625, 627 or 686?

[Andrew63]

Hi Folks,

First of all I would like to thank everyone involved for making this forum such an incredible source of knowledge and by far the best I have found.

I'm looking for advice on what gun to start out with. I don't currently have a revolver but used to own a 686 until selling it and getting into Glocks. I have never done any competitive shooting. I'll be moving to the Sacramento/Stockton California area and see there are a number of clubs offering all kinds of events.

I have small hands but did ok with a large framed Super Redhawk. Would you recommend sticking with an L frame or are the N frames no bigger than the Super Redhawk?

I don't know which club or clubs I'll end up with so I don't know exactly what regulations the gun will have to meet. The models I have been most interested in are the following: 625JM or PC version, 686 SSR, PC 627 or 627 V-Comp.

It appears as though the 625 or 686 being 4" have a few more eligable classes but I must admit to being a little overwhelmed with all the organizations and classes and may be missing a lot of info.

I'd read about the 627 V-Comp as been the gun to have on another board early in my reading/research but it doesn't seem as talked about as the 625 on this forum. What classes would it be good for?

I don't reload at the moment but plan on being set up by this time next year. I'd like to start with something versatile that isn't limited to only 1 class option so I can explore and find what I most enjoy.

I think I have read enough on the internet that I have my head spinning with all the possibilities! Advice will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Andrew

[ede]

i have all three and a few others. if it were me and no other considerations i'd go with the 625. the 686 would work in IDPA but wouldn't be as competitive in USPSA. the VComp will put you in Open and i'm sure you don't want to shoot there with a wheelie.

[BallisticianX]

Im not sure what you are going to do with this gun. I will admit Im not familiar with IDPA but as far as USPSA goes either the 625 or 686 is a valid choice. If you want to shoot major Power Factor I suggest the 625. The 45 is easy to make major. The 686 in .357/.38 will have to shoot loads in the 357 velocity range to make Major and wont be very manageable with regard to recoil. Standard 38 loads would be reserved for minor. The 627 V-comp is not permitted in the revolver division of USPSA due to the comp. It would have to be shot in the Open division against the race guns, not very competitive.

Now in ICORE there is a place for all three. There is only one PF of 120 that has to be met, now the 38 or 45 can be easily used. ICORE generally set targets up in "banks" condusive to six shot strings so again any gun will work. The 627 V-comp would have to be in open due to the comp and therfore should be fitted with a red dot and moonclip conversion to be competitive. Unless you want to be in open, It would be more money spent after the purchase for the sake of the xtra two rounds that can be helpful but not needed.

In Steel Challenge, again all of your choices will work with only a minimum of 740fps requirement. But the 627 V-Comp has the distinct advantage here with those 2 extra shot to make up those easy misses in this game. Though again it would be considered an open gun but lack of red dot and moonclip conversion is not a major disadvantage in Steel like in ICORE.

Also you can buy a 627 without the comp and use it other than open. So depending on what game you want to play will dictate what one you want to specialise the gun in. If you want to shoot all three at no major disadvantage then I would go with the 625. The grip size between the L and N frame is minimal, mainly the N is a little longer but no difference in heft. Hope this helps you.

Edited October 15, 2010 by BallisticianX

[revomodel10]

As suggested above, it is really about what you game want to shoot.

There are some real differences in the sports so, there is no one gun fits all choice.

a 4" 686 is great for IDPA SSR, ICORE & Steel

8 shots are great for steel & ok for Icore, no use in IDPA or USPSA

for USPSA, shooting minor is not much fun unless your the only revo there that day ......

a 4" 625 can play in all the games with obvious disadvantages in steel

Anyway, go try some of the sports & base your decision on what you enjoy!

Edited October 15, 2010 by revomodel10

[chirpy]

If you have holster mag pouches and mags for a G17 or 19 give production (USPSA) Stock Service (IDPA) a try and see if you like that. While your doing that check out what the revo shooters are using. Ask a lot of questions. Keep an eye on this forum. Then after a while you will be better equiped to decide.

JMHO

Richard

[John Z Sr]

Much good advice already posted, but I would suggest getting out to a local match and start talking to the revo shooters. I have many revos for different games, but if just one to start with, the 625 in 4" is hard to beat, good luck and welcome to the revo brotherhood, where all the cool kids play !!!

[AzShooter]

The 627 V-Comp is a great gun. It will not put you in Open. Just put the faulse cap on instead of the comp and you are now in Limited.

