625 advice needed

[Cashdog]

I ran across a 625-4 5" barrel this morning in a local shop and it has haunted me all afternoon. It was in excellent shape and I don't have to explain to any of you how nice it felt in my hand.

The problem I'm having is trying to decide if I'll like the 5" barrel. I have a couple snubbies, a few 4"ers, and then they jump up to my hunting guns at 7 1/2". Had a 6" 19 for a while, but found that I never even got it out so I passed it along to someone I know will enjoy it. I'd like to hear from some of you who like your 5" guns. I assume it would be a great range gun, and a nice compliment to my 1911s. And I believe this would make a nice field/back-up hunting sidearm with the right loads.

I guess the other reason I'm kinda on the fence with this one is that I'm going to have to sell/trade something to get it right now. You all know what it's like trying to decide which one to give up. Speaking of that, what would you pay for one of these right now.

Thanks for the help.

 

[TSQUARED]

Personally I prefer the 5 inch barrel as it makes a nice compromise between the 4 and 6 inchers.

 

[okie john]

Five-inch barrels look good, balance well and shoot like a dream on the N-frame. I just wish more holster makers felt the same way.


Okie John

 

[kennyb]

i have the 625JM model from the performance center...barrel is 5.5" and it shoots like a dream...let us know how you like it...you know you will be picking it up...45 acp revolvers are cool as well as practical

 

[Cashdog]

Thanks guys. I think I'd end up liking the 5" more than I do 6" barrels.

I thought about the holster issue this morning. I doubt I'll ever run across one in a store, but I would think most of the makers would build me one. Guess I'll just have to order it and be patient.

Your probably right kenny. Once one of these gets my attention like this one has, I usually find a way to make it happen.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I have a 5" 625 and find it handles nicely. I have to admit that 5" is one of my favorite barrel lengths though.

 

[kennyb]

THERE YA GO!

 

[Cashdog]

What's the consensus on a decent price for this thing?

 

[WNC Seabee]

Since we're both inNC, how about you let me know which shop it's at and I'll check it out for ya? I promise I won't buy it!

 

[WNC Seabee]

I have a 5" 625-5 in .45ACP. If you're anywhere near me, Hendersonville,, I'd be happy to let you try it out.

 

[ken158]

A full size 1911 is 5" so you can say the .45 was designed around that barrel length. I have one in 5" and 3" and both shoot good but the 5" is a real tack driver.

 

[S&W WHEELNUT]

625

GO with the 5" it's AWESOME I have a 4 and a 5 love them both .......... shot the 5" in USPSA every week. Never pass on buying a new gun...... your wife or girlfriend does't pass on a shoe sale......... love those S&Wsss

 

[Cashdog]

Hey Seabee. I recognize you from a little forum in our home state. I'm a little outside of Mooresville, so probably 1 1/2 to 2 hours from you.

Sounds like everybody is a fan of the 5"er.

 

[Cashdog]

Very impressive lone star.

That makes good sense ken. I like full size 1911's and have recently decided that I'm probably not a 3" 1911 guy. That may just be the one that funds the purchase. Although if the 625 was a 3" I think I'd be showing y'all pictures of my new revolver right now instead of trying to get talked into the 5".

 

[manny25]

i like the 3 inch 625 better but i like the 5 inch to

 

[Joni_Lynn]

There was a time when S&W made the gun in 3", 4" & 5".............make it a quest to have all three. I think they were 625-3 guns.

 

[DanWales]

4 versus 5

Boy I just bought JM 625 with 4" barrel. It's on the way to my FFL.

I love my 686 with a 4".

I hope when I get it and get some range time that I regret not getting a 5.

Gosh I love the way these wheel guns feel.

Dan

 

[Dale53]

I have a 4" JM Special (625-8) and a 5" Model of 1989 (625-6).

I like them both but if I had to choose (these are my two favorite Smiths) I would probably go with the 5" (we have to use a minimum barrel length of 5" to hunt deer in Ohio). It would be a close thing, tho'.

Here's the 5":

This is why I like it (standing at 25 yards):

Go for it!
Dale53

 

[madmikeb]

I've got a 5" 625 and a 5" 629 and they are both great guns. 5" could very well be my favorite barrel length, it's a good compromise between being handy and easy to shoot. As far as holsters go I carry mine in a Bianchi 5BHL.

 

[Shooting4life]

I have a 625-4 model of 89 with 5 inch barrel. I think the 5 inch barrel feels the best out of all barrel lengths. Instead of doing 2, 4, and 6 smith should do 3, 5, and 7

 

[Revolver King]

5" all the way

I think on the N frame revolver that the 5" barrel is the perfect balance.

 

[Belt Fed]

The 5" N Frame balances better than the 4" or 6" IMO. Try it, I bet you'll like it!

 

[Black_Sheep]

If I could own only one S&W revolver it would be my 5" 625-2...

 

[stevieboy]

I used to have a 625 5" gun and, like the idiot I can sometimes be, I sold it. Presently, I own a 4" JM. I like the JM a lot and I have no regrets about buying it. But, honestly, I shot the 5" better than I shoot the 4". That extra 1" makes a big difference when it comes to establishing an accurate POA.

 

[Andyd]

I bought a five inch 625 model of 1989 around 1005 for $435 new and used it for bowling pin shoots. This revolver is as accurate and easy to shoot well as my model 14-2.

My youngest son has it now and I still enjoy shooting it!

 

[Iowahunter]

I have the set.. 3,4 and 5in 625's and 90% of the time I take the 5 incher with me to the range. Prices seem to going up all the time but, it seems 6-650 is the going rate around my area with the pre lock guns being on the higher end. Its been a yr or more since I have seen one for sale around here at either shows or shops,
Here's my 5in 625 Model of 1989 I also have the Model of 1988 but, I can't find the pics of it

 

[Cashdog]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm definitely willing to give the 5" a try after all the positive feedback. Only problem is I'm not sure if the shop and I are going to see eye to eye on the price. I was thinking I'd go as high as 7ish, but they seem to think they have something quite rare judging by their pricing. I understand that everyone has to make a living, but I don't think they're being very realistic right now. Guess I'll have to let it sit a little while and see if they decide to come on down. I don't believe it will go anywhere soon at the current price.

Course I've got the bug now, so I'm gonna have to widen my search a little.

 

[MTKTM]

A number of years ago I bought a 625 5" (the Model of 1989) for my son. He's shot it a lot and I've shot it some. It's a very pleasant and accurate handgun. Quite recently I acquired one of the Performance Center JM models in a 4" and love it. I don't think you could go too far wrong either way. I will point out that if you were to ever want to shoot IDPA, a barrel longer than 4" on a revolver is verbotten.

 

[fat tom]

I recently sold my Model of 1988 for $695 shipped to a forum member. He's from Texas and said it was a very good price. I guess that's why he bought it. Still kicking myself.
f.t.

 

[lochridge]

i don't mean to hijack this thread, but i am looking at the 625 jm for my first s&w. i have not been able to put my hands on one yet, but i am curious how they compair (size wise) to a ruger blackhawk. does anyone have any side by side pics.
thank you
adam