What’s in the Vault? | Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch
What makes the Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch unique?
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center 325 Thunder Ranch is a revolver chambered in .45 ACP, which is unusual since most revolvers use rimmed cartridges. To accommodate this, it relies on moon clips for both feeding and ejecting rounds quickly. This design makes reloads much faster than traditional revolvers.
How does it perform on the range?
In this episode, Jimmy G puts the revolver through its paces on his private range. The combination of moon clips and an extended cylinder release make it a surprisingly fast-shooting revolver. Paired with its scandium alloy frame, the firearm offers a balance of power and control that keeps it fun to shoot while still feeling like a serious piece of equipment.
What upgrades did Jimmy make?
Jimmy made several modifications to enhance both ergonomics and performance:
Installed a *Holosun 407C green dot using an aftermarket mount
Added an *Olight flashlight/green laser combo
Swapped the stock cylinder release for a *Hogue extended cylinder release for quicker reloads
Equipped a *Hogue grip for improved comfort and control
These changes elevate the revolver from collectible to highly usable on the range.
Is the 325 Thunder Ranch practical for self-defense?
While powerful, this revolver isn’t intended for everyday carry. As Jimmy points out, this is more of a collector’s firearm and range gun than a self-defense tool you’d take on a grocery run. Its size and design lean toward specialty use and personal enjoyment rather than practical concealment.
What comes with the Thunder Ranch edition?
One of the unique selling points of this model is that it includes a Thunder Ranch range bag, making it even more appealing to collectors. Combined with its limited availability, the 325 Thunder Ranch often feels like a true “unicorn find” when spotted in the wild.
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch isn’t just a revolver — it’s a performance piece with history, style, and customizability. Jimmy G’s verdict? It’s a firearm that’s just as enjoyable to shoot as it is to own.
Watch the full breakdown and demo in the What’s in the Vault? episode below, and explore the playlist for more firearms from Jimmy’s personal collection.
*Disclosure: Some of the links above are Amazon Affiliate links. Clicking them may earn Jimmy a small commission at no cost to you. It’s a simple way to support projects like Alien: Extraction and future collaborations.
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