Local shop has a 629 "model of 1989" but it looks as if the previous owner polished one side of the barrel and the crane. I'd like to pick this one up but the ruined finish bothers me.

It's a 3" and the asking price is $500. I'm not sure I'm willing to spend that amount on something that has the finished polished out.

Question: Can I have the gun refinished in it's original condition?

The ss finish could easily be restored at the factory as well as the markings. The model of 1989 was a 5 inch and I could be wrong but a 3 inch would have been done after the gun left the factory. You might als check with Accurate Plating and weaponry.

Earl

The 625 of 1989 came in 3,4 and 5 inch in 45 acp. If you have a 3" spotted, work the best price and get it before someone else does. Finish can be worked out once you own it.

Earl,

Thanks for the reply but perhaps I wasn't clear. The gun originally had a "matte" finish. Looks like a glass beaded finish so to speak.
The previous owner polished out the barrel to a shiny finish. The gun is supposed to be matte. Can I have the gun refinished to it's original matte look with the markings on it ?

Yes
The matt finish is the easiest to do. Roll marks should survive. Etched markings would have to be done at the factory. Easy to go back to the original.

I have two 625`s both with 5 inch barrels. I don`t dispute that the factory made other lengths . I believe a 3 inch would be rare. I have never seen one. My 1988 and 1989 are not for sale.
GRAB IT

Earl

Thanks for the replies fellas. Perhaps I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Do a search on the forum and you'll see a bunch 3" and 4" M625s. They are not rare but they are very popular and sell for good money. I'm glad to have one.
If I found another one for $500 I have it to, even with finish issues.

Attached Images

FA Pictures 439.jpg (83.3 KB, 47 views)

A (dirty) four inch 625-3

Attached Images

4s.jpg (90.1 KB, 41 views)

A simple glassbeading with the correct beads will restore it to factory condition and not harm the rollmarks and even the laser engraving. I do it all the time with excellent results.

If I could find a 625 with a 3 inch barrel for $500, I would buy it in a New Yourk second. That is an excellent price and I would worry bout the finish later.

Get real, I'd give $500 for one with a gold plated hammer and trigger much less one with a polish job that can be corrected with a quick bead blast. And who cares about the laser markings (which is one of the more stupid S&W ideas) on a supreme blaster like a 3" 625. Buy, shoot and enjoy is my advice.

I bought a 625 new once and polished all the matte finish off before I even shot it. I never did like matte finish. I sold it later and it did not hurt the resale value. Old men do funny things sometime but I do it my way.

Just buy it and finish (no pun) the polishing. will be easier to keep clean after you shoot the hell out of it.
No sense spending money on the finish when it could be used to buy more ammo.

^ I fully agree . I couldn't care less about what a gun could be or will be worth later in time . Heck I might die in my sleep tonite .
I shoot all my guns including Colt SAA's .

Yep. You will seriously regret not buying that revolver if you pass on it. I agree with the last posters. Complete the polish yourself and have a helluva nice revolver in your collection. Nobody is too married to the matte finish I'll wager.... H

I really dislike the matte finish on my 625. All my other S&W's (except for 1) are beautiful stainless steel, I do have one Model 19 which is blue.

I have this one that has been polished by the previous owner. I kinda like it that way. And $500 wouldn't take this one from me..

ACTUALLY, the 4 inch is hardest to find for sale....

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.