Why Would Anybody Want A .45ACP Revolver? Because It Is A Match Made In Heaven....

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

cslinger

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2002
Messages
5,462
Location
Nashville, TN
...That's why!!!

I have to say that I have always been perplexed by the use of auto pistol calibers in revolvers. It just seemed so cumbersome and wrong to me. Moonclips, tools, etc. Well I am here to say the benefits far outweigh the negatives in my opinion.

I recently picked up a Smith 625-3 pre lock .45 ACP revolver, because it was just calling to me. It was a beautiful piece and had a 3 inch barrel, which I have a weakness for in revolvers. So I figured what the hell, it would make a nice addition to the revolver collection and a nice casual shooter that will be looked at more then shot. :rolleyes:

Well let me just say I have found my new favorite gun. .45 ACP in this revolver configuration is a match made in heaven. Super accurate, awesome double action trigger, single action trigger that breaks like the proverbial glass rod, super fast reloads, this gun has it all. The moonclips are easy to load and very easy to unload with a $13.00 tool or $3.00 worth of copper pipe and a bit of Dremel work.

Even though this isn't my normal detailed review I just want to say this is a 5 star gun for me. When I thought about the moon clips I suddenly came to realization that for the cost of two(2) six round magazines for my SIG P245 I could buy fifty(50) Wilson Combat moon clips and demooning tool. That is 50!!!!! six round clips, that can be left loaded forever and load as fast if not faster then the afore mentioned magazines.

So at the end of the day boy was I wrong about .45 ACP revolvers. The match of one of my favorite calibers with one of my favorite platforms all with super fast reloads and inexpensive long term ammo storage makes for a damn near perfect firearm for me.

That is all. :D

625-3PIC1.gif
 
45acp is wasted in semi's. It's about as versatile a cartridge as there is, in revolvers. You can go from the typical stuff all the way up to 250gr (and heavier) at 950fps. I'm gradually switching to auto-rim brass. It's more convenient, and I like the look of that stubbie case with the thick bottom. I have 3 acp revolvers, two alloy for CCW, and a 5" 625-2 for range and field. That -2 is the most accurate revolver I own. They're famous for it, and mine's no exception.
 
Ditto what pinkymingeo says. My favorite revolver round. I have a 625-3, two 25-2 (6 & 61/2 " barrels), and a 1937 Brazilian contract. Besides being super accurate those S&W N-frames can handle any 45 ACP load.
 
I have 3 acp revolvers, two alloy for CCW, and a 5" 625-2 for range and field.
Click to expand...
That's interesting. I've always had a 625 on my "next time I see one" wishlist, thinking that it could be better suited than .357mag as nightstand gun, car gun, etc. Never considered it could be a better field gun than .357 though.
 
I have a 25-2 and a 625-8JM. I love both dearly. The .45 ACP and .45 AR are a lot of fun to play with. I prefer the wheelguns to the 1911. They can be loaded to utilize all the available strength in the S&W N frame, making, for me, the .45 Colt less than desirable in an N frame.

I also use the same .45 ACP and .45 AR ammo in my Ruger NMBH with a .45 ACP cylinder. That is a lot of fun, too.
 
Damn you. I've been lusting after one of those forever and you just set me off again.

"No more guns until I put in wood floors. No more guns until I put in wood floors. Repeat the mantra."
 
My 625 has to be my favorite shooter. And with the red dot on top, it's easily the most accurate.

DSC02376.gif
 
If they made a 5 shot L frame I would be all over it. Sold my 5" 625. Nice gun, just did not float my boat. Sold to fund other stuff.

A 3" 625 would be interesting though.
 
I'm almost too fond of my 625-4. The only niggling drawback I can see is the dearth of ready-made holsters for the 5" bbl N-frames which, of course, only gets worse if you're a southpaw.

I reload a lot of .45 ACPs anyway, but it's really nice to be able to spend an afternoon at the range without having to waste a good deal of it scrounging through the grass 'n' gravel for my cases. I also like having the option to experiment with 'unusual' projectile shapes (like the amazing SAECO #453 WC) and take advantage of bulk deals on "cowboy" cast bullets, which enables me to shoot my revolver more without affecting my potential supply of 'semiauto' practice ammo.

Instead of messing with changing my SDB progressive over I use a Hornady Lock 'n' Load single stage for my experimental stuff. Not quite as handy or fast as a turret outfit, but much less hassle than a regular single stage. It also lets me use my old Lyman dies with the roll crimp again and play with .45 AR cases as I come by enough of them.

Best of all, I can load powderpuffs for my two young nephews to plink with or +Ps without having to factor-in how they'll function in a my semiautos.
 
