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Mr. Smith
09-07-11, 10:00
Just got this ready for a customer it is a smith 625 mountain gun in 45acp.http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/GREY%20625/100_3884.jpg

I love to do fighting revolvers for guys that know.http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/GREY%20625/100_3881.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/GREY%20625/100_3887.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/GREY%20625/100_3878.jpg

What do you guys think of this for CCDW?

blake g
09-07-11, 10:12
That is a beauty!!!!

DJK
09-07-11, 10:19
I want it!!!:D

DocH
09-07-11, 10:43
Beautiful work as always,sir.

Pistol Shooter
09-07-11, 10:53
Extremely well done. Thanks for sharing.

Mr. Smith
09-07-11, 11:36
Thank you all.

Hawg_Leg
09-07-11, 11:38
the gun is gorgeous!

im just curious as to why people choose .45 for a wheel gun? isnt the point of carrying a heavier gun with less capacity the ability to shoot big ol' man stopper rounds like .357 or .44?

CobraBG
09-07-11, 11:49
Looks very nice. I used to own the same in .44 mag. I sold it to fund my first Glock. It was punishing to shoot. Big mistake, wish I had kept it. :mad:

glocktogo
09-07-11, 12:05
the gun is gorgeous!

im just curious as to why people choose .45 for a wheel gun? isnt the point of carrying a heavier gun with less capacity the ability to shoot big ol' man stopper rounds like .357 or .44?

The moom clips on .45 ACP revos make it much faster to reload. The 625 can shoot .45 Super, or with a little chamber reaming, accept .460 Rowland. That would give about 1350 fps with a 230gr. bullet.

titsonritz
09-07-11, 12:15
The 625MG is one of my favorite revolvers of all time. Beautiful work.

Lost River
09-07-11, 12:33
It is a nice rendition of the 625. As much as enjoy the .45 acp, I am a fan of the .44 in wheel guns. I find the .44 mag to be extremely versatile, so I roll with 4" and 5" N frames:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/015-4.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/086.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/077.jpg

Lost River
09-07-11, 12:37
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/048-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/044.jpg

KhanRad
09-07-11, 12:39
The moom clips on .45 ACP revos make it much faster to reload. The 625 can shoot .45 Super, or with a little chamber reaming, accept .460 Rowland. That would give about 1350 fps with a 230gr. bullet.

I'm curious how well a .45acp chambered revolver would hold up to repeated shots of .460 or .45 Super. Obviously, the gun was never designed to withstand those increased pressures, or recoil stress. Then of course, I think what he was getting at was if you are going to shoot .45acp.......why not just use an autoloader which is lighter, more compact, faster shooting, and faster loading.

With a pistol chambered in .357/.41/.44 magnums, the gun was designed to handle that stress. With the .44mag, you can shoot loads as soft as you like, or go all the way up to deep penetrating 300gr loads at velocties between 1000fts-1200fps.


To the original poster, excellent work on that wheel gun. :)

Lost River
09-07-11, 12:41
Nice job on the chamfering of the chambers BTW. Very clean execution. Looks like it is ready for an IDPA match.

Norinco
09-07-11, 12:42
I always look forward to your posts Mr. Smith. Thanks for sharing, looks great!

skyugo
09-07-11, 13:25
nice...
i gotta get you to work your magic on my 642 someday...

Mr. Smith
09-07-11, 13:50
Thanks guys

http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/GREY%20625/100_3887-1.jpg

glocktogo
09-07-11, 14:01
I'm curious how well a .45acp chambered revolver would hold up to repeated shots of .460 or .45 Super. Obviously, the gun was never designed to withstand those increased pressures, or recoil stress. Then of course, I think what he was getting at was if you are going to shoot .45acp.......why not just use an autoloader which is lighter, more compact, faster shooting, and faster loading.

With a pistol chambered in .357/.41/.44 magnums, the gun was designed to handle that stress. With the .44mag, you can shoot loads as soft as you like, or go all the way up to deep penetrating 300gr loads at velocties between 1000fts-1200fps.


