[m141a]

Hmmmm,
 My Mountain gun is a 625-7.  I don't know about any of the earlier guns, but I do have an OLD model 25  6" bbl that shoots good too.  I have heard some bad stories about the M.G., but most have to do with play in the cylinder and shaving of lead around the forcing cone.  Check out-
www.smith-wessonforum.com
I think there is more info there.  I personally have had ZERO problems with mine.  I did'nt sight to 50yds, only to 25, not that I'd want to work that close in to an angry critter, but also don't want to over-extend the capabilities of a pistol.  Now I know that I'll probably catch alot of flack about that comment, but me personally, consider the sidarm as a LAST ditch defense tool while hunting.
 I'm sure that in Alaska, where the hunter could easily turn into the hunted, or at least the threatened, a handgun would be a constant appendage.
 Here in the northeast, I hunt Vermont and New Hampshire, and the hand gun is mostly carried as back-up or to put down the odd deer that has deceided although your shot placement was correct, it's not his time to go!
 As far as hot loads or defense loads, why not buy and try the Corbon stuff.  It is pretty powerful!
 Good luck when you finally recieve it.

Be well,
Chris

 

[Teufelhund]

m141a,
 Whats the difference between the 625-6 and the 625-7? I just can`t seem to keep up with all the new offerings. Not that I don`t like them, I just can`t keep up with them all!

 I know everyone has thier own thing going with handguns. In my opinion, I don`t find 50 yards by any means stretching the capabilities of a .44 mag or .45 Colt 4" N-Frame. I`ve always though of it more as a comprimise general purpose zero, crowding on the close side.

Excepting 12 years in the USMC, I`ve spent my entire life roaming the Wyoming and Montana back country ( I live in Wyoming). I`ve been killing big game with various revolvers, mostly S&W N-Frames, since 1978. Maybe I`m just unlucky or clutsy, but I can hardly find a bear even when I`m hunting them.
 It`s been sping bear season since May 15, dammed if I can even come up with decent sign. I`m not intrested in hauling donuts into the mountains for bait stations. I worry if I don`t get a shot and kill the bear, it will die later of heart disease. I`m not above finding winter killed big game or cattle and using them as a starting point, thats worked good for me in the past.

Point is though, that lots of handgun shooting goes on between bear charges. In Wyoming a 25 yard zero is on the short side for "general purpose" use, I rarely practice closer than 75 yards on a 8" gong.

Concerning shooting Cor-Bon ammo, months and months go by before I ever drop the hammer on any factory ammo other than .22 rimfire.
In my experience killing mule deer, whitetail deer, both mature and imature elk (big difference between the two), the assorted blackbear, various pest, stray dogs and housecats. A .44 Mag. 250 grn/1250 fps load will get the job done quite nicely without alot of wear and tear in a M29.
 
 Latley, I`ve gone to a 280 grn/1200 fps in my .44 Mag. S&W N-Frames. Does it make a diffence? I havn`t been able to tell yet, if I manage a good shot, I get a clean kill.

Does moving up to the .45 Colt make a practical difference? I`m going to find out this fall, with a General and three additionals on mullies and whitetails, with a little luck maybe an elk will blunder in close enough.

I think the .45 Colt Mountain Gun holds alot of potencial. I`m not sure it offers any real advantage over a standard .44 Mag., blue 4" M29 though.

Good shooting folks,
Teuf

 

[Coldfingers]

Well now,

I did a search at the smith-wesson forum and found alot of good info.

If my gun shoots as well as those other guns, I will be pleased. Them boys sure put some fancy grips on thiers! Jeesh, talk about "dressed to kill"

Linebaughs site and experience with the Smith also leads me to think I may be on a good path for a very versitile gun that will pack well and offer and offer DA capablilities.

From the sounds of things, the gun will handle loads that would cause me to flinch and is very accurate.

I also look foreward to bear season with a client coming in on June 1st for a week in the deep woods, swatting bugs and poking sticks at black bears. I am getting pretty cranked up and have only packed my gear twice now. I am reserving a spot for the Mtn Gun 8*)

I cannot figgure out all the numbers either...gibberish I say!

