which new revolver

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I am going to be purchasing a new revolver in 45ACP. WHICH ONE IS THE BEST

[Frosty Boolit]

many bowling pin shooters at my range use Model 625's

[pdawg_shooter]

+1 on the Smith.

[2ndAmendmentNut]

I just got a S&W 625 45ACP in a trade not to long ago it has quickly become my favorite handgun.

If you are into SA revolvers the Ruger Blackhawk convertibles are a lot of fun as well.

[Bass Ackward]

I am going to be purchasing a new revolver in 45ACP. WHICH ONE IS THE BEST

Best? Best for what? Each style can have advantages and disadvantages.

I have three 625s and one Ruger single action. All shoot well.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

All I see is a model 625JM model to expensive. Do they make a plain base model. I am only going to use it for target shooting .

[Shooter6br]

Like the Ruger Blackhawk convertable ,but depends on useage( Defence ,target , hunting etc)

[Bass Ackward]

One thing to keep in mind. When gold starts hitting new highs, guns soon follow. What looks expensive today will be a bargin next year.

[white eagle]

ruger

[pdawg_shooter]

If you get the ruger, get their return address. You will need it.

[Grapeshot]

I am going to be purchasing a new revolver in 45ACP. WHICH ONE IS THE BEST

Get The S&W M625. I've had one since 1989 and it's my favorite .45.

[MtGun44]

How high is up?

Bill

[imashooter2]

I am going to be purchasing a new revolver in 45ACP. WHICH ONE IS THE BEST


All I see is a model 625JM model to expensive. Do they make a plain base model. I am only going to use it for target shooting .

You want the best, but the best is too expensive.

For new guns there is the JM 625, the Performance Center 625, the Thunder Ranch 325 and the M22 Classics. Of those, the JM is the cheapest option. You can look for used if you'd like to save a couple bucks.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

[QUOTE=imashooter2;1229111]You want the best, but the best is too expensive.

For new guns there is the JM 625, the Performance Center 625, the Thunder Ranch 325 and the M22 Classics. Of those, the JM is the cheapest option. You can look for used if you'd like to save a couple bucks.[/QUOT



You are correct if you want the best you have to pay for it. What is a M22?

[imashooter2]

The S&W Model 22's are part of their new "Classics" line. They are .45 ACP blued guns on lock frames with thin barrels, half moon sights and old prewar style Service Stocks.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

Thanks shooter2 for the info. Now I am new to 45acp in a revolver. Do you need moon clip to use 45acp and why. Please help. All of my 45acp are auto loaders.

[9.3X62AL]

My sole experience with 45 ACP revolvers was with a S&W Model 25-2 in the early 1980s. To use 45 ACP ammunition, the moon clips are best to aid in extraction after firing. They aren't an absolute necessity, but are a tremendous convenience.

The other route to take--which I view as far more convenient--is to use 45 Auto Rim casings in these revolvers. Starline makes them, and R-P might still do so seasonally. HKS has speed-loaders to accomodate the 45 AR cases, too.

I just added a new-to-me 45 ACP to the stable. I pondered getting a Model 625 vs. a 1911A1, and lucked into a Gold Cup variant at a good price LNIB. S&W MSRP isn't always a real-world price, but demand for the 625s has always been pretty fervent. You'll likely wait a bit, and pay a large percentage of MSRP to get one. I share your desire for a "base-model" 625 with 4" barrel--no Pythonesque underlug--and good adjustable sights. I'll probably wait a lot longer than you! :)

[mack1]

You will need moon clips for double action revolvers as there is no rim for the extractor to remove fired cases, they also make great speed loaders. One could also use 45 autorim but I like the full moon clips. +1 for the 625 mine has become my most shot 45, no chasing brass.

[imashooter2]

My 625 isn't reliable without moon clips and extraction via pencil is a total PITA. Call Ranch Products direct at 313-277-3118 and they will sell you 100 moon clips for $35 delivered. Ranch Products is the OEM for S&W and Wilson. Probably most others as well.

[David LaPell]

It's very hard to beat the 625, lots of good used ones out there too, I would prefer that to a new Smith with the internal lock.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I prefer not to buy used. Once again this forum has help me in so many ways with advise on reloading and everthing related.