To the original poster, excellent work on that wheel gun. :)

Other that the cylinder walls being thinner, there's no difference between a 625MG and a 629MG. Other than increasing pressures to the point you blow out a cylinder wall, .45 Super and .460 Rowland are going to take no more toll on the gun than a full house .44 Mag.

chapperjoe
09-07-11, 14:43
what makes a mountain gun A Mountain Gun?

titsonritz
09-07-11, 14:56
what makes a mountain gun A Mountain Gun?

A lighter, slimmer contoured barrel. Take a close look at the barrel on the 625 Mr. Smith cherried out vs. the first 629 Lost River posted

ruddyhair
09-07-11, 14:57
Beautiful work. Still want to get a .44 mag from you one of these days.

chapperjoe
09-07-11, 15:09
I've got a 625-3 4" that I'd like to make more of a compact firearm vis-a-vis grips and barrel.

Is this blashpemy?

Mr. Smith
09-07-11, 15:28
I've got a 625-3 4" that I'd like to make more of a compact firearm vis-a-vis grips and barrel.

Is this blashpemy?

I do it from time to time I would be glad to help you.

longball
09-07-11, 17:49
Excellent Mr. Smith! I've never really been into revolvers with the exception of a K frame I got when I was 12 but you're pictures make me want to add to the collection! Well done sir!

JonInWA
09-07-11, 19:04
You do magnificent work, and I admire the concept and the end result-but frankly, if I need to trudge around mountains or be in adverse environments and use a .45 ACP cartridge, I'm far more likely to be carrying a Glock 21, due to it's lower weight, greater ammunition capacity, far greater imperviousness to climactic conditions, lower maintenance, field strippability-but that doesn't mean that I can't admire and respect what you've done or what the recipient wanted.

Best, Jon

OMD
09-07-11, 19:09
Nice work...I have always lusted over a S&W Mountain in 45LC, but they seemed to go sky high early on...prices being what they are today makes them look like a steal back then. Hindsight. The Lew Hortons were great as well. Nice to see someone keeping the tradition alive!!! :thank_you2:

SeaSoldier
09-07-11, 20:26
I would give a left nut for the 45acp mountain gun. Time to hit the gun show. The pre lock and pre mim wheel guns in 45acp have all but dried up in the PacNW unless you have an extra $800-1000 to spend on the base gun :suicide:

Ozzy
09-07-11, 20:38
Is it cost effecient or even possible to have a square butt 629 converted to a round butt? RB pre locks are getting impossible to find and I already have a 629 4" SB.

iCarbine
09-07-11, 20:54
Other that the cylinder walls being thinner, there's no difference between a 625MG and a 629MG. Other than increasing pressures to the point you blow out a cylinder wall, .45 Super and .460 Rowland are going to take no more toll on the gun than a full house .44 Mag.

I'm fairly certain that the 625s in .45 ACP and .45 Colt are not given the same heat treatment as the 627, 629 and 657 and, thus, are softer and not suitable for higher pressure loads in the Super and Rowland class. I could be wrong but I'm sure I read that from John Taffin or John Linebaugh (both staunch .45 Colt and 625 fans). Those thin chamber walls also drastically reduce the safety margin.

I had a 625-3 for a short while but it's cylinder gap was way to tight and when the gun got luke warm, it would lock up so I sold it to fund an AR. While it was still cool and running I loved it.

LRB45
09-07-11, 21:05
I remember drooling over the S & Ws in Gun and Ammo magazine in the late 80s and early 90s!

Wayne Dobbs
09-07-11, 21:58
Mr. Smith,

Nice revolver there! I have a 625 MG in .45 ACP that I've been killing Texas deer with for several years with complete satisfaction.

Tell us about that sight installation if you would, please! Who makes the rear sight and anything else you can advise?

Hizzie
09-08-11, 00:08
Miculek stocks are very under-rated as carry grips. Awsome wheelgun sir.

