Question 625 in .45 acp.

[tyger2]

Question 625 in .45 acp.

In the market for a 625 in .45 acp. Have not shot one and where I live
in Texas I basically order and pick up. Need comments from the folks
with experience so I make the right choice the first time.

Basically I looking at three choices.

1) Used 625, 5"
2) Used 625, 4"
3) New 625JM

All within the same price range.

Which model would you go for and why?

 

[Beemerguy53]

I own two 625s, a 5" and a 3". They're both a pleasure to shoot (although recoil is stout with the 3") and very easy to reload with moon clips.

I don't have preference between the 4" and 5" models. I don't compete, and Forum members who do can advise you on the barrel lengths and what their significance is. (I believe the 5" is no longer legal for competition.) I think a lot depends on what you intend to do with whatever you buy...plinking, concealed carry, competition?

The idea of the 625JM is intriguing, and would present a real dilemma for me if I were considering it and it was within the same price range as two used 625s: I don't like the S&W lock, and have sworn I'll never own a revolver with it. But the JM Model has some neat features, and it might be worth considering, especially if it's priced near what a used 625 would cost.

I think the difference between the models you listed boils down to a matter of personal preference: I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

 

[9mmNATO]

I have the 625JM, well worth the money. The groups are nice and tight, very smooth action. I shoot it in double action. One of these days I will have to try single action.

 

[TLE]

Smith doesn't make a 5" any more and brings a little bit of a premium lately. If you plan to compete in IDPA competition you will want to pick one of the 4" guns since the 5" is no longer allowed in IDPA. IPSC and USPSA competition doesn't have a restriction on barrel length so the 5" would fit into that game if that is something that you plan to do.

You don't mention the dash model of the plain 4" or 5" so I don't know the features of those. The 625JM is a dash 8 model so it has the internal lock. The JM has Jerry's grip, a gold bead front sight and a narrow serrated trigger. I like the grip and the trigger but changed out the front sight on mine. Changing the sight on the JM is easy since it is the new quick change type that is held in with a spring detent. Pick the one that has the features that you like or the one that will fit into any games that you may want to play. I have 4", 5" and 6 1/2" barreled 625's and like them all, they all have a good use.

 

[Dale53]

I would just like to say that whichever you take (the 4" or 5") you will no doubt be happy. These are shooting machines.

I have a 4" JM Special (625-8) and the no-lock 5" 625-6 Model of 1989. I actually don't know which I like best. After several thousand rounds through them both I lean a bit towards the 5". In Ohio we have a minimum barrel length for deer hunting (5") that would have some bearing here.

Be sure, as suggested, to check the discipline's rules if you plan on competition.

Dale53

 

[Hang-Fire Hank]

625 Barrel Lengths

tyger2:

One thing no one else has mentioned is balance. Now these are subjective opinions, so just my own thoughts.

I have a 625-4 prelock 5". I don't shoot IPSC very often, but when I do I find the 5" barrel slow to move from target to target.

Eventually I'll stumble across a 4" prelock & have a definate comparison. If it's faster, as I believe it would be, I'll wind up selling/trading the 5".

H-F Hank
NRA Bene.
USAF Vet

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Go pre lock, either barrel length. When cleaning the insides, I prefer pre lock. The lock parts are too fragile.

 

[tbury]

I have a 5" because I like longer barrels. The -8 I have is one of the most accurate centerfire pistols I own. I do not own a JM but do have a mountain gun (4 inch)in 45 colt that points and shoots pretty well. I would not sell my 5" but agree with the advice to buy the barrel length that best fits the shooting you plan to do. Its hard to go wrong with a 625.

 

[sonny]

Balance and speed, to me, means 4".
Sonny

 

[m657]

I have the 5", don't compete with it. While I prefer shorter tubes, I can't imagine this one being any better balanced were it shorter.

It's a wonderful platform that is a pleasure to shoot all day.

 

[Dennis The B]

I recently bought a 625JM, and had it at the range just yesterday. It's a ball to shoot. It's very accurate out of the box, and the trigger is great. I like the gold dot patridge sight, and the ease of loading with the full-moon clips. The 4" barrel balances perfectly for me. I can see, however, that one could prefer a 5" barrel with a bit more weight out front.

Downside is, I don't like the JM wooden grips. They just don't fit my hand well. This isn't a flaw, but personal. I put Hogue's on it, like all my N frames, and they work perfectly.

I think you're just going to have to buy all three, just to be on the safe side!!!

 

[dbracin]

Don't over look the 3" model. I really like mine. It's hard to go wrong with any barrel length though.

 

[Bugs100]

An old friend told me last week he wanted to buy a 625 JM because he had used another friends one at the range. I told him to try my 625-4 5 inch first.

We went to the range and he used it. He got 6 in a 3 inch bulls eye at 50ft one handed.

I've also have used both and like the 5 inch more.

 

[Lou_NC]

Don't overlook that the 4" models area available in both Mountain Gun configuration as well as heavy (underlug) barrel. So that adds yet another dimension to consider in the 4" barrel length.

Lou

 

[Beans]

I have both barrel lengths. the Model 1988, 5 inch and the Model 1989, 4 inch. Both pre IL

When open carrying, jeeping, prospecting Etc, I prefer the 4 inch and when shooting Turkey shoots, informal matches, Etc I use the 5 inch.

I not sure I could choose between them, however the Model 1988 5 inch get shot more.

I would suggest getting both.

 

[David Sinko]

I own all barrel lengths from 3" on up. The 4" full lug is definitely the single most useful of the lot, especially if you're going to compete. If you plan on shooting IDPA, it's practically mandatory. My 3" gun handles all bullet weights equally well and may be the most accurate of all of them, but you have the short sight radius and the added recoil. Muzzle flip with this barrel is actually worse than with the longer barrels. Then there is the Mountain Gun. It's a joy to carry and it draws, points and transitions extremely well. Its drawback of course is the recoil, which for me comes straight back hard but with very little muzzle flip. This not a revolver for an extended shooting session, as my bloodied hand proved at a recent major USPSA match.

All my 625s are the -4 version, and it's what I recommend. I heard a rumor that S&W will be bringing back the 5" barrel in January, but with a half lug configuration. Still, that would be a new gun, and I'm not the least bit interested in new 625s with so many of the better older models still floating around out there.

Dave Sinko

 

[lafayne]

It appears that you have a choice. I would buy the used 625 in both 4 inch and 5 inch. You could then sell the one you liked the least or not. I suspect you would keep both.

 

[NE450No2]

I can say, that a S&W revolver in 45 ACP is a great "gun".

If you do not need the "power" of a 44 Mag for hunting, or BIG bear protection, the 45 ACP revolver is a great choice IMHO.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

Mine:
625 5" with MagnaPort (factory?)
625 Mountain Gun 4"
625 3" that has an extra cylinder from C&S for 45 Colt fitted

The really neat thing about the 45 ACP is the variety of factory loads available, if you reload (as I used to) it gets infinite. My staple loads are: 230 gr military ball, got tons of it, and even for defense it is no slouch, Speer +P GD 200gr HPs, about the best for defense and duty, the Buffalo Bore Auto Rim +P 255 hard cast flat nose for large animal defense-will get the attention of the average 2 legged polecat also. I use speedloaders for the rimmed ammo.

 

[jarhead1991]

I have both a 4” 625JM and a 4” 325TR… I like the balance of the 4” better then the 5” for shooting and local competition. I’m a big fan of the .45ACP revolver… also, it gives me a good outlet to shoot up all of my .45GAP ammo that I don’t have any use for otherwise.