver equipped with one, there will be a small circular lock on the left sideplate just above the thumb latch.

The cheapest 625 on GB right now is $650, be patient and better deals will come along...

For what it's worth I also love shooting the 625, it makes me look like a better shooter than I actually am.

 

[Penmon]

325-Thunder Ranch, Scandium frame, question

Been narrowing my search, I am still a little nervous about the 325-Thunder Ranch with Scandium frame, would I be trading durability for weight? Is this a mostly 38 special and the occasional 357 type gun like my Model 19 ?
Penmon

 

[stevieboy]

I own the 625JM. It's a very nice gun. The feature I like best about it is the spring-loaded front sight. One can change out the sight in less than a minute. Currently, mine's wearing a red fiber optic sight which makes it ideal for outdoor work in daylight.

 

[Murphy2000]

Not on your list, but If you were to find a 625 Mountain Gun you would be good to go.

I lucked into mine a few years back and it is the perfect gun for me. The lighter weight being one good thing. The other is the fact I also own a Model 29 Mountain Gun & a 4" Highway Patrolman. One holster, 3 guns...I like it!

Murphy2000

 

[steamloco76]

I own a 22-4 Thunder Ranch .45 ACP. It is extremely easy to shoot well and makes me look like a better combat shooter than just about any other gun I own. Lucked into mine at a good price used. I think the previous owner dumped it because it was an early one with the incorrect front sight and point of aim issue. Sent it to S&W and now it is DEAD ON with any and all 230 grain, including my handloads using cast hardball.

 

[ExMachina1]

If you can find a 22-4, it is an ideal defensive 45acp revolver.

The tapered barrel and fixed sight make a very compact and rugged package.

 

[kilroy2721]

DO NOT BUY ONE. They are very addicting. I bought one several years ago, and now I own 3 of them.

Seriously, I don't know how I went so long without one. I use mine for both ICORE, and IDPA. Great guns.

 

[Babalooie]

FYI The General will shoot .45acp ammo.

 

[jdickson397]

I recommend the 625 PC. They only run about $100 more than the 625 JM and they come with the cylinder holes already chamfered and the action tuned. Seems like a good deal to me.

I am not sure why one of this thread's posters thinks he is at a disadvantage in USPSA competition by shooting a revolver since he does not compete against the semi-auto pistol shooters. He only competes against the other revolver shooters.

 

[PT-Partners]

Ditto on the 625 Mountain Gun. I have owned one and sold it. Great handgun. Currently have a Full Underlug 4 inch 625. Also a great handgun. Handles anything I put out of it and runs well. Pricing will be higher than you want to spend most of the time as the demand exceeds the supply.

Best in your quest.