S&W 625 model of 1989 (grail gun)

[wheelyfun66]

Hey All,
Just picked up this 625-4 with 3" barrel.
Model of 1989 in 45ACP, which has long been a grail gun for me.

Just installed VZ Grip G10's, and WOW, feels good in the hand.

Trying to figure out the best way to carry moonclips as reload....without resorting to a belt carrier.

Perhaps two "half" moon clips in the front pocket? (presents a lower profile)

 

[horsemen61]

Very cool I like the way it looks a lot big bore carry able revolver nice

 

[bannockburn]

wheelyfun66

Great Grail Gun! I still kick myself for not picking up one of these (along with a Model 686 with the same barrel length), years ago when they were somewhat less expensive and slightly more were available on the market.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Considering the weight of .45 ammo, maybe just carry a S&W 642 in your pocket as the backup.

Notice the size of my 625-1 3 inch .45 ACP .vs. my M66-1 and 640 (no dash) .38.

Deaf

 

[wheelyfun66]

Hey Deaf,
I have the same N/K/J frame combo!

 

[RussB]

That's a fine revolver! I have the 5" version,

 

[Kernel]

Smith & Wesson put out some fantastic revolvers during the late '80's and '90's. In my view, that time frame, which incorporated the legendary "Gun of the Week" period, was their Zenith.

 

[Dframe]

Very jealous. Mines a 4 inch and probably the best Smith I own!

 

[back40]

very nice find, indeed!

that n/k/j frame trio is awesome.

 

[Deaf Smith]

wheely,

Well mine have cooler grips but your 640 is out of this world.

I think I saw one like that a while ago but since I do already have a 640-1 .357 I foolishly passed it up.

And gang, Clarks Custom Guns told me my 625 would take .45 Supers all day (they rechamber them to .460 Rowland so I guess they are right) and I've shot .45 Supers out of my 625 and it shot fine (but kicked more.)

I chononed my 625 and got 230gr JHPs at 1000 fps. Plenty for anything I'd use it on!

Deaf

 

[Bobmar]

Try some 45AR in speed strips for reloads and ease of carry. JMHO Bob

 

[mavracer]

My daugeter tactifully aquired the 5" one that my father had. She used the excuse that since her birthday is 6/25/1989 it was destened to be hers.

 

[ghitch75]

great buy!!!!......i have a JM and other ACP wheel guns.....when you get it out for a test drive you won't want to put it down.....

 

[Dframe]

The only thing I did to my 1989 is toss the rubber stocks it had on it and install a set of Kim Ahrends

 

[moxie]

I've got a -3 5". Love it.

The AR rounds in speed strips is a good idea for low profile. Half moon clips work nicely but can drop a round pretty easily. A simple thin leather pouch would be perfect for carrying them safely in a pocket. I made one from leather from an old wallet.

 

[BYJO4]

Congrats on a fine revolver. I also have one but with a 5" barrel.

 

[wheelyfun66]

I've got a -3 5". Love it.

The AR rounds in speed strips is a good idea for low profile. Half moon clips work nicely but can drop a round pretty easily. A simple thin leather pouch would be perfect for carrying them safely in a pocket. I made one from leather from an old wallet.

Do they make speed strips in 45 Auto Rim?
would a 44 special or 45 LC speed strip work?
I have recently tried the half moon clips in my front pocket, and they are much better than a full moon clip.....so that might be my ticket!

 

[moxie]

I've not seen speed strips for the AR but I think those made for the .45 colt will fit. Rim is about the same diameter. Thickness of course a bit different, but close.

Try that and the 1/2 mooners and see what you like best. Just remember the 1/2 mooner might lose the middle round, but carry and see for yourself. Either way keep in a pouch so the rounds don't get messed up.

 

[Crowman]

Yes, there are six round rubber speed strips made just for the Auto Rims. I've got four. They come in a package of two. Can get from several sources...Midway, Dillon, or just google up description. I load mine up with Buffalo Bore 255 grain hard cast flat point AR's.

Other options are the Galco 2x2x2 snap on ammo carriers for 44/45 rimmed cartridges. I carry .45 ACP's locked together with 1/3 moon clips (holds two cartridges). Three of these will load you up and fit nicely in the Galco carriers. Auto Rims also fit.

I also toss a couple of full moon clips in my vest pockets for extra measure. It's easy to pack 48 rounds this way. Won't run dry either.

 

[moxie]

Forgot about the 1/3 jobs. Three of them fit in jeans watch pocket nicely.

Are you sure 48 will be enough?? wow.

 

[Crowman]

Well Moxie, my daddy once told me that an empty gun is a very poor club. The round count goes up when I'm packing my 386 NG.

Anyone else have fun shooting the 325 PD? Mine kept pulling bullets and the Ti cylinder expanded and then super compressed on my AR cases to the point that I had to take a mallet and aluminum rod and drive them out. Sent mine back to Smith...they replaced the cylinder with a stainless one and that solved the problem. Still is as much fun to shoot as a .410 derringer! Ouch.

 

[ghitch75]

i have never had any trouble with my 325PD with ACP's OR AR's......have ran a couple thousand rd's through it......

 

[moxie]

The problem with low mass guns like the PDs surfaces with, generally, heavier recoiling rounds. The very light frame moves very quickly under the heavy recoil, much more so than a steel frame. The 230 gr. lead (heavy mass) bullet wants to stay where it is, at rest, Newton's First Law being what it is. Hence the bullet jumps or creeps out of the case. (Actually it's the case jumping away from the bullet, but we need not become overly technical.) Firm crimp is the solution, if it will even work. Ordinary ACP and AR rounds are typically OK in the ultralights.

 

[ghitch75]

yes i have always gave the rd's used in my wheel guns a little extra crimp..... i found out the hard way.....

 

[mavracer]

My 325 snub would pull some ammo types.