Differences between 625-2 1988 & 1989?

[.38SuperMan]

Twenty years ago I foolishly sold my 625 and have since regretted it. I’m sure that sounds familiar. Last summer I ran across a very clean used one and purchased it. On shooting it I discovered a little timing issue and wound up sending it to S&W to be corrected. They replaced some parts and tuned it up. It now a real pleasure to shoot.

The one I originally had was a 4” but can’t remember the specific model. I bought it in the early 90’s most likely around 94.

My current one is a 625-2 model of 1989. I started looking for the production date from the SN BEC4xxx. In researching I found that the 625-2 was produced as a model of 1988 and 1989. Are there any differences between the two models? I read there were some timing issues in the 1988 which is what I was experiencing. A couple of articles stated there were problems due to a floating hand. What is the floating hand and did the model of 1989 have it? Is is something I can see looking at it? If my 625 had it would Smith have replaced it to correct a timing issue?

I’ve been shooting Smiths for over 50 years but never paid much attention to technical details so this is the first I evheard of this.

Thanks in advance.

 

[series guy]

The hand is an internal part that attaches to the trigger and rotates the cylinder as the trigger is pulled rearward. The hand usually has two pins on it, one to pivot on and a second one for the spring to press against to keep tension on the hand. The floating hand has an oversize hole that rides on a pin protruding from the trigger witch I would presume gave some leeway when fitting these parts to speed production. I have a Model of 1988 and the floating hand was never an issue. The Model of 1988 is a 5" barreled gun and the Model of 1989 was a 4" barreled gun.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Smith & Wesson more than likely replaced the hand with the non floating type to correct timing. Driving out the pin in the trigger and installing the new style, but they probably installed a new trigger.

Taking the side plate off is the only way to see if this was done.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Thanks to the info.

Did the floating hand extend through the model of 1989 as well? From other info I found I gather that the naming change from 1988 to 1989 was the only difference in the 625-2 model and there were no physical changes until the -3. Is that correct?

 

[Jimmy4570]

I'm pretty sure the elimination of the floating hand was one of the main reasons for the then new "-3" designation. Truly amazing revolvers...

 

[Inspector-Callahan]

Thanks to the info.

From other info I found I gather that the naming change from 1988 to 1989 was the only difference in the 625-2 model and there were no physical changes until the -3. Is that correct?

A non functional change that you probably don't care about... I thought the barrel stamping was pressed on the 88 and etched on the 89. Also, and I'd have to check the SCSW, but I thought the stop notches on the cyl were widened, but can't recall if that was later on the - 3 change.



Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[cadmike]

Another difference not yet mentioned between the 88 and 89...the 88 was fitted with a ramp front sight, while the 89 has the patridge.

 

[Gunaholic]

I have a 625-3 which I bought new in January 1990'marked Model of 1989, serial BENXXXX. It's a 4 inch as said, but it has a ramp front sight with a red insert. One of the guns I'll never let go.

 

[.38SuperMan]

My 89 has a ramp front and no red insert.