The model 625 variations. An informal pictorial essay.

Allen-frame · #1 07-16-2015, 02:02 PM

Greetings Forum friends.

Having recently found one of my grail 625s , I took an inventory
and thought an essay on the variations of 625 models might be cool.

The models in these photos span the years 1989 to 2001 which in my
opinion are the best years of the 625.

The model 625-3 was produced in 1989 and has all forged parts
and the long squared rear sight .
Flash chrome hammer and trigger which are often mistaken for
stainless steel parts.
Mine is a 3 in. and one converted to Mountain gun configuration.

Other models can be converted to 625 status using various barrels and cylinders .
Here a 629 and a 657 both converted to 45 Colt.

Missing from this lineup at this juncture is any model 625-4 .
These came in a Mountain gun configuration as the Springfield Armory
" Arms for the Nation"
And also standard 3 in. 4in. and 5in. models.
All with forged parts like the -3s.

In 1993 Smith produced the Stocking dealer Special 625-5.
Only in 5 inch with 1550 made , here the new configuration rear sight
appears on a 45 Colt model.

Interchangeable front sight blades.

After the 625-5 comes the 625-6s , and here's where models intermingle.

A fine example of the 625-6 is the 45 Colt Mountain Gun.
Found in various serial # prefixes , CAR, CAS, CAW,
The Forged Case Color hammer and trigger are handsome on
the Stainless gun.
The new rear sight is now standard in 1996 and M.I.M. thumbpieces
come on all.

Acid etched trademark on the side plate , 4 line address is still roll stamped.

At this time the Performance Center produced a 625-6
Light Hunter in 45 Colt.
The last of these models with the firing pin on the hammer .
Flash chrome bits as opposed to the C,C, parts on the production guns.

And then, here in the middle of 625-6 production comes a Mountain Gun
in 45 A.C.P. with all M.I.M. parts. CDU serial prefix , late in 1999. .
All markings are now acid etched.
The serrated tangs are eliminated.
And the frame is re designed to make the cylinder stop stud integral.

A lot of changes from the 45 Colt model.

Now the 625-7 variations ..

Probably the most popular is the Colt Carry.
A 3 inch full underlug.
Back to roll stamped markings, All M.I.M. pieces .
Hammer, trigger, thumbpiece, and rear sight , all m.i.m.

CDB , CDZ, and CEE are my serial prefixes.

Then there is a 625-7 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt.

CER serial prefix made in 2000 .

Then the 6 1/2 inch 625-7 Power Port.

CDF serial prefix. All new frame design.

Then the Performance Center made another run of the Light Colt Hunter.

Now the new frame design has gone into the P.C. with frame mounted firing pin
but still forged parts except the thumb piece and rear sight.

And here seen with a scope mounted .

NOW comes that 625-7 Grail gun I was talking about.

Produced in early 2001 it has many special features that make it
suitable for shooting competitions.
A shorter cylinder which reduces chamber freebore.
A 5.25 in. hand honed bore.

I have been looking for one of these for a long time.

Please feel free to add any and all of your 625 models to this thread .
I would love to see them.

Regards,
Allen Frame

RSBH44 · #2 07-16-2015, 03:50 PM

Outstanding pictorial essay. I especially like your engraved 45 colt model 625!!
Thanks for sharing. Now I must go wring out my shirt from drooling all over it, thank you very much.

k22fan · #3 07-16-2015, 04:16 PM

To "LIKE" it twice I'd have to register again as a phantom member so I can't "LIKE" it as much as it deserves. Great pictures and great collector info!

oldgranddad · #4 07-16-2015, 05:37 PM

An absolutely awesome collection. Thanks for posting.
Two questions if you don't mind:
Is there a way to tell the difference between forged case colored hammer/trigger parts and MIM replacement parts?
Why no 625-4?
Thanks

WCCPHD · #5 07-16-2015, 06:01 PM

With the factory S&W marked "Goodyears."

