Thinking about a Model 24 or 25

[wlc]

Hi, this is my first post here. I'm a casual pistol and revolver shooter and presently have a STI 1911, a couple of S&W M&P9's, a model 15-4, 4"
and a 629-1, 4". I have been thinking that I would like a model 24 or a model 25, 45acp (624 or 625 would be ok also) I'm wondering what I should be looking for as far as the various versions. I don't want anything with the internal lock, other than that, I'm open to suggestions. Anything to avoid? I started thinking about the M25 because ammo is so much cheaper than .44 spec and I have quite a bit already.

Thanks
Bill

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum.
I have 2 M625s in 45 ACP that I really like. Also have an older 5 screw S&W in 45 ACP. They all shoot very well.
From many posts on the forum I don't think you can go wrong with the M625s. They are very well thought of around here.

 

[feralmerril]

This is your lucky day! I have both guns, both in 4"s, a 24-3 and a 25-5. I can only give you a personnal opinion. Both are nice. Now if you find both and want to choose one or the other, I would choose the 24-3 because, 1. It`s lighter and more portable with the tapered barrel and 2nd, I hear that with the 25-5 there is some chance of getting chambers that are either too small or too big for the bore. I lucked out and mine are just fine. Both guns shoot pretty much the same level of loads. I will say that for some reason the 24-3`s blue isnt as nice as the 25-5`s. The 25-5 has a brighter blue.

 

[wlc]

Thanks guys. I 've read a little about some model 25s having oversize throats (?) I hope to hear a little more about this.

 

[wlc]

Very nice guns, by the way!

 

[Nightowl]

I have a Model 1950 .45 ACP that has oversize throats, around .458. The 25-5 has about the same size throats. I hear this was corrected around the time they went to the ABC 1234 serial number convention. The early 625s also had the headspace correct so you could shoot rounds without moon clips. There has been some conversation here that the newer ones require moonclips as the headspacing is not set up for use without them. There has been several threads here that you should be able to find with the search function. Good luck in your hunt. Oh yeah, why not one of each??

 

[Joe in SC]

I would suggest that you buy the 45 cal gun if you don't reload. The 44 special is probably the most versitile if you do load your own. A 44 would be a good reason to start loading. I believe the 44 special is a tad more accurate but it literally takes mounting both in a machine rest to prove it.

I have both. My 45 is a 625-2, model of 1988. It is a great revolver, accurate and fun to shoot. It can be fired with or without the moon clips and it can be fired with auto-rim ammo if you find some (expensive too). It does not have a problem with oversize chamber mouths, which as mentioned, can be detrimental to fine accuracy.

Since you already have a 44 caliber revolver, you can experiment with the 44 special before you buy. They will shoot fine in your 629. Just clean the chambers well when you finish shooting the specials.

Other than ammo costs either caliber will serve you well. Let us know what you end up with.

 

[M29since14]

I'll start by saying I wouldn't rule out buying a present-day production gun IF you can have a look at it before you commit. Check it out overall, but pay particular attention to the barrel. If everything looks good, the gun should make a nice paper target and tin can puncher. I have seen some "fair" prices lately on current production Model 24s, so maybe the same is available for Model 25s? Yes, we all know the guns would sell better without the IL...

If you are going to buy a Model number gun without the lock, I would do as others have said and favor the Model 24, since you already have a 629. You can trim your 44 Magnum cases when they start to get a bit raggedy and use them in your 44 Special several more times.

I am not a big fan of the .45 ACP cartridge in revolvers but do like the .45 Colt. One gun you might consider if you are intent on buying a .45 is the Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. They are out there if you look for them, and the only thing I don't care for about them is the round-butt frame. You can fix that with custom stocks, if you decide to go that way.

 

[wlc]

I appreciate hearing from shooters who have both. I bought the 629 new sometime in the 80s because I had always wanted one in 4". I previously had a 57 with a 8-3/8" barrel. I never shot the 629 much, but have recently started to shoot it some with 44 special ammo. I really enjoy the combination of the large frame and the lighter recoil. I hate trying to get the crud out of the cylinder after shooting the shorter cartridges though. that's what got me started thinking about a 24 or 25.