Ideal barrel length for 625

[10-Ring]

I'm trying to figure out which barrel length will work best for me. This gun will primarily be for range use & maybe if I get comfortable enough with it, an IDPA match or 2. So, would I be better off w/ the 4" or 5"? My initial thought was to go w/ the 5" but someone got me thinking (I know, very dangerous!) and now the 4" has entered the mix...help! :banghead:

 

[capbuster]

Personally ,I dont think you would go wrong with either barrel lenght.If possible, handle both types and see what suits you best. My shooting friend owns the 5" version and its a fine revolver. In my opinion the 4" version might prove a bit handier especially if you plan to carry it in a holster.The 5" version will give you a longer sight radius and in theory will be easier to shoot accurately. Again I would advise that you handle both, if possible and then make you decision.

 

[scott45b]

If you plan on using the 625 for IDPA, a 4" barrel is probably your limit. All my competition revolvers are 3-7/8" to 4" in length and perform quite admirably.

 

[Preacherman]

Look at it this way: the .45 ACP round was designed initially for use from a 5" barrel in a semi-auto pistol. That length includes the chamber, so the rifled portion of the barrel is just about 4". From a 4" barrel 625, the cylinder adds at least an inch, so you're duplicating the ballistics of the 1911 in a revolver when you use a 4" barrel. The 5" barrel will slightly exceed 1911 ballistics.

I have two 4" barrel 625's, and use them for most of my plinking, training, etc. in this caliber. Also, for IDPA, you'll need the 4" barrel - it's required under their rules.

I also have a 5" barrel 625, and this one I've had converted to shoot .460 Rowland by Clark Custom Guns. It can still fire .45 ACP, but going to the more powerful round gives ballistics somewhere between .41 Magnum and .44 Magnum - great for whitetail hunting. Might also be interesting for defence... a 230gr. JHP in .460 Rowland does over 1,300 fps, and a 185gr. JHP over 1,500 fps! Overkill, methinks...

 

[Lumpy196]

The 4" versions also clear holsters on the draw stroke faster obviously.

 

[10-Ring]

I have only shot the 5" version & liked it. It seemed like the perfect compromise between the 4" & 6" (of other wheelguns I've tried). Accurate, & quick to point. I guess I'm gonna have to track down a 4" version before I decide.

 

[HogRider]

I played with a 4" and a 5" barrel in the store before I bought mine. Couldn't make up my mind for the longest time. Finally went with the 4" barrel - it seemed a little bit nicer balanced.

 

[E=MC^2]

As others have said, the 4" revolver rule for IDPA went into effect last October, I believe.

Also, most Bowling Pin shoots award extra points(time reduction) for service sized revolvers. This being 4" or less.

 

[10-Ring]

If I really want to use this thing for IDPA, it looks like I might have no choice I know I prefer the 4" over the 6" Smiths, but are the 5" wheelguns as front heavy as the 6"? The 5" barrel might be an option down the road....decisions decisions:banghead:

 

[Stainz]

You have your criteria set - 4" for IDPA vs 5" for serious plinking. They both 'seem' front heavy to me... but my first S&W was a 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. The MG's have the nice tapered tube, partial lug, and chamfered cylinder - with a gloss SS finish - really more 'traditional' looking than the other 625's. Don't get me wrong, that 4" 625 I bought some fifteen months ago has since probably sent more rounds downrange than my other S&W's combined... it was my 'competeition' plate gun... where I learned how bad I really am... but, who cares... it was fun!

Oops... that is the key! The 625's are true 'big-bore' sixguns... and you can buy .45 ACP's anywhere - even Sunday evening from Wally World! Just try to find a .45 Colt or .44 Special round... The key is simply that a .45 ACP 625 is shootable by anyone. Sure, the 1911 types will argue capacity Yeah, they shoot 7 & 8 round mags... my Glock 21 had +2 extenders giving it 15 rounds of .45 ACP - now, that was capacity! But... you can shoot a 625 more reliably and accurately than an evil-bottom-feeder... and it won't whack you if you hold it wrong. Either size of the 625 will be fun... that is the key!

Stainz

PS Moonclips are fun - remember that.

 

[10-Ring]

Yeah, I met a guy who showed me how to properly reload w/ the moon clips fast & effeicient. That was just another reason why I've changed my mind re: the 45 acp in a wheelgun.

 

[Ankeny]

Like the other guys have said, if you are going to shoot a 625 in IDPA it has to be a 4 inch or less. If you want a clip revolver for steel or USPSA a longer barrel is nice. In fact, for USPSA shooting I would go with a 25-2 with a 6.5 inch barrel.

A revolver is more accurate and reliable than an evil bottom feeder. That's funny.