Which 45ACP S&W revolver would you choose and why?

[aterry33]

M1917?
Model 22?
Model 25?
Model 625?

Just wondering what everyone considers the "best" and/or their favorite.

 

[Alpo]

I have a 1917 that has been cut to 3 1/2 inches, with a ramp and a wonder sight. A 1937 that's still full size. A 22 re-issue, with the lock, and a 625 Model of 1988. Of them all, I like the 625 best.

3 1/2, 4, 5 and 5 1/2" barrels. The five-inch seems to balance the best for me. The underlug helps, I guess. And the 625 has got sights that are easy to see.

 

[oldman45]

M1917?
Model 22?
Model 25?
Model 625?

Just wondering what everyone considers the "best" and/or their favorite.

I would go with .45 Colt in a Model 25-5. Lot of difference between ACP and Colt. One of my revolvers is a 25-5 and I love the weight, feel and accuracy. Finding ammo for it is difficult but I only shoot it a couple times a year.

For a carry weapon, it would be OK but there are other guns I would go with for carry. The .45 Colt is just in the collection as an occasional shooter. I would not hesitate to use it in self defense during socially select situations.

 

[Ranger325]

I absolutely love my 25-2!! It is accurate (or as accurate as I can be on any given day) and I don't have an issue using full moon clips. I reload alot of ACP for my 1911's and at some time will play with different recepies.

That said, a 25-2 may be near the top of my current wish list as I'm becoming quite fond the .45 colt round, another reloading option.

Good luck......................

Regards,

 

[ladder13]

For CCW, I'd probably go with one of those Nightguard models.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I like any revolver in 45acp that is a S&W product.
My first choice would be a 625 followed very closely by the 25-2.
They're great revolvers, accurate. pleasant to fire and very reliable.

 

[aterry33]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I have a 25-5 in 45LC and I love it.

Is the 625 the same as the 25-2 other than the full underlug barrel on the 625? How much does the underlug change the handling/felt recoil with 45ACP?

Also, how is the 25-2 any different than the Model 22 or M1917?

Thanks.

 

[feralmerril]

1917 S&W, and a 25-5, but thats only because I already own them. I also have 4 various single actions and a T/C in them.

 

[feralmerril]

aterry32, the 1917 is in ACP. The 25-5 is in .45 colt.

 

[Buddy G]

I picked up a like new 625-8 JM last week in a trade and dealy love it. I have been out 3 times and it just gets better.
And those ugly JM grips fit like a glove. Already, I can shoot it better than all the Smiffs I own. I went today and I will go again tomorrow, and every other day I can. Takes 50 to 75 rounds to satisfy me. Shoots the same thing my 1911s do and the moon clips make it racy! I used to take a different gun each time I went...can't tell how long it will take for this to wear off.
When it warms up I can shoot outside, right now that's about all the lead fumes I can breathe indoors before I start to taste it. Then it's time to come home.
I have some coated bullets ordered.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

625 is stainless and made to a little tighter tolerances than the older 25-2. Aside from that not much difference.
22 & 1917 vs 25/625 = Fixed sights versus adjustable sights.

 

[beemerphile]

I vote, curiously, for the only one I own. A Model 22 Thunder Ranch Special.

 

[james56]

I cant get enough shooting of my two M1917, 625 JM and four 1911's they are all configured differently as far as grips and sight's, so each one has its own challange shooting it. love the .45acp wheelgun's . Now I have been turning my attenion to collecting M-27's with acquiring my frist one in 3.5" Nk. this past week

 

[Buddy G]

Finally got a picture, not good, but different:

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have used/fired all of the listed Models.
I would choose the Model 25-2 which is as perfect a .45 revolver as available. I have this Model in 6 1/2" barrels and 4" barrels which I had cut back from 6 1/2". Great actions, balance and heft. You can use .45acp without moon clips with negative problems with mis-fires.
Jimmy

 

[Buddy G]

And I thought they all had to use moon clips. So, a 25-2 will work OK? My quest will start today.

 

[aterry33]

625 is stainless and made to a little tighter tolerances than the older 25-2. Aside from that not much difference.
22 & 1917 vs 25/625 = Fixed sights versus adjustable sights.

Thanks Joni that's what I was wondering.