Time does drag on so when you are waiting for a package don't it?

Scotty

 

[Teufelhund]

m141a,
Thanks for the S&W link, intresting place.

Coldfingers,
I got word on my 625-6 today from the technition known as Vito (sp?). #### of a nice guy who seemed competent enough. He is going to set my barrel back, re-face the barrel and re-cut the forcing cone to tighten the gap. He wouldn`t give me a straight answer if S&W felt that cylinder throats that .452`s have to be driven in "require attention". I guess I will find out later this week, when I get it back!
I quizzed him a bit why the barrel required setting back and was told it`s a result of "normal wear and tear".
 He didn`t have much to say about my suggesting that the original owner had only put about three or four hundred "cowboy" loads though it. Then I shot maybe two thousand slightly warm FP-RN though it. The revolver has never had a jacketed bullet shot though it.
I didn`t get much of an answer to that either. I suppose he had to tell me something and figured I was lying to him anyway.

Never the less, they are charging me $80 for the labor of "repairing" the revolver and also providing and installing the new front sight. Not a bad deal, I suppose, if the revolver comes back running good.

On the bright side, a buddy of mine found a dead moose this weekend, fishing. He said it had bear sign everywhere. I`m going to mount a four day expedition later this week, see what I can do. This drought, wev`e had the last three years is playing #### with my spring bear action. With little snow pack up high they are spread out all over the damm mountains.

Good luck in your bear endevers,
Teuf,

 

[Teufelhund]

Well ####, guess I can`t say ####.

I`ll just have to clean up my laungauge, I suppose.
Teuf,

 

[Coldfingers]

"GEEEEE GOLLY" Teuf, you figgured it out 8*)

Too many darn "Pastors" on the site (and thier wimmin & chillins too)

I am glad that you are getting yous wrung out but concerned about the wear and tear yours shows.

If I had a half a brain, I would have bought a Redhawk and a new sawblade for the hacksaw ;*)

I gathered from an inference at the smithforum that "J.L." has shot his pretty loose but it still hits where he aims and functions.

Time will tell.

If I shoot the Mtn Gun like most of my others, there will be few hot rounds through it once one is developed the will do the job in a crisis. I then have a propensity to find a plinking load that hits POA and also get engrosed in silly stiff like roundball loads and subsonic bowling balls so that I can bonk bunnies and squirrels with my packin iron.

The .45 is perhaps not the best for this, but I keep on trying

I don't know how things are going to go for my client. Last week we had snow falling and the woods were brown, and leafless. This week it seems that summer is here. I watched the leaves grow to halfsize in three days and with the forecast for temps in the 80's I expect full bloom and dense foilage with lots of natrual green foods to tempt Yogi to remain away from the pickinic basket I have prepared. I believe the Marshall's scent makin machine may be the hot ticket this year if I am going to get a big enough tip to cover a box of ammo.

All in all though, a week in the woods with the campmates and guests will be a good time and a welcome break for the cabin fever that clings for way too long.

Please keep me informed as to how things develop when your 625 returns and I will do the same when the postman decideds that he best buy his own and quit playing quicksdraw with mine!

Scotty

 

[Teufelhund]

Coldfingers,
 I think the 625-6 is going to work out just fine with the level of loads I intend on shooting in it. If you checked out the J.L. sight you will find his 32,000 psi loads are pretty damm hot! 260grn. Kieth at 1491 fps. in a 7" test barrel, probually around 1350 fps in his 4" M25-5.

I shot a few 260 LBTs at 1250 fps in my 625-6. The recoil is pretty stout in the light Mountain Gun, not the kind of load I would enjoy a 200 rounds of practice with in a Mountain Gun!  

He also shows a 315 grn. NEI at 1283 fps at 29,400 psi in the test barrel, for a drop of 2600 psi and a gain of 55 grains of bullet weight. The numbers seem to show the .45 Colt is a little more efficent with the middle weight bullets.  