[bobthenailer]

Most of the guns i have ever bought were used ! most are hardly used and at several hundred dollars+ less than new . it does help to know how to tell if there any good or not and what the used value is. I once bought a new gun from a friend that he only fired 44 rounds from , i fired the other 6 , he sold it to me a few days later at $200.00 less than he paid for it new . not counting $51.00 he paid in sales tax

[warf73]

Most of the guns i have ever bought were used ! most are hardly used and at several hundred dollars+ less than new . it does help to know how to tell if there any good or not and what the used value is. I once bought a new gun from a friend that he only fired 44 rounds from , i fired the other 6 , he sold it to me a few days later at $200.00 less than he paid for it new . not counting $51.00 he paid in sales tax


Lots of guys luck into deals like that.
Seems the used market cost for 625 is equal to new price and in some cases more than new. This is the same reason I bought new when I got my 480.

[EDK]

S&W 625s in 45 ACP are a pretty rare find in the gun shops and gun shows around Saint Louis MO....at least for me. I've only seen a few since I bought mine back in '89 and '90. Get the RANCH PRODUCTS full moons for $35...eliminate the rip-off middle man prices...and use cheap 45 ACP brass rather than the pricey and hard to find 45 Auto Rim casings.

There's a 7.5 inch three screw RUGER convertible languishing in the safe, but I'd like to find either a stainless 45 convertible BISLEY or Original Size VAQUERO in 5.5 inch.

I've been lucky on used guns, but getting a lemon or burned by a seller ONCE is ONCE TOO OFTEN!

:castmine::Fire::redneck:

[Phillip]

I prefer not to buy used. Once again this forum has help me in so many ways with advise on reloading and everthing related.

That's a shame, since you could buy a piece of history and get your self a S&W or Colt 1917 revolver. These can use the Auto Rim 45 cases and the ACP cases with half moon clips.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I am going look in the used market as well. You guys are correct ,you never know what you might find. I will be going to the store this weekend to find out the prices and the availability.

[Matthew 25]

625 JM for $780 on gunbroker.com. Mine is a fine revolver, it does well fast and close or slow and far. I've also come up with a fairly stout 250g load for the hills. I think you should save up some more.

[Ziptar]

That's a shame, since you could buy a piece of history and get your self a S&W or Colt 1917 revolver. These can use the Auto Rim 45 cases and the ACP cases with half moon clips.

+1 for the 1917.

[pdawg_shooter]

Ruger or Smith? Do you want a gun to work on or shoot?

[Dale53]

I have two 625's - one with the lock and one without. Neither is a problem in any way.

The advantage of the "modern" 625's is their throat dimensions are near perfect. Both of mine slug at .4525". They both shoot like the fine target revolvers that they are.

Some very early 625's reportedly had large throats like the early Model 25's. Ones with large throats are problematic.

My 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special with 4" barrel:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/SW625-8JMSpecial-3351.jpg

My 625-6 Model of 1989 with 5" barrel:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/QDalesRevolversandPistols-1717.jpg

I have to say that my two are among the most satisfying revolvers I have ever
shot, much less, owned!

Good luck!
Dale53

[dualsport]

That's a shame, since you could buy a piece of history and get your self a S&W or Colt 1917 revolver. These can use the Auto Rim 45 cases and the ACP cases with half moon clips.

I've always wanted a S&W 1917. Just a nice looking gun to me. How do they shoot and what are they going for these days? There are two more guns on my wish list, the 1917 and a really nice 1903A3. I could die a happy man with those in my box. And maybe a nice old Harley. Oh, and a custom BR rifle, and maybe....

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

Dale53 they make the 625 with a 5 inch barrel. I have a SW 620 with a 4 inch barrel and I shot it the most. I have a SW1911PC and a Colt model 1911 gov 70 series. I enjoy the 45acp round and that is why I want a revolver in a 45acp. Plus I don't have to bend over to pick up the brass. I have my list of dealers ready and I just can not wait till Saturday. I also started to research the moon clips. I see that a lot of people are suggesting Ranch Thunder moon clips.

[Phillip]

I've always wanted a S&W 1917. Just a nice looking gun to me. How do they shoot and what are they going for these days? There are two more guns on my wish list, the 1917 and a really nice 1903A3. I could die a happy man with those in my box. And maybe a nice old Harley. Oh, and a custom BR rifle, and maybe....

If you keep an eye out on gunbroker or shows, you can still find nice ones for 400-500$ The 1937's for 350-450$.

