Thoughts on 625-8 as defensive revolver

[Joe in Fl]

I have a 625-8 I have been kicking around the idea of using as a defensive Handgun. I'm large enough to conceal it. One of my main concerns is how much should I be concerned about it only having one lock-up point with the use of defensive ammo? Other then the weight what say the masses?
Thanks, Joe

 

[LPD256]

The 625-8 is a great shooter. I’d carry it for a week and make the call then. You’ll get some replies about .45acp ammo I’m sure and comparisons to a1911, but my opinion is it’s your life, your money, and your choice.

 

[Joe in Fl]

Thanks Brother, Ive been carrying it for about 2 mionths. The weight has not been an issue, my biggest concern is the single point lock-up. I'm nota huge bpttp, feeder fan. I was issued a plastic gun which was as reliable as anything I'bve carried. I'm just just a fan of wheelguns. I do own a 1911, great gun just more of a wheelgun fan.
Joe

 

[Joe in Fl]

Thanks Brother, Ive been carrying it for about 2 months. The weight has not been an issue, my biggest concern is the single point lock-up. I'm nota huge bpttp, feeder fan. I was issued a plastic gun which was as reliable as anything I'bve carried. I'm just just a fan of wheelguns. I do own a 1911, great gun just more of a wheelgun fan.
Joe

The 625-8 is a great shooter. I’d carry it for a week and make the call then. You’ll get some replies about .45acp ammo I’m sure and comparisons to a1911, but my opinion is it’s your life, your money, and your choice.

 

[Bald1]

I’d carry it and run whatever ammo u want through it. And if six shots aren’t enough , u can use it as a club.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

It sounds like you can conceal it. I say go for it. I love my model 625-8PC that I got from a forum member here.

What is your concern on the lock-up points? There should be two: one at end of the ejector rod and one at the cylinder face. The same frame and lock-up points undergo much more stress in 44 mag and holds up fine.

 

[Rudi]

If you can find them, Buffalo Bore makes some hot loads in .45 Auto rim.

 

[StrawHat]

…my biggest concern is the single point lock-up…
Joe

Unless there has been some kind of modification done to your revolver, there are two locking points as mentioned by Casual Smith Nut. The same two that have been in use on 45 ACP revolvers since 1917. They have withstood the test of time and a have done a good job.

I carry a Model 22-4 but on occasion will carry a Model 625-6 or my custom Model 28-2. All three can use the same holster, moonclips and ammunition holder.

I have a few more ACP, N frames but those three are the primary ones.

My preferred ammunition is a 235 grain full wadcutter (SAECO 453) over a hardball dose of powder. It is accurate and hits hard.

Kevin

 

[Cal44]

My preferred ammunition is a 235 grain full wadcutter (SAECO 453) over a hardball dose of powder. It is accurate and hits hard.

Kevin

Buffalo Bore offers some 45 Auto Rim rounds with full wadcutters.

I got some in case I ever wanted to use my 45 Auto JM or 25-2 for defense. Never did use them, but figured they would do the job.

 

[robertrwalsh]

If you can comfortably lug around that big chunk of iron I say GO FOR IT. One thing for sure if you ever have to pull it on a bad guy he will know you are not screwing around.

 

[biku324]

I carry mine in rotation with a Shield 2.0 in 45 ACP. It's a solid, accurate, dependable weapon, that is much more shootable out to 75 yards (I travel in empty, coyote-rich country a lot) than the Shield.

I like the Buffalo Bore 255 grain LFN, standard velocity Auto Rim in the chambers, with 2 moon clips loaded with Winchester RED45 230 grain FMJ FP handy.

 

[ken158]

Why would the lock up of your S&W revolver be of any consideration since the method has stood the test of time and durability.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

C*** used to use only one lockup point, in the rear, although it was a bit larger than on the S&W, and one perhaps should count the hand in the C*** as a lockup point. No one claimed the C*** 1917 couldn't handle .45ACP ammo. Meanwhile, almost every S&W I've seen has two. Why do you think yours has only one? What happened to it?

 

[Joe in Fl]

My apologies gentlemen, There IS 2 lock-ups. I must have looking at a another one of the other guns in the safe. Sorry for the confusion.
Joe

 

[StrawHat]

Thank you for clearing that up. It will still make a dandy carry piece.

Kevin

 

[SAFireman]

There is nothing wrong with a 45acp for carry. Single stack, double stack, revolver, or derringer.

Here is one of my all time favorites by Jovino and it's younger cousin a 625-4.

They all fall to 45 ball, right?

And the Jovino had the factory's 2nd locking device removed, and they added a ball detent lockup for the crane. Just FYI.

 

[chief38]

Personally I can't really understand WHY you would want to carry a huge and heavy Revolver in Florida. Even though you say you are able to conceal it, it has to be cumbersome and annoying in Florida's hot & humid season. If there are no other options of defensive handguns for you - then I understand but personally I'd opt for a smaller and lighter defensive firearm. The M625 is a great Revolver in a great caliber, however I never thought of it as a CCW Revolver.

As far as the lock up points are concerned, the two there are more than adequate and you will not have any issues with defensive ammunition. This basic design has been around for a century and it seems to work just fine.

 

[Joe in Fl]

The weight does not bother me at all after wearing a 20lb+ duty belt for the past 38 years. The heat, I've lived here all my life, 61 years, the heat is hot but nothing unbearable. I do have smaller/lighter wheel guns, a couple model 60's, 642's 36's, 686 2.5" etc. When I started my career as LEO, I carried a 6" model 27 for 6 years until my agency switched to auto's. I just like the N frames, lol.

Personally I can't really understand WHY you would want to carry a huge and heavy Revolver in Florida. Even though you say you are able to conceal it, it has to be cumbersome and annoying in Florida's hot & humid season. If there are no other options of defensive handguns for you - then I understand but personally I'd opt for a smaller and lighter defensive firearm. The M625 is a great Revolver in a great caliber, however I never thought of it as a CCW Revolver.

As far as the lock up points are concerned, the two there are more than adequate and you will not have any issues with defensive ammunition. This basic design has been around for a century and it seems to work just fine.

 

[StrawHat]

… I just like the N frames, lol...

That’s all the reason you need.

So do I! Here are some of my 4”, 45 ACPs.

Kevin

 

[Old cop]

Try carrying around the house, concealing the way you would if outside to see how it goes. Check yourself in a mirror to see if anything is printing.