defensive .45
- Thread starter togusa.45
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azredhawk44
Moderator
The one that's with you.
The scandium will weigh less, and be more likely to be on you when you need it.
The scandium will weigh less, and be more likely to be on you when you need it.
Marko Kloos
Inactive
It'll also be pickier with ammo, and you may be limited in your SD load selection. The Scandium flyweights are notorious for being kinetic bullet pullers, one of the reasons why I've never warmed up to them.
Still, the 625JM is a big piece of steel for concealment. It can be done, but a shorter snout would be preferable.
Still, the 625JM is a big piece of steel for concealment. It can be done, but a shorter snout would be preferable.
I gotta vote for the 325PD. I have a 4" model and I also own guns that are similar in size and weight to the 625JM. A long range session with the 325PD can leave the palm of your shooting hand a bit sore, but it is in fact a good shooting and handling revolver that is also light to carry. I am most impressed by the one I bought.
Smurfslayer
New member
I have both
and it pains me to even think this, much less type it. If carrying is a concern, I gotta go with the 325. The 625JM is a great gun, mine has a PC action job, and I compete in ICORE with it. However, it's literally twice as heavy as the 325. That's good and bad, but if you have to carry it all day, the 325 wins hands down.
I'll +1 the 'kinetic bullet puller' comment. It's only happened to me with some uncrimped reloads, and CCI Blazer brass, not hydras or Golden sabers.
Now, if you are open carrying... Maybe I'd reconsider the 625JM
and it pains me to even think this, much less type it. If carrying is a concern, I gotta go with the 325. The 625JM is a great gun, mine has a PC action job, and I compete in ICORE with it. However, it's literally twice as heavy as the 325. That's good and bad, but if you have to carry it all day, the 325 wins hands down.
I'll +1 the 'kinetic bullet puller' comment. It's only happened to me with some uncrimped reloads, and CCI Blazer brass, not hydras or Golden sabers.
Now, if you are open carrying... Maybe I'd reconsider the 625JM
I have no trouble with the 325PD and follow up shots, but I do have the 4" version. The grips play a part in how the recoil will affect you. For instance, I have both a 4" 624 and a TR 21-4. Both are 4" steel guns, but with very different grips. The 624 has factory target stocks and is a pleasure to shoot -- the recoil is almost negligible. But the 21-4 is equipped with Ahrend's round butt grips and the felt recoil is much more noticeable. Still not that bad, but you can definitely tell the difference.
I can also compare the 325PD with my SW1911SC. The 1911SC is a light pistol but it handles recoil like a dream. Part of that is because the action is recoil operated. The 325PD transfers the recoil directly into the shooting hand and seems much worse than the 1911SC. But the 325PD handles quite well and is easy to shoot accurately. I find the engineering of these new guns quite remarkable. I even like the looks of the 325PD, though not nearly as much as my new TR 22-4.
I can also compare the 325PD with my SW1911SC. The 1911SC is a light pistol but it handles recoil like a dream. Part of that is because the action is recoil operated. The 325PD transfers the recoil directly into the shooting hand and seems much worse than the 1911SC. But the 325PD handles quite well and is easy to shoot accurately. I find the engineering of these new guns quite remarkable. I even like the looks of the 325PD, though not nearly as much as my new TR 22-4.
Smurfslayer
New member
What 4" version?
Last I heard, there was only the 2.75" (or whatever it is).
Like I said above, the scandium 325PD is half the weight of the 625JM.
Yes, you can make follow up shots with both, but the 625JM is much more controllable, and much less punishing. It's not "bad" recoil wise (the 325PD) but it is worthy of practice. To put it in perspective, I also have the 327 / 627 .357 magnums, and I can shoot cylinder after cylinder, after cylinder of full power magnums out of the 327 2"... I find the 325PD much more punishing. Not in a "jump out of your hands" kind of way, just a sharp push back and slight jump.
As a benchmark, I can usually tolerate 20 - 25 full power 500 magnums and still be able to shoot other calibers. I am not that recoil sensitive...
HTH
My own experience with a 3 inch 629 has been that I leave it home in favor of my Colt Detective, K frame snubbies or L frame snubbie as it's just a tad heavy. I prefer the bigger calibers though so it's a trade off for sure.
Yesterday I bought a 325PD in hopes of solving that dilema. I haven't shot it yet but expect recoil to be manageable as I can tolerate hot loads in the 3 inch 629 and 45acp plus p's in my 22 oz. Kimber Ultra CDP. I know that's comparing apples to oranges but that's my impression. I'll run a few rounds through it today once it gets light enough to shoot.
I understand there is some concerns about the finish on the 325's. S&W advises against using abrasive pads for cleaning but what is good as a solvent? Never dull has been suggested to me already.
Yesterday I bought a 325PD in hopes of solving that dilema. I haven't shot it yet but expect recoil to be manageable as I can tolerate hot loads in the 3 inch 629 and 45acp plus p's in my 22 oz. Kimber Ultra CDP. I know that's comparing apples to oranges but that's my impression. I'll run a few rounds through it today once it gets light enough to shoot.
I understand there is some concerns about the finish on the 325's. S&W advises against using abrasive pads for cleaning but what is good as a solvent? Never dull has been suggested to me already.