Model 325 Thunder Ranch Revolver thread

[Careby]

I thought it might be nice to start a thread about the Model 325 Thunder Ranch Revolver.

My idea of a perfect revolver is one of forged and machined steel, polished and blued, and fitted with a nice set of wood grips. My first impression of the 325 was that it is ugly, expensive, and trying to be something a revolver is not supposed to be. So why did I just buy one? Well, first I'll admit that not everything I own is blued steel and wood. There may be a Glock or two, and possibly even a black rifle hiding in the safe. Maybe looking at them has caused permanent damage to my eyes because when I saw the 325 in person, it didn't look quite as ugly as I remembered from the pictures. And then I made the fatal mistake of holding it in my hand. Wow, it's light! And really well balanced. I could really like this. But it's expensive. So I left it in the dealer's case and walked away, but for the next two days I kept thinking about it, and finally had to go back Saturday and buy it.

Every passionate relationship has its ups and downs, and the 325 let me know right away that it was not going to be easy. The first six rounds caused the barrel nut to become so loose that the barrel shroud rattled and the cylinder unlatched itself. So this week it goes back to S&W for therapy, hopefully to return to me with an improved attitude (and tighter barrel). I thought about trying to tighten the nut myself, and in the future I probably will want a wrench for it (I like the way the barrel/cylinder gap can be adjusted), but since it is brand new I decided to let S&W make it right this time.

Despite that initial negative experience I am still enamored with this revolver. I'm not sure exactly how I will use it, probably as a house gun most of the time. I do have a couple of questions I hope someone has the answers to:

1. IF I install Crimson Trace laser grips AND a rail mounted light (I can't believe I'm talking about a revolver), will the light block the laser? I do have a Streamlight TLR-1 weapon light which fits well but I really don't know where the laser beam would be in relation to the light.

2. I'm looking for a leather hip holster (non-concealment) that fits the 325 with rail attached (without light mounted). I like the one Clint Smith is using in the Thunder Ranch video, but don't know who made it. Is it Milt Sparks? I don't really want to wait six months for a holster, any ideas? Maybe it will fit something made for a 4" N-frame with full-lug barrel?

3. Anyone have a good suggestion for a tritium version of the S&W interchangeable front sight?

4. The trigger is machined, not MIM, and has sharp corners on the top third. My finger is apparently too fat to completely avoid that area, so I'm going to have to radius those corners. Are there any issues I should be aware of regarding the finish or surface hardening?

I'd be interested in any discussion about the 325 (please don't complain about the internal lock here. Yes, it has one - either live with it, defeat it, or don't buy it).

 

[ENH]

I experienced much of what you have. I did radius the the trigger as it chewed in holes in my finger. My barrel, loosened also, but I sent mine for porting by Mag Na Port, they torqued it with Loctite, OKed by S&W, and it has not been a problem since. I put in a C&S long firing pin for some FTF and now it is reliable even w/O moon clips.

I have a Galco duel position Phoenix for a 629 and it works well. I have ordered a Comtec kidex in hope it fits, should be here in a day or so will you know then. If it does not fit I have plenty of N frames that will.

The CTC grips will not work with the light in place or I would have a set on mine.

The wenches for the barrel are not available to the public or for that matter to most gunsmiths.
It is not like the old Dan Wesson.

I absolutely love this gun and have over 2000 Rd's through it.

 

[boycan]

My barrel hasn't come loose yet but I only have a couple hundred rounds thru it but the last time I shot it wore my finger out to the point I was too bloody to keep shooting. I just thought I was choking up on the trigger too much since it didn't happen the first few outings? So is this rounding off on the trigger hard to do or is it time for a gunsmith?

 

[ENH]

I did mine with a small file. It's not hard to do. I just took the sharp corners off.

 

[Careby]

I'm sorry to hear that the Crimson Trace grips are not compatible with the light, but grateful to have that answer for free. I guess a second possibility might be a weapon light with built-in laser, but rigging up a grip switch for it would be a pain.

 

[ENH]

The TLR 2 is a great light and laser combination. I have one on a XD 45 and like it very much. There is also a green laser from I think Laser Max that has a rail to attach a light. It is very compact and expensive. The Surefire 300 light on mine can also attach a laser from them but again is very expensive. The TLR 2 is available from Cheaper Than Dirt at a better price than most.

The ComTac holster came today, the 325TRD does not fit with the rail on, however it is a great holster and my 629 and 625 fit like a glove and it is fast. Should be great for IDPA.

