[proudcut]

This is my first posting, so be gentle. I just acquired a beautiful S&W Model 625, Model of 1989. I read somewhere that only 500 of the "Model of 1989" was made. Can anyone confirm or deny that?

Proudcut
Retired cop
NRA Life Member
WSSA Life Member

[P0832177]

Not sure on production numbers but there are a lot of them, some in short BBL lengths might have very limited #'s. Then there might be lower #'s of 45LC 625's. And, there might be limited #'s of 45ACP Mtn. Guns vs. LC Mtn. Guns. Sorry no real help for you.

They are great guns!

[ChristopherG]

If you read that re. the 1989, it'd have to relate to some special little subtype. There's a lot of the 625's so marked--but that doesn't make it any less fine a gun!

[Moonclip]

I think you have it the other way around in that the MOD OF 1988 models are the rarer ones. I think the mod of 1989 has been marked on most of them. But even the Standard Cat of S&W book can't come up with exact numbers and they admit it. I've heard up to 5000 for the 1988 one.

Mod of 1988 has some differences though like a ramp front sight and a roll marked barrel.

[djl4570]

This is my first posting, so be gentle. I just acquired a beautiful S&W Model 625, Model of 1989. I read somewhere that only 500 of the "Model of 1989" was made. Can anyone confirm or deny that?
I don't believe that. There have been a number of 625 variants beginning in 1988, the most common being the 625-2 in .45 ACP. The original 625-2 model of 1988 was rollstamped and only made for one year although guns remained in retail channels for a couple of years. The 625-2 of 1989 was laser engraved and by 1991 was offered in three, four and the original five inch barrel length. Some of the later production may have been marked 625-3 or 625-4. At some time around 1993 S&W produced a 625-5 gun in .45 Colt. These were very similar to the 625-2 with the five inch lugged barrel. Differences being the longer cylinder and a front ramp sight. I had one of these and foolishly sold it in 1994, I have not seen another one since. Sometime after 1994 S&W produced a 625-6 45 Colt mountain gun with the lightweight four inch barrel.

Your gun could be a 625-? from a limited run. S&W was doing quite a few short runs back in the early 1990's. Post pictures or a complete description and the complete model number from under the crane.

[Moonclip]

Yes the 625-5 classic, non mountain gun in 45LC seems rare, I think 1500 were made. I have only ever seen one.

[cbsbyte]

Does S&W still make the 625 in 45 LC?

[JoeHatley]

Yes, in the Mountain Gun variation. Their web site lists "Limited Availability".

Joe

[proudcut]

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. The pistol in question is the 625-3 and is laser marked on the barrel. It was just idle curiousity because I have no intention of giving it up to a collector. Just wanted bragging rights....

[djl4570]

Just wanted bragging rights....Quit being selfish and post some pictures. We promise not to drool too much. :-)

[proudcut]

I'd love to but I don't have the expertise nor the technology. If I invested in a digital camera, that would be another S&W that I couldn't invest in.

[KurtC]

"Model of 1989" doesn't really mean anything, as they have been marking them that way since 1989.

The model number 625-3, means that your gun was made before S&W started cutting costs (cylinder stud, chrome hammer & trigger, no lock). There are plenty of them out still around, but they won't be making any more of them.

The 5" barrel is most common, with the 4" and 3" being rarer.

[proudcut]

I went to "The Standard Catalog of S&W" by Jim Supica. He's an acknowleged expert, probably second only to Roy Jinks. And he says there is so much confusion over how many were made, he doesn't even know and won't attempt to sort it out. One or one of a million, I don't care. It's a great pistol.

[Dave Markowitz]

Since so far this thread is devoid of pictures, here's my M625-4 leaning against a Becker C/U-7. :)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c340/davemarkowitz/DMARKOWITZ_625_BK7SM.jpg

Those are RIMZ clips, BTW.

[Moonclips]

Let's post some pics so we can see what we're discussing here, OK?

http://fernando.smugmug.com/photos/46837211-M.jpg

[XFlash]

Here's a little different version 625-10.

http://www.members.cox.net/thersa/625-10.JPG

Also I've wondered about this one, that is how rare it is I've only seen one like it, course it is a 25-7 not a 625, hope ok to post here.

http://www.members.cox.net/thersa/25-7.JPG

[ChristopherG]

Are those the Federal 225 gr. SWCHP?

[XFlash]

Yes they are Federal Classic 225 swchp.
Shoot real nice.
:)

[djl4570]

I tried a few shots the other night and everything came out over exposed. I took this one tonight and it came out looking a lot better. Top to bottom, 625-2 Model of 1988 in .45 ACP,
625-6 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt,
625-2 Model of 1989 in .45 ACP.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32301&stc=1&d=1133918028

[ChristopherG]

Yes they are Federal Classic 225 swchp

Aaargh--I covet your bullets! I handload for a 625 in 45acp/Autorim and would love to get my hands on some of those, but they aren't available as components. Dang Federal!

[ch3]

My 625-3 5". While I like it, have been wanting to trade it for a 1911, but with price difference, have to put it off for a while. DA pull is a bit long, but I can shoot it well in SA.

http://xs38.xs.to/pics/05295/Left-Side.jpg

[JNewell]

Here's a pic of a 625-5 Classic stocking dealer special from 1993 (.45 "Long" Colt, full lug, laser engraving :p , interchangeable front sight)

[djl4570]

I bought a 625-5 from the SF Gun Exchange in 1993 when they first came out. In 1994 I bought a condo and sold the gun to cover closing costs. Silly me, I've never seen another one. IIRC it doesn't say ".45 Colt" but rather .45 Model of 199? on the other side of the barrel.