S&W 45ACP question.

[bucksnort18]

Has S&W ever produced a model 625 with a 6" barrel? Or, have they ever produced a model 25 (6"), chambered in 45 ACP. The case dims differ between the 45ACP and 45 Colt. Just wondering. Thanks.

 

[Bill Lear]

Absolutely they have. Many years back I owned such a version - 6" tapered barrel and .45 ACP cylinder. I was surprised when shooting it to find the mighty .45 auto cartridge had so little recoil compared to the 1911 style pistol.

Long barrels have fallen out of favor with the post-modern "tacti-cool" movement. The .45 Colt case rim is substantially larger than the ACP, and the case is longer, and meant to head-space on the rim. Any .45 Colt can be modified to accept .45 auto using Moon clips.

 

[skeezix]

25-2

They made a 25-2 with a 6-1/2 inch barrel. This one shipped in June 1978.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Has S&W ever produced... a model 25 (6"), chambered in 45 ACP... Just wondering. Thanks.

YES!

-Bill


25-2 (Model 1955), .45 acp, 6" bbl.

 

[Plinkasaurusrex]

Don't forget the 1917.

 

[sodacan]

Don't forget the 1917.

5 1/2" barrel on a 1917.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Don't forget the 1917.

Not with a 6” barrel.
-Bill

 

[505Gibbs]

To the initial question - the 625 was never released with a 6" bbl.
As answered - the 25-2 was a long tube so to speak as was the 1917.

 

[k22fan]

A 6 1/2" barrel was standard on the Model 25-2 .45 ACP until S&W temporarily discontinued all 6 1/2" barrels, then it became a 6". The old light or tapered 6 1/2" barrel adjustable sighted .45 ACP was the Model 1950 which was assigned model #26. Similar light barrel blued .45 ACP were made recently but I do not follow all the modern revolvers.

 

[colt_saa]

There were Model 25s in the Heritage series chambered for either the 45 ACP or 45 Long Colt

I have several of these revolvers in 45 Long Colt. They were offered with Blue or Color Case Hardened frames

There were a couple Performance Center Model 625s done stainless that I have always liked

​

I am a fan of unusual serial numbers. The last revolver pictured above, the 625 Lite Hunter chambered for 45 Long Colt is serial numbered CLT0045

 

[k22fan]

As far as I know neither the standard production line nor the Performance Center made 6" or 6 1/5" Model 625 .45 ACP revolvers. I presume both the Hunter 625s that Colt SAA posted pictures of are .45 Colts because that's the only .45 cartridge I've seen them chambered for. A 6 1/2" .45ACP 625 with a barrel that is not so heavy would be fantastic but, considering S&W discontinued all .45 ACP N frames, it's not likely they'll make one.

 

[bucksnort18]

So, a Model 25 using moon clips to accomodate the ACP round should work? Any issues with leading? The bullet has to jump a little more. Just wondering. Thanks again.

 

[k22fan]

So, a Model 25 using moon clips to accomodate the ACP round should work? Any issues with leading? The bullet has to jump a little more. Just wondering. Thanks again.

Model 25-2 .45 ACP cylinders are shorter in the front than Model 25-5 .45 Colt cylinders so the distance bullets have to pass through the cylinder throat might not be as different as you think. All the S&W .45 ACP revolvers I've owned head space .45 ACP cartridges on the case mouth the same as auto pistols. The moon clips have not been necessary for them to fire reliably. The bullet jump issue you're asking about mostly concerns .45 Colt cylinders that have been milled to accept .45 ACP moon clips so they can fire both cartridges. I'd rather have separate revolvers for the two cartridges.

I have found lead bullet loads that do not lead significantly for all my .45 revolvers. For as long as S&W broach cut barrels their .45 ACP revolvers got GI Joe rifling, 6 small lands, the same as most 1911 autos. Their .45 Colt revolver got five deeper grooves that were about the same with as the lands the same as all the revolvers made for rimmed cartridges. The different rifling never seemed to matter.

 

[StrawHat]

So, a Model 25 using moon clips to accomodate the ACP round should work? Any issues with leading? The bullet has to jump a little more. Just wondering. Thanks again.

As mentioned, the Model 25-2 has a shorter cylinder than the Model 25-5. It is also set up as a target revolver and with proper loads, leading is not an issue. Hard lead is neither necessary nor foolproof. A properly fitting bullet does not lead. Slug your throats and size appropriately.

A modified cylinder in a Model 25-5 is out of my ken so, no comment.

Kevin

 

[bucksnort18]

It sounds like I am looking for a 25-2. Is it still being produced, or can it go through the custom shop? I've owned a 625JM for a couple of years, and really like not having to chase brass as I do with my 1911s.

 

[local_dirt]

They made a 25-2 with a 6-1/2 inch barrel. This one shipped in June 1978.

Yep. I have one, too.

 

[rockquarry]

As mentioned, the Model 25-2 has a shorter cylinder than the Model 25-5. It is also set up as a target revolver and with proper loads, leading is not an issue. Hard lead is neither necessary nor foolproof. A properly fitting bullet does not lead. Slug your throats and size appropriately.

A modified cylinder in a Model 25-5 is out of my Ken so, no comment.

Kevin

What is a "Ken"?

 

[rockquarry]

Yep. I have one, too.

These are pretty common and shoot cast bullets incredibly well. Big and bulky, but certainly among the most accurate of revolvers.

 

[Doug M.]

What is a "Ken"?

*
In this context, knowledge or understanding.

 

[rockquarry]

*
In this context, knowledge or understanding.

Thank you for the translation; never seen that before.