625-6 V-Comp Find

[686PC]

Hi folks,

Today I came across this mint pre-lock 625-6 V-Comp sitting at my local shop and could not pass the chance to get it. It is a low MSG serial number and came with the original wood grips, original double combination lock aluminum PC box, and the second non-ported comp.

The S&W 4th Edition book says the 625-6 V Comps were made for RSR in 1999 but the serial prefix the book lists is MKD. Is my gun part of the 1999 run for this distributor, even though it is a MSG serial prefix? Do any of you know how many of these were made?

Many thanks in advance!
686PC

 

[Hawg Rider]

Congratulations on a nice find! I checked the "SCSW 5th Ed." and couldn't find any information that you didn't already have. It certainly appears to me that you have a PC Model 625-6 V Comp from the 1999 production run for RSR Dist., Product Code 170136. Everything matches the description except for your s/n. The only thing I can think of is that this may have been one of a few overruns that the PC produced and sold, and added a new s/n prefix (MSG) to differentiate from the RSR (MKD) run. Similar production runs of PC 625s were limited to approx. 200 revolvers, but I have no idea how many may have been manufactured for RSR or how many overruns the PC may have sold. However, does it really matter! You've obviously got a great PC Model 625-6 V Comp that should be an outstanding shooter. Enjoy!

 

[bananaman]

Nice score on that one! I have an IL 625-8 JM that I really like. You may wish to try RIMZ poly moon clips. No tools needed! Bob

 

[SSBiggun]

Nice score. I have 1 I got last Feb. Only thing I didn't like is the slab side combats. I put Culina's on mine. Still unfired. Pic is all 3 of my V-Comps 627, 625, & 629

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations on a wonderful addition to the family

I purchased mine to use in pin matches., however I shoot 45 SUPER ammunition in the revolver not 45ACP. The V-comp is extremely effective when firing 45 SUPER ammunition. Muzzle rise is significantly reduced

The Distributer Exclusive 625 V-camp, product code 170136, had an initial production run starting with the MKD serial number prefix back in 1999

The first run of this configuration shipped with the slab sided combats with medallions. Your revolver is from a subsequent production run. I am not certain if it is an RSR exclusive or not, perhaps you can supply the product code that is on the end label of your resolver. Aside from the different serial number prefix The grips on your revolver do not have a medallion

The next run of 625 V-comps did not use the Smith and Wesson designed grips. My notes show a product code of 170238

At some point in time this configuration changed from being a distributor exclusive to being a cataloged item but I'm not sure when that occurred

These were produced at least until the -8 engineering

While this model is known for the V-comp, the revolvers shipped from the factory with an additional false muzzle so that the compensator could be removed whenever the shooter chose

There is no known total production figure for this revolver configuration

 

[686PC]

Thanks for the feedback, folks! And a special thanks for sharing your notes on this model, colt_saa!

One of the things that sold me on this gun was that I heard the V Comp tames the 45 Super well, but it is great to hear first-hand that the gun can handle the higher pressures.

Unfortunately my 625 did not come with its original tag, so I cannot identify its product code.

I just came back from the range, where I shot a few cylinders of 45 ACP through it. What a smooth shooting revolver! I changed the stocks to Culina Cocobolo targets and changed the comp to the non-ported comp for the first range trip.

686PC



PS: Here's a good video I found on YT that test this revolver's accuracy:

 

[colt_saa]

One of the things many things that sold me on this gun was that I heard the V Comp tames the 45 Super well, but it is great to hear first-hand that the gun can handle the higher pressures.

Many thousands, probably tens of thousands of 230 grain 45 SUPERs have been fired through mine.

While a significant power increase over 45ACP (461lbft vs. 620lbft) the 45 SUPER does not operate at a pressure level high enough to be troublesome for a modern N-frame

Unfortunately my 625 did not come with its original tag, so I cannot identify its product code.

Though I am fairly sure you have already checked, often a label that is for the aluminum case is stored underneath the foam inside the case.