Questions about the S&W Model 325PD

[Quiet]

Hey all, I got a couple of questions about the S&W Model 325PD.

I ended up impulse buying a used one a few days ago (it was priced at $350, total cost after tax & transfer fee was $408). Now that I have it a got some questions.

1. How do you add/remove the rounds from the moonclip? I'm not a revolver guy and this is the first revolver I've owned/handled that uses moonclips. Out of the 7 moonclips I got with the gun, 4 were already loaded with Federal 230gr Hydra-shock JHPs.

2. Any suggestions on a good leather OWB holster for this? I would like to open carry this while hiking and for me trips to AZ & NV.

3. What's the deal with the S&W ILS? The previous S&W revolver I've owned didn't have this and I was wondering if this is a good or bad thing.

4. Since it's used, should I send it back to S&W to have them give it a check up, get it tuned by the Performance Center and refinished?

Here's a pic of my, new to me, used S&W Model 325PD.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/Quiet.12050/SCjOxqV6CCI/AAAAAAAAAio/-piuR_KdqrQ/CIMG2367.JPG?imgmax=720

[Lazlo]

Congrats on your new purchase!

1. Don't have much experience with them, but I believe you need a "demooner" to remove the rounds from the clip. You can either fashion one of your own from copper tubing or purchase one like this: Link (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=6727&title=MOON%20CLIP%20STRIPPER)

2. Can't really help you here, as I don't own a revolver that large and carry mine mostly IWB or in pocket.

3. S&W made a deal with Satan the Clinton Administration back in 2000 and includes the lock on all revolvers produced since then. See here: Link (http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/ls474.htm)
There are ways of removing it if you're daring enough, and there have been sporadic reports of these things causing problems (i.e. activating and locking up the gun during firing).

4. I personally would not if it is functioning reliably unless it is in pretty rough shape, but that's just me.

[Wyoming]

$350 for a S&W 325 is a such a great deal that we at Glock Talk are going to have to report you to the Police for stealing. Sorry but we need to keep it for lawabiding only here!

There are several ways and tools for moon clips. Go to Brownells, Midway or even Dillion has accessories for S&W 25 series in 45 Auto. Search for moon clips and you will find "mooners, demooners and remooners". You can use your fingers (they are free and hopefully you will always have them with you) to load and unload moom clips. Just be carefull not to bend the clips because that will cause the cartridge heads to drag against the recoil sheild making it harder to rotate the cylinder.

For decades after WWI there was only 1/2 moon clips. Then some one figured out the full moon clips is the fastest speedloader there is. I remember having 1/3 moon clips that fit flat in your pockets. I have the Super Demooner but I like to use the Rimz Speedloaders that are made out of polymer and are very easy to use fingers. FWIW, you don't even need to use clips to fire your revolver. You can just load them like regular rounds you just won't be able to eject them. You can use your fingers again to pull them out of the cylinder. They also make a 45 Auto Rim round that has a thicker rim so the ammo can be used just like regular revolver.

As for holsters. You can use any holster made for S&W N frame 3" barrel. My advice is that you saved a lot of money when you bought your gun so you should be able to aford a good holster that is made to fit S&W N frame 3".

A lot of people make a big deal out of the built in trigger locks on S&W. The reason most of my Smiths don't have the trigger locks is because they were bought long ago. It the same thing with pinned barrels and reccessed cylinders. Smith is building better guns now than in the 70's.

Why would you send a almost new gun back the factory to be refinnished? You would have to pay overnight shipping both ways for nothing. Save your money and buy a good holster! Unless the frame is bent and doesn't show in your picture I am willing to sigh off on inspecting your gun as hardly used. I can't see much of cylinder ringing. That model hasn't been around long enough to be wornout from shooting the thousands of round needed to do that.

You have a very good gun in a very good caliber now go enjoy it. You will be able to use it a life time and pass it down the family. The only thing you and your gun need to fear is politicians that can't read the Contitution. You are very lucky that someone like Breto or I didn't see that gun before you because it would have been gone!

Good find.

Wyoming :thumbsup:

[Ak.Hiker]

You got one heck of a good deal on the 325. If you do not reload check out the Double Tap 255 grain hardcast Auto Rim load. I bet you will like the Auto Rim. I use them in my old 1955 S&W. I shoot a handload that runs about the same as the DT load. A 255 grain cast 45 bullet running at 900 to 950 is about the same as a good 45 Colt load. A light weight big bore revolver is a very good choice for the field.

[bamarammin87]

350? :thumbsup: If I'da seen it first, I'd be posting the pics of my new gun!