[jhawk92]

Hi all-
New to the forum, but not new to shooting. I was doing some research on a new acquisition and found this forum. I've already spent way too much time reading the great threads here, so I guess it's time to post one.

My recent purchase is a 5" S&W 625, SN N569xxx. I haven't really run it through its paces yet, but will do that soon. With the serial number above, what is the date of birth? I am a bit confused though, with the model number. Inside the frame, "MOD 28-2" is stamped, which, if my research is correct, is actually a .357 magnum model number. But this gun is definitely a .45 ACP. Any hints here in why the model number is like this? I've attached a picture here for folks to review.

My second question is about moon clips. I have a handful of them that came with the gun, and they are two different types. Pic also attached. I want to buy a few more and it looks like there are several different manufacturers, S&W, Wilson, Ranch, Cylinder & Slide, as well as some "plastic" ones. I'm happy to stay with the metal ones, but is one manufacturer better than another? I think the one on the left is made by one of the three; Cylinder & Slide, Ranch, or Wilson. I can't find anything online that resembles the clip on the right. It is stainless, and the other is obviously blue. I'm not hung up on a certainly kind, just want to get something that will last. I'm leaning towards the Wilson, but open to suggestion. I will also be getting one of the Brownell's clip unloading tools, as it seems pretty slick and I like that it catches the empties in the tube.

I'll be reading some more of the historical threads, but I'm excited about this new purchase. I have a Kimber 1911 that I really enjoy and when I saw this revolver for sale, I thought it would make a great companion piece. And it's gotten me thinking about a S&W 646 to go along with my two .40 S&W autos. But that's another thread. Thanks in advance to any help you can provide.

[P0832177]

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=214108&highlight=625 has some sources in my post for demooner, remooners, and full moon clips.

For an accurate DOB http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve post a request for SN DOB?

Did it come with a box? Does the SN match the box?

[Majic]

You don't have a M625, but a converted M28. The serial number dates to 1979 and the M625 didn't come out till 1988. Also if you look closely you will see that the barrel is pinned. No M625 had pinned barrels as S&W stopped pining barrels in 1982. 1979 is also correct for the M28-2. Someone replaced the cylinder with a M625 cylinder (since the original cylinder had recessed chambers it would be sitting closer to the recoil shield) and replaced the barrel with a M625 barrel. Then they had the revolver hard chromed. M28s have been converted to other calibers by a lot of people. This looks like a nice job, but a careful eye will see the difference as the pinned barrel is what will give it away.

[P0832177]

Most excellent observations Majic!

[jhawk92]

Majic-
Thanks much for that great reply. I figured something was a bit different about this gun, and I didn't pick up on the pinned barrel. Guess I'm still happy with the purchase, since it's pretty accurate, and gets me into the .45 ACP revolver game without costing an arm and a leg.

P08-
I didn't think to try seaching on "Brownells." That would have brought up your thread. I did read through a bunch of 625 threads, but seem to have missed that one.

[jhawk92]

Majic-
Here are a couple of follow-up questions for you. I assume that this used to be a blued gun, and was re-done in the hard chrome finish you mentioned? Also, is there any special care I need to have with this finish, or is it pretty "sturdy?" I sometimes use the Tipton gun cloth on the cylinder face of my GP-100 stainless to get it cleaned up. Will abrasives hurt the finish on this unit? Thanks.

As a side note, the Brownells order arrived, so I'm heading to the range with everything this weekend! Yippee!

[P0832177]

Your Faux 625 should take cleaning well, if the hard chrome job was doen right. And, it sure looks good in the pictures. I would use regular cleaning solutions, and I would just be conscious of leaving any solution in contact with any gun for too long a period. I know that regular nickel plating and Hoppes #9 are not a good combo.....

John

[jhawk92]

John-
Thanks much. I don't usually leave the cleaning fluids in contact with a gun for too long. Interesting info on nickel finishes and Hoppe's #9. Looking forward to giving it a good workout soon!

[Majic]

Hard Chrome is a very durable finish. It is somewhat slick so clean up should be rather easy without a lot of rubbing with abrasives. I also wouldn't worry to much about cleaning solutions.