Should I get this gun? S&W 625JM?

[JFrame]

JFrame,

I don't have a dog in the hunt but I did not read Grant's issues as you did.

Sorry, Guillermo -- I read that article at 1:30 a.m., and probably wasn't of clearest mind. I see that I combined two issues that Grant detailed into one...

Sorry!


.

 

[oldfool]

you can always count on G for great revolver advice, none better
(but he is never ever going to miss a chance to take a shot at anything MIM )

 

[Stainz]

My understanding of serrated is cross-wise, not along the trigger length, as the 625JM's trigger is grooved. Mine is an early production unit, but it's trigger has never been 'funky' at all - exemplary is more like it. Mine was deemed a deal back then - the shop that ordered it for me sold it to me for $10 less than either the standard 4" or 5" 625-8. Then, it supposedly had a BOSS mainspring (It looked like a stock leaf!) and an 'improved' trigger, which actually turned out to be a ground down modern strain screw - which intruded into the 'tunnel' of the Wolff replacement spring, decreasing the DA trigger effort at the expense of a too low spring pre-load. A call to S&W got a standard spring gratis - I don't believe they do that anymore. It also had 'eased charge holes, which turned out to be eased interior edges of the ejector star. That, combined with moonclipped FMJ RN 'ball' ammo reloads as if on a tractor beam.

I don't know Mr. Cunningham, but my 625JM - and two others later bought by local friends - have been fine examples of modern S&W revolvers, save that sharp edged trigger. BTW, .45 Auto Rim cased ammo is fun, too - and loads with HKS #25 speedloaders (Not #25-5!). The headspace is a bit closer - I've never had an Auto Rim cartridge, no matter the primer - or source (GA Arms loads .45 AR Starline cases.), give a ftf.

Stainz

 

[JFrame]

My understanding of serrated is cross-wise, not along the trigger length, as the 625JM's trigger is grooved. Mine is an early production unit, but it's trigger has never been 'funky' at all - exemplary is more like it. Mine was deemed a deal back then - the shop that ordered it for me sold it to me for $10 less than either the standard 4" or 5" 625-8. Then, it supposedly had a BOSS mainspring (It looked like a stock leaf!) and an 'improved' trigger, which actually turned out to be a ground down modern strain screw - which intruded into the 'tunnel' of the Wolff replacement spring, decreasing the DA trigger effort at the expense of a too low spring pre-load. A call to S&W got a standard spring gratis - I don't believe they do that anymore. It also had 'eased charge holes, which turned out to be eased interior edges of the ejector star. That, combined with moonclipped FMJ RN 'ball' ammo reloads as if on a tractor beam.

I don't know Mr. Cunningham, but my 625JM - and two others later bought by local friends - have been fine examples of modern S&W revolvers, save that sharp edged trigger. BTW, .45 Auto Rim cased ammo is fun, too - and loads with HKS #25 speedloaders (Not #25-5!). The headspace is a bit closer - I've never had an Auto Rim cartridge, no matter the primer - or source (GA Arms loads .45 AR Starline cases.), give a ftf.

Stainz

Thanks for the additional insights, Stainz!


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[Japle]

In response to some of the comments concerning trigger jobs on new revolvers, it’s my strong opinion that, if you’re going to shoot your gun single-action, it won’t make nearly as much difference as it will if you shoot double-action.

Of the last three S&W revolvers I’ve bought – 327PC, 625JM and 686 SSR – I don’t think I’ve fired any of them SA. Not once. I shoot the 327PC in steel challenge. No room for SA shooting there. I used the 625JM on a hog last fall, shooting DA through brush at the running hog. Two shots, two solid hits, dead hog.

Out of the box, S&W wheelguns are OK, but the triggers are too stiff and “stack” toward the end of the DA stroke. I want a light, very smooth pull with no stacking. You won’t get that on a factory gun. A good action job combined with Jerry’s springs and a C&S extended firing pin makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Guillermo]

Old Fool,

I know it is hard to imagine but I didn't mention anything about my opinion concerning MIM, S&W or the IL.
Although I guess I did post a link with some anti MIM opinion

This fellow is fishing for a critter that I am not interested in, but I want him to have the most, best info possible.

Grant Cunningham made it seem like he and his customers thought that buying a regular 625 and modifying it was the way to go. Stainz is happy with his JM version.

I am not trying to sway anyone.
Just help a brutha out.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

I would assume the JM signature stands for Jerry Miculek. The grip is Jerry's design. Jerry prefers serrated triggers.

Jerry Miculek is THE revolver guy and just about owns the S&W International Revolver Championship, usually shooting a 625.

The 625 is highly regarded in competition circles.