625-3 Questions

[xae289]

I found what I think is a great deal on a 625-3, full-underlug revolver. The store set it aside for me to do my research on it. I figured this was a great resource to ask about it. I would like some education on it if any of you are familiar with it.

The barrel has "45 CAL MODEL OF 1989" printed on the right side. The gun itself is in great shape with only a few spots of surface rust on the front sight. Tight lockup, cylinder gap, and endshake. Very clean. Pachmayr grips. No original box, and no moon clips.

As far as questions for those in the know: Does the -3 have a good reputation among 625s? Does it have a reputation for good accuracy? Does the 625 shoot cast bullets well or is it best for jacketed bullets? Anything else I should know about this gun before jumping on it?

Thanks ahead for any responses.

[kevshell]

Mine is probably the most accurate S&W revolver that I own. I bought it second hand and I'm guessing somebody had it slicked up. There's not much that I put through that revolver that it won't shoot well. I can run Winchester white box hardball or I can run 225 grain TC cast bullets. It shoots the same. I've seriously wanted to pick up another one or two just because I like it so much. I did run some 45 auto rim with Keith style bullets and six grains of unique I think. It was equally as good with those as well. Even if it was strong for market value and not even a good deal I'd probably still pick it up.

Originally I thought it was cool that it had my graduation year on the side of the barrel. Now I just like it because it's a shooter.

[bigbore5]

My dad has one. Super accurate and I couldn't begin to guess how many rounds have been fired through it. Still tight and shooting great. My uncle has a -2 that doesn't compare to it at all.

[tj3006]

If the price was right i would be on it. Especially if it were a 3" !

[Ken O'Neill]

Buy it

[gnappi]

Other than the upgrades starting with the .44 mag 629-4 "Endurance Package" I never paid much if any attention to the dash upgrades on any of S&W's models.

I have two 625's a .45 Colt and a .45 ACP. Both will be shooting l-o-n-g after I'm gone.

[AxeHandle]

Mine shoots jacketed and cast decent DAO at 50 feet. I like bobbed hammers and aftermarket hammers can be expensive. I'm not bobbing the original so I replaced the trigger and springs and just live with the hammer as is.

[tj3006]

I like that 3".
And most of my DA revolvers have those same grips too.
...tj

[gcf]

Sold my 4" 625-3 Model of 1989 some years back, & been kicking myself (HARD) ever since.
Probably one of the best S&W revolvers I have owned...
Very handy loading with half moon clips.

[strawhat]

The 4th edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson says this about that revolver, (not a quote but my interpretation),

…introduced in 1989 as the Model 625-2, barrel marked, Model 1898, in 45 ACP only. Later in 1989 or 1990, the barrel was etched, Model 1989. In 1990, it continued as the Model 625-3 and incorporated the longer stop notch in the cylinder. In that same year, it was also produced as the Model 625-3 but in 45 long Colt….

1989 was also the year the Endurance Package was offered in the Model 629.

I know at some point the factory reverted to 5 groove rifling in the 45 ACP revolvers but can not recall when, nor do I find it mentioned in the SC S&W. Regardless, the Model 1950, Model 26, Model 1955 and Model 25-2s all shot cast well with the rifling specified by the Army in 1917.

Kevin

[xae289]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I decided to go for it. Took it for a spin with a box of cheapo Ammo Inc and it shot that very well.

Now I just need a bunch of moon clips and .45 ACP dies.

[ridenshoot]

Don't forget to get you some 45 AR brass as well.  It has always shot great out of my 625s and my 325.  Starline has it in stock.


www.starlinebrass.com/45-auto-rim-brass

[sixshot]

When I first got into USPSA shooting I found a model 625-3 like yours, it was used & I had no idea what it would do but I was wanting to get rid of a Tarus 454 & the dealer must have wanted it pretty bad because he swapped me straight across. My son did a little action work & we set the trigger down on the main spring but that was it. I'm certain I put over 200,000 rounds down that barrel, all were 205 gr cast that I made from a H&G clone mould. I always shot 3.7 grs of WST & made major power factor all over the country. One year I shot 54,000 rounds & another year I shot 36,000 rounds but I shot that gun for many years.
The model 1988's weren't as good for some reason, can't remember why now, it's been too many years. Of course you always had to use Federal LP primers.

Dick

[sixshot]

Oops! I made a mistake here! I did start out with the model of 89 gun but switched to the model 610 shooting 40 S&W ammo & shot many, many thousands of rounds down that barrel. The 1989 gun was kept in reserve & was a fantastic gun, sorry for the mistake!!!

Dick

[xae289]

Sept 23, 2024 18:38:53 GMT -5 ridenshoot said:

Don't forget to get you some 45 AR brass as well. It has always shot great out of my 625s and my 325.  Starline has it in stock.


www.starlinebrass.com/45-auto-rim-brass

I'm considering it, don't see the clear advantage. I plan on using cast bullets with cannelures and trying to use my Lee .45 Colt crimp die to roll crimp. I've heard Auto Rim cartridges are a little stronger, but I'm not planning to load this revolver hot since I have almost the exact same revolver in .44 Magnum. Any reason to do it other than not using moon clips?

Sept 24, 2024 12:09:17 GMT -5 sixshot said:

Oops! I made a mistake here! I did start out with the model of 89 gun but switched to the model 610 shooting 40 S&W ammo & shot many, many thousands of rounds down that barrel. The 1989 gun was kept in reserve & was a fantastic gun, sorry for the mistake!!!

Dick

Sounds like an awesome run with that 610! I'm already impressed with the 625, and definitely see myself enjoying it for many thousands of rounds. Maybe in my lifetime I'll put as many rounds through mine as you did in one year.