Unboxing A Smith & Wesson Model 325 Thunder Ranch

The Smith & Wesson Model 325 Thunder Ranch might just be the perfect storm.

As the gold standard for revolvers in the U.S., Smith & Wesson has been turning out quality wheel guns, among others, for over 150 years at its factory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

When it comes to training, Clint Smith at Thunder Ranch holds a similar elite reputation. Built on an impressive resume, Thunder Ranch is one of the largest firearm training resources in the United States.

Let’s look at what happens when a legendary wheel gun maker draws on the expertise of a firearms training legend.

Lineage of the Model 325

Combining quality and quantity, no one comes close to the success and history of S&W-branded wheel guns. This is especially true of the roots of the Model 325, as this .45 ACP revolver dates all the way back to 1917.

Smith & Wesson Model 325 Thunder Ranch .45 ACP revolver — Smith & Wesson's Model 325 draws its heritage from the M1917 revolver developed for the U.S. military in World War I. (Photo: Zach Buth/Guns.com)

As the United States prepared to enter World War I, the military realized that there were not enough M1911 handguns to supply the Expeditionary Force that would deploy overseas. In 1917, Colt and Smith & Wesson began production of large-framed revolvers chambered in the same .45 ACP cartridge used in the 1911.

The six-shot M1917 revolver featured a 5.5-inch barrel, a moon-clip system to hold the rimless .45 ACP cartridges in the chamber, and a set of wood grips. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

The M1917 revolver supplemented 1911s during both World Wars. Thanks to its reliability and service record, it continued to serve through Vietnam as a popular choice for clearing enemy tunnels. In step with the revolver’s military success, the design was also extremely popular in the commercial market.

.45 ACP Revolver in the Modern Era

In 1988, Smith & Wesson revitalized the concept of the .45 ACP revolver with the N-Frame Model 625, a stainless-steel improvement on the 70-year-old revolver design.

The Model 625 achieved fame in 1999, when Jerry Miculek set a world record of six shots, a reload, and six more shots in 2.99 seconds. The speed of the reload is due to the same quick moon clip system used on the M1917 revolver.

Clint Smith and Thunder Ranch

Now that you know a little backstory on the revolver, what about Clint Smith and Thunder Ranch? Clint Smith is a decorated Vietnam veteran whose resume includes combat tours, a Purple Heart, time as a head trainer for a police department, a year in SWAT, an instructor job at Gunsite Academy, and starting the training facility at Thunder Ranch.

Clint Smith has set standards for firearms training with many different agencies and organizations across the United States, and his training classes are held in high regard.

The Model 325 Thunder Ranch

Creating a firearm worthy to be dedicated to Clint Smith and Thunder Ranch could be seen as a daunting task. However, the deep all-American history of the .45 ACP revolver line pairs perfectly with this American legend.

A further improvement on the Model 625, the Model 325 features a 4-inch barrel, a light alloy frame, a contoured rubber grip, and a mounting system for an accessory rail on the barrel. While the design is old-school, the dedication to Thunder Ranch brings a new-age feel.

On the Range

While revolvers are not my favorite, I was not about to pass up a chance to take this unique handgun to the range. For a revolver, the 325 is incredibly light and comfortable in the hand.

SMith & Wesson moon clips — The moon clips make reloading speedy. (Photo: Zach Buth/Guns.com)

There is a stout recoil impulse from the .45 ACP cartridge, but the smooth single/double-action trigger makes it a pleasure to shoot. I did my best Jerry Miculek impression, and while my reloads were nowhere close to 2.99 seconds, the moon clips are extremely fast.

Conclusion

As I have said many times before, training is one of the most important aspects of firearms ownership. The Smith & Wesson Model 325 Thunder Ranch is an homage to training, executed by one of the oldest firearm manufacturers in the United States.

So, while you are cycling through our Certified Used inventory, grab some ammo, book a course with Thunder Ranch, and hit the range. Never stay stagnant, never stale, and keep your powder dry.