As for shooting, I think they are one of the nicer actions once cleaned up. The 5.5" barrel helps as well. My buddy's is a tack driver, the one I had a long time ago was a nice grouper for having a really bad pitted barrel.

[Dale53]

If you want a real shooter, then get one of the later 625's with adjustable sights. You can run from mild to kind of wild (250 gr Keith at 900+fps) that will shoot EXACTLY to the point of aim. That is NOT to be dismissed for a serious revolver.

Smith has dropped the 5" model from their inventory. However, there are some nice used ones at the shows (they did so well in competition that they ruled them out and people who are die hard competitors have been forced to go to the 4" revolvers). My self: I have had both of mine for a couple of years and it is still a toss up which I like the best. Using Red Dot sights, neither has an advantage over the other. So-o-o, whichever you choose, you are "Good to Go"...

Dale53

[songdog53]

Best friend has S&W and is one nice shooting gun. I think that will be my next purchase and get plenty of moon clips cause you will love shooting it. Plus no brass to pick up, course having so many 1911's i am used to picking up brass but S&W 625 is hard to beat but then is just my 2 cents worth.

[Cowboy T]

I wish Ruger would make a .45 ACP crane/cylinder assembly for the RH 45 and SRH 454 and sell it to us on, say, www.rugerstore.com. They've got a convertible Blackhawk, why not a convertible Redhawk/SRH as well?

[GLL]

Get a nice used 5" 625 and utilize the .45AutoRim for targets and plinking ! :)

Jerry

[NHlever]

If you are looking at used guns I would stick with something pretty new in either a Smith, or Ruger. Both makes of older ones suffer from chamber throat dimension problems, and chamber depth problems as well. Some Smiths, in fact will not function without the full, or half moon clips since the chambers were bored straight through, or so I've heard. The new Rugers are less of a "kit" than they have been at times in the past, but a single action is a different animal all together, and thogh I have owned a couple, I've never warmed to the .45 ACP in that platform. I do like single action handguns in other calibers though.

[Dale53]

NHlever;
>>>but a single action is a different animal all together, and thogh I have owned a couple, I've never warmed to the .45 ACP in that platform.<<<

You never want to discount the .45 ACP in the single action platform. My recently acquired SS Bisley .45 Colt/.45 ACP Convertible will shoot under an inch at 25 yards in either cylinder. The single action works just as well with rimless as it does rimmed cases due to it's ejection rod. It is no great trick to get original .45 Colt performance from the .45 ACP, either. I have LOTS of .45 ACP cases so that is a real attractive proposition for me.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/DalesPistolsRevolvers4Selects-0385.jpg

Here is it's first target after reaming the cylinder throats. It was SO cold outside that I had to use our indoor range - hence the relatively short distance of 50 feet. I hadn't even had a chance to sight the revolver in (that explains the high group). The load (in .45 ACP cases with the .45 ACP cylinder as pictured) is a 200 gr Mihec H&G #503 SWC ahead of 4.0 grs. of Bullseye or equivalent.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/img072.jpg

I have proven, to my full satisfaction, of the practicality of the convertible concept as realized by Ruger's single actions.

Dale53

[Combat Diver]

One thing about the Ruger Convertiable is that you do not have to use moon clips. Freedom Arms will also sell a .45 ACP cylinder with any .45 Colt/.454 gun. I believe Cimmorron also sells a .45 ACP SA Peacemaker.

Back on Smith, they still make the M22 Model 1917 with a 5.5" bbl and lanyard ring.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/images/firearms/detail_md/150199_01_md.jpg
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765797_-1_757903_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
then there is the new Governor which is 6 shot .410,.45 Colt, .45 ACP revolver.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_786049_-1_769651_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Model 625
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765645_-1_757770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Model 625 JM
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764931_-1_757770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Model 325 Thunder Ranch
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764993_-1_757770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Model 325 Night Guard
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765946_-1_757770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

CD

[NHlever]

I have gotten good performance with .45 ACP Blackhawks, and sometimes better accuracy in the same gun than the .45 Colt cylinder. I guess the reason I've never warmed to the convertable is that it usually needs to be set up for one, or the other. What I need is another Blackhawk that I can leave set up for the ACP. :D :D That just might work for me, and I only have a half dozen, or so Blackhawks now........ don't have a Bisley either. I let a nice .44 Special Bisley slip right through my fingers for money when I wasn't feeling so well, and sure have kicked my own butt for that a few times since!

