WildeKurt
Member
I shot a 625 JM edition and liked it a lot. Has anyone shot both? Is the Jerry Miculek version worth the premium? Obviously the grip is different (I think I prefer it of the rubber style) but what about the trigger?
S&W 625 or JM?
- Thread starter WildeKurt
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Switchman
Member
I just bought a 5" 625 after considering the same thing you are. I liked the look of the JM model and the slight advantage in carrying the 4" barrel, but after handling both revolvers I decided to go with the standard model. Trigger pull was very close on the JM and two other 625s I tried. The front sight on the JM is OK, but I like the 5" sight better. I realize this is a matter of personal taste. I am not a fan of big rubber grips and the JM wood grips suit me well. I'll buy a set from Miculek, get a trigger job and I'm good to go.
Most of the video I've seen of Jerry Miculek shooting in competition or exhibition shooting appears to be with a 5" barrel revolver, most likely from the S&W custom shop.
If I had the money I might buy a 625JM as a collector, but the standard 5" model 625 is every bit as good for an every day shooter.
Most of the video I've seen of Jerry Miculek shooting in competition or exhibition shooting appears to be with a 5" barrel revolver, most likely from the S&W custom shop.
If I had the money I might buy a 625JM as a collector, but the standard 5" model 625 is every bit as good for an every day shooter.
Good article on this below. I was thinking of a 4" 625 and had to consider a JM, since S&W currently makes the standard 625 in 5" now. I ended up not getting either, but thought I'd pass on the link anyway. Probably comes down to what barrel length you want and whether you want new or used.
http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/e8b998dd63b440b469dd8c5d4d262aed-150.html
http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/e8b998dd63b440b469dd8c5d4d262aed-150.html
Stainz
Member
I had a 4" 625-8 from 9/02 - 6/04, and bought another 625-8 4", the 625JM, 2/05. It now has 5k+ rounds through it. The hardchromed hammer has no apparent wear on it. I did round off the sharp edges on the grooved trigger, also hardchromed. The spring loaded front sight is a Godsend - seconds to swap between the OEM gold bead Patridge and my current favorite, a reddish HiViz - the 5" 625 requires a pinned sight blade replacement.
My original 4" 625 had a miserable trigger and stock charge holes as delivered new; the 625JM had a good trigger and eased charge holes, which make RN bullets all but jump into the chambers. The 625 comes with the usual Hogue open backstrap rubber grip, the 6125JM has Miculek's excellent wood stock - which you can grip a tad higher, reducing the muzzle flip. The MSRP of the 625JM is $40 higher... it is a bargain.
Now, if you can barely stand a 1911's recoil, the 625 is a bit rougher with ball ammo, as there is no recoil mechanism to use up some of the recoil energy. You can fit the Hogue .500 Magnum monogrip, as fitted to .460 & .500 Magnum S&Ws - $35 from S&W Accessories - and it covers the backstrap at the expense of ~3/16" more trigger reach (Try a dealer's .460 or .500 for your fit!). That grip fits K,L,N. & X-frames! If you are left handed, well, you'll hate most DA revolvers already... neither of these will improve that (Sam Colt was a leftie - SAA's and clones are leftie-friendly!).
After years of 4" 625 use, including 4" 625MGs in .45 Colt & my 4" h-l 629, the 5" 625 just doesn't fit me well. YMMV.
Stainz
My original 4" 625 had a miserable trigger and stock charge holes as delivered new; the 625JM had a good trigger and eased charge holes, which make RN bullets all but jump into the chambers. The 625 comes with the usual Hogue open backstrap rubber grip, the 6125JM has Miculek's excellent wood stock - which you can grip a tad higher, reducing the muzzle flip. The MSRP of the 625JM is $40 higher... it is a bargain.
Now, if you can barely stand a 1911's recoil, the 625 is a bit rougher with ball ammo, as there is no recoil mechanism to use up some of the recoil energy. You can fit the Hogue .500 Magnum monogrip, as fitted to .460 & .500 Magnum S&Ws - $35 from S&W Accessories - and it covers the backstrap at the expense of ~3/16" more trigger reach (Try a dealer's .460 or .500 for your fit!). That grip fits K,L,N. & X-frames! If you are left handed, well, you'll hate most DA revolvers already... neither of these will improve that (Sam Colt was a leftie - SAA's and clones are leftie-friendly!).
After years of 4" 625 use, including 4" 625MGs in .45 Colt & my 4" h-l 629, the 5" 625 just doesn't fit me well. YMMV.
Stainz
earplug
Member
I shoot A four inch N frame better then A longer tube.
The four inch carries easier for me.
My JM 625 has the flaking chrome hammer problems, was easy to stone off.
If you intend to compete with the either revolver, you will want A DA action job.
The quick change sight is nice.
But the new S&W front sights aren't hard to change out if you have A vice and A decent pin punch.
The four inch carries easier for me.
My JM 625 has the flaking chrome hammer problems, was easy to stone off.
If you intend to compete with the either revolver, you will want A DA action job.
The quick change sight is nice.
But the new S&W front sights aren't hard to change out if you have A vice and A decent pin punch.
jameslovesjammie
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A 625 is going to be my next gun purchase, and I was having the same dilema as you are. I have decided to go with the regular 625. I don't really want the serrated trigger, I prefer the smooth style. I am also unsure of the JM grips. I have the Hogue rubber grips on my 686 and they really are a nice grip. I love wood grips, I just am unsure of the JM style. As far as the front sight goes, it's a moot point for me, as I will more than likely be scoping it anyway.
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