OMD
09-08-11, 00:26
Is it cost effecient or even possible to have a square butt 629 converted to a round butt? RB pre locks are getting impossible to find and I already have a 629 4" SB.

...hmm...sounds like you need to give Mr. Smith here a ring Ozzy : )

Mr. Smith
09-08-11, 06:54
Is it cost effecient or even possible to have a square butt 629 converted to a round butt? RB pre locks are getting impossible to find and I already have a 629 4" SB.

That is work I do a lot of you just need to call me.

Mr. Smith
09-08-11, 07:00
I'm fairly certain that the 625s in .45 ACP and .45 Colt are not given the same heat treatment as the 627, 629 and 657 and, thus, are softer and not suitable for higher pressure loads in the Super and Rowland class. I could be wrong but I'm sure I read that from John Taffin or John Linebaugh (both staunch .45 Colt and 625 fans). Those thin chamber walls also drastically reduce the safety margin.

I had a 625-3 for a short while but it's cylinder gap was way to tight and when the gun got luke warm, it would lock up so I sold it to fund an AR. While it was still cool and running I loved it.

It is not just the heat treat but a different steal in the magnum guns.
I don’t cut the 625 for magnum cartridges for that reason but it would be nice if it would work.
The 625 in ACP has one advantage that people do not thing about it will run 45GAP, 45ACP and 45 Auto rim.

Mr. Smith
09-08-11, 07:08
Mr. Smith,

Nice revolver there! I have a 625 MG in .45 ACP that I've been killing Texas deer with for several years with complete satisfaction.

Tell us about that sight installation if you would, please! Who makes the rear sight and anything else you can advise?


The rear sight on this gun is the finest rear sight in the world built by my friend Hamilton Bowen.
It is the Bowen Rough Country and I use them on any gun people are going to use hard.
The factory sight is fragile to say the least.
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/parts_store/smith_&_wesson_rough_country_adjustable_rear_sights.html

Mr. Smith
09-08-11, 07:09
Thanks guys

cigardad
09-08-11, 07:35
Beautiful revolver. Functional and style.

fomeister
09-08-11, 08:45
Hey guys, I don't post here much, but this revolver is mine. Mr. Smith is a real genius in making metal into magic. For the longest time, I wanted a 625 Mountain Gun, and I found this one a couple of months ago. Yes, pre-lock guns are getting expensive everywhere, but it ended my search. I took this gun into Mr. Smith to simply have the cylinder chamfered and honed and polished. I should have known better, because after inquiring about grips decided to just give him my project and needs, and have him run it all the way to the wall. This gun will be used for home and occasional defensive carry as I can carry at work all day without the need for concealment. I intend to shoot the occasional IDPA, USPSA, or ICORE match with it. I also want to do a .44 Mag Mountain Gun. I got this for people or paper, if it were for grizzly, then I would want more power. Many of you asked "why?". The why is simple, just because, great gun, even greater gunsmith. You can get a true, hard-use custom from Mr. Smith with less lead time than average. Don't visit him if you want something cheap, visit him if you want something perfect!

iCarbine
09-08-11, 13:40
It is not just the heat treat but a different steal in the magnum guns.
I don’t cut the 625 for magnum cartridges for that reason but it would be nice if it would work.
The 625 in ACP has one advantage that people do not thing about it will run 45GAP, 45ACP and 45 Auto rim.

I was sure there was a difference. Thanks for clarifying. And I agree that is a versatile, and underrated, platform. Very nice work by the way.

glocktogo
09-08-11, 14:25
I stand corrected. This just reinforces my decision to get the .44 MG. Mine is a 629-4, which is the round butt pre-lock with forged hammer & trigger. IIRC, I paid $489 for it new back in 1997 or 1998. :D

Mr. Smith
09-08-11, 15:41
I did not try to step on you thank you for your post.
The 629 you have is one of my favorite revolvers of all time and it is worth lots of money now.

glocktogo
09-08-11, 15:54
I did not try to step on you thank you for your post.
The 629 you have is one of my favorite revolvers of all time and it is worth lots of money now.

