So I recently (and finally) came into a 625 in 45acp.

I have only put 50 rounds through it so far, but I have come away initially impressed.

I acquired it for a straight up trade of a 686, so I am very happy about that.

I did have a Flyer or two, so I will need to go and mark the Chambers and bench rest it to make sure I don't have a Cylinder Throat issue, but the Flyer was more likely me, as I sometimes move the front sight when I press the trigger, and I am still working on making sure my press becomes more consistent.

It's a beauty, it was fired by the owner before me, but it was very clean, and only has a few handling marks and one light nick on the barrel. I love the brushed stainless finish.

I do need to get some Moon Clips and a De-Mooner for it, I will probably go the Wilson Combat route for that. I will also see if I can get a Gold Bead put in the Front Sight as it is just a black Front Sight, and I like to have something on the front sight.

As I mentioned before, I am very Psyched to have the 5" version, I may be wrong, but I think it is less common than the 4" version.

I did write 624 on the target, but it is a 625 (I am doing stuff like this a lot more lately).

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I have the 5” and the 3” but couldn’t find the 4” so I bought a JM to fill in the gap. Seems to be lots of 5’s around and few 3’s and 4’s. I also enjoy shooting all 3 and they fill a nice gap from auto’s in my range time.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

If you buy moonclips from Wilson for a 625 they will be the most expensive clips you could buy; but not better than Ranch Products. Ranch Products are just a telephone call away.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

This is GREAT to know. This is my first Moon Clip Revolver.

You shouldn’t have any issues with oversized chambers, that was fixed in the early 80s. A problem with 25-2s, never with 625-2 et seq.

Definitely Ranch Products for your clips. Probably around $.40 each when you buy in bulk (100 pcs). If you want the Rolls Royce of moon clip tools, buy a BMT. They are gun/caliber specific, but worth the money.

If you anticipate getting other moon clip guns, in other calibers, then maybe the Original Moon Clip tool, as it has changeable arbors, which makes it cost effective. If you go that route you should get a screwdriver type de-mooner from Brownells, or if you are handy, make one from a piece of pipe or an old golf club shaft.

While 5" 625 are more rare today, IIRC, the 625-2, Model of 1988 only came in 5". You didn't get the variations until it became the Model of 1989, but still the 625-2 and 625-3. Your gun should have black Baughman ramp - pinned-in front sight. You may want to consider a fiber optic replacement blade, rather than a gold bead.

.45 S&W's are like potato chips - I'm up to eight now.

Have fun with your new acquisition.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

EDIT: Sorry, need to learn to read with comprehension. I see that yours is a Model of 1989, so it probably has a Patridge front sight and the 5" was more rare in the 1989 guns.

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NRA Benefactor Member

The 625’s are amongst the best S&W’s ever! I use Ranch Products full moon clips for “Serious”, but use the RIMZ polycarbonate full moon clips for range use. They require no tools to load and unload. Just use your fingers.

Of course, many use Starline Auto Rim cases (I often do).

Dale53

I've got a modern era 625-8 with the 5" barrel and my brother and I had it at an outdoor range on Friday. I don't know what kind of moonclips I have but there was 18 of them and they all worked great. We shot 50 and 100 yards with 1 and 2 hands. I'm 62, he's 60 and had never shot the gun before. The total accuracy (bullet holes thru a paper plate) was about 40%. Maybe not that impressive but what a great way spend a part of a beautiful spring day!

see my most recent post...

I had the 4in, eventually got the 5in and it became my favorite! It shot anything I put in it and shot it well.

My recommendation is to look into the EZ Moonclips they are a fiber reinforced material, no tools needed, very very easy on the fingers and I used mine plenty of times with no issues.
Have fun and that is a sweet piece you traded for.
Karl

Congrats on your new to you revolver. I have a Model 25-2 and a Pre-Model 26. Both in .45 ACP. I made my on Mooner and I think the De-Mooner came free with some clips I purchased.

I got the idea of the home made Mooner from something I saw on youtube. It was easy to do with some scrap materials I had laying around. Only took a few minutes to make and works really well.

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I have used this tool for a number of years now and see no reason to change. Handles both 45 and 9.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I own five revolvers in 45acp. Until I bought my ANIB 625-2, the newest one was 63 years old. (pre-26, pre-25, 1917 and Colt 1917). The Model of 1988 is a very nice gun
I bought it thinking it would be an easy flip if I didn't like it compared to the vintage models. It's a great shooter and is now part of my regular rotation. Enjoy yours. BTW, the BMT tool is the best. You'll forget the cost after you use it.

