quote:

Originally posted by Jellybean:
Even if you disregard the problems with the lock and MIM, S&W has been experiencing some quality control problems, which has happened before with design changes. They are fixing guns that are returned and will probably figure out what is wrong eventually, just like they always have. But for a carry gun or a gun used in big money competitions I would be leery of carrying a new one right now. If you want to use it for range shooting or competitions that offer no prizes like the IDPA go ahead and get a new one. For hunting I also wouldn't want a new one for dangerous game or to depend solely on it in an area with dangerous wildlife. The malfunctions are relatively rare but are definately real.

Once you put 3700 rounds through a new 65 snd 1100 through a new 637 in a year and a half with zero malfunctions it becomes apparent that there were no mfg defects in either.

I have lots of the older guns and just two of the "lock-mim" guns and like both. The 22-4 .45 is one of the best revolvers (out of around 50) that I own. What a number of people here forget is that Smith had serious quality-control issues in the late 70's and early 80's. Most all my older guns that I bought then had to go back for retiming (carryup) or even a new cylinder (my 17-3). The guns I see now are not bad at all. I just ignore the stupid lock.
Bob

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OIF2,

I have a 625 in .45ACP and it is EXCELLENT, but I do have lust in my heart for a 610. Unfortunately, they are priced way beyond my price range. A lot depends on your caliber preference. The 625 is a tack-driver and an excellent pistol for social purposes with a proven track record for performance. It's big (N frame), but so is the 610. If it were me, I'd go for the 625.

Good luck,

Dave

Not me. I'm really pleased with my 22-4. 4500+ rounds and no problems. I don't like the lock, but I can remove it if I want.

625, 686 and 617 with UltraDot 30's. I probably shoot these three more than any handguns I own. I like them. All are very accurate with a smooth double action and I have no problems yet.

Photo attached

quote:

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp: You mean those who have no clue what MIM means?

Au Contraire, Mr. Earp.

We know EXACTLY what it means.

OVER-PRICED JUNK!

the only sound off I got here is that the asthetics of the new MIM gun are a little less
the top of the barrel is a little rough on my 625 and you can actually see the grain in the metal. However I cant fault the gun it goes bang every time even after 1200 rounds and the butter like action seems to be getting better with age accuarcy is exceptional I can ding the 4" plate at 50 yards with frighting regualarity
I Have a Sig GSR 1911 format paid about 1k for it has almost rifle like accuarcy but it has been back to sig twice for QC issues. Finally about the lock why is this such a big deal ive got them on 3 of my seven revolvers never kept the gun from going bang when I wanted it too
that includes my cheapo taurus every day carry gun that gets mud water pocket crud and everything else on or in it. you are not marring the gun get what you like shoot it a lot if you dont like it get rid of it. nuff said

SOG,
Welcome to the forum. Both guns are great choices. I just picked a brand new 625JM I ordered through Bass Pro Shops. I plan on taking it to the range for the first time tomorrow.
Good luck!

The MIM parts are OK, get what you like . The 625 is my pick of the two, but both are great gun. They are right about a used one, it will be cheaper and already broke in for you. Welcome to the forum, the best place on the net. Later John ( Remember to have fun )

Another vote for a new 625. If mine is typical they are tack drivers. Trigger pull was a bit rough at first but the MIM parts smoothed up nicely.

I've bought a half dozen new Smiths in the last few years, no problems with quality or performance.

The only Smith that I've ever had a problem with was a pinned model 67, broke the hammer nose.

For what its worth, I have had a couple of 625's and a 325PD. The first was the Model of 1988 and years later, the Custom Shop Camfour 625 like the one shown in the previous photo. I really like the ready availability of the ammo for the 625 and the accuracy of all the revolvers in that caliber that I have shot or owned. One aspect that I really like is that I can reload .45acp ammo and use it in my 1911's, Glock 21 and 30 and Sig 220 as well as three revolvers. .45acp is quite easy to reload and the components easily obtained. One can also use and reload .45 auto rim for the revolvers if you don't want to mess with moon clips.
So far as the new ones with the lock vs the older ones without, I have gotten a lemon or two of both types. I don't have use for or like the IL. For self defense, concealed carry, I use older Smiths without the IL. The newer ones I do carry have the IL deactivated. I don't have young kids in the house and my firearms stay locked in a Fort Knox safe when not in my immediate control. If I had kids in the house, and no absolutely secure place to lock them I would most likely use the IL. I have never had any failures and that includes many, many rounds through the scandium 325.
So, I can highly recommend the 625 and believe you will enjoy it. If you want it for sporting purposes I think the IL is not much of an issue...Good Luck

+1 on getting a new one.

yeah go ahead and get it.

Thanks for all the great comments and suggestions. I am fully aware of the controversy with MIM parts. S&W is not the only gun manufacturer being scrutinized over MIM parts. I dheard the same thing about MIM parts on a Kimber Gold Match II I bought a few years ago. Lot of questions about reliability, but to date have not had any issues with the Kimber. I re-load my ammo for .45 ACP and 40S&W so loading for 10mm would not be a problem. I might go the "previously owned" route and which ever one turns up first will be the decision maker.

Thanks for the welcome. I'm looking forward to soaking up some of the S&W knowledge contained here.