Model of 1988 625 vs new production

[bofe954]

I have been eyeing 625's for quite awhile. I shoot a little USPSA (not well) and would like a 625 for that and the range.

I figure it will be good practice, I can dry fire more than once, save brass easily during live fire and the 625 seems well liked.

Anyway I can pick up a model of 1988 NIB locally, from a private party. It is priced higher than new production 625's but when you factor in the lack of sales tax it will be within 20-30 dollars in price.

It will probably end up at S+W's performance center in the future.

What are advantages, disadvantages to the model of 1988 vs a new production?

I am pretty much sold on the 1988, just wanted to read a little about the differences I guess.

 

[steveno]

just buy the 1988 version as you have already looked at it. I had one and should have kept it

 

[JoeHatley]

The Model of 1988 often carries a bit of premium over the Model of 1989. AFAIK... the only real differences are the the 1988 has:

1) Roll marked barrel rather than laser
2) "Floating" hand
3) Ramp front sight rather than Patridge

Both are good shooters.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Stainz]

Look at the newest 625 - the 625JM. It's featured prominently in the '05 S&W catalog - with an MSRP of just $28 more than a standard 4" 625. When I found the 625JM on S&W's site in Feb one Sat AM, I had my pusher check his sources on the computer... he quoted me ~$600, and an arrival date of Tuesday - I agreed, not knowing my wife had come up behind me. "You ordered that $600 gun like most people would a Happy Meal!" She said. No way, I wouldn't eat a 'Happy Meal'... neither would she - and boy was that day's lunch dear. Did I mention the mindless hours of perusing her hobby stuff? It was worth it!

The JM variant has Miculek-style wood stocks (~$70+), a gold bead front sight in the spring-loaded front mount (Not pinned like the usual 625's!), hard-chromed hammer and grooved trigger, chamfered charge holes on mine (Not mentioned in the literature.), and JM's initials, which my wife claims means 'John's Money', on the stock and sideplate... all for $28 more, MSRP, than a stock 4" 625 - go figure. I really was impressed with mine as delivered - my usual 'break-in' could not appreciably improve the action - it is great - better, after a spring change (Wolff lowered effort - and nothing but homebrew Federal-primed .45 ACP/AR's.).

I had stupidly sold my previous standard 625 4"-er last June, missing it immediately. It was sold because I don't like flat/satin SS - or full lugs. Who cares. It is a delightfully frugal - and mild recoiling - big bore revolver. They are just fun to shoot. Get one - even that '88 variant - you'll love it. The Miculek stocks are really nice, that little gold bead requires frequent wiping, even with just a finger, if you shoot a lot of lead. The 625JM is my best new S&W value/bargain in some time.

Stainz

 

[bofe954]

I agree with the JM recommendation and I actually looked at one awhile ago but just didn't have the cash.

The only thing that stops me is that I shoot IPSC not IDPA and I can use a 5 inch so I figure I might as well get a 5 inch.

I also think in the end it'll get a trigger job and the chamfer isn't much extra, and I think the chamfers that most smiths do are "more chamfered" than the JM.

I am not sure about the grip. I didn't mind it when I handled it but I like rubber grips on revos typically (other than for appearance, wood looks much better).

So basically I am not sure if the advantages of the JM are advantages for me, and I can do without the lock. Who knows maybe I'll end up with both someday if I like the 5 inch .

 

[camper]

Mine is the original 88 version and I would not trade it for anything. It is a tack driver with the five inch barrel and the full moon clips make for very fast reloading.

 

[SnWnMe]

Research about the floating hand "feature" before you commit.

 

[caz223]

I personally feel that 'model of 1989' are better than current production.
I have a model of 1989, but it's a 627, not a 625.
That being said, I bought a 610 last year, lock and all, and I don't see myself getting rid of it anytime soon.

 

[cardboardkiller]

I have a 1988 model that was bought new and worked over by Ross Carter for himself when him and Bill Wilson got into shooting revolvers heavily for a time. I screwed up and sold it to a buddy of mine where it sat for two years with being taken out of his safe.

The other day I was getting rid of my Weatherby SVM and I asked him if he wanted it and he asked what it would take for him to get his hands on my rifle, I grinned and told him that I wanted my 625 back and some cash. Needless to say, I have my 625 back and I'm not ever letting it go.