S&W 625 Production History?

[Chindo18Z]

Just interested in the production history of 4" 625 since late 80s (What years in production or temporarily discontinued, serial # range, prices on current vs old). I've done some searches both here and S&W Forum. Just confused on judging production years for older models. I've been bitten by the bug...

 

[C.R.Sam]

For something so recent; the 625 seems to have a rather complicated history.
I suggest getting ahold of Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson second edition by Supica and Nahas. Worth having for history and detail of nearly all of the Smiths.
One place to get it is here...and 20 bucks is a bargain...
http://books.shoppingsavvy.com/data/redir.php?code=577537

If you have question re a particular 625, one of us can probably address the question. But to do an overview of the total production of them would be beyond my attention span.

Sam

 

[Atticus]

Thanks for the link C.R.Sam. That's a heck of a deal.

 

[Tamara]

Among funny 625 factoids:

There is no 625, or 625-1; the production run apparently started with the 625-2. The first -2's have ramp front sights, roll-marked barrels, and "Model of 1988" on the barrel. Then they went to laser-etching, patridge sights, and "Model of 1989" on the barrel. Starting with the -3's, they went to the longer cylinder-stop notches and other "endurance package" N-frame upgrades. If you want a .460 Rowland 625, look for a -3 or later. Some 625's are .45 Colt, but you can't really tell by the dash number.

 

[C.R.Sam]

And Tam just scratched the surface re the wierdnesses available in the 625.

Sam

 

[Chindo18Z]

Thanx for the info Tamara & C. R. Sam. Just ordered the book. I started gettin the itch for a 4-5" N-frame in .44 or .41...never considered the 625 until I found one in my hand. Gradually a light began to flicker over my head and I'm pretty sure I'd rather have the .45 ACP (already a favorite caliber, cheaper to shoot, no handgun hunting anticipated, and I am sold on full-sized moon clips). Anyone got a recommended price range for used 4" or 5" (assuming good mechanical condition and 85-98% finish)? Haven't owned an N-frame in years and was kinda looking for a good blued 29-2, 57, or 58; now think the 625 might make more sense. Keep the feedback coming...

 

[C.R.Sam]

Wild a guess...
95 percent cosmetic and great mechanical...maby tween 300 n 350.
Where you are, how eager you look and how eager the seller make a diff.

Sam

 

[Tamara]

If I found a 625 around here for $300-$350, I would immediately purchase it, as it would be priced between $100 and $150 too low for the market.

 

[prisoner6]

Around here, $450-$500 for a good used one, maybe lower if really beat up. I was happy to find a very nice Model of 1988 for $450 some months ago.

 

[Avery Goodschott]

I paid $489 for my 625-2 Model of 1989 shipped in November, 1989...bought it unfired LNIB a few weeks back.

 

[C.R.Sam]

I like em in good mechanical shape with a bit of holster wear.
Knocks a couple hundred bucks off of em.

Sam

 

[Airboss]

Thanks Sam

Thanks for the Book link Sam just ordered it.So far since the 1st of Sept have bought 1 296 and 2 625's these are like peanuts you can't just get one.

 

[RWK]

Chindo18Z . . .

FYI, Smith is currently producing wonderful, beautiful a four-inch barrel, .45 Colt, Mountain Gun (the 625-9). I absolutely love mine: a work of art, very accurate, and employs the versatile .45 "long" Colt round, in addition.

 

[RWK]

Hopefully, an image isnow attached.

 

[Prodigalshooter]

You're all killing me here, I've got a 625 on order at my local shop/range and all this talk is getting me antsy! I've got moon clips and assorted paraphanalia on order too, maybe I'll get lucky and it'll all hit at once!
I was captivated by a friends 625 that I was able to shoot; this is the perfect IDPA revolver! My 66 will be languishing in the safe soon

 

[Chindo18Z]

They're killing me too, Prodigal! RWK...that is a really fine looking revolver. I had looked at a 629 Mountain gun that a friend owns. Beeutimous! There are just too many choices. I may have to revise my campaign plan and start collecting them all. Wish my bank account could stand the thumping; I'd buy 3 or 4. I think I'm going to go with the 625 first though...

 

[Richard2003]

I have a 625-9 Mountain Gun which I understand is always a .45 Colt.
Mine has the Ahrends Cocobolo grips.


<<<Some 625's are .45 Colt, but you can't really tell by the dash number.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Hey, RWK! When did you pick that up? Smith doesn't currently list a SINGLE .45 Colt revolver on their website. I think I see keys for the silly internal lock in that photo, so yours must be very recent production.