Lovely piece. Jealous

Ummm, yeah, I was afraid that I said "yards" but it was probably FEET or at least maybe 25 and 50 yards at the MOST!

Did I mention the fact that I'm 62?

Sorry,
'coz

The 625s are great guns in any length. I have a 625-3 4" that is one of the best shooting guns in my safe. I use the Ranch Products moon clips for anything serious and the Rims at the range. I also roll my own .45 AR rounds. You can get a wide range of weights and velocities in the revolvers, some of which you can't get in a bottom-feeder. I have one particular load that I use 200 gr. hardcast that are loaded a little warmer than I would carry in one of my 1911s. I really don't think there is much in the way of critters that could stand up to them. Enjoy your 625. I know I enjoy mine.

BTW, I recently ordered and fitted some 45 ACP cylinders for my Uberti 1873 clones. Got a chance to shoot them last week. They are considerably cheaper to shoot than .45 Colt, and pretty damned accurate out of my single actions.

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Dave Frost

I love my 625s. Couldn't decide on a barrel length so....

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my 625 five inch is one of the finest Smith's I own... and I too will recommend Rimz moonclips for range time... so easy... no tools...

Here's mine, a Model of 1988. It's the second one I've owned and this one's not going anywhere...

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

I keep an ammo can stocked with 45 acp on Ranch Products moon clips. They're cheap, so I say get a bunch and load them up before heading to the range.

My 625-4 is currently wearing Ahrends round to square "Tactical" grips in maple.

I'm fixin' to reload those 18 moonclips tomorrow! One of the nice things about those is that you don't have pick up all of that brass.

Here's my 5" - liked it so much I searched for a 4 and a 3 - great guns! Just put new grips on it - I'll add a pic of it now, too.

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Here it is with new wood...

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The earlier 625's are the cream of the crop. I purchased a 625-8 new that shoots just fine but I should have held out for a -2 or -3. I didn't know a lot about the new offerings from S&W as the last new one I bought was in 1989. I like my 625 enough that I won't sell it but I sure do like those older models.

You will covet that one for a long time. Very wise decision buying a used one.

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That's just somebody talkin.

This Model of 1988 625-2 is one of my favorite Smiths. I mildly customized it to my taste and had it worked over by Nelson Ford here in Phoenix. It now has the slickest action of any of the revolvers I own (including a Python), and I think the 5" barrel is a perfect compromise between portability and accuracy. Could not ask for a more perfect .45 ACP revolver. It's an excellent trail gun.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

We all have different preferences. I started off using the clips and .45 ACP ammo years ago. After going to the Auto Rim case, I couldn't imagine using the clips with ACP ammo again.

I agree with all the previous-comments posted. The S&W 625 is truly 'first-cabin' all-the-way! Great trail gun, when properly stoked. I run 255-gr. .45 Supers through mine.

Regardless of barrel length, the 625s are the bomb!! Regret selling my 4”, surviving with my 3” model of 1989 and 5” model of 1988.

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I needed a tool to load the moon clips. Instead of purchasing one for $50.00 I made one that works quite well for $4.00. I do not claim to have invented anything. I looked on line at what others have made and are using and watched some loading tools in use on Youtube.
The moon clip slips over the 3/8” nut and rests on the yellow plastic washer. The plastic washer is needed to raise the moon clip up 0.030” above the board to allow the case head extraction groove to snap into the moon clip. The plastic washer was made using a drill, sanding disk, and file. The aluminum bar pivots on the 5/16” carriage bolt. The screw driver slot was cut in the end of each of the bolts with a hack saw. The round notch on the aluminum bar keeps the cartridge from sliding away from the clip opening. The opposite side of the board was counter bored for the bolt heads to fit flush. Assembly is with wrenches and a screw driver.
It took about the same amount of time to make this thing as it did to photograph and write about it.
Parts List:
¾”x 2 ½” x 8” hickory lumber
¼”x3/4”x7” aluminum flat bar
5/16”x 1 ½” carriage bolt
5/16” nylon lock nut
3/8”x 1 ½” carriage bolt
3/8” nylon lock nut
3/8” plastic washer 0.660” O.D., 0.030” thick made from the lid of a Berger bullet box.

I stopped by the St Vincent De Paul thrift store today and asked them if they had any old golf clubs. They did. I bought a left-handed #4 iron for $5. Once home I cut the shaft and ground the end for a first class moon clip unloading tool.

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DRB #2276

Another use for that ammunition can, use it to unload those moon clips. Hook an empty case into the corner of the can and pull straight out. The empty pops from the clip and they collect in the can.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.