Model 625 - 1988 vs. 1989

[OLD SKOOL]

Hello to all.

I bought a 625-3 at a show several years ago. Great price, but
no accessories, box or papers, and of course, no moon clips. This is a 3" version, and marked "Model of 1989" on barrel.

My question is, are moon clips a necessity to shoot properly?
What are variations between the 1988 and 1989 models?

 

[pinkymingeo]

It should do fine without clips. Extraction usually isn't a problem. A fingernail will do. The 625-2 1988 was the initial run of 625's, five-inch only. Opinions vary on the number produced, but it wasn't a lot. The most noticeable difference from later guns is that the barrel lettering is stamped rather than laser etched, which is why I bought one for my first (of several) 625's.

 

[505Gibbs]

I 'think' there were some issues with the '88 series hence the follow-up with the '89's but I don't know the extent of the issues.
Perhaps some wise sage will chime in here.
The '88 had a ramp site while the '89 has a Patridge front.

 

[Stevie]

My 625-3 3" has the ramped sight. It's a 'Model Of 1989'.

I seem to remember the gun rags of the time claiming the 'Model Of 1988' 625 revolvers were only made to the tune of 1000 pieces. S&W receiving such demand for the revolvers that they made it a production item in 1989 or 1990 as the 'Model 1989' 625 revolvers. Thats old memories, and just my perceptions of what I read in the 'Blast And Stab' magazines of the day.

I do know that the 5" 625 was near impossible to get your hands on! If I found one in a store....I had no money....if I had money, I couldn't find a 5" 625. I eventually ended up with a 3" 625, and it's more what I should have wanted anyhow.

 

[maxx]

The 'model of 1988's were 625-2's.
I have heard the 625-2's had an issue with the hand mechanism that is easy to correct. All 1989's are 625-3 and later.

The only models I have heard have an issue firing w/o moon clips were some of the frame mounted firing pin models and that can be corrected with a slightly longer pin. The moon clip thing takes some getting used to, but it is a plus when you do.

If you have a 3" version, they seem to bring a higher price that the 4 & 5"ers from what I have seen.
I bought my 625-4 w/o the box or papers. That's fine because I don't ever plan on selling it. I love these 625s as well as the 25-2s.