S&W 45acp Revolver Search

[VAPA]

I have been looking for a 45 acp revolver, the 325 Thunder Ranch is my first choice, I just found an early 625 with forged parts for sale, what can you tell me about the 625?
For the price he is asking for the used 625 I can buy a new 325TR.
Any info will be appreciated.

 

[MarkAlt]

My 325 Thunder Ranch is only about a month old. Can't speak to the 625.

The TR is light, easy to carry and has a silky/butter smooth trigger. Being a PC gun, I expect it to be that way. However, the TR (at least mine) is above and beyond. I have a theory that the excellent balance and physically large, N-sized trigger/hammer, frame contribute to this.

I have *heard* it's a fine shooting gun. Until I get a day off for shooting, can't tell you personally.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[Lou_NC]

What is your intended use for the revolver? Range? Carry? Carry a lot and shoot a little, or carry a little and shoot a lot?

 

[44 special Dave]

As mentioned, your intended use would be helpful.

As for the 625 there are a LOT of variations.

From 1.88" snub nose lightweight frame to 5" (maybe longer) full stainless steel.

Also performance center variations etc etc.

Calibers 45acp and 45 colt.

Dave

 

[22hipower]

Can't comment on the 325 but have a couple of 625 5 inch guns and they are perhaps the most fun to shoot of all my revolvers. With cast bullets they are incredibly accurate and I like to use them with AR brass. You should be able to find nice used ones in the $700+/- range.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[jtcarm]

Whatever your intended shooting purpose, I I wouldn't let forged parts influence the decision, unless you're a purist. The lock might give me pause on an SD gun.

As shooters, the models of 88 & 89 are too rich for my blood. I personally would go with something from current production, the JM, PC, or TR. But like others said, depends on what you want it for.

 

[Batts]

I have a JM and it is a lot of fun to shoot.

A handful of EZ moonclips makes for alot of quick shooting.

The 45Super loads from Underwood take this gun to where it can really perform in the woods and yet you can still plink w/ ACP's.

The SA trigger is crisp and light and a joy to have.

Pachmayr decelerator grips are soft and cover the backstrap.

North Mountain has moonclip holders for your belt.

You won't be sorry.

Batts

 

[VAPA]

What is your intended use for the revolver? Range? Carry? Carry a lot and shoot a little, or carry a little and shoot a lot?

Carry some & shoot some

 

[Lou_NC]

Carry some & shoot some

I have to say that I'm not a big fan of any gun that needs a "shield" under the top strap to protect the frame from gas cutting from a round as low in pressure as the .45 ACP. Thus, I view the 325 as a great gun to "carry a lot, shoot a little", due to its "scandium" frame.

I view the steel frame 625's as great all around guns to "shoot a lot". Whether you carry them a lot or not depends on your tolerance for lugging around the weight.

I solved that for myself by adding a nickel 22-4 to my stable of .45 ACP revolvers. The "mountain gun" profile of the barrel significantly reduces weight compared to the 625's full underlug design, while still being made of steel. The 22-4 has fixed sights, which I prefer in a carry gun, and besides, I have adjustable-sight 625's for "range play".

My 22-4:

Lou

 

[jrs70]

I have a 625 JM and a 1917. This I do know, the bad thing about 45 ACP revolvers are you will want more than one.

 

[diyj98]

I have to say that I'm not a big fan of any gun that needs a "shield" under the top strap to protect the frame from gas cutting from a round as low in pressure as the .45 ACP.

I've wondered about that one myself.

 

[weatherby]

I have a 625 JM and a 1917. This I do know, the bad thing about 45 ACP revolvers is you will want more than one.

I've seen some real nice custom 1917's on here.

I like different though

 

[Dale53]

I have a 625-6 MODEL OF 1989 with a 5" barrel and a 625-8 JM Special with a 4" barrel. They are my most used revolvers.

My "standard" load is a Mihec correct copy of the H&G #68 (200 gr SWC) ahead of 4.0 grs of Bullseye or equivalent (presently shooting Titegroup) and they are both extremely accurate (ten shots under an inch at 25 yards) and VERY pleasant to shoot. I am a fan of Pachmayr grips and use the Gripper version on both of my 625's.

On the other hand, if you want decent power for hunting, a Lyman 452424 cast bullet (my mold is a five cavity NOE) ahead of 7.0 grs of Unique will drive that 250 gr bullet at 900+ fps and has great penetration and terminal effectiveness.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[VAPA]

Thanks for all your inputs, a little more info on the gun, it a 625-3, low round count, original box, tools and moon clips, he is asking $1,100 (which I think is high as I can buy a new 325TR for that price).

 

[peterthefish]

If you're looking for a shooter check the Brian Enos forum. With changes in USPSA revolver rules, you can get a decent 5" pre-lock 625 for $600 no problem.

 

[nawilson]

Did the -3 come with combats? If not, the OP might be able to sell them and defray the cost of the 625.

 

[VAPA]

Did the -3 come with combats? If not, the OP might be able to sell them and defray the cost of the 625.

He is selling it with the grips in the photo

 

[bamabiker]

The M625s are great guns. That price does seem high but with today's prices who knows.
My M625-3 came with rubber grips so those combats are worth an additional $150 or so if original S&Ws.
Do those grips look small to anyone else? Could thay be K frame combats?

 

[tommy F]

Agree sounds high, however 45 revolvers are addictive.

 

[Shooter6br]

My 25-2 45 ACP

My 25-2 45 ACP