Allen-frame · #6 07-16-2015, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgranddad

An absolutely awesome collection. Thanks for posting.
Two questions if you don't mind:
Is there a way to tell the difference between forged case colored hammer/trigger parts and MIM replacement parts?
Why no 625-4?
Thanks

To answer your q, M.I.M. triggers without exception will be hollow on
the back (flat) side.

All production guns with frame mounted firing pins have M.I.M. hammers.

MOST all Performance Center revolvers have forged hammers and triggers,
BUT, check, because some very late guns have mim parts.

No 625-4s I guess because a deal on one has just eluded me.
New in box they can bring crazy money .
And I don't have any holes in the collection that I am hot to fill at this time.

The last Jerry Miculek design 625-7 sold on Gone broker for $1400.00
I missed that one. so had to track this one down out of state.

Good Luck,
Allen Frame

ladder13 · #7 07-16-2015, 06:33 PM

Allen, your collection is beyond amazing.

My one and only

, a 625-3

625smith · #8 07-16-2015, 06:37 PM

Allen,

As always a great thread!! I will add pictures of my 625-4 SAC.
Enjoy

And 625-5 SDS in 45 Colt

oldgranddad · #9 07-16-2015, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

To answer your q, M.I.M. triggers without exception will be hollow on
the back (flat) side.

All production guns with frame mounted firing pins have M.I.M. hammers.

MOST all Performance Center revolvers have forged hammers and triggers,
BUT, check, because some very late guns have mim parts.

No 625-4s I guess because a deal on one has just eluded me.
New in box they can bring crazy money .
And I don't have any holes in the collection that I am hot to fill at this time.

The last Jerry Miculek design 625-7 sold on Gone broker for $1400.00
I missed that one. so had to track this one down out of state.

Good Luck,
Allen Frame

Thanks. I bought a moderately used 625-4 (4")this past weekend at a local gun show. No box. No papers. I wanted a shooter and got one in good condition at a very fair price. Now I'm learning about it. Hope you find yours soon.

Jebus35745 · #10 07-16-2015, 11:27 PM

Allen, you have been chasing 625's for a while and have put together a nice collection. There are some unusual models included. Would love to see the engraved one with a little story about it. The engraving looks very tastefully done. Larry

Bigdog357 · #11 07-17-2015, 12:09 AM

Nice collection Allen, This is my only one, its a 4" 625-3 and I love it, it will be with me until the end. Ha that's probably why they are so hard to find.

S&W Fan · #12 07-17-2015, 12:35 AM

Awesome collection! Now I'm even more impatiently waiting for my recently purchased 4" 625-3 to get to my dealer!!!

Goblin · #13 07-17-2015, 12:57 AM

I had trouble counting. How many were in the photos above? We're they all described?

deanodog · #14 07-17-2015, 08:38 AM

625-8 PC

Allen-frame · #15 07-17-2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goblin

I had trouble counting. How many were in the photos above? We're they all described?

I think so.

20.

Allen Frame

Allen-frame · #16 07-17-2015, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebus35745

Allen, you have been chasing 625's for a while and have put together a nice collection. There are some unusual models included. Would love to see the engraved one with a little story about it. The engraving looks very tastefully done. Larry

Here it is Larry.

625-5 Classic Engraved

Regards,
Allen

Engine49guy · #17 07-17-2015, 09:23 AM

Truly impressive and even more of a site to see in person spread out all in one line ! NICE !

"No 625-4s I guess because a deal on one has just eluded me.
New in box they can bring crazy money .
And I don't have any holes in the collection that I am hot to fill at this time."

Allen repeat after me "I am a S&W addict and Im OK"....
BUT...
If you are truly serious stating "I don't have any holes in the collection that I am hot to fill at this time." ........
Perhaps you might be in denial ?

I think as fellow members and fellow addicts we owe it to ourselves to fan the flames of Allens addiction back to full furnace temp and beat the bushes until we find him a 625-4 in .45 Colt so he can once again sleep at night .....