If you can count to SIX you can use it for USPSA matches. Just remember not to fire the 7th shot or you will be put in Open. You can't use it in IDPA.

The 4 inch 686 can be used for everything. It's a good gun. Can easily handle the light power loads for IDPA and ICORE and you can shoot minor or major for USPSA. Use Safariland Comp IIIs for the fastest reloads or have it converted to full moons.

The 625 is perfect for all of the revolver games. Light recoil with a heavy slug. Fast reloads and fast second shots. You only have six shots so don't miss. No big deal in USPSA, IDPA or ICORE since most stages are 6 shot neutral. The 627 has the advantage of a fast pick up shot if you miss.

Only real big advantage for the 627 goes to Steel Challenge stages so you can shoot fast and have two make up shots built in. But if you are missing you are loosing time.

Pick what sport you are going to go to mosts.

[Andrew63]

Thank you all very much for your replies, you've given me a ton of very useful info to help me out.

At the moment I'm living in Alaska until my house sells and winter has arrived (14 degrees outside this morning) so nothing going on outside up here that I know of. If I wasn't up here I would certainly take the great advice of going to check out different events before making up my mind.

Based on what I've read, it seems like a 625 would cover a lot of options and would allow me to try out different clubs and organizations when I get to California. I'd say I'm starting to lean towards a 625 as my next purchase but I'll certainly be reading and listening to your thoughts some more before deciding.

Speaking of the 625, I see in the S&W catalog they have the 625 JM and also a Performance Center version with red, white and blue grip. The PC version is cut differently under the barrel and lists "deep cut broached rifling". They are both 4" and have similar prices. Neither mention if they are cut for moon clips. Any recommendations on which version would be best?

Thanks again everyone. Andrew

[IPSC_PRO]

When my back heals I'm shooting uspsa revo;) And I will be shooting a 625 with moon clips. The moon clip reloads are so much fun. I got two 625s. One with a four inch barrel and one with a five inch barrel. Both have had trigger jobs and pull at a smooth 9 pounds. For me it all works out fine. I like reloading .45acp. Bigger rounds for me make for easier handling when reloading, I mean reloading with a press. I have a 1911 that I used to shoot in limit 10 in .45acp. So once in a while I'll be shooting semi auto, I'll already have the rounds and the press set up for .45acp. And easy to make major power factor so I will not lose points on non-A hits. Welcome to revo land buddy! Hope you will enjoy it like the rest of us. I haven't shot a match yet in revolver but I'm so excited I could almost jump out of my skin. lol. OUr State uspsa match coming up in March of 2011. I'm just excited because state match courses are more elaborate than our usual weekly matches. And I'll be shooting them with my 625s. I'll be in heaven for those two days for sure. Make sure you get a lot of advice before upgrading your gun, like a trigger job. You will save a lot of money. I went a little crazy when I got my second 625 on auction. It was a trickout 625 uspsa legal. I have no regrets. cya around on the forum. Ken

[John Z Sr]

When you get into the worked guns, they will usually only fire Federal primers, as they are the softest, not a problem, just something to consider. If you don't reload yet, I would leave the trigger alone 'till you do. Good luck, John

[kmca]

A little thread hijack here but, is there a real advantage to using round nose bullets vs truncated cone type?

[pskys2]

A little thread hijack here but, is there a real advantage to using round nose bullets vs truncated cone type?

Oh heck yes. For competition it's like the difference in a stock 1911 with no chamfering and using a magizine with no base pad vs. one with a good magwell and a long magazine.

It can be done, but you will not have consistency. Then add in the pressure of a match!

You don't even see anyone seriously using that lead 200 RN with the slight shoulder. It's just too frustrating.

[kmca]

A little thread hijack here but, is there a real advantage to using round nose bullets vs truncated cone type?

Oh heck yes. For competition it's like the difference in a stock 1911 with no chamfering and using a magizine with no base pad vs. one with a good magwell and a long magazine.

It can be done, but you will not have consistency. Then add in the pressure of a match!

You don't even see anyone seriously using that lead 200 RN with the slight shoulder. It's just too frustrating.

Opps, maybe I meant flat nose not truncated cone.

BTW, thanks for all the reloading tips last year.

