Newbie bought a 625

HokieMike

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Greetings guys. I have been an avid shooter for a while, but I am new to the wheelgun world. Thanks to you gurus/luntics, I recently decided I wanted to acquire a revolver or two. With ammo prices being what they are, I liked the idea of ammo compatibility with my 1911 that I currently use for home defense. I just pulled the trigger on a 4" 625-8 that I found on GB. It appears to be like-new. I know it has the hated lock, but it looks like a great gun.

I was hoping you all could help me with a few things:

1. What can you tell me about the 625-8? most -8s I have seen are the JM version, but this one is not. I cannot seem to find much on them.

2. Any advice on holsters? I have seen a few of the N-frame carry threads, but I am still not sure I have seen the right choice yet. I do NOT need concealed carry. I may shoot IDPA a bit with it, but I am just looking for a good all-purpose belt carry holster.

As always, they amazing info you provide here is welcome and appreciated!

Thanks. Mike

th_625-8photo1.jpg

 
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Greetings guys. I have been an avid shooter for a while, but I am new to the wheelgun world. Thanks to you gurus/luntics, I recently decided I wanted to acquire a revolver or two. With ammo prices being what they are, I liked the idea of ammo compatibility with my 1911 that I currently use for home defense. I just pulled the trigger on a 4" 625-8 that I found on GB. It appears to be like-new. I know it has the hated lock, but it looks like a great gun.

I was hoping you all could help me with a few things:

1. What can you tell me about the 625-8? most -8s I have seen are the JM version, but this one is not. I cannot seem to find much on them.

2. Any advice on holsters? I have seen a few of the N-frame carry threads, but I am still not sure I have seen the right choice yet. I do NOT need concealed carry. I may shoot IDPA a bit with it, but I am just looking for a good all-purpose belt carry holster.

As always, they amazing info you provide here is welcome and appreciated!

Thanks. Mike

th_625-8photo1.jpg

 
Welcome to the forum. And CHEERS on your revolver!!! If it's 5" acp I've got it's twin.

They are lovely to shoot. Very pleasant AND accurate. I had mine for about 6 months then sent it to S&W for their "Master Tune". Much improved in all aspects on return, which was gratifying.

I had an issue with severe leading of the barrel. Once I worked that out, I've come to positively love a moderate W231 load behind the traditional 230-gr FMJ round nose for the limited use I've put it to so far. It likes bowling pins reallyReallyREALLY well....they do NOT talk back with this caliber.

I got a really nice form fitting holster that proves to be TOO tight for range work, but nice for carry. I use a more relaxed fitting leather holster for my range work, including speed steel. I'm not very competitive because of my own rickety times. But the targets are pretty much doomed no matter what your game is.
 
Thanks for the welcome and the info.

m657, I have a Bladetech for my 1911 and a comptac for my CZ, so I am familiar with Kydex holsters. I wil look at them, but I guess I was thinking leather.

Incidentally, the gun is a 4 incher, which I hear is a great barrel length for this gun. I have only handled a couple of 5" guns, so I will have to see when it gets here!
 
HokieMike:
Congrats on a great gun. The 625-8 is one of my favorite competition and range guns. I would not worry too much about the IL. If Jerry Miculek complains, then it is an issue. Otherwise, plan on firing about 20,000 rounds through it an giving it to your grandchildren. RIMZ clips will work great in it.
 
I think you are going to really like your new 625-8! My 625-8 JM is a real tack driver. With the steel full moon clips you are going to need a demooning tool to remove the caseings from the clip, it really saves your fingers! I made mine from a length of 1/2 inch inside diameter copper water pipe. just cut a half moon from the end of the pipe about 3/8 of an inch deep. slip over the caseing mouth and twist against the clip to lever the caseing out of clip. For general field use I lug my N frames around in the Bianchi #5BHL, a leather belt holster in lined and unlined interior. Have fun with that new smokewagon!
 
Mine likes 5.1grs of W231 and any kind of cast.

It's a real forgive gun that's more accurate than I am. They make any one look good.
 
Vulcan Bob,
Thanks for the demooner tip and holster info. I have a Bianchi #5 for my 1911, so I might have to check on the #5BHL for the big N framer. I also like the looks fo the JW O'Rourke LRG Pancake. Any other suggestions?
 
I tried a few homemade versions. Needed something better for loading/unloading. I've got multiple calibers to fiddle with.

Take a look:

http://mooncliptool.com/

Unsolicited recommendation for a great product IMHO.
 
Mike;
You have just purchased one of the finest revolvers of all times (I have a 5" 625-6 and a 4" 625-8 JM Special). I bought a spring set from Jerry Miculek and did a tune job on both of mine. They are FAR more than satisfactory.

My favorite holster is a "Tom Threepersons" from El Paso Saddlery:

http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-12-classic-carry.aspx

I second the motion to get a "Mooncliptool". I also have high praise for RIMZ Clips for range use (they are polymer and do not require ANY tools to use). Further, if you prefer just using "normal" rimmed revolver cases, get Starline Auto Rim cases and reload them.

Dale53
 
I bought a gun from a board member and it came with the moon clip tool they are talking about, and I must say it has spoiled me. I didn't think it was worth the money until I got one. they work great.
 
+1 on the 5BHL holster, It is a thumbsnap model which may put some people off. I have the same model you do and love it. I made my own demooner from a Golf club handle bought for a couple of bucks at Good Will. For normal range work I use auto rim brass.
 
Tbury,
I read somewhere about the golf club shaft trick. As I assemble golf clubs for a hobby, I have some shafts laying around. I will have to try that.

Any more thoughts on holster options? Thanks.
 
Auto Rim! Heck, I forgot to tell ya about the Auto Rim! Thanks to the other fourm members for telling you. No need to use the moon clips with the AR. I use the Auto Rim for the heavier bullet loads such as the 255gr LSWC. It also keeps me from trying them out of my 1911's as that bullet weight is hard on the auto.
 
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