625 .45 ACP recoil comparison

[linkstate]

Hello.

I've been lurking for awhile and have a few questions for you guys and gals.

I am contemplating getting a Smith and Wesson 625 45ACP. I have a 1911 that I shoot pretty accurately compared to my other guns and love the .45ACP cartridge. The problem lies in the fact that I love shooting revolvers even more. So naturally this leads me to the 625.

On to the questions: How does the recoil compare between the in 625 and a full sized 1911 style auto? Is there much difference between the 4 or 5 inch models? How about the Miculek version since it is a bit lighter? I know this is kind of an apples and oranges type question, but I cannot compare it to any other .45 and no range in my area has any .45 revolvers to rent.

My concern is that shooting the .45 auto, while not punishing, is at about the edge of my willing tolerance for extended range sessions and am hoping that shooting them out of a beefy N frame would be more enjoyable. Make sense?

I did a search of the archives but found little discussion on this topic.

 

[valnar]

I don't own a 1911, but I do have a SIG P220. Since the Sig is lighter than the 625, it has slightly more kick, but neither gun bothers me at all.

All in all, the 625 is my favorite revolver and favorite gun period.

I have the Miculek 4" 625 myself.

-Robert

 

[Hutch]

It's really hard to compare the recoil of a 1911 and an N-frame, even shooting the same ammo. The 1911 slide whacking back and forth sure makes it SEEM a bit snappier, but even things like recoil spring stiffness and the presence/absence of a shok-buf (rubber bumper in the auto) can significantly change the perceived recoil of the autopistol. The greater height of the barrel above the wrist for the revolver gives it greater torque or muzzle rise, but it's still not to bad with .45 ACP ammo.

All this to say, it sorta depends. ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, more torque with a revolver. Subjectively, seems like the auto smacks the hand a wee bit harder. In all honesty, the .45 ACP just ain't that punishing to shoot in either gun.

 

[10-Ring]

The 625 I have experience w/ is a very mild shooting 45 acp.

 

[VaughnT]

I loved shooting a 625 and am seriously considering getting one of my own. It's a pleasant little piece with a gentle touch. Not at all as snappy as the 1911...which I love dearly...and certainly better than a .357mag.

 

[E357]

I compete with both, not always well but it's shooting. I find that with full factory loads I do better, faster with the 1911 with a heavy recoil spring. I'll do just as well with the 625 when the loads are a little lighter.

If I'm only shooting one handed then I will do much better with the 1911. The recoil does not move your finger out of position on the trigger as it might when shooting the "N" frame.

The 625 is a great gun if you reload. You can tailor your loads and not have to worry about functioning.

Don't know if this helped. You might want to try an 18lb. spring in your 1911 and see if it slows down the recoil some.

Elliot

 

[Dr.Who]

I shoot both. A Colt 1911 70 series and an S&W 625 4" Performance Center. Using the same loads in either as a comparison, the 1911 kicks a bit more for me. The 625 in a full lug barrel, which helps, keep the muzzle down. I do not use the compensator. My 625 likes 200 grain loads and my 1911 230 grains. So on a regular shoot, the 1911 will kick more due to the 230's load. I also have a 686 .357, it kick “ahellofalot†more than the 625 does if using factory loaded .357. All in all my favorite revolver to shoot is the 625.

You will love the 625....

 

[JoeHatley]

Any 625 would have far less recoil. My 625's range in weight from 40 oz for my Mountain Gun, to 45 oz for my V-comp. The SW1911 I recently purchased is 38 oz.

Using the same 200 grain bullet load at approximately 825 fps, recoil in the V-comp would be 4#, The SW1911 would be 5#, or a 20% increase. Recoil figures are from the Recoil Calculator over at www.realguns.com You have to register to use it.

Now... there are some variables that would change that percentage a bit. The SW1911 starts with 8 rounds, compared to the weight of 6 rounds and a moon clip for the 625. The barrel sits closer to the hand in the SW1911, but it also has that slide mass banging back each shot.

Variables not withstanding, in my hands, the 625 is noticeably easier to get back on target.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Wil Terry]

THE 45ACP REVOLVER OF ANY STYLE OR MAKE IS A PUSSYCAT TO SHOOT.

Most of the recoil you feel shooting 1911 style pistols is the slide hitting the frame while cycling. If you ever have the chance to shoot a 1911 with a slidelock on it you will be utterly amazed at how mild the recoil really is; the pistol hardly moves in your hand. The last autoloading 45 pistol I have shot with a slidelock was a S+W M645; it barely twitched in my hand.

 

[Dr.Rob]

No kidding my New Service barely achieves muzzle climb, even when shooting heavy loads.

 

[DAL]

If I read the posts above correctly, I guess I am the exception to the consensus. I had a 4" 625 that I perceived to recoil more in MY hand than my 1911 with the same loads. Maybe part of the reason is that I have smallish hands.

I liked the revolver, as I do all of my revolvers, but I finally figured out that it was just too big for my hand. Sure, I could have changed the grip, but I decided to sell it to a friend and use the proceeds for a rifle. The perfect S&W fit for my hand seems to be the K-frame; I dearly love my 10-shot 617.
DAL