Model 625 - The "Model of 1989"

[Dale53]

My 625-6 Model of 1989 (5") is one of my two most favorite revolvers:

Here's why I like these 625's so much:

The first 625 I bought was this 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special (4"). I was so enamored of this one that the next Ohio Gun Collector's Show I attended I went looking for a 5" and the only 5" I saw at the show was the one above. It was an estate sale and LNIB. The JM Special was bought new from Bass Pro at a close-out:

I have a number of very fine revolvers but must confess that the 625's are my favorites.

Dale53

 

[huthike]

1989 was a good year for Smith & Wesson revolvers - in addition to a 5" 625, I have a 25-7 and a 627 both labelled "model of 1989." Anyone know of any others?

 

[Harkrader]

It appears that the shorter .45ACP cylinders have flutes that are cut further back. My .45 Colt looks like all the others in that caliber.
Does that seem consistent?

 

[S&WIowegan]

I have a 625-2 that seems identical to the dash 3s. Only the 5" dash 3s have a Patridge front sight. Both the 3 & 4" dash 3s have black serrated ramp sights. Also, 625-2s marked Model of 1988 have ramp sights.

Most of the Models of 1988 had the 'floating hand' which proved problematic and was dropped in dash 3s. Also, my personal experience with dash 2s is that many of the chambers in the cylinder were out of spec and caused extraction problems.

 

[Stevie]

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.

The long cylinder stop slots are part of the 'endurance package' modifications that came out during this time-frame 'cause guys were shooting the .44 mag N frames to the point the guns were having problems. S&W beefed up the hand and bolt mechanism

 

[GCF]

Pretty hard to beat a 625! I bought this LNIB 4" -3 Model of 1989 last year, from a member who had obtained it from the original owner's estate.

I was told "less then 1/2 box fired". I've heard THAT ONE before, but I believe it - THIS TIME.

It replaced a 4" 625-8, & is the nicest S&W that I've ever had the pleasure to call my own. Now, if I could just learn to quit jerking that trigger...

 

[Dave T]

I've got a 1988 that looks just like all the other 5" versions except for the roll stamped barrel. Like most guns it shoots better than I do. (smile)

The other model of this line I would love to have is the 4" version...without the Internal (infernal?) Lock. Maybe some day one of them will show up at the same time I have money to spend. (LOL)

Dave

 

[Harkrader]

625 & 25-5s

I purchased the 25-5s in the '70s, special order, adding the custom grips later. The sights were also special order at the time; I don't recall what the standard ones were. The two revolvers are one serial number apart. Both are veterans of overseas use and show some holster wear as well as a few well-earned dings.
They have the oft dissed oversize chamber mouths, but proved to be plenty accurate for defensive use. When I started hand loading, I used .452 bullets. It may have improved bench rest bull's eye shooting, but hand-held at 30-50 feet, I can't see it.

The 625 Mountain Gun was added in the mid-90s. The grips are Jerry Miculek's, hand picked and fitted by him, according to the invoice. It has been one of my frequent companions backpacking. I made hand loads with 255 - 260-gr hard cast lead bullets over a bee's wax wad and Winchester 231 for 850 - 900fps.

 

[AlanKamei]

Here's my Model of 1989 and a Mountain Gun as well.


I'm waiting for some new stocks for the 5". I had some Spegel boot grips on the Mountain Gun. A great look but I find I prefer having the pinkie spot from these Ahrends when actually shooting it.

 

[LOBO]

625-4, 4" Springfield Armory Commemorative

625-4, 5" model of 1989 (before)

The same 625-4 with a 4" Mountain Gun barrel installed

 

[45moonclip]

I acquired this Model 625 of 1989 in 1996. it started out as with a five inch barrel and I wanted a four inch. I sent ot to SDM an had them reduce the length to four inces and install the Millet rear sights and fiber optic front sights.

 

[roundgunner]

I love the 25/625 family. These are some of mine, I hope I never have to part with any of them. I do want to get a 3" to go along with them.

This is my newest a 25-13 in 45 Colt

This one is a 25-2 I bought used with ports and I put the UltraDot on it to make a fast Bowling pin gun.

This is a 625-3 with fiber optic front and hand made fiber optics in the rear. It is probably the gun that I have shot the most of all in my lifetime. I Just shot it again in the IDPA Indoor Championships and it did well for a old gun with a old gunner shooting it. It got beat by only 3 others of all the ESR guns in the match.

This is a 625-10 in 45acp. It has been shot a bunch but not so much lately.

This is the 325 Thunder Ranch. A very nice shooting Performance Center 45. The only draw back is the ejector rod is too short for a fighting 45. I know it is because of the light rail but I would have made the rail shorter and a longer rod. I did not notice it while drooling on it in the gun shop and it would not have changed my mind on my purchase but I think it may slow down some reloads that are not done perfectly, like under the stress of a gun fight.
Here it is with the light laser, this is how I keep it setup for home/nightstand use. When carrying it in the holster it comes off .

 

[mgs]

Just picked up a 625-4 5" Model of 1989......nice!

 

[DR505]

Just picked up a 625-4 5" Model of 1989......nice!

Welcome aboard the S&W Forum! Start a new thread and post pictures. Appending a 3 year old thread won't get many views.

 

[sodacan]

Being a fan of older revolvers in 45acp, my selections in included model 1917's by Colt and S&W, a model 1950 (pre-26) and a model 1955 (pre-25). I had a passing interest in getting an a model of 1988 (625-2, roll marked, not etched barrel markings). I occasionally bid on them on gunbroker, but was never willing to go beyond my price. I "accidentally" won one about a month ago, never expecting my bid to hold up. I found it to be a really nice gun in all respects, and it rounded our my collection in 45acp.

 

[TAROMAN]

After purchasing my first 625-3 and discovering just how nice it was, a second one followed soon thereafter.

This pair are my most used revolvers and have helped me to quite a few match wins.
They see a LOT of use and are holding up well.

 

[S&WIowegan]

TAROMAN:

Jerry Miculek laughed when I kidded him about his grime covered revolver. He says it's not dirt...it's PATINA.

 

[Mehutch]

Here is mine

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Both of my 89's(bought new) came with black ramp front sites.....Like pics of you feller's .45's..........

 

[jughed440]

Among the best revolvers S&W ever produced, fun to shoot, and easy on the eyes. It's a keeper.