Rick_A
Member
My revolvers had been sold off for some time. A 5" 625 Classic was replaced with a CZ pistol and a 7-1/2" 629PP was sold with no replacement. The 629 wore an Aimpoint and was good for making noise, busting stuff up, and bragging rites on the 100 yard line. The 625 was a smooth shooter, and was rather missed. While checking out the JM 625's online, I was surprised to find that there were new 1917's in the "Classics" line. As much as I liked the non-shrouded ejector rod, that's too much barrel for my tastes. The tapered barrels are a plus in being much lighter and having better balance. The LGS had a new nickel Model 21 and 22 collecting dust in the corner of the S&W case. While the 21 was tempting (and the price a giveaway), those big bores of the M22 were calling me. While I had some bad memories of dealing with those moon clips, Rimz clips seemed like a pleasant alternative. Having a wheelgun sharing ammunition with my 1911 again was also a plus. And so it was...after much deliberation this followed me home:
It was not without issues; mainly an ill fitted side plate and a few dings on the barrel:
To my surprise S&W not only fixed the side plate issue but repaired the cosmetic damage on the crown and side of the barrel.
The gun now wears a heavily whittled on set of Jay Scott Trooper grips and "The Plug."
Some time spent polishing the plug out resulted in an acceptable finish.
Finally, a trip to the range found it to be a delight to shoot; being accurate as should be expected, having a double action trigger that's about as smooth as can be, and a crisp single action of about 5lbs. It shot slightly right...no more than an inch and a half or so at fifteen yards. Keeping shots in tight clusters at that range was no problem in single or double action shooting.
Some rapid fire:
Smith & Wesson Model 22 .45ACP in Action - YouTube
The loading and extracting was a less than smooth as the chambers were well fouled from a couple hundred rounds of shooting at that point.
All in all I am very pleased with it and very happy with S&W's help at restoring it to its present glory.
It's definitely a keeper and I hope to be able to do it justice.
The most amazing part was that this revolver had sat on the shelf for over three years. I'm glad to have found it a good home. It actually took me three months to decide between the 21 and 22, and I was very nervous someone would scoop them up during that time. Right after taking it home, the Model 21 was sold as well.
It was not without issues; mainly an ill fitted side plate and a few dings on the barrel:
To my surprise S&W not only fixed the side plate issue but repaired the cosmetic damage on the crown and side of the barrel.
The gun now wears a heavily whittled on set of Jay Scott Trooper grips and "The Plug."
Some time spent polishing the plug out resulted in an acceptable finish.
Finally, a trip to the range found it to be a delight to shoot; being accurate as should be expected, having a double action trigger that's about as smooth as can be, and a crisp single action of about 5lbs. It shot slightly right...no more than an inch and a half or so at fifteen yards. Keeping shots in tight clusters at that range was no problem in single or double action shooting.
Some rapid fire:
Smith & Wesson Model 22 .45ACP in Action - YouTube
The loading and extracting was a less than smooth as the chambers were well fouled from a couple hundred rounds of shooting at that point.
All in all I am very pleased with it and very happy with S&W's help at restoring it to its present glory.
It's definitely a keeper and I hope to be able to do it justice.
The most amazing part was that this revolver had sat on the shelf for over three years. I'm glad to have found it a good home. It actually took me three months to decide between the 21 and 22, and I was very nervous someone would scoop them up during that time. Right after taking it home, the Model 21 was sold as well.
Now if you had said it took you three-months to convince the war department... 