Picture poor Allen laying in bed looking at the ceiling counting S&W's like sheep then getting stuck at 4 every time....
625, Dash 1, Dash 2, Dash 3, Dash 4....DARN have to start over....

Somebody has a 625-4 out there that needs a new home so keep your feelers on full alert as it is for a "GOOD CAUSE"
(Might even be tax deductable under Obamacare).

JK good buddy ; )

jjbrewst1 · #18 07-17-2015, 09:47 AM

Allen.

Very Cool 625's. Here is one I can add not pictured above.

4" 625-6 V Comp. RSR DISTRIBUTED

jjbrewst1 · #19 07-17-2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

4" 625-6 V Comp. RSR DISTRIBUTED

There's that V Comp I've been looking for.

Missed that one by about a minute.

Allen Frame[/QUOTE]

Who Got it?

SAWMAN · #20 07-17-2015, 03:25 PM

Allen, amazing collection sir!

How about this 625-6

Allen-frame · #21 07-17-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAWMAN

Allen, amazing collection sir!

How about this 625-6

How about it.
That is an amazing pistol. I bet it stays real still when you shoot it !

Regards,
Allen

1950jcb · #22 07-17-2015, 04:50 PM

Pay no attention to the 627-0 in the background--OK--you can if you want--but--the 625-7 in the foreground is one of the same batch the OP's grail came from--total production 636 for Camfour according to the SCS&W. Made a special trip to acquire the .357, and ended up buying the .45 at the same time--totally random occurrence--sometimes things just work out. Time to scratch that pre sale notification to Allen--doesn't need it any longer.

Hoot · #23 07-17-2015, 06:34 PM

Amazing collection Allen-frame, and beautiful guns everybody else! I think one of those looks familiar…

I've had a few 625's, but got interested in other guns, and they had to go. I still have one (my first 625), and I think it's kind of neat.

When I got it, I saw some funny markings. Hmm, I thought to myself, why does my S&W have markings like my Browning Hi Powers?

So, I had to get a letter from Roy Jinks;

"... Model 625, Bowling Pin Revolver.

These special revolvers were produced in 1988 with sales to begin in early 1989. The handguns featured a 5" full lug barrel, round butt and Pachmayr stocks. It is also marked "45 Model of 1988". There was a total production of 5,708 of these revolvers in 1988 and into 1989. The beginning serial number of these revolvers was BDC0000.

The popularity of this model was so great that in 1990 Smith & Wesson added this revolver to its line of handguns. In 1990, the Model 625 was offered in 3", 4", and 5" barrel lengths. This line of Model 625 was called ".45 Model of 1989". By September if 1991 the demand for the 3 and 4 inch barrel lengths had dropped to a level that it was no longer feasible to maintain then in production and they were drop from the catalog leaving only the popular five model in production.

We have researched your Smith & Wesson Model 625-2 Model of 1988, caliber .45 ACP or .45 Auto Rim, in company records which indicate that your handgun, with serial number BDC4966, was shipped from our factory on September 15, 1989, and delivered to Parker Hale Co., Birmingham, England. The records indicate that this firearm was shipped with a 5 inch barrel, satin finish, Pachmayr grips. …"

And I found out I had picked up a world traveller.

Best of all, it's the best shooting revolver I've ever had, or handled.

willb1961 · #24 07-17-2015, 06:41 PM

The only one I have, a 625-10 Performance Center .45ACP. Wow there are some nice guns posted on here!

ladder13 · #25 07-17-2015, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoot

Amazing collection Allen-frame, and beautiful guns everybody else! I think one of those looks familiar…

I've had a few 625's, but got interested in other guns, and they had to go. I still have one (my first 625), and I think it's kind of neat.

When I got it, I saw some funny markings. Hmm, I thought to myself, why does my S&W have markings like my Browning Hi Powers?

So, I had to get a letter from Roy Jinks;

"... Model 625, Bowling Pin Revolver.