 

[Evil One]

Model 22.
I prefer 4" or shorter barrels and fixed sights.


Jim

 

[kennyb]

I picked up a like new 625-8 JM last week in a trade and dealy love it. I have been out 3 times and it just gets better.
And those ugly JM grips fit like a glove. Already, I can shoot it better than all the Smiffs I own. I went today and I will go again tomorrow, and every other day I can. Takes 50 to 75 rounds to satisfy me. Shoots the same thing my 1911s do and the moon clips make it racy! I used to take a different gun each time I went...can't tell how long it will take for this to wear off.
When it warms up I can shoot outside, right now that's about all the lead fumes I can breathe indoors before I start to taste it. Then it's time to come home.
I have some coated bullets ordered.

i'm with you...i have the 625JM from the performance center...not a cheap gun but dang,can it ever shoot!

 

[CW Spook]

I have a 1917 that belonged to my wife's grandfather, a WWI pursuit pilot. If I could have another .45ACP revolver it would be a 325 Night Guard.

 

[Raider]

Since I just bought a 25-2 with 6 1/2" barrel I'd have to choose that. It handles and shoots like a dream with the sweetest trigger. I have a 1917 model too but its not as refined.

Charlie

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Your most welcome to my ramblings.
If you were close enough I'd let you try some of the different revolvers but you're 400+miles away.
One thing I like about the 625 is the rust resistant stainless steel.
I shoot mine until it is either too dirty to continue or so much lead has accumulated that the accuracy goes bye bye. (I have since switched to better lead bullets)

 

[Farmboy]

favorite 45

I have to go with the 1955 target/25-2. I also have a 1917 and 1950 target in 45 but the 1955 just is about perfect, deadly accurate, fits the same SD Myres holster I use for the Mod. 29. I goes to the woods with me a lot.

BR

 

[PALADIN85020]

This is my favorite .45 ACP revolver. It's a 625-2 Model of 1988, with a 5" barrel, made in February of 1989. It's been suitably customized to my tastes - red ramp front sight, action job by Nelson Ford, and Ahrends retro classic grips. It is both extremely accurate and very smooth in its action. It will fire even military .45 ACP rounds without the clips, even in double action. With my favorite Federal HydraShok 230-grain hollowpoints, it makes an excellent combat revolver. I have other .45 ACP revolvers, including a Model 25-2, and an M1917 S&W revolver dating from the WWI period, but this is the one that punches my hot button.

 

[BSkerj]

Bought my 625 ACP from fellow forum member LNIB. I have had it a little over a week and have run close to 500rds through it as of yesterday. It is a 5 " PC without the "lock". I love the grips..they were hard to get used to but now nice and comfortable.

 

[Muley Gil]

No one has mentioned my favorite-the M625 .45 ACP Mountain Gun. I believe it is the perfect fighting revolver. The 4" tapered barrel drops the weight down and the round butt aids in concealment. Stainless steel makes for a better CCW. Fast reloads with full moon clips completes the package.

 

[tennexplorer]

No one has mentioned my favorite-the M625 .45 ACP Mountain Gun. I believe it is the perfect fighting revolver. The 4" tapered barrel drops the weight down and the round butt aids in concealment. Stainless steel makes for a better CCW. Fast reloads with full moon clips completes the package.

I'd like to second that. And there are a few out there with no lock. Those are really nice.

 

[Cyrano]

My only Smith 45 ACP is a Model 1917. Great fun to shoot, and I've experimented a bunch with handloads, as it doesn't like the Lyman 230 gr cast round nose bullet. But I have a 625 mountain gun in 45 Colt which is another matter entirely; powerful and pretty accurate. Also light, for an N frame, which means it won't take your pants down for at least half a mile of walking.

 

[4864]

They are all dang fine revolvers. I have a 1917 and a 625. My love of .45 is very deep as is my love for stainless guns. If I had to start over I would got with the 625.

 

[bubbajoe45]

I am fairly new to 45ACP revolvers, but have had a lot of fun with them. I have a 3 1/2" 1917 and a 2 1/2" 325NG. The 325 is great to carry - lighter than most.

I am interested next in 4" gun; a Thunder Ranch 22 and ultimately a Mtn gun.