I didn't think you did. I always appreciate getting correct info. Only the arrogant prefer to remain ignorant! :)

Beautiful work as always on an iconic gun btw!

RogerinTPA
09-08-11, 19:31
That is a beautiful effing gun! ;)

gun71530
09-08-11, 20:50
I'm not really big on revolvers myself, but that is a thing of beauty.

asianhulk
09-09-11, 04:43
I really like it, I have one in .44 Mag

Mr. Smith
09-09-11, 06:54
Thank you guys.

GingerPatches
09-09-11, 14:36
Excellent work! I swear, between you and Marc of Gemini Customs, we Kentuckians have some great wheelgun smiths!

Mr. Smith
09-09-11, 16:32
Thank you
Mark is my budy and a good guy.

MeanStreaker
09-09-11, 16:58
Absolutely beautiful!

LonghunterCO
09-09-11, 19:16
Outstanding. Would love this in a .45 LC!

Rosco Benson
09-10-11, 13:20
Nicely done revolver! That Bowen rear sight and the post front should give a nice sight picture.

How light were you able to get the DA trigger and still have reliable ignition? I know this can be an issue with the moon-clip guns and the mass lost by dehorning the hammer probably exacerbates that issue.

Rosco

Mr. Smith
09-10-11, 14:26
Nicely done revolver! That Bowen rear sight and the post front should give a nice sight picture.

How light were you able to get the DA trigger and still have reliable ignition? I know this can be an issue with the moon-clip guns and the mass lost by dehorning the hammer probably exacerbates that issue.

Rosco

Thanks

I set the action at 8.5lbs for the job at hand.
The hammer bob makes the gun reliable on ignition not less.
Action work is based on the job for the gun.

Rosco Benson
09-10-11, 14:56
8.5 lbs. DA with reliable ignition, on a moon-clip revolver is very impressive. The owner should be delighted with this one.

Rosco

Mr. Smith
09-10-11, 15:43
Thanks Rosco

Serlo II
09-23-11, 07:55
I love those mountain guns. They have really nice lines and they carry well.
I carried one for years in Montana while in the backcountry. When I moved to the Midwest I sold it. I regret that sale to this day.
I see your shop is very close to where I live so we may be doing some business. Nice work.

Here is a picture of my old gun. stock except for a trigger job by Jarvis and grips. http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r616/Undefineduser45/Guns/DSC01035.jpg (http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/Undefineduser45/media/Guns/DSC01035.jpg.html)

Mr. Smith
09-23-11, 08:25
I will help you in any way I can just let me know.
I have a nice shop just let me know you are coming and I will role out the red carpet for you.

Alaskapopo
09-28-11, 23:38
the gun is gorgeous!

im just curious as to why people choose .45 for a wheel gun? isnt the point of carrying a heavier gun with less capacity the ability to shoot big ol' man stopper rounds like .357 or .44?

One appeal to the 45 in a revolver (assuming 45 acp) is very fast reloads. Much faster than speed loaders. I tried using my 19 in a IDPA match once for fun and came in last place. (Normally finish in the top 4 overall not looking at just division) Then later I tried my 25 with moon clips and I finished around 7th much better. I could keep up much better with moon clips vs speed loaders. Now you can get speed loaders in other calibers but the 45 is just so easy to load with those big holes.
Pat
A stage where sucking with speedloaders hurt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF6GzC1LtfU

Jake'sDad
09-29-11, 07:35
I'm fairly certain that the 625s in .45 ACP and .45 Colt are not given the same heat treatment as the 627, 629 and 657 and, thus, are softer and not suitable for higher pressure loads in the Super and Rowland class. I could be wrong but I'm sure I read that from John Taffin or John Linebaugh (both staunch .45 Colt and 625 fans).


It is not just the heat treat but a different steal in the magnum guns.

While that may have been true in older guns, according to one of the guys in the custom shop at S&W, it hasn't been for many years.

