I picked up a 5" 625-6 Model of 1989 today for what I think was a great price.
The owner claimed it had a "Combat Action Job" but he wasn't real sure what that meant. The revolver has chamfered charge holes and a nice DA trigger (nice, not outstanding). It also has a
trigger stop. To the best of my knowledge, a trigger stop is not part of S&W's Combat Action job. Was it at one time? Is there any way to tell if an action job was done at the factory, other than getting it lettered?
S&W's job also includes a bead blast finish, but this M1989 still has very bright laser etchings that I would expect to be fainter after a bead blast. Thoughts?
Last thing is that the forcing cone has a bur on the outside edge, where the cylinder swings up. The inside edge is clean and sharp, so I'm not too worried. For what I paid, this does not concern me, I can spend some time cleaning it up or send it off if needed and still be ahead. Picture below is the best I could get, the burr is visible and easily catches a fingernail. I'm thinking I'll just take it easy and see it it will come off with a bit of sandpaper or polishing compound. It certainly does not appear to hinder functionality.
The action is tight, the BC gap is .006", lock up and timing are terrific.