45 revolver

[Harold]

What can you tell me about the s&w model 625 45 acp revolver that has the bbl stamped "45 cal model of 1988"? I'm familiar with the one stamped model of 1989 but not 1988.

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[Daniel Watters]

The "Model of 1988" was the first limited run of the 625. They were introduced late in 1988 as some sort of ill-conceived IPSC commemorative. They were only available with a 5" underlugged barrel, and I believe they were the first non-snubby N-frame produced as a round-butt. Although this model is commonly referred to as the "625-2", some of the frames were marked simply "625".

The "Model of 1989" were the first cataloged/production models. The frames were marked "625-3" and incorporated features from the 29/629 Classics and MagnaClassics. The immediate visual clue is the longer cylinder stop notches. The "625-3" has been cataloged with 3", 4", and 5" underlugged barrels.

 

[Harley Nolden]

DANIEL:
This is a .45 ACP , stainless variation of the Model 25-2," 6 shot, The #3" was discontinued in 1991, The #4 was also discontinued in 1991 or 5" bbl, round butt, full lug barrel, pachmayer grips. New in 1988. This variation has the frame stamped 625-2", roll engraved barrel with .45 Cal. MODEL OF 1988 stamped on the barrel.

hjn