S & W Mod. 625-2 MODEL OF 1988

[sip62]

S & W Mod. 625-2 MODEL OF 1988
(limited edition model intended as an International Practical Shooting Confederation [IPSC] commemorative)

 

[colt_saa]

The 625 model of 1988 is a great revolver. I have had mine for decades.

Can you elaborate on why yours is a

(limited edition model intended as an International Practical Shooting Confederation [IPSC] commemorative)

Does yours have some special embellishment as the IPSC Commemorative that is not in the photograph?

Is there some markings on the factory box indicating this Commemorative?

Or was this Commemorative created outside of Smith and Wesson by an organization honoring IPSC? Perhaps something a distributor or shop in Switzerland did?

 

[Dale53]

That fine lookin' revolver is a sister to my 625-6 with 5" barrel. If yours is as satisfying as mine is, you are LOVIN' it!

I have a pair of 625's (the other one is a 625-8 JM Special with 4" barrel). They are my favorite revolvers. I mostly shoot target loads in them (200 gr. SWC Mihec version of the H&G #68 ahead of 4.0 grs. of Bullseye or equivalent (currently Titegroup). Both will shoot well under 1" at 25 yards off a rest. I have shot some of my best targets with these revolvers.

Dale53

 

[XAVMECH]

625's

I have many S&W revolvers, but my two 625's are the most satisfying to shoot. This is especially so when I'm introducing someone to shooting a large bore handgun. People that are a little apprehensive usually have a huge smile on their face after shooting the five-inch 625 (model of 88)...

 

[kean57]

Special edition?

Hello,

What makes this revolver different from a standard 625-2?

Jim

 

[bananaman]

My 625 JM, is 1 of my favorites! What is there not to like about an ACP revolver? Bob

 

[sip62]

The 625 model of 1988 is a great revolver. I have had mine for decades.

Can you elaborate on why yours is a

Does yours have some special embellishment as the IPSC Commemorative that is not in the photograph?

Is there some markings on the factory box indicating this Commemorative?

Or was this Commemorative created outside of Smith and Wesson by an organization honoring IPSC? Perhaps something a distributor or shop in Switzerland did?

Please look the engraving on the barrel: MODEL OF 1988

In Wikipedia I've found the following text:

The Smith & Wesson (S&W) Model 625, is a six-round single- and double-action revolver chambered for the .45 ACP (also known as .45 Auto) cartridge and .45 Auto Rim. The 625 in .45 ACP will headspace the cartridge in the chambers without use of moon clips, but since the extractor cannot engage the rimless cartridge, moon clips are needed to facilitate ejection. Based on S&W's stainless steel N (large) revolver frame, the Model 625, was introduced as the .45 CAL MODEL OF 1988, in 1988 as a limited edition model intended as an International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) commemorative. It was equipped with a 5-inch (127 mm) barrel with a full-length underlug.

 

[bananaman]

The 625 model of 1988 is a great revolver. I have had mine for decades.

Can you elaborate on why yours is a

Does yours have some special embellishment as the IPSC Commemorative that is not in the photograph?

Is there some markings on the factory box indicating this Commemorative?

Or was this Commemorative created outside of Smith and Wesson by an organization honoring IPSC? Perhaps something a distributor or shop in Switzerland did?

Your Hogue wood sure looks good on that gun! Bob

 

[colt_saa]

Please look the engraving on the barrel: MODEL OF 1988

In Wikipedia I've found the following text:

The Smith & Wesson (S&W) Model 625, is a six-round single- and double-action revolver chambered for the .45 ACP (also known as .45 Auto) cartridge and .45 Auto Rim. The 625 in .45 ACP will headspace the cartridge in the chambers without use of moon clips, but since the extractor cannot engage the rimless cartridge, moon clips are needed to facilitate ejection. Based on S&W's stainless steel N (large) revolver frame, the Model 625, was introduced as the .45 CAL MODEL OF 1988, in 1988 as a limited edition model intended as an International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) commemorative. It was equipped with a 5-inch (127 mm) barrel with a full-length underlug.

You may not realize sites like Wikipedia can be edited by anyone with Internet access. There is no fact checking done on the information people post there.

as a limited edition model intended as an International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) commemorative

Unfortunately the above statement is untrue.

Smith and Wesson made no such introduction using product code 100921, the .45 CAL MODEL OF 1988

 

[amazingflapjack]

Have a 625-8 that has had the Master Revolver package-what a hawg leg!!

 

[sip62]

The same info like in wikipedia I found on 45acprevolver.com too...

The Model 625, based on the large N revolver frame, was introduced as the .45 CAL MODEL OF 1988, in 1988. It was equipped with a 5 inch barrel with a full-length under lug and was offered originally as a limited edition model intended as an IPSC commemorative.
Smith & Wesson Model 625 | 45acpRevolver.com

Same story at Shoot The Full Moon - Practical Handgun

 

[colt_saa]

The same info like in wikipedia I found on 45acprevolver.com too...

The Model 625, based on the large N revolver frame, was introduced as the .45 CAL MODEL OF 1988, in 1988. It was equipped with a 5 inch barrel with a full-length under lug and was offered originally as a limited edition model intended as an IPSC commemorative.
Smith & Wesson Model 625 | 45acpRevolver.com

They probably just copied it off Wikipedia

 

[smokey04]

I've owned several M-25 1955 Targets but,on their best day they couldn't hold a candle to the 625s. S&W finally got the chamber mouths and forcing cones right with the 625! I bought the Mod.1988 when they first came out .I really wanted it in 4" but never found one so I bought the 5". It is the most accurate .45 ACP revolver I have ever owned. Several years ago I was lucky to find a used 3" it shoots like gangbusters too but it too has the heavy barrel. Recently I got a Mod. 25-6 .45 ACP Mountain Gun. Now, we're talking!I have an extra 4".45 ACP Mountain Gun barrel That I want to have cut to 3" and make a "belly gun" but I don't want to convert one of my other 625 s 'cause they shoot too good! I do have a 625 .45 Colt Mountain Gun that I might get the cylinder cut for Moon clips and put the 3" on it. My ,my, the older I get the harder it is to make a decision. Nick

 

[RSBH44]

The same info like in wikipedia I found on 45acprevolver.com too...

The Model 625, based on the large N revolver frame, was introduced as the .45 CAL MODEL OF 1988, in 1988. It was equipped with a 5 inch barrel with a full-length under lug and was offered originally as a limited edition model intended as an IPSC commemorative.
Smith & Wesson Model 625 | 45acpRevolver.com

Same story at Shoot The Full Moon - Practical Handgun

The 625 is an outstanding revolver and you have yourself a very fine specimen and I'm sure that you will enjoy every moment that you are shooing it. However, Looking in the Smith & Wesson bible ( The standard
catalog of S&W ) there is no indication what so ever that the model of 1988 was offered as an IPSC commemorative.

 

[sip62]

IPSC commemorative yes or no - that's not important for me.
I like my 625 MODEL OF 1988. Anyway it's a great revolver.

 

[1911-10MM]

Great Gun, Mine is awesome

 

[Pizza Bob]

Hopefully I can clarify some of the above postings. The operative word in the statements about the 625-2 being an IPSC special model, is "intended". This was based on the press release announcing the introduction, which resulted in an article in late 1988 in American Handgunner magazine. While I can't cite the issue, I remember the details because I was so enamored of the concept that I went to my LGS with the issue in hand and ordered one.

On the receipt, the clerk that took the order wrote (from the article): "Smith & Wesson 625-2 IPSC Special .45 ACP. Stainless 5 inch will be built in Jan or Feb on a limited 5000 gun basis (New Model)"

The receipt for the order and deposit is dated 11/19/1988. The S/O code on the box is 9056 or February 25, 1989. I don't have a record of when the LGS received the gun, but I would assume some time in March. I live in NJ which requires a purchase permit for each handgun. Not knowing when it would arrive, I waited until I was notified before applying for the permit (a sometimes lengthy process). It was issued 05-15-1989 and I picked up the 625-2 (Prod Code 100921) the same day.

So , yes, the original intent was to make this an IPSC Special of some sort. The final production piece had no markings or packaging that indicates that intent was realized. The OP's picture is how mine was received, with Pachmayr Gripper grips.

Here it is today...

Hope this helps clear-up some things.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[eTripper]

I have to agree with 'Pizza Bob' the revolver was 'intended' as an IPSC candidate. I've had mine for many years, it's an excellent shooter. This one is a later "Model of 1989", not a mythical 'unicorn' by any standard. There are slight differences in the different 'production-runs'. Mine originally came with a 'patridge-style' front sight, and as you can see; my barrel has a laser-etched name, and it's not factory roll-stamped, like the other revolvers pictured here. I love this revolver, it's the perfect augment to my 1911's in .45 ACP. Enjoy yours, and safe-shooting brother!

 

[colt_saa]

Hopefully I can clarify some of the above postings. The operative word in the statements about the 625-2 being an IPSC special model, is "intended". This was based on the press release announcing the introduction, which resulted in an article in late 1988 in American Handgunner magazine. While I can't cite the issue, I remember the details because I was so enamored of the concept that I went to my LGS with the issue in hand and ordered one.

On the receipt, the clerk that took the order wrote (from the article): "Smith & Wesson 625-2 IPSC Special .45 ACP. Stainless 5 inch will be built in Jan or Feb on a limited 5000 gun basis (New Model)"

The receipt for the order and deposit is dated 11/19/1988. The S/O code on the box is 9056 or February 25, 1989. I don't have a record of when the LGS received the gun, but I would assume some time in March. I live in NJ which requires a purchase permit for each handgun. Not knowing when it would arrive, I waited until I was notified before applying for the permit (a sometimes lengthy process). It was issued 05-15-1989 and I picked up the 625-2 (Prod Code 100921) the same day.

So , yes, the original intent was to make this an IPSC Special of some sort. The final production piece had no markings or packaging that indicates that intent was realized. The OP's picture is how mine was received, with Pachmayr Gripper grips.

Here it is today...

Hope this helps clear-up some things.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

GREAT memory. Thanks for the info.

I know this is going to be an unfair question......Do you recall if that IPSC text was actually in the Smith and Wesson press release? Or if it was only printed in American Handgunner?

Now I have to go find 1988 copies of American Handgunner.

When these came out, all I can recall is how popular they were at Pin matches.

Though to be perfectly honest I had stopped shooting IPSC before 1989 so I might not have noticed them

 

[625smith]

Interesting reading so far. I found an article on the 625 written by John Taffin. Here is a quote.

"Credit Bill Jensen of Smith & Wesson with the rebirth of the .45 Auto Rim/.45 ACP sixgun. In talking with both Sherry Collins and Tom Campbell of Smith & Wesson, I was informed that the new .45 is just one more variation on the basic theme at the Smith & Wesson factory, which is give the shooting public the guns that it demands.

The 1988 .45 Auto Rim, or Model 625-2, came about as Jensen's idea to provide revolver shooters in both IPSC and Pin Shooting with the best possible revolver for the job. In carrying this out, Smith & Wesson may have also provided what may possibly be the best defensive sixgun to come around in a long time."

Here is a link to the full article:

SMITH & WESSON'S 625-2

Here is a picture of my 625 Model of 1988