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Revolver Compare and Contrast

1K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  jstgsn 
#1 ·
Last month I picked up my first handgun which is a S&W snubbed-nosed Governor. Now it has a 2" barrel so it has short range which I was aware of due to the fact I bought it as a means of personal protection. However after a number of weekends spent firing my Governor, I have decided to use it as my "panic gun" aka a backup hidden gun. So I have been looking into other S&W .45 cal revolvers with 4-5 inch barrels for better accuracy but have hit a wall. Said wall is not finding enough user info about any of the models I'm looking to purchase so what I would like is for anyone who owns or has had experience with any of the models listed below to leave a few pros and cons for each revolver so I can narrow done my choices. Any and all help is appreciated.

Smith&Wesson model 625 (any variation)
Smith&Wesson model 629 (any variation)
Smith&Wesson model 325 (any variation)

[Please Note- I would prefer a .45 cal to a .44 cal]
 
#2 ·
For no particular reason I'd go with the 625. I have a 586 (.357 mag) and it's absolutely a tack driver. Either way you go I'm sure you'll be happy. What I'm not completely clear on is how the pistol is to be used. You mentioned accuracy so is this going to be used primarily at the range? Then you said you now intend to make your first a panic gun. Does this mean your new one will be for home defense? The clearer you can be the better advice you'll receive. Truthfully it doesn't matter as those darn pistols have a way of multiplying themselves and you'll probably have three or four within the next couple of years. Enjoy your purchase.
 
#3 ·
Welcome to the forum Bazurkur. There are several S&W owners that hang around here so I expect you will get an answer shortly, well maybe in the morning!!:D

I bought myself a Taurus Judge, I love the idea of being able to shoot the .410 and the .45 Colt, but what I really wanted was the Governor because of being able to add the .45 ACP to the mix. I just couldn't justify adding so much money to get that one extra caliber!!
 
#4 ·
Welcome. I like Smiths, I own 5 of them but none that you listed. My favorite is a 686, it just fits me and shoots lights out. My carry gun is a Model 60, I also have a 63 Kit Gun in 22lr and I have two older Model 19's. My advice is to got out and handle each of your listed models and find the one that fits best. I don't think you can go wrong.
 
#5 ·
First off I would like to say I appreciate the timely responses. Secondly I would like to apologize for the lack of info I will try to add more details.

1)I'm a tall and thick guy so I am capable of concealing a large caliber firearm on my person (I have applied for my carry permit a while ago).
2) After firing numours rounds out of my Governor I have found that .45 ACP rounds at 10-15 ft are still a bit inaccurate, even when I take time to place my shot, and wish to purchase something with a longer barrel to improve said accuracy. I don't want to risk a round missing my target and hitting an innocent person.
3) The Governor is very effective with 410 shells (which I will be using from now on with said revovler) but the bead spread falls into the same category with the ACP round. Unless I am firing point blank the beads have a chance of hitting any bystanders.

I hope this additional info helps, hope to hear a response soon. :D
 
#9 ·
First off I would like to say I appreciate the timely responses. Secondly I would like to apologize for the lack of info I will try to add more details.

1)I'm a tall and thick guy so I am capable of concealing a large caliber firearm on my person (I have applied for my carry permit a while ago).
2) After firing numours rounds out of my Governor I have found that .45 ACP rounds at 10-15 ft are still a bit inaccurate, even when I take time to place my shot, and wish to purchase something with a longer barrel to improve said accuracy. I don't want to risk a round missing my target and hitting an innocent person.
3) The Governor is very effective with 410 shells (which I will be using from now on with said revovler) but the bead spread falls into the same category with the ACP round. Unless I am firing point blank the beads have a chance of hitting any bystanders.

I hope this additional info helps, hope to hear a response soon. :D
First off, Welcome to the Forum!

I think it would also help us a bit if we knew how much training, if any, you have had. Have you shot any of the guns you are thinking about buying? Are you dead set against semi autos?
 
#8 ·
I think your Governor is inaccurate due to the shallow rifling necessary to give a decent pattern with the shotshell. Going to a gun made JUST for the 45 ball round should help with that greatly.

One of the ones you listed is the 325. Now, that's Titanium, or Scandium, or some other super lightweight alloy. Great for carrying. Not so great for shooting. I know when they came out with the Titanium 38 special J-frame, I fired two shots and handed it back. Too light. Too much recoil. Could not hang on to it.

Before dropping any money on an AirLite model, I suggest shooting one.

The 29 Smith is a wonderful gun, so I have no reason to suspect that the 629 is any less, since it is just 29 made in stainless. But you said you preferred 45 to 44, so we'll ignore it.

Have you considered a 22? This is a 4-inch, fixed sight, blue 45 revolver. It's the old 1917, of WW1 fame, with the barrel cut from 5 1/2 to 4 inches. It's the bottom one in this pic.

 
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