Mountain Gun conversion....

[mic214]

I have had a 5" Model 625-8 in .45acp that has been a "Safe Queen" for several years. The pistol shoots great, but the long barrel was a bit much for packing around.

Recently Midway was offering 4" Mountain Gun barrels, so I picked one up and had a barrel swap done on my old 625. What a difference the shorter, lighter barrel makes for the balance and handling! I was able to test fire it after the work was done and it shot a just tiny bit high and to the right at 10 yards, so I will need to adjust the sights a click or two.

My next plan is to remove the safety plug, add a Hogue lanyard screw to the grip and maybe replace the front sight with a red ramp. I am also looking at holsters to pack this beauty around the woods in....any suggestions?

Here is a "Before" pic:

Here is the "After" pic:

 

[P&R Fan]

Looks like you did well, I like it.
For a holster check out Lobo Gunleather. The owner is a member of the Forum and many of us have purchased holsters from him and we're all very pleased with them.
Jim

 

[AKtinman]

I did the same thing awhile back with my 625-6. The MG barrel wasn’t matte finish like the rest of the gun, so I used Mother’s Mag Polish on the gun and it matches up pretty well now. I never understood why these weren't a standard production item.

The Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake was my holster choice and it was comfortable on the tractor, atv, or just doing chores around the farm.

 

[Kilibreaux]

Many years ago I had a 629 "Mountain Gun" .44 Magnum. The gun was like, 29 ounces, compact, and easy to carry, but had a pretty severe, straight-back kick. I really, really LOVED that revolver and wish I'd kept it!
I keep thinking one day I'll buy a traditional model 29, 4" barrel, because after years of trying this or that I've come "home" to the realization that the original design is about as close to perfect as one can get.

 

[ikor]

I am boxing up my M625-3 4in now along with one of those barrels to go back to the factory for this conversion, along with the black powder cut on the cylinders and re-bead blasting so...hopefully...the finish matches. I much prefer the better handling of the lighter barrel over the clunky full lug barrel that it came with.

 

[mic214]

I am checking out Lobo Gunleather and also El Paso Saddlery for holsters. I want a pancake style High Ride to carry this baby in.

I have carried the 625 around for the last day or so in an old Safariland holster that I have and it sure packs nicely....I have about 60 full moon clips for it, but I will be getting some half moon clips too as they are a little easier to carry in the pockets of my hiking vest.

The gun smith that did the barrel work said that he could match the barrel to frame finish with a quick trip to his bead blasting booth, so I will have that done down the road.....

 

[Frank V]

Mic214
Wow I really like the after picture. I'm not a fan of lugs under the bbl. I like the clean lines of the Mountain Gun.

Since you like a pancake style holster I'd recommend the Simply Rugged make of holster. They are very well made, I've been using one for almost a year & really like. Rob does a great job.

Simply Rugged Holsters

Frank

 

[mic214]

Mic214
Wow I really like the after picture. I'm not a fan of lugs under the bbl. I like the clean lines of the Mountain Gun.

Since you like a pancake style holster I'd recommend the Simply Rugged make of holster. They are very well made, I've been using one for almost a year & really like. Rob does a great job.

Simply Rugged Holsters

Frank

Thanks! I agree, the thin profile barrel is much nicer looking (And easier to carry) than the full lug versions.

I do like the looks of the Simply Rugged holsters, but I ended up ordering a pancake style rig from Lobo Gun Leather. I also picked up a pack of 1/3 moon clips for it from Midway:

 

[LOBO]

That turned out great! I have had the same barrel from Midway for several months now. I haven't gotten around to sending the barrel & 625-4 5" out for the swap yet though. I just heard about LSG, Mfg|Gun Parts|Warranty|Gunsmithing in Texas. They are a S&W authorized warranty station that also offers full gunsmith services. I'll probably send my gun to them since they are a lot closer to me than S&W. I'm hoping they can bead blast the barrel to match the rest of the gun. If not, then I guess I'll break out the Mother's polish.

 

[batmann]

Very nice conversion! For holters, I have two, I have a Simply Rugged pancake and a Galco DAO and I like both. The Galco has a retention strap and that is my primary hiking/woods holster.

 

[bronco45]

Great solution to a problem that Smith remains blind and deaf to! At 65 I own or have owned 100s of S&Ws the only one that gets me revved up at this time is a 45ACP Mtn Gun. Come on Smith wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CWH44300]

I think it looks great, love custom handguns, post up some photos of your new leather when it arrives