I`m going to go with 280 or 300 grn. LBT`s at 1100 and see how things go. This will be plenty for me in a general purpose "packing" revolver. This should also keep the preasure down and not beat the revolver up too bad. If things work out this way, the .45 Colt Mountain Gun will be a step up from my 4" M29-2. If I need more than that, what I really need is my Ruger Bisley.

 My idea of a 4" N-Frame is that of a general purpose revolver, that I normally carry conceiled in a Milt Sparks rig.  
 I don`t agree with the "back up the hunting rifle" way of thinking. When I`m carrying a rifle, I prefer a Ruger MKII Target in a shoulder hoster. This makes a much more versitile combo for me.
In my years of Western hunting, I`ve never layed down my rifle and drawn my pistol to harvest a big game animal. I have shot truck loads of small game while rifle "big game" hunting though.
The idea of the sidearm "finishing shot" escapes me as well. By the time I walk up on a rifle shot big game animal, it`s dead. It seems to me, that if folks can walk up on a rifle shot head of big game and it needs "finished", they need to spend more time in practice or a more powerful rifle.

I guess in short, the compact, powerful N-Frame revolver is what I carry when I`m not carrying a rifle. It`s what I`m carrying when I`m pheasent or grouse hunting or flyfishing the back country with a general deer, bear or elk tag in my pocket. Of course, it would also work just fine in a personal confrontation.
 When I`m "handgun hunting" I prefer my .44mag, 7 1/2" Ruger Bisley loaded "heavy". This year I will be "handgun hunting" with a .45 Colt Ruger Bisley. These revolvers don`t fill the role of "general purpose" in my opinion though.
   
The factory tech wouldn`t admit it, but my 625-6 was shipped with a loose cylinder gap. I knew it when I bought it and it didn`t change at all though the shooting I did with it.
My Mountain Gun did lock up tight with little end shake and good timing.
 It seemed to me someone got a little heavy handed with the barrel facing tool. Since there was a big "burr" kicked up all the way around the forcing cone.

Never the less, I am excited to get it back and see what they did to it and how well it runs. Handguns just aren`t any fun, if they aren`t going boom!

One more thing, you mentioned small game loads for your N-Frame. I shot a spring turkey this year with my M29-2. Shot it "though the wings" at about 45 yards from the side with little damage. Last year I shot several Blue Grouse with the same pistol while out flyfishing. All of them with my standard 280 grn LBT load. They just go though and though with little damage. Got to pick the shot though and stay out of the breast.  
Teuf,

 

[Coldfingers]

Well now,

It seems that Alyeska and the boys are having fun busting knuckles with the Ruger and some T-Rex loads.

I have had the S&W Mountain Gun for a week now and actually got some shooting in with a Chrony to work with.

I must say that I am pleased. I can get a 300gr Keith handcast bullet flying right between 1045 and 1055 with 21 grains of H110 and a CCI mag primer. The load is stiff but not a real knucklebuster.

With 9 grains of Unique and a 250 gr SWC she will shoot dimes from a benchrest.

All in all, I am pleased.

More later as I am up to my hindquarters in Cub Scouts and preperations for guiding some happless gent from Utah after black bear. (Bowz & Arrows for all)

Yeee Ha!

Scotty

 

[alyeska338]

Hey Coldfingers, who you accusing of having fun?  Those Buffalo Bore loads are no fun whatsoever.  That 325 grain at 1350 fps, nearly broke my hand.  Split the web between my thumb and index finger (bet you didn't know I had webbed hands did you?  That's what I get for living on the coast).  Got MY blood all over my shiny new revolver.  I bandaged it up and shot it some more to if it was a lie or not, though.  Must have been a lie, it didn't happen again.  Those are some seriously stout loads, no kidding guys.  I really like the 45 Colt, it'll do just anything you ask of it.

 

[Coldfingers]

I knew you guys on the coast had webbed feet, but I heard that when the hands started to web, it iwas time to get some sun.