These special revolvers were produced in 1988 with sales to begin in early 1989. The handguns featured a 5" full lug barrel, round butt and Pachmayr stocks. It is also marked "45 Model of 1988". There was a total production of 5,708 of these revolvers in 1988 and into 1989. The beginning serial number of these revolvers was BDC0000.

The popularity of this model was so great that in 1990 Smith & Wesson added this revolver to its line of handguns. In 1990, the Model 625 was offered in 3", 4", and 5" barrel lengths. This line of Model 625 was called ".45 Model of 1989". By September if 1991 the demand for the 3 and 4 inch barrel lengths had dropped to a level that it was no longer feasible to maintain then in production and they were drop from the catalog leaving only the popular five model in production.

We have researched your Smith & Wesson Model 625-2 Model of 1988, caliber .45 ACP or .45 Auto Rim, in company records which indicate that your handgun, with serial number BDC4966, was shipped from our factory on September 15, 1989, and delivered to Parker Hale Co., Birmingham, England. The records indicate that this firearm was shipped with a 5 inch barrel, satin finish, Pachmayr grips. …"

And I found out I had picked up a world traveller.

Best of all, it's the best shooting revolver I've ever had, or handled.

Very cool!

Jerry N. · #26 07-17-2015, 07:31 PM

Gotta have one of these just because of the grips!

RSBH44 · #27 07-17-2015, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoot

Amazing collection Allen-frame, and beautiful guns everybody else! I think one of those looks familiar…

I've had a few 625's, but got interested in other guns, and they had to go. I still have one (my first 625), and I think it's kind of neat.

When I got it, I saw some funny markings. Hmm, I thought to myself, why does my S&W have markings like my Browning Hi Powers?

So, I had to get a letter from Roy Jinks;

"... Model 625, Bowling Pin Revolver.

These special revolvers were produced in 1988 with sales to begin in early 1989. The handguns featured a 5" full lug barrel, round butt and Pachmayr stocks. It is also marked "45 Model of 1988". There was a total production of 5,708 of these revolvers in 1988 and into 1989. The beginning serial number of these revolvers was BDC0000.

The popularity of this model was so great that in 1990 Smith & Wesson added this revolver to its line of handguns. In 1990, the Model 625 was offered in 3", 4", and 5" barrel lengths. This line of Model 625 was called ".45 Model of 1989". By September if 1991 the demand for the 3 and 4 inch barrel lengths had dropped to a level that it was no longer feasible to maintain then in production and they were drop from the catalog leaving only the popular five model in production.

We have researched your Smith & Wesson Model 625-2 Model of 1988, caliber .45 ACP or .45 Auto Rim, in company records which indicate that your handgun, with serial number BDC4966, was shipped from our factory on September 15, 1989, and delivered to Parker Hale Co., Birmingham, England. The records indicate that this firearm was shipped with a 5 inch barrel, satin finish, Pachmayr grips. …"

And I found out I had picked up a world traveller.

Best of all, it's the best shooting revolver I've ever had, or handled.

What an awesome discovery and back story history.

Jebus35745 · #28 07-17-2015, 10:01 PM

Nice post on the engraved gun, thanks. Who was the engraver, he is very talented. Larry

Revoman · #29 07-17-2015, 11:24 PM

I bought this one back when Smith & Wesson had their factory store.

cal50 · #30 07-18-2015, 10:42 PM

625-3 & the current 625 PC offering.

Allen-frame · #31 07-19-2015, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revoman

I bought this one back when Smith & Wesson had their factory store.

You guys are killing me with these V-Comps.

This is definitely a hole in the 625 collection.

Anyone have one they're willing to sell ?

Regards
Allen

Allen-frame · #32 07-19-2015, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebus35745

Nice post on the engraved gun, thanks. Who was the engraver, he is very talented. Larry

The engraver was Davidson out of Virginia.

