Performance Center 625 -- Actual Experience or Comments

[Paul105]

Anyone have one of these? Even if you don't, would still appreciate any comments you might have.

Don't particularly care for the appearance of the grips, but that's easily solvable.

This will be a recreational shooter only and a double action platform to compliment 1911, Kahr and FA97 .45 ACPs. Have a Dillon Square Deal B dedicated to .45 ACP to feed all of the above.

Product: Model 625

TIA

Paul

 

[Dale53]

I do not have the Performance Center model but DO have two 625's (a 625-6 with 5" barrel and a 625-8 Jerrry Miculek Special with 4" barrel). I have a bunch of fine revolvers and the two 625's are my most shot revolvers. I am a terrific fan of both the .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim and the Smith 625.

I have several different bullet moulds and cast and reload a number of different cast bullets (from 200 grs to 250 grs).

I replaced both of my grips with Pachmayr Decelerators for complete comfort when shooting whether mild or wild...

Dale53

 

[Tyrod]

Thing is, can anyone ever get over using clown grips on a PC gun. Maybe the marketer was having a bad acid trip that day.

 

[bobbyd]

I don't have ONE of these, I have three(3) of the 4" model and two(2) of the earlier 5 1/4" model. It is my absolute favorite shooting (as opposed to collecting) gun of any in my entire collection.
I have always been a big fan of the 45acp as a revolver cartridge and have just about every variation including the 1917, 1937, 1950, 1955, 25-2, 26, and a variety of different 625 models. But these Performance Center models are by far the best of the bunch. Some of the others have issues with lead bullets versus jacketed bullets, cylinder throat dimensions or other little quirks. I don't know if it is the cut rifling or the parts fitting that makes the difference but these PC models are the most forgiving and universally accurate of them all.
By fitting different sight combinations, ie. red dot, holographic, scope, Bowen rough country etc, I use them for bullseye, combat, hunting, plinking, carry etc and am always dealing with a comfortable and familiar arm of absolute reliability and known capabilities.
Using 45acp brass/moonclips and 45 autorim brass combined with bullets from 185-255 grains, I can assemble an appropriate load for almost any purpose and, again, still remain on the same platform.

A frequent theme of gun discussion is the old "If-you-could-only-have-one gun..." question; My answer is super clear and I would not feel under-equipped in any situation.

...but , oh...those ever-suffering RWB grips are quite another story

 

[Tyrod]

The thing about reloading the same cartridge to different power levels is that a person must be meticulous in their record keeping and labeling. What might me safe in a revolver may not be safe in a 1911 for instance.

I have some calibers that I've loaded to different power levels. I've tried to be as safe and fastidious as possible. However, as I begin to see my own mortality, I realize that in the unlikely event of my early demise that my friends will inherit my ammo & reloads and other sundry shooting effects. I certainly don't want them to be hurt either.

 

[tommy F]

I have 45 ACP revolvers in many models but no PC models. Plan to add one and bench test against others.I am also interested in trying the RWB PB grips if anyone is looking to rid a pair.

 

[AmmoHouse]

I don't have the PC, I have the JM....I love mine!
I can't believe I went so long without it.
I shoot the JM in IDPA and can't be happier!

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have this pistol I bought 2 years ago. It is an unbelievable shooter and had a great trigger pull out of the box. I didn't like the grips either and replaced them with these S&W American Pride ones. I have posted this picture lots of times, so I apologize if you have seen it before.

I shoot this a lot as recreation and I reload it for 45 Auto Rim. I was originally looking for a 625 JM model, but none were available at the time, but the PC model was, so I thought for the $100 difference between the two, I would buy the PC. I have not regretted it one bit.

I don't think you can go wrong with this model, if it is in your price range.

 

[wogentry]

I bought a 625 Performance Center in .45ACP about a week and a half ago. I don't like the stocks all that much either but I have a new set on the way, as well as a holster. Mine is very accurate, smooth trigger, and reliable. Love it so much I have another on special order. Besides the stocks, the only other thing that detracts from it is the lock. But I don't use it so its a non issue. My Colt and Kimber 1911s are going to get jealous as they might be spending more time in the safe.

 

[JoeHatley]

Great guns!!

