625-3 and Moon Clips

A

AustinMike

New member
I just bought a S&W Model 625-3 .45 Model of 1989 5in Revolver online. I've been looking around for older guns like this without the silly lock built in and just happened to catch this before an auction ended. Got it for $430, which didn't seem too bad, supposedly it's 98%. It's cheaper than what used revolvers go for around here anyway. This is going to be my first .45acp revolver. Stupid noob question...are moon clips going to work with this gun as stock or would it have to be modified in some way? I assumed that using full moon clips will be no problem. What brand of clips do ya'll recommend?
 
You should be able to tell if the gun takes moon clips by loading a round into the cyclinder. If the ejector rod goes past the round without ejecting it then you can use moon clips.

I just purchased extra moon clips from TK Custom Moon Clips at www.moonclips.com. A package of 10 for $12.50. :D
 
Don't worry. It was designed for moon clips. You can also shoot it without the moonclips (the rounds will headspace on the case mouth) or with .45 Auto Rims (which is kind of neat cartridge).

As to what brand, I don't think you have just a lot of choices. The bigger challenge may be finding them. There's always S&W (rather expensive) and Numrich sales (but I have no idea what brand). There's a company that makes a plastic clip, but it's recommend for range/fun only--not for carry. You'll probably need to be looking for a demooning tool (to get the empties out of the clip).

I'm probably the only one but I actually found the original half-moon clips preferable to the full-moon clips for just general carry. They carry better in a pocket, and I like the idea of doing a partial reload (if you shoot three rounds with a moon clip, your choices are putting in six new rounds or going around with a half empty gun).
 
Thanks. I panicked for a minute - got a email from the seller that mentioned 45LC. A call to S&W with the serial number confirmed that it's ACP. Thought so...the only long colts I was aware of are the Mountain Gun models. Whew...

Here's what it looks like. Can't wait to get it, once all the FFL transfer biz goes through!

fbe9904a1e81d1b98c8e373a21f61692.jpg
 
Sweeeeet! If you like it half as much as I like mine, you will be very happy. I wonder what year yours was made. I have the same grips on mine (Which fit my hands perfectly.) My trigger and hammer are stainless, like yours. I have a ramp front sight, though. Wish someone had a book detailing the small changes S&W made to their models over the years.
 
Actually, there were a few 625s made in .45 Colt (without much rhyme or reason) according to Supica and Nahas. The .45 ACPs are the more common--I've never seen a .45 Colt model. Furthermore, since you are buying used and sight unseen, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that someone has dropped a .45 Colt cylinder in it--stranger things have happened. It could be .45 Colt (or the seller could be confused). The good news is that if it is a .45 Colt, it shouldn't be too hard to get rid of.
 
I called and another guy said it's ACP. Sounds like one of the younger guys was confused when he sent me the email. Supposedly, it just says ".45 Model of 1989" on the barrel. The cylinder looks short in the picture, like the .45acp's I've seen. Hopefully, there won't be any surprises. This is my first online gun purchase, so I was nervous. Seller has great feedback and there's a 3 day inspection period for return and money back if not satisfied. It's a lot better deal than what you get at shows around here. They really jack up those revolver prices!
 
Moon Clips

I recently bought moon clips from Ranch Products (ranchproducts.com)
100 for $25. shipped. Nice guy plus good service.
Another Plus, They work great.
 
great price on the gun!

The Ranch Products metal moon clips are great, and cheap. I paid about 50 cents each shipped. 100 for $25 is a much better deal than I got, so I'll be going to ranchproducts.com when I need more (thanks Michaelm45!)

The plastic ones mentioned are called RIMZ, about $1 each and work well but they don't hold the cartridge in as strong, so some rounds might get popped out if carried around for CCW use, or bouncing around in a range bag, etc.

I have a few RIMZ just for range use, easy to reload at the range, and use the metal Ranch Products moon clips for more serious applications.

Loading (mooning) and unloading (de-mooning) tools are almost mandatory if you shoot a lot. Check Brownells and Dillon, and others for these tools. They're not cheap but make the process much easier on your fingers.

Be careful as the .45 ACP revolver thing is ADDICTIVE! :eek:
Not a good toy for those easilly obcessed. I have a 3", a 4", a mountain gun, and am looking for a 5" like you have, as well as a 25-2 6 1/2" 1955 Target. Then I want a 1917..... help, I can't stop myself!
 
Be careful as the .45 ACP revolver thing is ADDICTIVE! Not a good toy for those easilly obcessed. I have a 3", a 4", a mountain gun, and am looking for a 5" like you have, as well as a 25-2 6 1/2" 1955 Target. Then I want a 1917..... help, I can't stop myself!
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utaherrn, maybe I shouldn't tell you there's a 5" 625 on gun broker for $495 right now. :D
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=33125501

Actually, there were a few 625s made in .45 Colt (without much rhyme or reason) according to Supica and Nahas. The .45 ACPs are the more common--I've never seen a .45 Colt model.
Click to expand...

juliet charley, here's one of those long colts out there too. One of 200 made, huh? Looking at the cylinders in the pictures, I'm certain the one I ordered is .45acp. You can tell the LC cylinder is longer.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=33129261
 
re RIMZ

RIMZ moon-clips are GREAT: Inexpensive, strong, polymer-based (therefore VERY durable), and -- most important -- requiring NO tools for cartridge case insertion or removal. I have seen no problems with rounds inadvertently popping out of the RIMZ moon-clip when dropped. In fairness, my only experience is with the Smith 610 (10mm and .40 S&W), but I have shoot thousands of rounds from it -- all through RIMZs -- with not the slightest issue or problem.
 
Moon Clips

Ranch Products are great and Steve and his wife are extremely nice people to deal with. For unloading empty cases, I got by just fine for several years (shooting over 1000 rounds a month) with a 6 inch length of hardwood dowel, 1/2 inch dia. I understand that Midway also has the 6 shot moons; the 5 shot, however, are pretty hard to find. Steve sells them but I don't know if he keeps them in stock or makes a special run.
Enjoy your 625 - I wish I could afford a 325 PD but at almost $700 it is a little pricey.
John
 
TK CUSTOM specializes in S&W Revolver accessories for the competition shooter and sportsman. Our products include a complete line of Full Moonclips, Moonclip Holders, Moonclip Stripper Tools, Moonclip Loading & Unloading Tools, a Moonclip Saver Tool and Performance Center Handguns "For Sale" and other items that may be of interest to revolver shooters'.
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I like to save money where I can. I selected TK Custom because they specialize in SW moon clips, and I wanted the best for my new baby. :rolleyes:
Be careful as the .45 ACP revolver thing is ADDICTIVE!
Not a good toy for those easilly obcessed.
Click to expand...
I've had mine for 3 weeks, and that quote is right on. I have a bunch of guns, and from the first time I fired my 625, I haven't wanted to shoot anything else. I wonder why that is... :D
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25-2

I like the 625s but the look of a 25-2 with the deep blueing is really a thing of beauty. And they shoot as good as they look!
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AustinMike

thanks, just what I need. I've bought 3 guns in 2 months. If I buy another right now, I'll probably need a divorce lawyer :rolleyes:

seriously, since there's no shortage of 5" 625s out there, I've got some cash set aside for when a good 25-2 shows up. once i have that, I'll get the 5".

enjoy your toy
 
You can also get moon clips from Wilson Combat. Brownell's is one of the retailers that sell them, or you can go straight to Wilson combat. They're about a buck apiece, but you get that whole top of the line pride in ownership thing happening.
 
Congrats on the new gun!! I'm sure yer gonna like it.

625-3 was my 1st N frame.

625_3l.jpg


Great shooters... but be carefull... they are habit forming.

Joe
 
The hammer and trigger are not stainless. They are carbon steel that has been factory chromed to match the satin finish on the gun.
 
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