Jake'sDad
09-29-11, 14:22
what makes a mountain gun A Mountain Gun?

I've got a few Mountain Guns, but this is my most Mountainty.....


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m602/JakeandDad/IMG_0715.jpg?t=1317325015


Model 396 44 Special Mountain Lite. Pre lock, replaced the titanium cylinder with the blackened stainless cylinder from a 396 Night Guard, to allow shooting heavy loads with no chance of bullet pull. Put Cylinder and Slide fixed sight conversion on it, (going to replace the front sight when I figure out what I want), replaced the trigger and hammer with carbon steel ones, and had the action tuned.

Shoots Buffalo Bore 255 grain hard cast at a 1000 fps, pretty much right where I aim it. Punches through big furry things or '66 Lincoln Continental car doors real good.

chapperjoe
10-01-11, 21:58
I definitely want those sites on my wheelgun.

Mr. Smith
10-05-11, 06:54
The Bowen rear sight is the best by a long shot.

Serlo II
10-05-11, 13:28
The Bowen rear sight is the best by a long shot.

does the Bowen rear sight work with the XS standard dot front?

Alaskapopo
10-05-11, 16:03
does the Bowen rear sight work with the XS standard dot front?

I personally hate XS sights. Basically they only work well at distances that you could point shoot as effectively anyway. They suck at ranges where you really need your sights.
Pat

Jake'sDad
10-06-11, 15:18
The Bowen rear sight is the best by a long shot.

Great product, but it's still sharper than the C&S.

Different needs for different guys.

mdauben
10-09-11, 20:57
Beautiful! For some reason I just love .45ACP revolvers. :)

jti2255
10-09-11, 22:51
that is one awesome hand gun brother!

jti2255
10-09-11, 22:51
where could i get my hands on one like that?

Mr. Smith
10-10-11, 08:46
where could i get my hands on one like that?

I can help with that.

Serlo II
10-10-11, 09:54
I personally hate XS sights. Basically they only work well at distances that you could point shoot as effectively anyway. They suck at ranges where you really need your sights.
Pat

I could never use the big dot either but the standard dot is not really wider than a standard S&W ramp and I have had pretty good results with it.

Jake'sDad
10-11-11, 11:57
I could never use the big dot either but the standard dot is not really wider than a standard S&W ramp and I have had pretty good results with it.

Same here.

Wayne Dobbs
10-11-11, 13:01
Mr. Smith,

What are your thoughts on the gold bead front sights on working revolvers and whose sights do you recommend (and install) in that regard?

Wayne

Serlo II
10-11-11, 13:34
Mr. Smith,

What are your thoughts on the gold bead front sights on working revolvers and whose sights do you recommend (and install) in that regard?

Wayne

Yep as my eyes get old I too am interested in gold beads and fibre optic rods. Would love to hear some expert advice.

Mr. Smith
10-11-11, 14:28
If you could look at the gun in this post you would see that the rear is the tallest rear you can buy and so is the front.

It is harder for you to see little things as we get older and the bigger the sight picture the better you can see it.

You have to use the appropriate parts to get their but the front sight is a SDM gold bead and the rear is a Bowen.

The gold bead is big and easy to see the rear is tight so I open them up a bit to give you more day light on the sides.

elmbow
11-17-11, 18:26
Mr. Smith, I'm new here, came across this thread while doing some "internet homework" and I found one of your comments puzzling, so I registered up to pose you a few questions. Hope you don't mind.
I've owned lots of S&W revolvers over the past 40 years, currently have 4 revolvers. Two of those are Mountain guns, a 629, and a 625, both pre-lock, one pre-mim. I am a bit of a DIY gunsmith and I have been considering buying two of the S&W patridge gold bead sights they sell on their website. They run about $60 IIRC. Now the only time I have ever had problems with a S&W rear adj. sight is when I have dropped the revolver ONTO the sight itself, duh? So, I'm curious as to your remark about the questionable reliability or durability of the factory sight, and the need for the Bowen $100 sight you referenced.