Other than swapping out the grips and front sight, it was just about perfect from the factory.

 

[TSQUARED]

I have the earlier version from ca. 7 years ago with 5 1/4 in.bbl. It is a super revolver with excellent fit and DA trigger. The current version comes with a pair of clunky wood gri[ps the old ones came with Houge wood grips.

 

[Paul105]

Thanks for all the responses.

The subject gun has been purchased and being processed by Bug's Gunshop. I should have it in hand by the end of next week.

I have a box full of grips (and another one full of holsters) -- rubber (open backstrap) Hoques, Hogue XFrame 500s, Pachmayr gripper decelerators, and several different wood finger groved, combat style grips – I should be able to find something that works for me.

Paul

 

[Macinaw]

I was using a 625 JM for Steel Challenge shooting competitions and really loved shooting it. I think the JM version is a "Pro" series that is between PC and regular production.

I switched to the 627 PC because it has 8 shots instead of 6.
I miss the 625 JM with that big chunk of lead going down range!

 

[Rawhyde]

I got one a few months ago and I really like it. I had bought a Springfield Armory Range Officer earlier in the year, and the 625 PC is a class (or 2, possibly 3) above the RO.

I tried really hard to like the grips, but they just were painful to the web of my hand. I swapped on a set of S&W finger groove Combat Grips, and it's much more comfortable now.

Here's a shot of mine with a target (12 rounds at 25 yards)

Rawhyde

 

[ShrinkMD]

I enjoy shooting my 625JM. I was thinking of upgrading to the PC model to match my 627 and 629, but I wonder how the partial lug balances compared to the full one? Any difference in the trigger between the two?

I don't think I'd miss the cheesy JM lightening slashes...

 

[Defilade]

I own one. I purchased it in August of this year. I really like the gun and I have to say it shoots way better than I do. I didnt like the looks or the fit of the grips. The grips were never fitted to the gun and I had to do a little work just so they would'nt cut into my hand when I shot the gun. I then stripped them down and used some Ebony stain and restained them. They look a lot better now.

The only major problem I have is that it will only work reliably with federal primers. I have tried the Cyliner and Slide extened firing pin and winchester primers still have FTF every once in a while. I have finally just switched to federal primers.

The gun shoots excellent and I really like the speed in which I can reload the gun. I am faster with it than I am with my beloved 1911's.

 

[Paul105]

Defilade,

When you had the grips off for refinishing, did you check the strain screw?

Reason I ask is that my PC 629 Light Hunter came from the factory with the strain screw backed off 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Never shot it that way -- but immediately tightened fully. I've used Win Large Pistol primers exclusively and have never had any ignition problems.

Paul

 

[Revoman]

This is my PC 625

It is a tackdriver.

 

[Defilade]

Defilade,

When you had the grips off for refinishing, did you check the strain screw?

Reason I ask is that my PC 629 Light Hunter came from the factory with the strain screw backed off 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Never shot it that way -- but immediately tightened fully. I've used Win Large Pistol primers exclusively and have never had any ignition problems.

Paul

I have made sure that the strain screw was fully tightened. I have tried every trick that I can think of, but still have FTF with anything but Federal primers. I thought the problem was solved with the new firing pin and had complete reliability with 50 rounds. Then I shot it in a match at the local gun club and had about 4 FTF in 50 rounds. I wish I could trust it more because I would like to have it as a defense gun but right now I dont trust it for anything but target shooting.

 

[MTKTM]

I have made sure that the strain screw was fully tightened. I have tried every trick that I can think of, but still have FTF with anything but Federal primers. I thought the problem was solved with the new firing pin and had complete reliability with 50 rounds. Then I shot it in a match at the local gun club and had about 4 FTF in 50 rounds. I wish I could trust it more because I would like to have it as a defense gun but right now I dont trust it for anything but target shooting.

I bought one in July of '10. Immediately it had repeated FTF issues. I sent it back to Smith, they replaced the firing pin, and it hasn't missed a beat since, not one FTF. Casual inspection of the pin doesn't reveal any major or dramatic difference, but the performance sure changed. Great gun. While it seems fashionable on her to diss the stock grips, I personally like them both in terms of feel and appearance, and have left them on the gun. To each his/her own, I reckon, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Here she is: