Well, the Smith and Wesson sickness has struck again.......

My second 3" 65 is not even out of pawn jail yet and this past Saturday I purchased a 5" 625-2 Model of 1988 .45 ACP. Original (Worn) box, paperwork, 11 full moon clips, 4 half moon clips, and tools.

Saw it laying in the case and like the 3" 65's, something about it said to me "Pick me up - I will feel perfect in your hand."

Sure enough, the revolver while quite large felt excellent in my hand and surprisingly well balanced for the long barrel with the full underlug. It did not feel as heavy as it looked.

I reload for my 1911 and the next thing the gun said was "You have plenty of ammo for me, Ill make an excellent companion to the 1911 when you take it to the range."

Paid $850 for it. Probably too much, but its mine now.

I consider this the ultimate .45 ACP revolver for target or defense use. It's a 625-2 Model of 1988 with a 5-inch barrel, equipped with a red ramp front sight, traditional cylinder release and Ahrends retro classic stocks. It's been treated to a Class A action job by Nelson Ford, and is probably the smoothest double action revolver I've ever shot.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

In my opinion, you didn't over pay, $850 is a pretty fair price for that model with the box. The 5" model 625 is very popular with the ICORE and USPSA revolver folks. Get yourself some more moonclips, a holster, and get out and give it a try.

Paladin, is the red ramp front sight blade stock? Mine is plain black.

Wantmoresmiths, thanks! Makes $850 easier to swallow. $650 for my Model 18 was a stretch.

The 625 could be the best revolver made IMHO. Mine started out with a longer barrel but I shortened mine and added a nice 11 degree crown and quick change front sight base. It's scary accurate and a joy to shoot.

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NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

Soldier, you didn't overpay. I too would have jumped on that one at $850. You just don't see early 625s, and the dash-2s are even scarcer than the dash-3s. That's a great catch.

I stumbled into a three-inch -3 last year that I bought on the spot. I would have whipped out the checkbook for a five-inch dash-2 even faster. Good score.

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David Wilson

Bought a -2 three inch two years ago, wanted a second and ended up with a -3 four inch. Both are my most favorite hand guns. The feel and balance are great and in a time proven caliber. Put my 1911 up for now and it's an Ed Brown. Nuff said. Great find and a decent price as today's market goes. Enjoy!

I changed out the front sight to a red ramp style, obtained from Midway. Better for my aging eyes to pick up quickly, and better for holster use. I also changed the cylinder release to the older style, which I prefer, and equipped it with stocks which better fit my hands. The action job is superb, right down to the polished trigger with an overtravel stop. Best operating double action revolver I've ever owned.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Great find. I have a later 625-6 that has very tall Patridge front sight and a low rear blade. Wish they had averaged it a little better and have no idea why it is the way it is. I have thought about changing both, but don't shoot it enough to go to the trouble and expense. I bought it for IDPA, just before they changed the maximum barrel length to 4". So it sits. I think you will like it a lot.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Good to know! I remember when the wonder 9 craze was going on from the late 80's to mid 90's. Seemed the gunshops could not give revolvers away!

I was just a young Soldier with not much money then but bought a few. Wish I knew then how expensive they would become!

Going to take the 625 and the 1911 out this weekend.....

Cannot wait to shoot the 625!

Thanks for the reply. Internet research is showing me (If I am correct) that the Pachmayr grips and plain black front sight are correct for the gun.

I would prefer a red ramp front sight and may replace the original one. I buy guns to shoot - not as safe queens.

Sir
Your 625 will be an accurate revolver to shoot and I love how mine balances, also. There were only 1500 made in 1988, rollmarking on the barrel. In 1989, the marking on the barrel went to laster etching.

I have had three of these over the years and managed to let two of them slip out of my hands when tight for money. The first one was bought in 1989 and it was a 1988 left over. I wish I still had that one.

I have one now, a 1988 model, and I carry it in the woods when mushroom hunting and hiking. I also like carrying it when horse back riding. I love the balance. I managed to get another cylinder mated to my frame for 45 LC, so it is very handy.

Kelly