[Edward429451]

OK, I got a line on a good used S&W model 1988 45, 5", stainless and would like to know two things.

1) Whats a reasonable price for it. (Its around 90% condition.)

2) Will I be able to load 45 Super for it, safely? (230gr @ 1150fps)

I'm guessing that no mods will be required at all for 45 Super.

Thanks.

[E357]

1) $400 give or take

2) Yes, but I didn't tell you that. That's pushing it a bit.

Elliot

[Jeff OTMG]

I gave $335 for mine, to me they aren't worth over $350, like any other standard production used N-frame. According to people who have asked S&W the 625 is okayed for .45 Super.

[Lone_Gunman]

$335 would be a bargain in Georgia.

$400 would be a good deal.

$450 is about what people are asking.

Its also a little harder to find a Model of 1988 625 than most 44 mag N frames.

[E357]

The 1988 Model is a lot more rare than the model of 1989. If that sort of thing matters.

Elliot

[Edward429451]

Rarer? Whats the difference between the 88 and 89?

We had been talking 350 to 400 but haven't settled on anything concrete yet.

[Jeff OTMG]

Besides the engraving on the barrel the only difference that I am aware of is that one has a ramped front sight, the other a partridge front sight.

[E357]

By more rare I just mean that there were less made so it has more value to a collector of things S&W. A few dollars more than a 1989 model - not a big difference. It's a collector thing - not a shooter thing.

Elliot

[Jeff OTMG]

Right you are Elliot, my post was in response to Edward.

[Tamara]

Well, the Model of 1988 is definitely a -2, while the Model of 1989 may be a -3 or -4. The latter guns have the newer, longer cylinder stop notches, Patridge sights, and laser engraving instead of roll-marking on the barrel.

Now that 5" guns are out for most revolver games other than ICORE, the prices have stabilized at more sane levels, but I'd still expect to pay four bills or more for that gun in good shape around here. (3" and 4" N-frames, especially if configured for moon clips, still seem to command a premium on the used market here, though.)

[Stainz]

Check the new 625 prices (4" has the same S&W suggested retail price as the 5".) locally. Here, in central Alabama, I have seen them for $519- $569. I think I paid ~$500 total for my new 4" last autumn when I ordered it - but that was when I worked at a store and 'got a deal'. They were ~$425 used at the local collector's shows a year or two ago. Heck, even the 625 (.45C) MG was running $450+ used then - and sold for $499 new in one local store! A good rule-of-thumb is 80% (or less) of a new unit's price - if it is 95%. An 80% 'shooter', or a less desireable unit (Like the 5" 625 now that IDPA went to 4" or less.) should sell for less, of course. I would think that $400 would be the upper limit for a 5" 625. That $350 sounded like a deal. Paper & box should be included.

Get a 625... you'll enjoy it immensely. Real 'big-bore' shooting on a budget. Be sure to get more moonclips and a demooner - Brownell's, etc, have plenty. If you get a new one, 2002 or later, you won't even notice that hammer-lock... mine only 'appears' when I clean it - I think it is more grime to clean off!

Stainz

[Edward429451]

No lock on this one. Plenty of moon clips & demooner too. This is a friend who has it and I got him clips and a demooner for a Christmas present two years ago.

Thanks for the responses.:)