Opinions on 625 version to pursue?

[STEVESKI]

Either the 625-2 or the 625-3 are excellent versions in 3, 4, or 5 inch barrels. My personal favorite is the 625-2 in 3 inch barrel. These are still pretty easy to find in excellent condition and you will not pay much more than you pay for a dash 8, which I consider to be inferior in many respects.

So if you want the best 625 out there, take the time to find a quality dash 2, 3, or even 4.
But if you, like so many people, just have to have something new, then go for the 625-8.

Comes down to what you want to do with it. I went with the -2 because I could score higher with it in Bullseye. I don't shoot BE anymore so I'm happier with the JM Special. My BE guns were strictly utilitarian (except for my custom 38). Like a Ginsu steak knife, they got the job done very well but were not something I was emotionally attached to. The revolvers I have now are different.
Keith

Thanks. I actually ended up finding someone on this site that was looking to trim down his collection and was selling his 625-2 3", so I just bought that from him. The price was fair and I'd rather help out someone from the forum over some random pawn shop on gun broker.

For those familiar, I didn't even know they made a 3" 625-2. I thought the 3" and 4" models weren't available until 625-3. Did they make some while in the transition phase and still printed 625-2 on them or something?

 

[BUFF]

"For those familiar, I didn't even know they made a 3" 625-2. I thought the 3" and 4" models weren't available until 625-3. Did they make some while in the transition phase and still printed 625-2 on them or something?"

I didn't think that they did, either. I thought all of the 625-2's were 5 inchers and the 3 and 4 inchers didn't come along until 625-3. Learn something almost every day.

You can tell us for sure when yours arrives.

 

[regalsc]

I have seen somewhere a picture of the 625-2 stamped on the frame but the bigger cylinder stop notches on the cylinder. I guess S&W doesn't waste anything.

 

[STEVESKI]

There's actually one for sale on Gun Broker right now that is a 3" 625-2 as well. I even sent the guy a message to confirm that it wasn't a mistake and he confirmed that it does say 625-2.

 

[Hoot]

To add a bit more mystery to the 625 puzzle, the 3" on GB is a Model of 1989, but the serial number is BDC28xx (if the seller is correct), and my Model of 1988 (5") is BDC49xx.

I never have been able to figure out the 625 numbering system.

 

[STEVESKI]

To add a bit more mystery to the 625 puzzle, the 3" on GB is a Model of 1989, but the serial number is BDC28xx (if the seller is correct), and my Model of 1988 (5") is BDC49xx.

I never have been able to figure out the 625 numbering system.

That is really odd. The one I'm getting is BEN45xx so at least that makes a little bit of sense. When I receive it, I can try to comb it over to see if it actually has the -2 or the -3 changes. I won't check for the floating hand but I can check the cylinder stop.

 

[regalsc]

The dash 3's I've seen were BEN my dash 2 is BDC. The one mentioned above on GB must be where I saw the dash2 with the -2 cylinder & 1989 barrel markings.

 

[walter boy]

I have a 625 jm and was wondering if anyone who owns one has measured the forcing cone. The forcing cone on mine has a rough finish and measures .485-.498 max diameter with dial calipers. This seem excessive. Brownell sells a go-no go plug gauge to check it with. I call their tect support to see if they could tell me the max diameter of the gauge but they could not.
Just wondering if anyone may have similar experience. The gun shoots great but there is fouling in the forcing cone.
Also if anyone has the forcing cone plug gauge and could measure the large end and would please post it It would be appreciated.

 

[VAPA]

Why do you want a .45?

Because they don't make a .46!

 

[pmosley]

What are the thoughts on the 625-6 mountain gun version chambered in 45ACP? Purposes? Range, woods, hunting, self defense?

 

[S&W Fan]

I prefer the balance of the 4". This -3 is my favorite range gun (I love the.45acp cartridge), purchased here on the forum with the original Gripper grips and box. Not bad for self defense either I added the Hogue grip and SDM front sight.

 

[STEVESKI]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Just picked up my 625-3 3" today. It's in excellent condition and can't wait to get out to shoot it.

 

[sodacan]

There's actually one for sale on Gun Broker right now that is a 3" 625-2 as well. I even sent the guy a message to confirm that it wasn't a mistake and he confirmed that it does say 625-2.

I saw that gun as well. The barrel appears to have been cut down. The markings are off center, and it is laser etched, not roll marked. It is probably mis-stamped as a dash two. Also, it has an after-market front sight. The seller refused to acknowledge that the barrel was shortened after I pointed out those items to him. He is asking a hefty price for a modified gun. Buyer beware!

 

[STEVESKI]

I saw that gun as well. The barrel appears to have been cut down. The markings are off center, and it is laser etched, not roll marked. It is probably mis-stamped as a dash two. Also, it has an after-market front sight. The seller refused to acknowledge that the barrel was shortened after I pointed out those items to him. He is asking a hefty price for a modified gun. Buyer beware!

Wow thanks. Glad I didn't bid on that one.