My 22-4 TRR is my night stand gun, except for when it is floating around under my car seat.

The real reason to by one: Why not?
 
Damn you. I've been lusting after one of those forever and you just set me off again.
Click to expand...

Ahh yes, Bryan, I am a bad, bad man. :evil:

Ok so really I am just a little kid who likes shiny new toys and has a VERY understanding wife.
 
Pinkymingeo, that picture just answered questions I hadn't even thought of yet. Tell me about the ammo you're using. How is the recoil?
 
I've done a lot of experimenting, and load the gun for a combination of recoil and performance. Only fed primers. My usual carry load is 10.7 AA7 under a 200lswc, OAL 1.225, for 925fps. Way under the max published load, but easy to shoot (softer than factory hardball) and plenty for two-legged predators. The 250lwc's give 751fps over 11.8 AA9. Again, easy to shoot. With heavy bullets the AA9 gives much softer recoil than 7 or 5. I've switched from the 250lwc's to 250lwfn's because they chamber better. Same load, same results.
 
You'd be amazed, by the way, at how poorly factory ammo performs in the 2 3/4" 325. I've chrono'd three. Magtech 230 hardball at 707fps, Remington Cor-Lokt 230 at 767fps, and Federal Hydra-Shok 230's at 819fps. I'll take my handloads any day.
 
Holster Options 625 5" Bbl. Len.

Holster Options for the
S & W 625 5" Bbl. Len.

Alessi Field Master Shoulder rig.
It is done in a cordovan basket weave with the
big N-frame muzzle down, - it has an optional restraining
strap if you're traversing rough terrain. The off-carry
side is a solid leather not elastic it has options for spare
reloads a pouch or a spare mag if it for a 1911 as an
example. Not cheap though at $200

Milt Sparks make the #HSR or Hackathorn Special & the
#AW200. Ken Hackathorn was one of the founders of IPSC?
THe #HSR and #AW200 are available for most revolvers
up to 7.5 inch Bbl. Len. The #HSR is available with muzzle
forward, straight drop or Muzzle rearward aka FBI cant.
the #AW200 is not available with muzzle forward (for cross
draw ) but has a restraining flap over the hammer - Elmer
Keith asked for this because he kept tearing the liner
of his coats without it. Both are about the same with a belt
and the basket weave option of the Alessi in total cost.

Why do people have a probelm buying a good leather rig for a
quality firearm?
 
Interesting handloads pinkymingeo!

I love a heavy, 300 gn., hardcast, flatnose "THUMPER" in my Model 29-5. It is amazing on deer, as well as being an amazingly accurate bullet!!!

I'll bet that 250 grain flatnose in a .45ACP would do some serious damage. Of course, it would probably penetrate like a son-of-a-gun.

Who makes those bullets, or do you cast your own? They look . . . emm . . . intriguing to say the least!

BTW . . . also as you mentioned, the Federal primers are THE way to go for reliable ignition on Smith wheelguns . . . especially those that have been "tweaked" for the best and lightest trigger pulls possible.

T.
 
My Model of 1988 625 is my favorite .45ACP firearm. It's much more versatile than my 1911 or P9S: light, target stuff always goes "bang!" and it swallows stuff, without complaint, that'd put the 1911's slide into my skull!:what:

Best of all, the round butt and finger-groove grips just feel RIGHT in my hands!:D
 
My Model of 1988 625 is my favorite .45ACP firearm. It's much more versatile than my 1911 or P9S: light, target stuff always goes "bang!" and it swallows stuff, without complaint, that'd put the 1911's slide into my skull!:what:

Best of all, the round butt and finger-groove grips just feel RIGHT in my hands!:D

--and no brass chasing!! I'm too old and slow to waste those precious minutes. . . .
 
Last edited:
I've had 2 S&W 45 ACP's. One a S&W M1917 and the other a M25-2. I love them. I remember as a kid, my uncle had a Colt 1917 that he shot all the time. The moon clips were the coolest thing. Still are!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

.38 Special
  • Locked
Questions about S&W 45 ACP revolvers
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
pinkymingeo
P
G
  • Locked
Moon Clips
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
klover
klover
H
  • Locked
Who makes the "best" moonclips in .45 acp?
Replies
19
Views
5K
mandel7172
M
B
  • Locked
Moon phase, black magic, and moon clips
Replies
18
Views
2K
Brian Williams
Brian Williams
M
  • Locked
.45 Auto Rim in .45 LC and .454 revolvers
Replies
16
Views
3K
rcmodel
R
Back
Top