Regards
Allen

1950jcb · #33 07-19-2015, 08:31 PM

In addition to the -7 I posted earlier and a SDS in .45 Colt, I have a number of the garden variety .45 ACP 625s in 3, 4, and 5." This one's my 625-2 shooter I call the "ugly gun"--a concession to my failing eyesight. A friend (thanks Leonard) sent me the rear sight with red elements. I had the taller red front sight, so I changed the rear elements to green to get some contrast. The combination works very well for me. The gun has great single and double action, an overtravel stop, and it's very accurate. It had the Grippers on it when I got it, and after trying them, saw no reason to change. One of my favorite shooters.

Top view of the sight--replaces the stock blade.

Fuzzy but workable sight alignment.

dotdsd334 · #34 07-19-2015, 10:20 PM

My 625s

Left to right:
625-6 3" .45 ACP Lew Horton, 625-7 3" .45LC Lew Horton, 625-7 3" .45LC NOT Lew Horton

625-4 3" Lew Horton

My 625-3 was absent from photos... Pure shooter

jjbrewst1 · #35 07-19-2015, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dotdsd334

My 625s

Left to right:
625-6 3" .45 ACP Lew Horton, 625-7 3" .45LC Lew Horton, 625-7 3" .45LC NOT Lew Horton

625-4 3" Lew Horton

My 625-3 was absent from photos... Pure shooter

Dan

We want to see the Shooter too. Why treat it like the red headed step child. She shoots great. I shot it. Post it!!

jyo · #36 07-20-2015, 08:37 AM

Some fine revolvers here…! Good photos as well...

Allen-frame · #37 08-02-2015, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1950jcb

In addition to the -7 I posted earlier and a SDS in .45 Colt, I have a number of the garden variety .45 ACP 625s in 3, 4, and 5." This one's my 625-2 shooter I call the "ugly gun"--a concession to my failing eyesight. A friend (thanks Leonard) sent me the rear sight with red elements. I had the taller red front sight, so I changed the rear elements to green to get some contrast. The combination works very well for me. The gun has great single and double action, an overtravel stop, and it's very accurate. It had the Grippers on it when I got it, and after trying them, saw no reason to change. One of my favorite shooters.

Top view of the sight--replaces the stock blade.

Fuzzy but workable sight alignment.

That sight setup is great.
It would be the cats behind for competition shooting.

Jim, where did you get it ?

Allen

jjbrewst1 · #38 08-02-2015, 06:01 PM

I can add a few more to the thread

625-7 PC Light Hunter 45 LONG COLT

625-7 3" 45 LONG COLT

Another 625-4 Lew Horton 1 of 478

regalsc · #39 08-02-2015, 07:50 PM

There's a 625-4 LH on GB about to be sold just like that one I mean exactly like that one.

iskra · #40 08-04-2015, 11:34 PM

An avid Smith collector for… Well let’s just say all the way back to the era when a factory letter was FREE! Still mostly an '80 & prior Forums dweller. Yet that somewhat by default since the post Eighty ‘vintage’ was only a twinkle in the engineers eye! Yet I do enjoy excursions to these eighties plus realm. Just the problem of sometimes feeling a bit like I need a tourist visa, guide with yellow umbrella and interpreter!

But to the point... I'd like any available information concerning my newest era Smith, a Model 625-3. My impulse purchase in the early nineties at a 'closeout' sale. Now this Smith, still NIB and never been ‘kissed’ (aka unfired) and ironically perhaps even better economic appreciation for the fact! (It was intriguing and I really did intend to fire it, but something of a procrastinator!) Also with both military and LE retirement careers, never short on shooting opportunities!

Yet too, I've heard there were some problems with these early vintage models. I'd like to get some overall ‘shootability’, collectability and value impression. Pix below – (with factory issue cleaning rod - for this gun long enough to do tonsils at the same time!

Big thanks for any information!

b_san · #41 08-05-2015, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by regalsc

There's a 625-4 LH on GB about to be sold just like that one I mean exactly like that one.

What an amazing coincidence...

It wasn't EXACTLY the same though.

S&W 625-4 3" LEW HORTON CLASSIC SNUB 1 of 478 : Revolvers at GunBroker.com