[Devonai]

I am curious to know how the felt recoil compares between these two weapons. I am on the fence about which one to buy. I have read that the M1917 has more recoil.

[Mike Irwin]

My opening statement wasn't very clear, so I'm editing it....

The 625 is a little heavier than the Model 1917, so that will give you a tad bit more recoil reduction just from the physics aspect. Whether you could really tell or not, that's the big question.

The stock grips on the M1917, smooth, badly shaped panels, however, GREATLY increase the felt recoil.

Simply put, the original grips can't suck any worse.

However, they are easily replaced with any of a hundred or more grip configurations.

End result?

They both fire the same cartridge, they both weight about the same.

Both will more than handle .45 ACP ammo loaded to military specifications.

The 625 will handle +P ammo, but you should not shoot +P ammo through a 1917.

Go with which ever one makes you happy.

I have a Brazilian issue of the 1917, and absolutely love it.

[stans]

The 625 has a heavy contour barrel with a full length underlug. This extra weight will reduce muzzle climb, making follow up shots much faster. The old grips of the 1917 are not conducive to fast shooting. I have a Colt 1917 and I found it tended to roll upward in my hand and the cylinder release would pound the the first joint on my thumb. OUCH!

[JimC]

I have both revolvers, the M625 [5"] and the 1917 Brazilian contract gun. I have fired them side-by-side on several occasions.

Between the two in original configuration, the 625 has less felt recoil than the 1917. It has the original rubber Pachmayr grips; the 1917 has the original small S&W grips.

If you’re speaking of the newly resurrected S&W M1917, I've never fired one of those but would have to think that with it's bastardized RB grip, it would feel as if it recoiled even more. Poor choice on their part as far as I'm concerned.

For what it's worth on the two, the Brazilian model has a "like glass", never been worked on action in both SA and DA. The 625 was nice but I had to have an action job done on it to get what it really deserved and I wanted.

I have to second the advise on NOT using +P rounds in the 1917, especially the older model. They are fine in the 625 though.

[HerbG]

The fine old M1917's are fast achieving collector status and prices have climbed significantly in the past decade. If I wanted something to shoot, I'd go with the 625. It has the advantage of more modern steels, easier to find replacement parts, and a better action. By the way, S&W neither services nor sells replacement parts for the 1917.

[Dr.Who]

I have both the 1917 S&W and the 625 PC 4". The reason I got the 625 was because the joy of shoot'n the 1917. The moon's made it a pleasure. The 1917 ia a fine shooter for being 85 years old, however it is a classic and can not be shot IDPA. The 1917 smooth grips make it move around more unless you wear shoot'n gloves. Pick the 1917 if you want a great shoot'n piece of history. Go with the 625 if you plan to shoot competition. I have pacmire grips on mine.

Now I have not shot the new old model 1917...

Enjoy....:p