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I good not go Saturday. I had to do some work in the house. I am going tomorrow to price them out. What year did they have problems with the SW.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I finally got around to calling some gun dealer in New Jersey. The price from $884.00 out the door to $1050.00 guess where I am not going to go.

He are the two shops with the best prices

Caso's gun in Jersey City, New Jersey 884.00 out the door has it in stock

Mikes gun in Edgewater, New Jersey $850.00 needs to order it

The Bullet Hole had it for the highest price $1050.00

[pmer]

Here is one from Buds online for $818.00, might be able to save on tax. Then call around for the cheapest FFL and ship it there.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_72/products_id/15074

This is the one I have and it's the only double action I own.

[Dale53]

The 625's are sure versatile in the ammunition that works well. I can load .45 ACP cases and use either Steel Full Moon Clips (they really require tools to load and unload the clips, RIMZ polymer clips that are easy to load and unload with the fingers, and Starline Auto Rim cases.

My most used load is a 200 gr SWC cast in a Mihec mould for a clone of the H&G #68 bullet. I load this at target levels (4.0 grs of Bullseye or equivalent). In my 625's this shoots well under 1" at 25 yards.

For varmint use or self defense (I repeat myself:mrgreen:) the Mihec 200 gr Hollow point at 1000 fps will expand to .80 caliber and shoots extremely well, also.

If deer hunting is your thing, the Lyman 454424 (250 gr Keith) at 900+ fps will get the job done at reasonable ranges. My choice of bullet is a clone of the 454424 from an NOE five cavity mould.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/4DalesPistolsRevolversSelects-3332.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/4DalesPistolsRevolversSelects-3336.jpg

Dale53

[t_dickinson]

A couple months ago I was in the same boat.

I bought a 625-3 Model of 1989 in 4".

OOOOoooohhh Boy! There is a reason the overwhelming majority of responses have been alike.

Buy a 625. I paid $775 shipped for mine. 99% with aftermarket S&W hard case, 18 moon clips, moon tool, and hogue monogrip. I think the price reflects fair market value.

I can buy a 635 JM on Buds for $680 with my L.E. discount but I don't like the grips, silly lightning bolt or the hole in the side. See if you qualify - you don't have to be on the job. They are liberal with their definition of "L.E."

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

Nice boolits Dale. Soon I will have my 625. Next week for sure, just waiting on the permit in New Jersey.:coffee:

[Dale53]

asw1911pc@aol.com;
Thanks for the kind words. Having good moulds, makes casting a treat instead of a chore.

Dale53

[StrawHat]

Glad you picked up a 625. Now you need to get some molds for it. Last I checked, I have about 1/2 dozen but the two I use most frequently for the 45 ACP revolver are the 255 Keith GB and the 235 full wadcutter SAECO. Oh, I forgot, the 235 Keith GB and the...

Depending on what you use the revolver for, picking a boolit mold is not difficult. Staying with only one mold is another story.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I finally received my permit last week. Now its time to go shopping for that 625 45acp.

[tek4260]

I'll throw a FA M97 in the mix. The absolute finest.

A close second will be the new mid frame Blackhawk convertable from Lipseys.

With both you get a nice 45 Colt as well! The FA is capable of handling Ruger only loads as well, yet is comparable in size to a SAA.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I ordered the revolver it will be here on Friday the 9th of September

[Dale53]

asw1911pc@aol.com;
Be prepared to be PLEASANTLY surprised. You have become an owner of one of the most desirable revolvers on the planet. You can spend more, but in my view you cannot do better.

Good shooting to you!

Dale53

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

The moon clips from Thunder ranch do I need a special tool to install them. Is there a video on you tube of some one using the moon clips. Dale can you send me some of your castboolits to use. All I have is swc 200grs and rn 230grs. I just need ten of those babies.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

The 625 is home. I forgot how to post pics here on this site.

[Artful]

I have an older 25-2 it works well and can take reasonable loads - I also have a Ruger convertable blackhawk it can take some very heavy loads - for target/gaming/defense I'd take my Smith for hunting I'd take my Ruger.

As far as using clips for S&W I like the Fullmoon (holds 6) instead of the half (holds 3) and putting them in the clip has never been a problem but getting them out goes much better with a tool.
you can use steel lever (straight with a bend to go around a case and a nub to catch the clip - easy leverage to pop out)

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/1496/img0589l.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6338/img0588x.jpg

- you can also make your own with pipe fittings - just make up a T handle with the longer leg being hollow pipe big enough to slide over a 45 case - cut away about half the tubing so that the clip will fall into the pipe a bit and when you twist your T handle it will pop out the case.

