Model of 1989

[silicosys4]

How many S&W's models were marked "Model of 1989" or "Model of 1988"? Which ones were roll marked and which ones were laser engraved?
I know the early 625's were roll marked 1988 and laser engraved 1989, the 627's were, and a run of Model 25's I believe.
I have a 625-2 laser engraved 1989, and a 627-0 roll marked 1989, so I'm confused as to when roll marks changes to laser engraving.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

My 625-3 have marked MODEL OF 1989

 

[Mongo Safari]

S&W 625-3, 45 cal Model of 1989 laser engraved, 5", 45 ACP.
S/N: BNT 7XXX I'd love to know the manufacture or ship date.

 

[Jeep 1]

My one and only non-magnum N frame is a model 625-3 5" that is laser engraved "Model of 1989"

 

[38 Specialist]

I have a Model of 1989 625, too. I don't know why, but it's among the guns I shot best.

 

[toroflow1]

I don't believe anyone knows for sure how many 625-2s & 625-3s were made, but the transition from rollmark (-2), to laser engraving (-3) occurred in ~1989.

 

[hunter5567]

I have a 625-6 5" 45acp Model of 1989 with full underlug.
I don't see this model listed online. I was wondering when this was manufactured?
It's a very accurate revolver as well.
Also wondering if it is ok to shoot 45ACP+P ammo in it.
Thanks in advance !

 

[wxl]

My 625-6 MODEL OF 1989 5" is also accurate and fun to shoot

 

[Jeep 1]

I have a 625-6 5" 45acp Model of 1989 with full underlug.
I don't see this model listed online. I was wondering when this was manufactured?
It's a very accurate revolver as well.
Also wondering if it is ok to shoot 45ACP+P ammo in it.
Thanks in advance !

Take this with a grain of salt, but number one we need the serial number and picture's help to tell what year it was made.
Basically we're just a bunch of Neanderthals and we get visually excited from pictures here on the forum…….
It could very well be made in 1989, because there was the model of 1988 that was before that, I don't think that there was any model of 1990 that I remember seeing, but it could've been made then. Also I don't think that it being a Model 625-6 would be correct to the Model of 1989, it should be a 625-2 or 625-3, but I may be wrong My wife tells me I am quite often.
Tom

 

[rockquarry]

I have a 625-6 5" 45acp Model of 1989 with full underlug.
I don't see this model listed online. I was wondering when this was manufactured?
It's a very accurate revolver as well.
Also wondering if it is ok to shoot 45ACP+P ammo in it.
Thanks in advance !

I have a 625-6 5" that came directly from S&W to my FFL in early July, 2001, if that's of any help.

 

[S&W 10]

A bit surprised that, over three months, no one has mentioned the 25-7 (5", unfluted, matte finish) that's laser marked MODEL OF 1989

 

[jrc1]

Both our dash -2 one roll stamped one laser
One model of 88 one model of 89

 

[cadmike]

I can't answer the OPs question but wanted to contribute. Here's my '88. Some nice steel in this thread!

 

[ladder13]

I have a Model of 1989 625, too. I don't know why, but it's among the guns I shot best.

They shoot for sure.

 

[jcelect]

The mod 625 5" when introduced, in a limited run production, was stamped on the barrel Model of 1988. This gun became popular with the bowling pin shooters and IDPA shooters, so they quickly disappeared from gun shop shelves! S&W decided to produce more of this model, but the buying public complained that S&W had produced a collector's item and making more would reduce the value of their guns. Hence, the Model of 1989 was born!

 

[rockquarry]

I'm not a collector and know nothing of laser engraving vs. any other kind. However, I am a shooter. I bought a 3" 625-3 when CDNN was closing them out in 1992. It shot so well with cast bullets I bought a 625-6 5" in 2001. It was also an excellent cast bullet gun so I had try a 22-4 in 2006. It was just like the 625s in terms of accuracy. I still shoot all these regularly, usually at 25 yards, never closer, but I have no doubt they would all work well at short distances., too.

I use the Redding/SAECO copy of the H&G #68, 200 -205 grain SWC and Bullseye powder in Auto Rim brass, but it still shoots well in ACP brass if you like to mess with the clips.

 

[Rubone]

Mine is a Model of 1989 625-2 5" with a BEC prefix serial number and is Laser engraved.

 

[AJ]

I have a Model 625-3. It is laser engraved. Shoots well.

 

[S&W 10]

Finally got around to digging out the 25-7; it's too big & heavy to comfortably carry for very many miles a day so, it's managed to stay in fairly decent shape.

 

[Riposte1]

I have a 625 in .45 Auto and a 25-7 .45 Colt. Both are laser engraved "Model of 1989".

Riposte

 

[AR_Black]

Here is an excellent older thread with pictures:

Thread 'M 625- 45ACP roll call'

Feb 26, 2023

Been shooting my M625-8(JM) at our monthly IDPA and ASI matches recently and am really enjoying it. Has been a while since I used it for a variety of reasons but I'm glad I brought it out of semi retirement. Just love it's accuracy, reloading ease and it shoots "big boy bullets"

I replaced the mainspring and TRS with the Wilson kit with good results. I also have a green FO front sight and VZ round to square grips on it.

It now has me hankering for a 22-4.

So who as a 625 in 45 ACP, how do you like it and what do you use it for?

• Tanners Owner
• Replies: 148
• Forum: S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present

• 

 

[KurtC]

The -2 was the Model of 1988. It had a roll marked 5" barrel and a floating hand. The floating hand was not popular with DA shooters, so it was eliminated for the -3. The -3 had laser etched barrels in 3, 4 and 5 inch. It became the Model of 1989.

A lot of barrel swapping has occurred over the last 35 years.

 

[Rubone]

The -2 was the Model of 1988. It had a roll marked 5" barrel and a floating hand. The floating hand was not popular with DA shooters, so it was eliminated for the -3. The -3 had laser etched barrels in 3, 4 and 5 inch. It became the Model of 1989.

A lot of barrel swapping has occurred over the last 35 years.

My 5" laser etched 25-2 came from the original owner and has never been modified or shot much. No "barrel swapping" involved. Marked model of 1989
I have the original sales receipt for it dated Oct 11, 1989 with a price of $445 + tax from a dealer in Lakewood, CO. .

 

[KurtC]

My 5" laser etched 25-2 came from the original owner and has never been modified or shot much. No "barrel swapping" involved.

At some point they ran out of the roll marked barrels. They didn't appear again until the Performance Center models.

 

[AJ]

My 5" laser etched 25-2 came from the original owner and has never been modified or shot much. No "barrel swapping" involved. Marked model of 1989
I have the original sales receipt for it dated Oct 11, 1989 with a price of $445 + tax from a dealer in Lakewood, CO. .

Your mention of the price paid made me wonder what these are going for now. I checked Gunbroker and was surprised to say the least.

 

[DRankin]

I have a 625-6 5" 45acp Model of 1989 with full underlug.
I don't see this model listed online. I was wondering when this was manufactured?
It's a very accurate revolver as well.
Also wondering if it is ok to shoot 45ACP+P ammo in it.
Thanks in advance !

Absolutely. And 45 Super as well.