[Navy joe]

Ok, I'm revolver dumb, but am in the market for a 625 to be used for USPSA. Local shop has one for 550, don't know all the differences, but will sit down and read the used revolver thread.

-First, this is a 5" marked Model of 1988. Not a transfer bar gun but as I understand it the firing pin does not contact or come near the case when the hammer is at rest, so safe enough right?
-What is different between this and a current 625?
-Do all 625s take Moonclips as is? This one was flat across the rear of the chambers, seemed like there should be adequate space for moons, not sure.
-Do these guns wear out or is a used one that checks out ok a safe bet?
-What about the price?

Thanks in advance.

[Mike Irwin]

Navy,

Yes, the gun is completely safe fully loaded.

S&Ws of this era used two distinct safties -- a rebounding hammer and an L-shaped bar -- to keep the firing pin away from the cartridges in the cylinder. The only way the pin can hit the primer is if the trigger is pulled fully to the rear.

Can't really answer your second question. I don't really acknowledge current S&W guns.

Yes, all 625s are moonclip ready.

These guns are known for lasting many dozens of thousands of rounds. Buy with certainty that if you use Jim March's "How to buy a used revolver" check list you're very likely to get a very good gun.

Price depends a LOT on your area. In Northern Virginia it is not uncommon to see used 625s in the $500 to $550 range.

[SnWnMe]

1. All modern Smith revolvers in sound condition are safe. They don't use transfer bars in their system. Rugers and Tauri do.

2. The current 625s have MIM parts and lawyer locks. They're just as good IMO.


3. Yes it is moonclip ready

4. Read up the floating link in this forum for checking revolver function. If the gun in question passes the tests then you're good to go. These 625s are plenty stout for the 45ACP cartridge so it shouldn't be a problem. Those horror stories are for K 357s and the 44 Mags.

5. These things do major damage to 6 Franklins. Note that the new ones don't cost much more.

[Tamara]

...also, the one you're looking at is a 625-2.

It's been my observation that these guns hold their value very well. $450-$500 is not an uncommon price tag. The "-2", with its roll-marked (rather than laser-etched) barrel, could command a slight premium.