Here's some pictures to try and help explain
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/demoon-comp-245-s.jpg

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

The new addition to the family
.http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j212/CARDONASHARP/Picture002.jpg:D

[bobthenailer]

Looks sweeeet !! I think ill take out my vintage 1988, 625 and shoot it this week end

[Shooter6br]

Before I bought Rimz moon clips I made a "demooner" from 1/2 copper pipe Works grear and cheap( no cost) to make

[Shooter6br]

This is my baby ( 45ACP)

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I just made that little tool out of copper works great. But it scratches the moon clip. Can you use plastic pipe instead.

[EDK]

RANCH PRODUCTS steel full moon clips cost me $30 plus $5 shipping for 100 awhile back. You have to do a search for their address, etc, but his price beats the h*** out of $1 apiece.

I turned down a piece of brass in a lathe to fit inside a fired case and knurled the handle. I ought to drill and tap it for a brush so I could clean the chambers with it. There are a lot of home-made de-mooners that work well...and the price is right!

I got to get busy with the NOE 45 wadcutter mould and load some up for the 45 RUGER and the 625s.

:Fire::cbpour::redneck:

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

EDK
I already order 100 from Ranch this morning should have them by next week. Once again this site has help me. Thank you all. Now off I go to clean the 625 for Sunday.:bigsmyl2:

[Artful]

I just made that little tool out of copper works great. But it scratches the moon clip. Can you use plastic pipe instead.

copper scratches your steel moon clips? :!:

I don't know of plastic will work but cheap and easy enough to make one and try - then you can let us know...;)

[Dale53]

I have a number of demooner tools. This is, by far, the easiest and most reliable as well as easiest tool to use to demoon full moon clips:

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=6727/Product/MOON_CLIP_STRIPPER

This one does a fine job loading the clips effortlessly but only so-so at removing. If money is a problem, then it will do both jobs:

http://mooncliptool.com/

Of course, for range use, the RIMZ polymer clips require NO tools. Then, there are always .45 Auto Rim cases. Frankly, I use all three methods depending on circumstances.

Dale53

[Artful]

Dale53 what's wrong with the mooncliptool for removing? their video makes it look pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poPvBQxDSYU

[Dale53]

I have the moonclip tool as illustrated and it works PERFECTLY for loading the clips (in fact, this is my preferred method). However, on tight clips (yeah and I have a 100 of those) I prefer the Brownell's screwdriver type tool for demooning.

Here is a suggestion:
Order out the moonclip tool as you will find it best for loading, anyway. Then, try it for unloading. It'll work fine - just not as easy as the Brownell's tool. If you are happy then nothing else need be done. If you want something a bit better, you know where to go (no, not to Hell, Brownell's:mrgreen:).

Dale53

[Artful]

I have a removal tool, I just liked the guys design and his informing of copy cats. So it works ok you just prefer the simpler method (my copper pipe T handle tool), correct?

[Dale53]

I have a removal tool, I just liked the guys design and his informing of copy cats. So it works ok you just prefer the simpler method (my copper pipe T handle tool), correct?

That's correct...

Dale53

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

I received the moon clip from Ranch product with there removal tool. They shipped it very fast. I went to the range this Sunday all I have to say is I can not describe with words. I am very happy with the choice I made. I used varies loads with different gun powders from trail boss to power pistol. Happy Happy Happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ps Did I mention I was very pleased with my choice.

[Artful]

I love it when it all comes together, just remember you can use 45 colt boolits in the revolver as well - I have used 255 KT and makes a really good hunting load - for plinkng I like about a 200 rn SWC. Oh, and for storing pick up one of those nylon dual pouches and drop in right size of plastic pipe and two full moon clips go in on top of each other so 24 rounds on tap. The other that I use is the spring steel clips designed for 44 speed loaders.

[asw1911pc@aol.com]

Art


What do you mean 45 colt boolits

[Artful]

most 1911's you stop at 230 grn cause it batters the gun you can use 250, 255, 300 grn in Revolver.

[HDS]

Congrats on a very nice revolver. Wish I had one too, but I'll make do with my 1911 and 629. A definite advantage of the 625 over a 1911 though is... NO SCROUNGING FOR BRASS ON THE GROUND!