Torn between two .45 ACP wheelguns

[BenR]

I'm looking to expand my revolver collection to include a wheelgun chambered in .45 ACP. I'm torn between the 625 Performance Center (I have a 627 PC and love it) and the 325 Night Guard.

I like stainless and really have no experience with the scandium-alloy guns, aside from handling them at the gun shops. Every revolver I have is a snubby, and I think I'd like to try a slightly longer barrel.

I would like to be able to carry the weapon, so the snub-nosed Night Guard would be easier to conceal than the 625 PC with a 4-inch-long barrel, but I'm sure both can be carried successfully, given the right rig and wardrobe, etc. Sure, the 625 PC weighs almost two times more than the 325 NG, but a solid holster and belt -- or shoulder rig -- would take care of that.

The 325 NG would theoretically be ready to roll right out of the box, while the 625 PC would need new grips right away. I just can't appreciate the red, white, and blue laminates. But that's just one man's opinion.

I've read plenty of glowing reviews and some complaints about both models, and while I find all sensibly written feedback valuable, I don't base my judgment about product quality on what I see online.

All of this being said, if you could only have one or the other, which would you choose? Why? Hopefully, a handful of serious revolver nuts have both and can weigh in.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond.

 

[sarge1967]

I would go with the 625. They balance great and handle full charge 230 gr. rounds well.

I am not fond of the Scandium alloy guns unless I am using light loads. I like my revolvers to have some heft to them. YMMV

 

[steamloco76]

The 625 will become a gun you want to shoot as much as you can afford! The 325 NG is made for concealed carry, so if that is primary reason for buying a 45 ACP revolver it would be the prudent choice. I have a 625-8 with the 5 inch barrel and it, along with my 22-4 are my two favorite big bore handguns. As for the questionable looking Performance center grips, for $60 plus shipping Ahrend's makes several patterns for the N frame round but that can't be beat for function and looks.

 

[cal50]

+1 for a 625.

If I had to have only one S&W revolver the 625 would #1.

(or maybe my 617)

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Being able to carry what is normally used to shoot at the range with, and carrying constantly, are two different things. If you are going to shoot a lot, the 625 is the one, mainly because a normal-weight gun is just a lot more fun, may last longer, is easier to maintain, and probably a few other reasons. However, the 325 is MUCH easier to carry repeatedly. I do not recommend that you buy a 325 without trying one out. I almost sold mine, but just in time discovered that a Hogue rubber grip made it shootable (and the Hogue is very light). However, that was with MY hand. You may find other grips optimum, or perhaps you may find none that make the 325 a usable choice.

 

[Gunhacker]

I'd shy away from the Scandium NG... I had the opportunity to try one and even though the .45 acp isn't known as a really hard kicking round, it was just plain nasty.

What I really liked about it was the sights, those are some of the most practical fixed sights I've come across on a revolver.

I can't even begin to imagine what firing the Magnum versions of it must be like with that light frame... sheeeez.

 

[JAK1494]

Always been a 1911 guy. First try at a 45ACP revolver was the 625JM. Just shot it today for the first time. What a great gun. Definitely a lot more kick than my Colt 1911. Haven't shot the 325 but have been looking to add one to the collection. I can only imagine the recoil on it compared to the 625.

 

[gumpys]

I owned every single variation of the smith 625 over the years and like my 625 v-comp and 625 jm and 625 3" the best.
Eric

 

[NE450No2]

I used a 6 1/2" and a 6" Mod 25-2 as Duty guns for several years. First with half moon clips later with full moons.
I like the 45 ACP in a revolver.
A couple of years ago I got a 325NG from a buddy. I reaally like it. It is not that bad with full power 230gr ammo, [but I have been shooting 44 Mags since 1970]. It is not something you would want to shoot at the range all day with full power ammo, but with lighter 185 gr wadcutter loads is is fun to shoot.

I keep it under my pillow every night. When I go on a road trip I have an anti-carjacking holster I carry it in. It has become one of my favorites.

The 625 is a better choice for a shooter/range/field gun.

I carried Mod 29's off duty, both 4 and 6 1/2" guns, and in the field when hunting/fishing/backpacking for several years, but most people do not like to carry a gun that heavy all of the time.

Back when I was carrying the Mod 25-2's I always wish I had a 4" one, I just never could modify an original 25...

Now I want a 4" 45 ACP revolver for IDPA, and I am torn between the Performance model and the 625 with the under lug.

If you want a light weight carry gun get the NG, IF you are going to shoot it a lot definately get the 625.

 

[TAROMAN]

I would go with the 625. They balance great and handle full charge 230 gr. rounds well.

What Sarge said. 625s rock!

 

[Texas1941]

If you are going to have just one 45 ACP revolver, go with a steel frame gun. I have a 325NG and carry it a lot. It is light, but being an N frame, takes up a lot of real estate on your belt. Recoil, with the factory grips, is stout but manageable. Put on wood grips, or any grip with an exposed backstrap, and things change for the worse. The 325NG is not a general purpose pistol. It's a short range defensive revolver for those that like launching big pills at +/- 800 fps. If you want something that will do more, go with the 625 (or my personal favorite, the 22-4).

For what it's worth,

Charles

 

[mc5aw]

625 --> Shoot lots, carry little.

NG --> Carry lots, shoot little.

 

[Dennis The B]

For concealed carry, I have a Model 325NG in the rotation. It's light enough to be comfortable, and massive enough to be comforting.

The 325NG handles all my .45ACP loads easily. My primary load is a 250gr SWCRN (a .45 Colt bullet) loaded into the .45ACP brass. I use Bullseye powder, and it allows a non-compressed load. I can feel the difference between those loads and standard hardball 230gr, but the load is not bad with respect to recoil.

My 625-3, Model of 1989, is strictly an open carry model. There's just too much weight and bulk to conceal. However, it's a superb range revolver.

 

[grumpy7159]

I like my 625 PC. The 325 is quite unpleasant to shoot. It could be better than nothing when the SHTF though.

 

[BenR]

Thanks to everyone for all of the very thoughtful and very helpful replies.

 

[alexap]

I have the 325pd for sale. I'm looking to sell to get the snub version. The 325 is a baby doll to shoot. Doesnt recoil as bad as a 642 with +p. I love mine!

 

[Russell Cottle]

For what it's worth, I've been looking for a acp revolver to replace a tired ol' 4" (barrel had been shorten and the gun nickled) 1917 that I picked up years ago. I just took delivery of a 4" 625PC yesterday. I like it!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I have a three inch 625 and feel like that's about as light as you want to go and still be able to enjoy empying all your moon clips. The only remaining issue I have with buying that gun is it makes me want another one in four or five inch wear.

 

[nn]

If it was me, I'p opt for the 625. It is not too heavy to carry.

 

[NE450No2]

One of the most comfortable ways I have found to carry a 4" Steel N framed S&W is in a Milt Sparks IWB Summer Special holster.

In fact I also have a Galco, I think it is the Mod 55, that is an IWB holster for a 6 1/2" N Frame.

I have used both for many many years.