Smith & Wesson’s Thunder Ranch Defense .45 – your experience?

[Irfan]

I have to say that I'm a semi-auto kind of guy but also like combat revolvers to a certain point. I'd really like to have a S&W 325 revolver. I've just watched one of Clint Smith's videos presenting the new revolver and I have to say it looks pretty cool, it has a very "tactical" look!
So does anyone have any experience with this handgun, what about its durability and reliability?
Also, considering the fact that I've never seen it in person, would be harder to conceal than a Berreta 92FS for example? Is it larger?
BTW Do you think guys that it would be better to buy something else, a 686 4" or 3" revolver? According to our new gun-law here (Bosnia) we are allowed to have only ONE pistol and only ONE revolver. I neither have a revolver nor have I ever shot one!

 

[Leonard]

This subject has been debated before. I owned a 325 TR briefly, I would and did buy a pre lock, pre mim 625 1988. It may not look as cool but its a very well made handgun. I also have a 25-2 Jovino I like both substantially better than the newer gun.

Len

 

[kennyb]

i have the performance center 625JM model...great looking,easy to shoot,and a tack driver!

 

[Wayne M]

I have personal knowledge of at least 4 of these guns which came with loose shrouds. If you buy one make sure you can examine it carefully first. If it has to be ordered with money up front I'd pass. Buy steel and save yourself some headaches.

 

[1066]

I don't have the Thunder Ranch, but I have a 325PD Airlite Sc; I think they are basically the same gun. I have not shot it a lot, but a group of 8 friends took a concealed carry class and used the 325 and my 625 Mountain Gun in 45ACP to qualify for the revolver section. Both guns got quite a workout from the 8 of us during our qualifications.

The consensus of all 8 of us was that the 325 was reliable, light weight, and easy to shoot, although two newer shooters complained about the recoil. That being said, every one of us preferred the Mountain Gun. The weight of the stainless steel made the 45ACP very shootable in the Mountain Gun.

This sort of thing is pretty subjective, but if I think about it, I would rather carry around my 325 then the Mountain Gun, but I would rather shoot the Mountain Gun then the 325.

I guess that if I had to give you a recommendation, I would tell you to stick with the semi-auto. My Glock 23 & 30 are both lighter than my Mountain Gun, and both are more shootable then my 325. Both also hold more ammunition then either revolver. As much as I love revolvers, I have come to the sad realization that at least for me, the semi-auto is a much better carry gun.

 

[NVBob]

I own both the 325 TR and the 625 JM for .45 revolvers. I must say that I prefer shooting the 325, and shoot it better than any other revolver that I own. Other than the fact that the black finish seems to scuff easily, I love everything about the 325. It's lighter weight makes it easier for me to hold steady for one handed shots, and the trigger is sweet. It is expensive though.

 

[teufelhunden]

Two handguns total, huh? At least that's better than none.

Full disclosure - I don't have a TR revolver and I have not fired one. However, they have a certain mystique and they intrigue me. I think there have been three versions in total. The first two versions were .44 and "plain Jane" (fixed sights, etc) in comparison to the current tactical version in .45 ACP.

There are a couple of issues you have to consider. After all, this will be your one and only revolver, right? First, it is 45 ACP. Are you cool with the moon clips? I don't like the concept, but some folks love them, and they are clearly faster than speed loaders. It may make sense to have a .45 ACP revolver if your other pistol is in that caliber, or if you plan to shoot a lot of action-style matches. If that is not the case, you may want to consider another caliber and model of revolver.

If you're not married to the idea of .45 ACP, a nice model 686 (.38/.357) would be very hard to beat as your ONE revolver, in my opinion.

Second issue, in my opinion, is whether you want one of the really new S&W's. I recently purchased a new S&W medium frame revolver (620) with a two piece barrel. It works OK, but now that I have had it a while, I think I prefer the guns with 1 piece barrels and no internal lock. A nice model 66 for example.

As you can probably guess, I'm not a fan of .45 ACP as a revolver round. Don't get me wrong -- I love the .45 ACP in a semi-automatic pistol, but I prefer revolvers in .38/.357 for versatility and ammo availability. But that's just me. Your preferences may vary.

Good luck.

 

[NE450No2]

Since I like the 1911,s I am a BIG FAN of a S&W revolver in 45 ACP.

I have used one as a work gun and as a concealed carry revolver.

However IF I could have only one revolver it would be a S&W in 44 Mag...
You can load a 44 Mag "mild or wild".

I do spend a lot of time in bear country...

If you do not need the power of a 44 Mag, the 45 ACP revolver is a great choice.