SW .45ACP: 325 vs 625

[zogger]

Been thinking about my next gun (aren't we always). Honing in on a revolver that shoots .45ACP. The S&Ws I am considering are the 327 Thunder Ranch vs the 625 Performance Center vs 625 JM. I did look at the Charter Arms but hated the trigger.

The gun will be a range gun and maybe for home defense.

While I am leaning toward the 327 with it's longer barrel, the others look good as well.

Comments from those who own one of these? Any major things that are pros or cons?

Thanks!

 

[Marine24]

I've owned all three and my preference is the 625 PC version. All are exceptional 45 ACP revolvers but make sure you get a demoor tool. My choice is BMT's mooner/demooner.

If you anticipate mounting a light, the 325 TR would be a logical choice but I just had a tough time connecting to the looks of it.

All are good choices.

 

[kaaskop49]

I understand the PC and JM are set up for different handgun competitions. I own the JM. Outside of the grip (which I changed out), I adore it. I have read complaints on this Forum about the double action being too heavy. Being accustomed to LE revolvers for many years, it feels normal to me. Others find fault with sharp edges on the trigger; mine does not have them.

I do not own a 625 PC yet, but I am told it is a superb revolver with a refined double action. Will let you know when I get one! Sorry, I have no experience with the 325.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Dale53]

I have a 625-6 Model of 1989 (5" barrel) and a 625-8 JM Special (4" barrel). They are among my favorite revolvers. Either of them will shoot well under an inch at 25 yards. I did put a Jerry Miculek balanced set of springs and tuned the action to 9.0 lbs. double action and 3.0 lbs. single action. The cylinder throats on both were uniform .452".

These are FINE revolvers! You can hardly do better.

Dale53

 

[zogger]

Appreciate all of the feedback. I think this is going to be a hard decision.

I need to get my hands on each one. LGS has a used 625 JM. I am going to a gun show in a few weeks. Maybe I can get some hands on there.

 

[mcb]

I've owned all three and my preference is the 625 PC version. All are exceptional 45 ACP revolvers but make sure you get a demoor tool. My choice is BMT's mooner/demooner.

If you anticipate mounting a light, the 325 TR would be a logical choice but I just had a tough time connecting to the looks of it.

All are good choices.

As sweet at the BMT mooner/demooner is for rimmed cartridges I have not been terribly impresses with the rimless versions of their tool especially in light of the cost.

For 45 ACP I think there are better tools for the money. I personally like the Deluxe moonclip tool for assembling 45 ACP moonclips and for disassembly I like a home-made demooner made from an old hollow golf club handle. Very handy especially when sorting through partially fired moonclips.

 

[Wee Hooker]

My (current) personal favorite is the 625PC but you can't go too wrong with any of the 625 variants. Personally, I don't see any value of a scandium framed range / home defense gun. The extra weight of an all steel gun is welcomed when the shooting starts.

 

[sodacan]

As sweet at the BMT mooner/demooner is for rimmed cartridges I have not been terribly impresses with the rimless versions of their tool especially in light of the cost.

For 45 ACP I think there are better tools for the money. I personally like the Deluxe moonclip tool for assembling 45 ACP moonclips and for disassembly I like a home-made demooner made from an old hollow golf club handle. Very handy especially when sorting through partially fired moonclips.

I would imagine that the vast majority of BMT tools are used for 45acp revolvers since there are more of those around than in other calibers that are set up for use with moon clips. I'd be interested to know why you don't like it for 45acp. I especially like mine for demooning the empties. I have no experience with the tool you use, but I long ago forgot how much I paid for the BMT tool.

 

[mcb]

I would imagine that the vast majority of BMT tools are used for 45acp revolvers since there are more of those around than in other calibers that are set up for use with moon clips. I'd be interested to know why you don't like it for 45acp. I especially like mine for demooning the empties. I have no experience with the tool you use, but I long ago forgot how much I paid for the BMT tool.

The first time I saw a BMT mooner was at the 2014 USPSA Revolver nationals and it was for a 627. The BMT mooner for rimmed cartridge is somewhat different in function than the rimless version. I thought it was a pretty slick gadget and bought one when I got home.

While buying the 627 version I looked at the 625 version and although slick is not IMHO worth twice what my Deluxe Moonclip Tool is worth. The rimmed BMT version maintains control of the rounds/cases going into and out of the moonclips The rimless BMT version only does so when putting them on the moonclip. The removal system just lets them fall where they will.

When I get back from a match I typically have a bunch of partial moonclips to deal with. The 627 BMT mooner lets me spin them all off, extract the empties cases, drop in fresh loaded rounds into their places, and spin them all back on the moonclip without ever touching the rounds that were initial still live rounds on the partial moonclip. The BMT mooner for rimless cannot do this.

With my 625 moonclips I use the golf club handle to removed the spent cartridges from the partial moonclip. As each cartridge is removed it drops into the handle. The handle will hold 18 empty cases before I empty it into my brass bucket. The Deluxe moonclip tool has no problem adding cartridge to a partially loaded moonclip.

Again nothing wrong with the BMT for rimless I have just found a more efficient and cost effective system for the way I use my 625 moonclips.

ETA: to be more on topic. Unless you are buying it as hiking gun I would lean toward the 625 over the 325 and a five inch full under lug is the best choice IMHO unless your buying it for IDPA then go 4-inch full under lug.

 

[Chipperxd]

Personally, I think the full lug on the 625 JM looks worlds better than the weird curvy under lug on the PC.

As mentioned already, I hated the grips on my JM. I'm sure it will fit Jerry just fine with his vice grips but for us mere mortals, it was way too slippery.

 

[jdickson397]

Have you considered a Model 25-2 ? They have beautiful bluing so highly poiished it feels oily. They are great shooters and can be found in the same price range as the other guns you are considering.

 

[Blowncar]

I love my JM 625. I think the only SW revolver gun i own that can even give it a run for accuracy is my 657-4 6 incher.

 

[zogger]

Have you considered a Model 25-2 ? They have beautiful bluing so highly poiished it feels oily. They are great shooters and can be found in the same price range as the other guns you are considering.

If I decide to go the used route, that is a good suggestion.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Hello, I have the 625-8, 4" PC that has the best trigger I have ever pulled! And the aluminum PC makes it shoot soooo much better lol.
Good luck with either
SEMPER PARATUS

 

[BLUEDOT37]

325TR -vs- 625Pc

I got my 625-8 PC first & shortly after got the 325TR.

Any 45 caliber revolver is fun to shoot, so I love shooting them both, but the 325TR is my favorite.

At 31oz. vs 39oz. it's definitely lighter but not too. I mainly shoot 45 Auto Rim (P+) in them & occasionally 45 Super.

(My 325NG weighs 27oz.)

I'm currently on the look-out for a 625 with a 5" full lug. I agree with Chipperxd, they look the best, IMO.

Don't know why S&W quit making their 45ACP revolvers in 5" though.

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[nutsforsmiths]

The PC is a wonderful pistol. The trigger is very smooth right out of the box. I didn't care for the red, white and blue grips, so I swapped them out. This pistol is a tack driver.

 

[keithherrington]

Pre-lock JM 625 - One of my favorites

Post removed due to Photobucket's new policy.
Keith