Hi there everyone! First time "gonna be" revolver owner here. I've had some experience with different firearms but mostly pistols than revolvers. But hey, I LIKE REVOLVERS TOO. So I went down to the shop yesterday to see what's available. I had thought about getting a S&W 686 in .357 Mag. but it would have to be in 6" barrel since the government don't allow 4" AND under barrel. Then I saw this S&W 625 which basically is the same thing as the 686 but in .45 ACP and has a 5" barrel. Does anyone of you guys have this piece or have tried it? What do you think of it? What are the differences between the 686 and 625 other than caliber and barrel length? Thanks for your input.
Is the S&W 625 a good buy?
- Thread starter npcolin
- Start date
My son has the 625 with the 4" bbl, it's a very nice shooter. I like the .45 ACP/AR concept in a revolver. His is quite accurate. With a cast SWC in the Auto Rim case the cartridge offers plenty of power for whitetails, or it can be loaded to punch paper with the best of them in ACP cases. The Auto Rim cases don't require the use of moon clips (well the ACP doesn't have to use them, but sure makes case removal easier).
My first big bore revolver was a 25 purchased some thirty-three years ago.
The N framed 625 is a bit larger, with a tad more trigger reach, but the weapons are pretty close weight wise. I love the .45, and prefer it over the .357 in most every instance.
My first big bore revolver was a 25 purchased some thirty-three years ago.
The N framed 625 is a bit larger, with a tad more trigger reach, but the weapons are pretty close weight wise. I love the .45, and prefer it over the .357 in most every instance.
Jim Watson
New member
I thnk the 625 is a first class gun, a good shooter. I have an old blue M25-2 that does the same job for me.
But if you want a .38-.357, check with S&W.
They make a 686+ (7 shot) with 5 inch barrel.
They make or have made at least some of their 4 inch revolver barrels actually 4 1/8" long so as to pass silly restrictions like you live under. When IDPA was rewriting their rule book they had to revise the definition of a Stock Service Revolver to have a barrel of 4.2 inches or less so as to accomodate such guns.
http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293566&sw_activeTab=1
But if you want a .38-.357, check with S&W.
They make a 686+ (7 shot) with 5 inch barrel.
They make or have made at least some of their 4 inch revolver barrels actually 4 1/8" long so as to pass silly restrictions like you live under. When IDPA was rewriting their rule book they had to revise the definition of a Stock Service Revolver to have a barrel of 4.2 inches or less so as to accomodate such guns.
http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293566&sw_activeTab=1
I don't blame you. I would too if I have the cash. Not really
"...this S&W 625 which basically is the same thing as the 686 but in .45 ACP..."
No. The 686 is an L - frame and the 625 is the larger N -frame designed for the .44 Magnum. Nothing wrong with a 686 (I have one), but the 625 is the bigger, stronger gun.
I have two 625's - can't beat moon clips for competitions!
"...this S&W 625 which basically is the same thing as the 686 but in .45 ACP..."
No. The 686 is an L - frame and the 625 is the larger N -frame designed for the .44 Magnum. Nothing wrong with a 686 (I have one), but the 625 is the bigger, stronger gun.
I have two 625's - can't beat moon clips for competitions!
Thanks Joe,
My son is currently using the metal versions and has the de-mooning tool, it's still a pita. Saw the adverts for the polymer moon clips, haven't tried them yet, so thought I'd ask. My old 25 never had an ACP fired in it, used AR brass exclusively.
The Model 25 6.5" is one of the best balanced revolvers S&W ever made. I always had a sentimental spot for it.
Best,
JB
My son is currently using the metal versions and has the de-mooning tool, it's still a pita. Saw the adverts for the polymer moon clips, haven't tried them yet, so thought I'd ask. My old 25 never had an ACP fired in it, used AR brass exclusively.
The Model 25 6.5" is one of the best balanced revolvers S&W ever made. I always had a sentimental spot for it.
Best,
JB
The 625 or the 25 is my dream gun! I have had 625 since they first appeared on the market in 88. It is the quinessential handgun to me; the 625 represents the perfect example of a class for a handgun! As I type I look 4 50cal ammo cans loaded with 200gr LSWC moonclipped ready to go! I like the RIMZ, and they are great for load development applications. They work great for introducing noob shooters to the 45ACP. In fact last trip to the indoor range they came in handy. I let a gun shoot my gun, I ran out of ammo, using some WWB he had. They allowed him some trigger time, without the hassle of demooning or remooning. But, I solve that problem with using 45AR brass for introducing noob shooters. They service a purpose. But for me an evening in front of the boob tube and some fresh ammo from the 550 gets mooned pretty quick with CA Comp. Mooning Tool
. I demoon with the Brownells screw driver tool. I have broken more
and even one of the enhanced models
And, they were replaced with no problems and sold! I think that the tool needs to be all metal with some kind of bushing thus elinating the polymer!
The 625 is just plain fun to shoot! Accurate, and there is no need to ever worry about having the right springs in too shoot various loads. If I want heavy duty 45ACP loads, I have the perfect platform the HK USP in 45ACP! But, for pure 45ACP fun there is nothing better then an N Frame in 45ACP!
The 625 is just plain fun to shoot! Accurate, and there is no need to ever worry about having the right springs in too shoot various loads. If I want heavy duty 45ACP loads, I have the perfect platform the HK USP in 45ACP! But, for pure 45ACP fun there is nothing better then an N Frame in 45ACP!