A wound lke that would have me back to shooting the .22

I tried my "hand" with a Casull and soon figgured out that I would do no good with it because of the flinch that developed.

Need more practice I guess.

I figgure that if I need that kind of whollop I will use the Marlin (One handed of course, to get the misery factor up there&#33<!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->

Take care of yourself and I will see you when you return from the high hills.

All my best.

Scotty

 

[alyeska338]

Yeah, the coasters don't die, we just rust.  Those Buffalo Bore loads were really stiff and sharp.  There WAS a sharp edge on the left grip that got me, it's not there anymore.  As stiff as those are, they didn't seem bad at all after the shooting session with the 500, though.  Kinda caught me off guard on a different day, I guess.  Always respect the gun.  It does shoot really good though.  Can't wait to try some sane loads after I get back from the field.  I really enjoy it (especially for the price I paid for it!&#33<!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->.

 

[T.A.P.]

I have the Mt.gunsin both 44Mag. and 45 Colt.I favor the 45 over the 44 for my own use.My all purpose every day load is-81/2 grs.of Unique,WWbrass,CCIstd.primers,Keith 260 grain SWC.The accuracy is most pleasing.The gun is carried in a Tom Threepersons holster from El Paso Saddlery.

 

[Coldfingers]

TAP,

I started with 8 grains of Unique. The bullets were all over the target. Once I got the velocity up, the groups settled right in. I found that my friends .44Mag was downright vicious in the recoil department when loaded up to snuff. The .45 seems to be quite tame in comparison while still delivering a heavyweight at a respectable velocity.

I still have alot of fine tuning for accuracy left to do, but I beleive that the potential is there to make a sweet shooting, easy packing, meat killing camp gun that will do nicely in a social event also. Only time will tell how she holds up to camp life.

I think I figgured out what all them different numbers are for also. They give the guys at the smithforum lots of excuses to post pictures of all the variences that come out of the S&W factory  8*)  Makes me wonder if any of the lil darlins make it to the woods! Mine is in the truck wondering where the soft pillow is. Next week it beds down in the pine boughs and rides the riverboat.

Scotty

 

[jdt634]

info please

is the .45lc mountain gun a rechambered .44 mag mod 629 mountain gun or a revamped 625 in .45 apc that has been recylindered .  I know the 625 and 629 are both N frame but I thought the 625 had a different grip frame .  My mod 25-2 and mod 57 and mod 629 all look the same except for cylinders and hammer profile.  Also just my 2 cents worth,  I find the standard weight 4 in barrel to be a better balanceing and handling than the profiled 3 in  the additional weigh does not seem noticeable.

 

[m141a]

Coldfingers,
 I am very happy you are enjoying your new toy!   How do the 300's shoot?
 Ijust got a load of 260 fmj [copperclad lead core] from Graf & sons while waiting on Marshall's bullets that I'm gonna work up a 1000fps load using H110  in the morning.  My 625 shoots 255's and 240's great!  the 255 Magtechs shoot to POA/POI but are moving slow--750-850.... the Remingtons move about 850- 900 out of mine, but same POA.  The 240's... well I just don't know, seems light for a .45...
 Hodgdon recommends 8.5 of Universal clays for a 250,gets 850fps... figure if I drop and go to 8.0 gr. of univ.clays for the 260s I'll be at around 750-800fps---maybe a little more... That's what's so fun about this game!
 I feel we have a sturdy "little" N-frame here and with the right load, will be a TACKDRIVER for years!!<!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->

 

[Coldfingers]

m141a,

I just returned from a week in "da woods" and guiding a nice gentlemen from Utah for black bear. He made a passable shot and managed to put the shaft through the last inch of Liver left between a short bloodtrail and a grueling grid search in the bogs.

We had a few hairy moments durring the blood trail when we stumbled accross "the old biddy and her pencil nosed cub" who had been frequenting our bait site and kicking butt on everything under six feet. We called it a draw. I did not shoot her and she did not kick our butts (but I could see her weighing the odds for a moment!)

