686 vs 625 Accuracy

[LubeckTech]

Does anyone have any thoughts as to which S&W is more accurate at 25 yards 4" 686 or 4" 625? I'm comsidering the 625 or a 686 converted to use full moon clips mainly to be used for IDPA. I realize that accuracy is not the primary consideration for IDPA but I'd still like to get the most accurate gun for the money which would be about equal after the conversion.

 

[Shawnee]

Hi Lubeck...

Just my opinion but I really suspect both guns are inherently more accurate than 99.5% of the shooters in the country. I would say get whichever one feels best in your hand and allows you to recover from the recoil faster.

 

[ChuckB]

I haven't used a 686, but I've had a fair amount of experience with a 66 and a 625. The 66 was definitely more accurate. Fellow THR member fedlaw, an excellent pistolero, was also not completely pleased with his 625. Both are fine guns, though.

Chuck

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

They both meet S&W standards. If you are interested in big holes (in the target) and fast reloading the 625 is great. Huge chargeholes make reloading fast.

 

[Dr.Who]

LubechTeck...

If you want to shoot it in IDPA, I would recommend the 625. The reson is the shorter fatter .45 ACP rounds load a bit easier when on the clock and creates a bigger hole in the target. That bigger hole could be enough of a difference between a perfect and points down score.

It used to be illegal to shoot a converted to moon clip gun in IDPA. However they are now allowed in Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR). (page 25 of new book)

I shoot a 625 PC in ESR and a 686 0r 66 in SSR (Stock Service Revolver). Loading a 625 verse a 686 with a speed loader, It seems like I'm twice as fast and much smoother with the process. The extra mass of the 625, really helps keep the recoil down. Yes, I reload my own for both. For the 686, I use 357 brass with a 38 load formula.

 

[P0832177]

I vote 625. I have had both, and I swear the 625's I own are three of the most accurate guns I have shot! I mean they are a joy to shoot!

 

[JoeHatley]

Does anyone have any thoughts as to which S&W is more accurate at 25 yards 4" 686 or 4" 625?

No difference. Having said that... the bigger holes usually score better.



Joe

 

[Stainz]

If, like in IPSC, you have to make 'major' power factor (165), the 625 will make it easily with mild loads. For example, a 230gr FMJ at 720 fps makes major... and is mild in a 4" 625, mainly due to the 43 oz mass. The full-lug keeps the nose down, too. A 158gr RN would have to break 1045 fps to make 'major' - hardly a 'mild' .38 load... more of a mild-moderate .357M load. If 'minor' PF of 125 is to be met, you can use a 158gr @ >792 fps, and so on.

I like the 625JM I bought two years ago in February... great shooter - a frugal to shoot 'big bore'. I would also suggest you consider a 620, a 4" half-lugged L-frame 686+ equivalent that replaced the venerable 4" 66, if you can live with the lower PF. It points well and is only 38 oz.

The 625JM I have groups a little tighter than the 625MG's I have in .45 Colt. The 5" 686+ h-l I have groups a bit better, as does my JM PC627 V-Comp. My best groups are with my 6" 66... probably mainly due to the longer sight radius - and that 66's 'pointability'. They are all much better than I will ever experience. On a good day, I can plink away at a 16" steel plate at 100+yd with my 10 and some 158gr LRN/LSWC homebrews, hitting it 2-3 times out of six standing - and freehand. Did I mention it's a 2" 10? I don't have 'good days' quite as frequently as I once did... or those plates have really shrunk!

Stainz

 

[Tom C.]

I have an old Model 25-2 and a new 625-8JM. Both are remarkably accurate. That said, they both have individual preferences. I don’t have a 686, but I do have a 27-2 that is very accurate.
To definitively say which is more accurate, you would need to spend some quality time with a Ransom Rest and shoot a large verity of ammo.