Havent bought a new gun in like 5 months, so went down and applied for some new permits.

 

Interested in another wheel gun, The S&W 625 catches my eye. 45 ACP / Moonclips.

 

Two Variances - JM vs PC ( Jerry Miculek Model / Performence Center Model )

 

JM model is about 100 dollars cheaper, grips on the PC model are ungodly ugly, need to change.

 

Reviews on both guns can be a bit spotty, reading lots of things like needing to throw some $$$ into working the trigger right away, Calling it a 12+ lb DA pull, and not so smooth...alot of people reccomending the JM comp spring kit.

 

Anybody have first hand experience with either of these revolvers? Key differences between the two?

 

Would it be worth my while seeking an older one , say from the late 80s'/90s .. 625-6? i think.. ( would quality control have been better ? )

Just get a standard 625 Alec, no need for all the bells and whistles.

thinking about that ray, I do like the full extended lug all the way to the muzzle on the JM design though.. But really there is not a signficant price difference between a standard 625 and the PC model.

 

edit--- you dont own one do you ray?

Don't forget you'll NEED some things other than the gun. Lots of moon clips, a moon clip tool, and if you so desire a demooning tool. Not to mention 45acp is pricey.

 

On a side note, you bought a 1911 in 9mm and now a revolver chambered in 45acp. You need help my friend.

Don't forget you'll NEED some things other than the gun. Lots of moon clips, a moon clip tool, and if you so desire a demooning tool. Not to mention 45acp is pricey.

 

On a side note, you bought a 1911 in 9mm and now a revolver chambered in 45acp. You need help my friend.

 

LOL.

 

You can shoot it without moon clips, no?

LOL.

 

You can shoot it without moon clips, no?

 

I can shoot mine without moon clips, but not in 45acp. 45 long colt and 410. WINNING

Alec: If I were looking for an older one, I'd look for pre-lock models. Also if you think you might use it for IDPA, the barrel needs to be 4" or less. Of the two you designate (JM or PC) the extra money for the PC buys you the chamfered cylinder, a trigger overtravel stop and supposed hand fitting - which should yield a better trigger pull. Don't know what the Miculek kit consists of, but a spring-only trigger job would consist of replacing the mainspring and the rebound spring. Wolff makes a "Shooter Pak" kit with a mainspring (either full power or reduced power) and three different weights of rebound springs. When you start fiddling with springs you affect the reliability factor. To get the trigger-pull light enough for competitive needs, you usually restrict yourself to Federal primered ammo and the trick is to reach that balance point of light trigger/reliable ignition. No fun being on the line and hearing bang, bang, click. Ask me how I know

 

So again it comes down to which - JM or PC. If you got the JM and had the PC upgrades done (not necessarily by S&W) you will arrive at appx the same price. So it comes down to configuration. The JM with the full underlug will help damp recoil and may be better for follow-up shots on the same target, whereas the lighter partial underlug of the PC version will help in faster transition from target to target. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

 

Good luck with whatever you choose. Revolvers in .45 ACP are the nutz.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

ETA: One big difference, that I just realized, is that the PC version uses a short cylinder. This is to enhance accuracy - less of a "jump" from the case to the forcing cone. To me that would be enough to push me over the edge to the PC version.

I have to look at my 625 Alec, I am pretty sure it is a 5". One of two revolvers I own that have the lock. Never had an issue with it, but it doesn't get a lot of range time because of the ammo cost. Used it for knockdown steel once, it had no problem moving the plates! Used it once indoors for PPC, was using SWC's and they smoked-us out! Never used them indoors again!

 

My favorite revolver is my 610. I use that one a lot. I shoot .40 S&W with moonclips through it, much cheaper to shoot than the 625.

Mike, the 610 can do 40 or 10mm correct ?

Yes, the 610 does .40 Short and Work plus 10mm.

For range use you can just use the polymer moon clips. You don't need a tool for those and they are dirt cheap.

Alec, my 626 is plain-jane, not a PC nor a JM.

Alec, my 626 is plain-jane, not a PC nor a JM.

 

I'll give you a dollar if I can test drive your 625 and 610.

 

...ok fine, ... 2 dollars.

Free, just supply the ammo. You'll shoot them better than me anyway, just like the 629. Wish I had younger eyes......

Free, just supply the ammo. You'll shoot them better than me anyway, just like the 629. Wish I had younger eyes......

 

10-4, you want me to buy the ammo off you, or just replace what I use ( currently do not own any 40 /45 )

Ok, I'll let you have the ammo for what I paid, I have PLENTY!