The 300 grainers are a handfull from the Mountain Gun. I have settled in on 21.2 grains of H110 for now, based on Extreem Spread. Accuracy was acceptable at the ranges I figgured I would be forced to use them (and I am glad I was not!) With the heavy loads, the N frame is not easy on the web of the hand. I will fart around with them for a while this summer since I will probably carry the MG into moose camp. It was just a pleasure to tote in the field all day and I was not too worried about being undergunned. I was as much a part of my pants as the "Leatherguy" although it saw no where near the action! How in the world the old timers ever did without a multi-tool is beyond me.

All in all, I am pleased. It does not hit as hard as the Ruger, but it sure hits the spot!

Blessings,

Scotty

 

[m141a]

Hello all!
Well I'm just back from the range, shooting the wonderful Mountain Gun.  I can't believe I ran through a case of ammo in this gun.  I've been "recycling" the brass, filling it with 9gr of Hodgdons Universal Clays and a lead 250gr. RNFP copper clad bullet.
This gun likes this load! It holds good groups at 25yds, (About 2 inches) and I believe if I reduce it to about 7.5-8.0grains, I'd have an all around load. According to Hodgdon, this should give me about 900fps at 9.0 grains.  I still want to try Mike G's load of 20 grains of H110 and a 300gr.
Hope all of you are having alot of luck with the Mountain Gun, just as I have.

Be well, Chris

 

[Coldfingers]

Chris,

I concure!

I have an excess of Unique that needs to get burned up so that I can switch to U. Clays. Performance is good with Unique but it sure gets a gun dirty.

When I started working up a load with the 300's and H110 I started at 18 grains. Everything was pretty erratic (E.S and groups) till I hit a powder level that filled the case and things got really good when I got a bit of compression on the powder. Where I sit right now, the velocity is very consistant but the grouping is a bit large. I am going to work my way down a bit for accuracy.

I have no desire to beat up such a fine gun and believe that even the milder loads will make a hole in whatever needs a hole in it. Once the Heavyweights are fine tuned, they will be reserved for deepwoods defence

A remaining project is to come up with a small game load with roundballs and perhaps a bit of shot for filler (can't call em snakeshot since we have no snakes, but should work for grouse-n-squirrel)

All in all, I am quite pleased with the MG as it is very comfortable in my hand and points well. I fully expect it to give me years of good service in the field.

I keep reflecting on J.L's articles and have to wonder why a man known for custom handguns would pack a 625 daily and also into the mountains. The more I shoot mine, the more I begin to understand.

Scotty

 

[Alan]

Well...I'm sure the factory can get my 45 Colt MG to shoot well....grrrrrrr....I just can't seem to buy a new sixgun without having to send it back to the factory (and I had nothing to do with it this time or the last 2 times!).  Timing issue...shaving lead...lead build-up in the 4,5 and 6 O'clock position in the forcing cone.  And, a horrendous DA trigger pull...feels all jerky and full of sand.  MY SRH SA and DA trigger pull is light years ahead of my S&W...scary, eh?!

Curious, what is the BC gap of your mountain guns?

God Bless.

 

[m141a]

C'fingers;
Glad to hear of your sucess.  I'm finding that revolver is turning into my favorite just cause of it's balance and "pointability".  The Univ. clays is a very clean running powder, and has proved to be somewhat accurate, although I have to "fine tune" my 250gr load.
I'm gonna try the H110 recipe for the 300's when I get Marshall's bullets, but I'll tell ya, I shot the 250gr/9.0gr mixture from my Winchester Trapper.45lc as well, and they were "tack drivin'".

Alan:  
Sorry to hear your woes...
 I hope it's not a case of being built on a Monday or Friday, like the old story about cars....
 ALTHOUGH, you are correct about the terrible D/A trigger.  I thought mine wuold get "better with age", as things settled in, but it remains constant and about a 90lb D/A  
 I'll be watchin'the post to see how you make out.

Best wishes to all, stay safe!

Chris...