S&W 625

Michael

Michael

Active Member. Uh/What
A buddy of mine just contacted me regarding a couple of used 625s that he knows are for sale. Funny how some things come back around to bite you, made mention to him about a year ago that it might nice to find one at a decent price. Unfortunately he did not think to ask. Swell, just swell.

Anyway, one is 5", has Model of 1989 on the barrel and the other a 4", both reportedly in good shape. My query after I asked how much was, do they come with any moon clips, in which the response was "What's a moon clip?", I am guessing not. I Went online and looked at Gunbroker, etc., realizing many things are usually higher that what the really should be.

What are you thoughts on what would be a reasonable price range? I don't except to get a killer deal, but I am certainly not going to pay what I seen on GB, when this is just one those "it would be nice items".

Just in case, what are recommendations for moon clips and where and 45AR brass is back order status only at Starline.

Many thanks for the input/feedback.
 
StrawHat

StrawHat

Well-Known Member
Expect to pay between $900 and $1200, at least that is what I generally see around me.

If it takes moon clips, I always recommend the original maker of the modern moon clip, Ranch Products of Malinta, Ohio. Usually the least expensive option also.

45 AR brass is currently only made by Star-Line. I can not remember the last time RP ran a batch. Check the website.

I have a couple of ACP revolvers. My favorite N frame!

Kevin
 
RicinYakima

RicinYakima

High Steppes of Eastern Washington
I bought my 4" in 1990 because nobody wanted it, they wanted 5", I got it for $25.00 off. The only issue is that the chambers are on the max size, so head spacing without a clip leads to misfires. AR brass works perfectly in it. It is the gun next to the "bug out" bag if I ever had to leave home. But not without it, as the versatile revolver I own.

p.s. You realize these were the last S&W revolvers made with manual machines prior to conversion to CNC.
 
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Glaciers

Glaciers

Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
3 years ago I finally ran into a 4” 625. Paid $1000 and drove 250 miles to pick it up.
I had a 5” which I sold in 1991. I’ve regretted it ever since.
I would pay $1200 for a 5”.
Love the 625
 
imashooter2

imashooter2

Member
I have a 4 inch -8. The Model of 1989 revolvers were reported to have tight chambers. Back in the day when they were THE gun for USPSA revolver the racers always reamed them. Shouldn’t matter if you aren’t reloading on the clock. Bought my clips direct from Ranch Products as suggested above. They were $35 a hundred delivered back in 1999. Probably a bit more now.
 
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Intel6

Intel6

Active Member
I have had a "Model of 1988" 5" 625 I picked up in 1988. Great shooting revolver that showed me what the perfect barrel length is for a S&W.. But since my first handgun was a Lew Horton 629 3" barrel round butt, that started my itch for 3" inch N frame S&W revolvers. When they came out with the "Model of 1989" in 5"/4"/3" barrel lengths I had to get the 3" version. Picked up one in short order and it is also a great shooting "snub." I used to keep a few moon clips loaded with flying ashtrays when it did defensive duty.
 
Glaciers

Glaciers

Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Never knew there was a 3”, news to me.
I love my 4” but the 5” is the goal. I wouldn’t trade my 4” for 5”, but adding a 5” would make a nice set.
 
T

Thumbcocker

Active Member
The 5" model of 1989 is a masterpiece. Scary accurate. For clips Google Rimz. These are polymer and very durable also they can be loaded and unloaded without tools. I, personally, would not purchase any Smith revolver with the engraved rifling. My experience is that it doesn't like cast. I shot my requalification for ccw permit with my model of 1989. A few smug looks from the polymer frame Stryker fired crowd. Cue the crickets when the targets were scored.
 
JonB

JonB

Halcyon member
I've had a few different 625 and 25. My fave was a 5" model of 1989. I sold it and got a 625JM that I had to have, and I've had a love/hate relationship with that JM ...everytime the 'hate' portion rolls around, I regret selling the 1989. I do know where that 1989 is,a friend bought it and I see him once a year, it seems to gain value by $100 to $200, each time I see him, LOL.
 
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CZ93X62

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
I love my 4" 625-?; I bought it new a few years back, and its 4" barrel is perfect. Out of the box the throats were .451" + a few tenths, so .452" castings get along fine with it. Old Lyman #454424 sized to .452" pose no hang-ups, even after 50-100 rounds have been fired; I give my rounds a push with the heel of my palm after they drop in place as an extra step after they seat. Given the crummy rounds and gun I was issued at the Academy I installed this step in the refill process as a necessity.
 
D

david s

Well-Known Member
I believe that in the past I've mentioned that the 45 ACP isn't my begin all end all round choice. But I'm also forced to admit that my most accurate centerfire semi auto and revolver are both chambered in the 45 auto. The revolver is one of the later models of 1989 in four inch. If you can get either a four or five inch at a fair price I wouldn't hesitate a bit. Ranch Products use to make and may still 1/3, 1/2 and full moon clips a fair price.
 
D

david s

Well-Known Member
The polymer Rimz moon clip on the right works well and last a surprising amount of time. There only possible issue is if you drop a loaded moon clip the Rimz may let a round fall out of the clip. Ranch Products clip on the left.
 
Glaciers

Glaciers

Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Funny thing I really like the 4” & 5” as I posted before, but the difference between the 5” barrel and the “N” frame 6” is for me a whole different animal.
 
Michael

Michael

Active Member. Uh/What
Still trying to find out how much. Apparently the 4" is performance center child. Bet that will add some cost, but would it be worth it?
 
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