What is there about the factory rear adj sight that makes it problematic? What is your opinion on the Smith patridge gold bead pinned sight I'm thinking of buying? I went to the SDM page and looked at their sights. Am I wrong in assuming they will require more fitting and finishing the the Smith sight, which should be mostly drop in after locating and drilling the pin hole?
You are obviously a gifted pistolsmith. I would value your opinion on these questions if you would take the time to respond.

Elmbow

DrMark
11-17-11, 18:56
Great looking gun Mr. Smith!

I have a Mountain Gun in 44. I need to snap some pictures for the revolver picture thread.

Mr. Smith
11-18-11, 07:50
Mr. Smith, I'm new here, came across this thread while doing some "internet homework" and I found one of your comments puzzling, so I registered up to pose you a few questions. Hope you don't mind.
I've owned lots of S&W revolvers over the past 40 years, currently have 4 revolvers. Two of those are Mountain guns, a 629, and a 625, both pre-lock, one pre-mim. I am a bit of a DIY gunsmith and I have been considering buying two of the S&W patridge gold bead sights they sell on their website. They run about $60 IIRC. Now the only time I have ever had problems with a S&W rear adj. sight is when I have dropped the revolver ONTO the sight itself, duh? So, I'm curious as to your remark about the questionable reliability or durability of the factory sight, and the need for the Bowen $100 sight you referenced.

What is there about the factory rear adj sight that makes it problematic? What is your opinion on the Smith patridge gold bead pinned sight I'm thinking of buying? I went to the SDM page and looked at their sights. Am I wrong in assuming they will require more fitting and finishing the the Smith sight, which should be mostly drop in after locating and drilling the pin hole?
You are obviously a gifted pistolsmith. I would value your opinion on these questions if you would take the time to respond.

Elmbow

I will try to help you with this.
As to the rear sight the factory sight has a spring and plunger in it that are so small a pic is hard to take.
The parts are the smallest parts I have ever seen in a gun by a large margin the size is a big deal in that if you need to replace them it is like mouse surgery.
Springs don't last forever and nether dose any thing els the smith factory rear has 11 parts to my recollection the Bowen has 8 if you count the screws but thy are more robust.
In short the parts would be at home in a fine swiss time piece not a fighting gun.

The front sight from smith can be so many things I cannot answer you fully without knowing and touching the parts and the gun.
Smith sels so many manufactures parts I could not tell you what you are going to get from them.
SDM will send you a part that Scot built and it will be gold if he tells you it is not something that looks gold.

DrMark
11-24-11, 17:16
my 629-5 Mountain Gun

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/50881624/Mtn%20Gun.JPG

elmbow
11-24-11, 20:19
FWIW, I dug a little deeper on the S&W store, their gold bead patridge sights are the SDM's. The rub is they are less $ direct from SDM, so that looks like a no-brainer, I'll be calling them.

DrMark
11-24-11, 20:33
FWIW, I dug a little deeper on the S&W store, their gold bead patridge sights are the SDM's. The rub is they are less $ direct from SDM, so that looks like a no-brainer, I'll be calling them.
I picked up an SDM sight from either Brownells or MidwayUSA (can't remember which), so you may want to check around for prices.

fomeister
11-19-13, 14:10
It has been a couple of years since Mr. Smith did this revolver for me, but I still love it just as much as when I picked it up. I was surprised to visit here and see all the comments. It is not just another pretty face, though that never hurts.

williejc
11-19-13, 19:20
Great work, Mr. Smith. In addition to removing the hammer spur did you also deactivate the single action feature to prevent a dummy from cocking it?

Mr. Smith
11-20-13, 08:19
I do take out the single action once I bob the hammer.

BillOH
11-23-13, 19:53
I do take out the single action once I bob the hammer.

How do you remove the single action? Do you remove the single action notch in the hammer. I have a factory DAO S&W mod 64 and there is no single action notch on the hammer.

Mr. Smith
11-24-13, 05:59
That is what I do as well.