S&W 646 or 625?

[bradvanhorn]

I'm looking for a revolver for IDPA. I was originally going to get a Ruger GP-100 since they are less money for the quality. However, I was reading some posts that mentioned the S&W 625, 610, and 646 as ruling the roost in most IDPA matches. The general concensus seemed to be that short stubby cartridges are easier to manipulate in moonclips than long skinny cartridges in anything, which really helps reload times. However, I didn't read much about the felt recoil differences. I'm not a big time revolver guy, so I have no idea what .45ACP or .40S&W feels like coming out of a revolver. I am pretty much of the mind to get a S&W 646, but I wanted to solicit some opinions first. Can anyone elaborate on these guns for me please?

Thanks - Brad

 

[GPappy]

I have several 625s, a 646, and a 686 in .38 super. I have not fired the 646 yet but I have several thousand rounds through the 625s and a hundred or so through the 686.

If you are going to reload, I find it hard to beat the 625 for IDPA. The power factor for revolvers is 125,000 which is well below that of .45 in CDP (165000). It is hard to load it that low with the 230 grain bullets so I load it closer to 140,000. I find the recoil of the 625 to be well below that of the 1911 or even a 9mm XD and it seems to have the same natural pointability for me. It is a fairly heavy handgun and the long trigger pull takes some getting used to but once you master it I believe that it makes you a better Pistol shooter also. At least my CDP and ESP scores seem to have improved.

You will probably like any of the 3 revolvers that you have listed. You will not be happy having to compete against those of us using moonclips if you have speed loaders. It can be done but you do have to have more skill to do it.

I purchased the 646 because several of my competitors had made the switch and were beating me on a regular basis. I just am not set up to reload .40 yet and I am not sure that I want to change guns right in the middle of the season.

Your mileage may vary.
Greg

 

[Tamara]

Recoil-wise, the 646 is slightly sharper than the 625, if comparing factory 180gr ball to factory 230gr ball.

 

[scott45b]

Excuse me for adding another choice to the menu, but the S&W 610 should be on your list if you want a good IDPA gun. The gun is versatile, smooth, can be loaded "hot" or "mild" and will perform for you if you have the skill. With the new round nose 180gr bullets from BILLY BULLETS, the gun should load even faster than before.

 

[minnesota oldie]

You may not have a choice. 646's are VERY hard to find. Last made in 2000.

 

[Dr.Who]

My choice and I shoot a 625 pc 4 inch. Be sure you find a 4 inch or less for IDPA.

 

[P0832177]

There is a 646 at the Dunstop in Mtka, MN