Edited October 20, 2010 by kmca

[GlennRasch]

I shoot a 627 V-Comp with V-8 powder in USPSA ....... I shot 6 and reload to say in revolver class. I switched over the the 38 short colt , and that help out a lot. I also shot a 625 with a 5in. barrel, and I just bought a 1999 627 classic with a 5.5in. barrel that I'm sending off to TKCustoms on Monday to get cut for moonclips. I will start using it for USPSA and the V-Comp for Steel matchs. Good LUCK on your revolver hunting.

[hopalong]

I use a 625 or some varient in all types of matches I shoot.

USPSA 625/25 and sometimes 646. IDPA 625. ICORE 625. STEEL 625/25/646

HOP

[Rick B]

I use my 627 in ICORE, Steel Challenge, and USPSA production class. One gun fits all.

[IceDevil]

I'm not a revolver expert, but since I see you plan on moving to California I will encourage you to familiarize yourself with the CA "safe" gun list. If there are guns you want that are not on the list, you should buy them before you come here. As long as they are not assault weapons and you don't bring hi-cap mags, you can import and register any handguns you want. You should check out www.calguns.net for details of the joys of gun ownership in CA.

[GMM50]

I shoot a 627 V-Comp with V-8 powder in USPSA ....... I shot 6 and reload to say in revolver class. I switched over the the 38 short colt , and that help out a lot. I also shot a 625 with a 5in. barrel, and I just bought a 1999 627 classic with a 5.5in. barrel that I'm sending off to TKCustoms on Monday to get cut for moonclips. I will start using it for USPSA and the V-Comp for Steel matchs. Good LUCK on your revolver hunting.

Also consider shooting that same revolver in production and Limited 10.

[Forrest Halley]

I was under the impression that the 627 v comp can have the comp removed? Right? Wrong? Any idea what the comp weighs and if there are aftermarket replacements?

To the OP:

1 Buy something with cylinders.

2 Get it running.

3 Shoot and learn about what you like and dislike.

4 Buy something else with cylinders and continue your enjoyment of life.

[Bass Ackwardz]

A little thread hijack here but, is there a real advantage to using round nose bullets vs truncated cone type?

Oh heck yes. For competition it's like the difference in a stock 1911 with no chamfering and using a magizine with no base pad vs. one with a good magwell and a long magazine.

It can be done, but you will not have consistency. Then add in the pressure of a match!

You don't even see anyone seriously using that lead 200 RN with the slight shoulder. It's just too frustrating.

Guess I'm not serious enough...lol.

Bass

[Pstmstr]

If you shoot a 627 in Production, do you have to have the reloads behind the front of your hip bone?

[Rick B]

If you shoot a 627 in Production, do you have to have the reloads behind the front of your hip bone?

No, you can have your moonclips in front like you would in ICORE. You cant use a "race" holster. I use a Blade Tec.

[GlennRasch]

Im not sure what you are going to do with this gun. I will admit Im not familiar with IDPA but as far as USPSA goes either the 625 or 686 is a valid choice. If you want to shoot major Power Factor I suggest the 625. The 45 is easy to make major. The 686 in .357/.38 will have to shoot loads in the 357 velocity range to make Major and wont be very manageable with regard to recoil. Standard 38 loads would be reserved for minor. The 627 V-comp is not permitted in the revolver division of USPSA due to the comp. It would have to be shot in the Open division against the race guns, not very competitive.

Now in ICORE there is a place for all three. There is only one PF of 120 that has to be met, now the 38 or 45 can be easily used. ICORE generally set targets up in "banks" condusive to six shot strings so again any gun will work. The 627 V-comp would have to be in open due to the comp and therfore should be fitted with a red dot and moonclip conversion to be competitive. Unless you want to be in open, It would be more money spent after the purchase for the sake of the xtra two rounds that can be helpful but not needed.

In Steel Challenge, again all of your choices will work with only a minimum of 740fps requirement. But the 627 V-Comp has the distinct advantage here with those 2 extra shot to make up those easy misses in this game. Though again it would be considered an open gun but lack of red dot and moonclip conversion is not a major disadvantage in Steel like in ICORE.

Also you can buy a 627 without the comp and use it other than open. So depending on what game you want to play will dictate what one you want to specialise the gun in. If you want to shoot all three at no major disadvantage then I would go with the 625. The grip size between the L and N frame is minimal, mainly the N is a little longer but no difference in heft. Hope this helps you.

I shoot a 627 V-Comp in USPSA and at Steel match's . I have the comp off with just the barrel ext. on, I say in the Rev. class, I shoot 6 and reload. Some match's in shot production just to shot all 8. Hope you find a rev. soon and go have fun....