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Author Topic: S&W .45 ACP revolver  (Read 1814 times)

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Offline Dusty Miller

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« on: June 02, 2006, 09:17:04 PM »
I've been check'n out that JM .45 ACP revolver on the S&W website and it's start'n to look pretty attractive to me.  Does anybody here have experience with that gun?  If so, how does it stack up as a SD gun in your opinion.
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Offline Jon_E

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2006, 01:04:35 AM »
Dusty

I don't have the S&W .45 ACP revolver, but do have a TRACKER MODEL 455 .45 ACP REVOLVER
.  Many years ago I remember shooting a friends S&W and loved it.

The reason I got it, is because it is light and easy to carry.  Mine has neither the rear sight or porting like is shown in the picture of the link.  I have no reserves about using this 4" .45 ACP for self defense.  You know you have just let go of a 230-gr bullet when you touch these off, but I also know should I need it for self defense I have no doubt about what it will do.

Some people choose a 3" semi auto for self defense and they don't worry one bit.  Several semi auto's are real picky about what loads they will function with.  Some cause problems cycling the slide and many get stove pipes.  Well with the .45 ACP revolver you don't get that.  You get reliable rotation of your cylinder each and every time you shoot.

Should I need mine for a self defense situation, I know I can count on it.
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Offline Redhawk1

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2006, 01:04:49 AM »
I have been eyeing the same gun myself.  :D
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Offline Heavy C

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2006, 04:24:46 AM »
Dusty,

I won both a S&W 625 and a Taurus Tracker in an auction.  I loved how both shot,  I ended up selling the 625 because the moon clips required a tool to load and unload.  Taurus uses a stellar clip that requires no tool.  I have been very happy with my Tracker and do carry it sometimes instead of my Kimber Ultra Carry.

I do wish I would have given the moon clips more time as I have caught myself eyeing the JM series of 625 revolvers.

At the end of the day, it's tough to beat a wheelgun in 45 ACP for personal protection!  I don't know how much room you have with your budget, but if you are going to carry, I would also recommend the 325PD Airlite by S&W.

Take care,
Chuck :cb1:
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Offline Dusty Miller

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2006, 05:16:47 AM »
Thanks for the input guys, I'll check out the Airlight and the Taurus.
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Offline Dusty Miller

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2006, 05:30:09 AM »
I just went to the Taurus website and could not find a Tracker in .45 ACP, maybe they've discontinued it.  Stranger things have been known to happen.
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Offline Heavy C

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #6 on: June 03, 2006, 09:22:50 AM »
I just used the gun selector and it brought up the revolvers, but it did state that they are discontinued. :eek:   I know you can still find them on Gun Broker, Auction Arms, maybe even GunsAmerica.

I hope you're able to find one; they're great. :D
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Offline dubber123

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2006, 12:35:00 PM »
I bought the regular 625 in 4" instead of the JM model because I don't care for the gold bead front sight, and don't really care for all the lightning bolts and stuff they put on them.  Things I like: Very fast reloads with the full moon clips, great sights,(plain black), great balance.  Things I don't like: misfires with a action tuning kit from Wolff, without the action kit, the DA pull is pretty heavy, The hammer and trigger are now cast, with visible casting lines,(YUCK!), and it has the butt-ugly lock in the side.  I have however shot my fastest times with this gun in competion after only a few shoots.  11 steel plates in 9 seconds, (reload of course).  This makes me forget about some of the stuff I don't like!  I know it's not Jerry Miculek speed, but it's pretty good for me.  By the way, if you find an older model, they don't have the lock, or the cheesy cast parts.  I could't  find one until 1 day after I ordered the new one.  Figures!
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Offline Jon_E

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2006, 12:52:02 AM »
Dusty

Here is one for you at Guns America
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Offline Mikey

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #9 on: June 06, 2006, 02:11:28 AM »
Hey fellas - anyone who ahs problems or trouble with the full moon clips should consider using the original half moon clips made for the 1917 Colts and S&Ws and Webleys.  They do not require any tools to load and unload and are just as fast as the full moon clips when reloading.  JMHO.  Mikey.
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Offline Tom C.

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S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #10 on: June 06, 2006, 09:01:15 AM »
I have a 625-8JM that I got in Dec, and a 25-2 that I got in ’74. Both shoot very well. The 625 has an interchangeable front sight, narrow, grooved trigger, adjustable sights, and grips I don’t care for. I took mine apart and smoothed things some, replaced the trigger return spring, and left the original main spring in place. It needs a pretty stiff spring to get reliable ignition. I replaced the gold bead front sight with a ramp. It stretches the sight radius about .5 in. S&W says that with cylinders made on CNC machinery; they all come out “perfect”. I don’t know about all, but mine seems good. I measured the throats with pin gages at .452”. I usually use .45 AR ammo in mine. I can use .45 ACP with or without clips, but .45 ACP tends to vary a lot in length, so without clips, ignition can be unreliable and clips can be a pain in the a**. My preferred load is a 200 JSWC Hornady bullet with mild loads of W231 in Starline .45 AR brass. Very accurate and fun to shoot.
As to its utility for CC, that is a personal issue. I think if you like a revolver that is somewhat bulky, then it is a viable gun. Using moon clips certainly makes loading quick and more reliable than speed loaders.
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Offline jebsr

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625 for defense
« Reply #11 on: June 06, 2006, 09:21:58 AM »
I have a 625 with a 5in barrel, and at 45acp mountain gun. would not and do not feel bad about using either of them for self defense.  both of mine shot great straight out of the box.  Had a tune up the triggers of both (polishing mostly) and they both are very very slick and smooth.  
the mountain light would be the one to carry because of weight and shorter length.  My experience with moon clips has been very good if you take reasonable care with them.

good shooting

jebsr  :-)
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Offline rich5674

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625 loads and tools
« Reply #12 on: June 12, 2006, 01:04:01 PM »
I made a tool to unload the moon clips out a pice of 3/8" pipe useing a hacksaw in 10 min. If you don;t like unloading clips you can always  load 45Auto Rims. I like full moon clips so much I'm thnking of having a 357 modified to take them.
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Offline Old Griz

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Re: S&W .45 ACP revolver
« Reply #13 on: July 23, 2006, 11:33:12 PM »
Have you tried these?

www.ezmoonclip.com/

I'm still struggling over whether to get a 325PD or a Glock 36. However, if I go with the 325PD, these clips looked interesting.
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