 

[boycan]

Not a good pix because all I have is a cell phone and not the light I plan to stick with I want the TLR2 but this was cheap and I had the cash ;-)

 

[NVBob]

The only thing I don't like about the gun is the apparent lack of durability of the black finish. Has anyone else had significant scuffing where the extractor rod apparatus fits against the frame just in front of the cylinder (sorry if I'm using poor nomenclature here)? Is it normal to get near total scuffing of the finish there?? Otherwise the gun has been great. I will be using it at an upcoming defensive shooting class--can't wait!

 

[heavilin]

I have had my 325 TR for about 6 months,my 325 is perfect, sorry no problems, it even shoot good, all day of the bench it keep 5 in a small group. It travels with me at all times.

DRH

 

[BlueMntCeltic]

Glad to hear that your revolver is running great. I'm also glad to read that the Phoenix might serve as a holster. I have a TRR8 on order and was wondering what holster to use. I figured on contacting Thunder Ranch themselves to find out their recommendations. However, in my websearch for a solution to the holster problem I happened up a company from Buena Vista, CO ( http://www.wwlholsters.com/ ) that I want to check out further. They have a interesting product and their response to my inquiry about a custom holster for TRR8 with light attached was quick. Just an FYI and I can hardly wait for my TRR8 (why that instead of the 325 TR... I've got all the reloading gear for the TRR8 and none for .45 ACP, solely a practical decision)

 

[ENH]

BluemntCeltic
Welcome to the forum, lots of good information here with little whining.
Having one caliber to load for is reason enough to go for the TRR8. The 357 is extremely reliable also. you will like it.

 

[BlueMntCeltic]

Thanks, I am looking forward to it!

 

[Leonard]

I pick mine up later this week. Any accurate load recommendations

Len

 

[Leonard]

Picked up my 325 initial reaction for a gun that lists @ over $1400.00 it has a disappointing finish especially the hammer and trigger have a very cheap look. I hope it shoots as well as every one reports if so I assume I can polish the hammer and trigger and will probably change the grips I don't like rubber.

 

[backalow]

I was looking to buy one of these to carry on duty. I find it concerning that the barrel nut can come loose. Maybe I should look at another option.

 

[Careby]

I don't mind the finish of the non-MIM trigger and hammer, but the sharp edges on the trigger have to go. After all the complaints about the MIM parts on newer revolvers, I have to admit MIM trggers are smooth and comfortable, at least in the finger contact area.

As far as the barrel nut and reliability, time will tell. I'm hoping it is due to incorrect initial assembly. I've heard of a lot of loose nuts on new 325's, but I haven't yet heard of one loosening a second time.

 

[NVBob]

I attempted to post the picture of the scuffing I described earlier in this post. (First attempt at posting picture so I'm not sure if it will work.)
Anyway I emailed Smith & Wesson the question with attached picture, and the response was that this is normal and there is nothing that needs to be done.

 

[Leonard]

I am taking my 325 T R revolver down south (warmer weather)next week and will run a couple hundred rounds threw it.

If I like it and decide to keep it I will remove the trigger and hammer polishing (possibly jeweling both)

I have a number of older Smiths from 1950's thru the 80's Some are customized some tuned some original. While they do not have the unique styling of the Thunder ranch barrel the fit and finish blow the TR away. I also prefer the machined internal parts all though I realize GOOD castings are considered as good.

My complaint is that for the price, the fact it is from their performance shop and most importantly Smith selling it as a defense weapon it leaves a lot to be desired.

This gun was not purchased as a defense weapon I would never use(and yes am going to say it) an internal lock gun for protection. From 30 years of hunting dangerous game I have learned to keep it simple keep it effective and if something can go wrong it will at the worst possible time!

Len

 

[Careby]

I'm not satisfied with S&W quality control, and most of the revolvers I own, recent AND vintage, do have at least minor cosmetic flaws from the factory. (This type of problem is by no means a recent development.) It is a pain to have to return new guns to have problems repaired. Now would I rather pay more for them to get it right the first time, as opposed to letting them correct it later at no charge, hmmm... I'll have to think about that. You would think if they want the "Performance Center" brand to mean anything they would try harder to catch problems before releasing the guns to the public.

 

[Leonard]

Throwing more money at Smith is not going to solve the problem its like having a bad employee and paying him more this isn't going to make him better only a more expensive bad employee.

Based on what I am paying my favorite custom pistol smith Andy Horvath, Smith is charging more than enough to put out a consistently quality product. Perfect all of the time no but not so many problems that you have as many complaints posted on the various web sites.

The only way it may change is if sales fall off along with enough people complaining directly to the company. In this uncertain political climate their sales are probably threw the roof irregardless of product quality.

Len