Model 625 - The "Model of 1989"

[GF]

Here's a quote from The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Ed.
Model of 1988 & Model of 1989 625's, 45 acp & 45 Colt:
"The authors are quite befuddled by varying information surrounding the introduction of this model. It's not confusing enough that the first introduction of this model is a dash two (-2) model designation."
"Also we find that the calibers seemed to be mixed between engineering changes, thus creating further confusion."

The Model of 1988 and the Model of 1989 were both PROBABLY a '89 introduction. The main difference between them is the 88's have roll stamped barrel markings and the '89's are etched, also the S&W Catalog states a ramp front sight for the '88 and a Patridge for the '89.
But notice the front sight on my Model of '89 three inch gun. I thought all three inch 625's have ramp sights?
I've seen the Mod 1988 issue guns but never owned one. The revolvers I have are the -3's in the original five inch and a later production three inch barrel.

These guns shipped with Pachmayr rubber grips but I changed those out for pics in favor of "finger grove combat" stocks.
The .45 acp guns I beleve are more common than the .45 Long Colt (LC) and the Model 625 remains in production to date with a Jerry Miculek Professional Series and a Performance center 625.

I would be interested in your thoughts and pictures of these and other Model 625s.

GF

 

[Stevie]

I got a three incher...however I've been using it..and it ain't slick anymore. About the most reliable .45 acp you can get

 

[JCS&W]

Those are two great looking Smiths. I cannot add to the facts that you have given on the differences and confusion between the Model of 1988 and Model of 1989. I can however post pictures of my M625's.

 

[bamabiker]

Some of my favorites and love to show pics.
5"

First 3"

Second 3"

Our mutual friend helped me spend my money on the two 3"ers.

 

[Smithhound]

Those two look great with the Combats on 'em. You'll find alot of people don't like them, fit wise, but for looks thier hard to beat. I guess I'm lucky as they fit my hand very well. I've got a 66 2 1/2" RB that has a set on it and that gun just comes up perfectly lined up on target every time I pull it out to shoot or practice.
Wood stocks just look so much better than any of the rubber models. I've never been able to shoot Pachmeyers, something about the thinness and the 'hump' at the rear line up exactly on my carpal nerve, after firing about 5 shots i can't feel my hand anymore, so the wood stocks have proved just the ticket for me anyway.
Nice guns and great taste in your choices.
RD

 

[saemetric]

My 625-2 Model of 1988

 

[Gnarl78]

beautiful pics, guys

 

[DCWilson]

I found this three-inch 1989 at my LGS last year. Like you, I was at first perplexed by the sight question, but I think it is correct that the shorter-barrel models all have ramp sights. I would actually prefer a patridge sight on mine, but I'm not upset enough about it to make a change.

I have been quite fond of N-frames with short barrels for over a year now. This gun, my LH 24-3, and two PC 627-5 "Blood Work" revolvers are my favorites at the moment. I am probably still interested in one of the micro-snubbies like JCS&W's 625-10 and maybe even a short PC 629 (though I can't imagine shooting anything other than .44 Special in one of those).

My experience with a couple of 1917s and this 625 have led me to consider the .45 ACP my favorite S&W chambering at the moment. I will probably bounce back to .44 Special one of these days, but that's where my mind is now.

 

[Stevie]

Seems to me..that the 'Model of 1988' was supposidly a limited production run. The Model of 1989 was called such because S&W didn't want to comprimise the limited production of the 1988 by keeping pumping them out..so they changed the name to 'Model of 1989' and kept pumping them out!

 

[1blindref]

Here is a picture on my 5" 625-2 Model of 1988 that I found at one of my LGS's about two years ago. It came with the box / docs / sealed cleaning kit, and is in excellent condition.

 

[madmikeb]

Here's my 5" Model of 1989, my only 625. I've put more rounds through this gun in matches than any other gun, except for maybe my 617!
It's sports Hogue stocks, Millett rear sight, and has been tuned by Andy Cannon. It's one of my favorite firearms.

 

[smokey04]

Sorry, not able to do pics but my 5" 625 is a Mod. 1988 and looks exactly like 1blindrefs' above. I bought it new.My 625-3 3"[Mod. 1989] came to me as the cleanest used gun I ever bought. The previous owner had it set up with ZS Sight Systems standard tritium dot and express[v notch] rear sights.He also had Spegel rosewood boot grips installed. Both 625s are excellent guns and are more accurate than 4 or 5 Mod 25 1955 Targets I have owned over the past 40 years. Nick

 

[Nightowl]

I wonder if the difference between the 1988 and 1989 is the new elongated cylinder stop? That is the difference between the 627 and the 627-0.

 

[Bugs Bunny]

I have 3 or 4 of them, one is an oddball 625-2 identical in everyway to the other 625-3 model of 1989 3in I have..

Often wonder why S&W used the -2 & -3 when I could see no difference.

have to get a pic & post it here.

 

[MikeyB]

I love that 3" .45.

Like to find one to go with my 3" model 24.

 

[Erich]

I was working in a gun store when they were released - my recollection is that we did get the first "Model of 1988s" towards the end of '88 - November or so. These were super popular with the old guys - at the time I was captivated by crunchentickers and couldn't understand why you wouldn't rather have a perfectly nice 645.

I still have the 3" Model of 1989 that I picked up when I got mature enough to understand. It's my wife's favorite gun.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Not much to add other than everyone that I have let try this 625-2 shot it well, several have offered to buy it on the spot. Someday I WILL find a 3" to go along with it...

 

[gunfish]

This is a 625-7 in 45 Colt. The cylinder flutes are short compared to other examples, anyone know why?

 

[bgrafsr]

This is my 625-2 Model of 1988 that I bought new:

 

[SmithNut]

This is a 625-7 in 45 Colt. The cylinder flutes are short compared to other examples, anyone know why?

gunfish,
It's unclear why they did the short flutes, it's not like they were running short on flutes of anything.... )
The only models that I recall seeing the short flutes on were the ones in the Lew Horton special run, as seen in this ad from back then:

I'm assuming yours is from this run, matte stainless finish and the rosewood grips noted in the above. If you have your box, maybe you can compare to the product code in this ad.