Stephen A. Camp
Moderator In Memoriam
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
- Messages
- 2,430
Hello. At the last gun show, I came across a like new S&W 3" Model 625 chambered for .45 ACP and Auto Rim. Finally, I got a little unexpected free time and wagged it and several different loads in ACP and AR to the range.
I've owned a Model 625 5" Model of 1989 since I bought it new and wondered how this later incantation of the gun would perform.
This like new Model 625-6 was used for the range evaluation. I slapped on a pair of Eagle Secret Service grips and used them on the revolver during this shooting session. They will stay right where they are.
Cutting to the chase, there were no malfunctions of any kind and the revolver grouped very nicely with all of the ammo that I had available.
The 15 yard targets were fired while I was seated and with my wrists braced using sandbags. At 15 yards, I fired slow-fire and in single-action.
This 12-shot group was fired using a 255-gr. CSWC handload. (I mistakenly wrote "250-gr" on the target that is pictured.) None of the groups fired at 15 yards were larger than this one.
I only fired on "practical" type target using the same 255-gr. handload. It was done at 7 yards, standing, two-handed and in double-action with each shot fired as quickly as I could obtain a sight picture.
The Model 625 handled plenty well in double-action. The 3" gun surprised me in that it had considerably more muzzle flip than my 5" version.
I also chronographed several loads from this revolver. Average velocities are based on 10 shots fired 10' from the muzzle.
Model 625-6 3" Average Velocities (ft/sec):
.45 Auto Rim:
Corbon 160-gr. DPX: 1052
200-gr. Sierra Competition JFN: 707
4.2-gr. Bullseye
WLP Primer
R-P Cases
200-gr. Speer JHP: 858
7.2-gr. Unique
WLP Primer
R-P Cases
Corbon 230-gr. FMJ: 801
255-gr. Kead CSWC: 810
6.0-gr. Unique
WLP Primer
R-P Cases
.45 ACP w/Moon Clips:
Corbon 185-gr. DPX +P: 972
Winchester USA 230-gr. FMJ: 797
Winchester Ranger 230-gr. JHP: 843
Federal 230-gr. HST +P: 921
There were no malfunctions of any kind and no shooting was done beyond 15 yards. It was just too hot and I didn't have much time.
In short, I am more pleased with this revolver than I initially expected and will be hanging on to it.
For those interested in a more detailed report:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/S&W Model 625 Snub Range Evaluation.htm
Best.
I've owned a Model 625 5" Model of 1989 since I bought it new and wondered how this later incantation of the gun would perform.
This like new Model 625-6 was used for the range evaluation. I slapped on a pair of Eagle Secret Service grips and used them on the revolver during this shooting session. They will stay right where they are.
Cutting to the chase, there were no malfunctions of any kind and the revolver grouped very nicely with all of the ammo that I had available.
The 15 yard targets were fired while I was seated and with my wrists braced using sandbags. At 15 yards, I fired slow-fire and in single-action.
This 12-shot group was fired using a 255-gr. CSWC handload. (I mistakenly wrote "250-gr" on the target that is pictured.) None of the groups fired at 15 yards were larger than this one.
I only fired on "practical" type target using the same 255-gr. handload. It was done at 7 yards, standing, two-handed and in double-action with each shot fired as quickly as I could obtain a sight picture.
The Model 625 handled plenty well in double-action. The 3" gun surprised me in that it had considerably more muzzle flip than my 5" version.
I also chronographed several loads from this revolver. Average velocities are based on 10 shots fired 10' from the muzzle.
Model 625-6 3" Average Velocities (ft/sec):
.45 Auto Rim:
Corbon 160-gr. DPX: 1052
200-gr. Sierra Competition JFN: 707
4.2-gr. Bullseye
WLP Primer
R-P Cases
200-gr. Speer JHP: 858
7.2-gr. Unique
WLP Primer
R-P Cases
Corbon 230-gr. FMJ: 801
255-gr. Kead CSWC: 810
6.0-gr. Unique
WLP Primer
R-P Cases
.45 ACP w/Moon Clips:
Corbon 185-gr. DPX +P: 972
Winchester USA 230-gr. FMJ: 797
Winchester Ranger 230-gr. JHP: 843
Federal 230-gr. HST +P: 921
There were no malfunctions of any kind and no shooting was done beyond 15 yards. It was just too hot and I didn't have much time.
In short, I am more pleased with this revolver than I initially expected and will be hanging on to it.
For those interested in a more detailed report:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/S&W Model 625 Snub Range Evaluation.htm
Best.
