What's With he "Dash"

[steveyacht]

This may seem like a very stupid question, but, I am kinda new at this and want to learn. I have seen Smith and Wesson models referred to by their model number followed buy a "Dash" number. What does this number signify and does it have anything to do with the desirability of a particular gun?

Thanks,

Steve

[Bubber]

steveyacht, The dash-number notes small changes in the design. Here is a discussion on a 686...686 dash huh? I hope this helps. Later rd

[RePete]

The MODEL#-3 is a production change or improvement change.

Some dash model command a higher price. I do believe that the 625-3 is one of them.

[Tom E]

The MODEL#-3 is a production change or improvement change.

Some dash model command a higher price. I do believe that the 625-3 is one of them.

First time I've heard the floating hand called desireable.

[steveyacht]

The MODEL#-3 is a production change or improvement change.

Some dash model command a higher price. I do believe that the 625-3 is one of them.

First time I've heard the floating hand called desireable.

OK, Thank you.... My 625 5" is a - 6 So can I assume that it is a later model with most factory changes and imrovements?

Thanks again

[Patrick Sweeney]

Yes, although the dash numbers do not always mean the same thing in different models. For instance, the 25-2 is a 6.5" blue .45 ACP. But a 25-5 is in .45 Colt and could have a 4-6-8" barrel.

I've seen K-frame models with dash numbers in the low and mid teens. A lot of them are design changes that let the factory track parts needs, and for most of the dash numbers they mean nothing to our needs, uses or desires.

[Tom E]

OK, Thank you.... My 625 5" is a - 6 So can I assume that it is a later model with most factory changes and imrovements?

Thanks again

625-6 is USUALLY a frame mounted firing pin, MIM, gun with no internal lock. To me anyway, the most desireable version. Nice way to start.

[Carmoney]

The MODEL#-3 is a production change or improvement change.

Some dash model command a higher price. I do believe that the 625-3 is one of them.

First time I've heard the floating hand called desireable.

It was the original 625-2 that had the floating hand. That was one of the design changes in the 625-3, but some early 625-3s do have the floating hands as the factory used up its old parts. (S&W never liked to throw anything away.)

[Carmoney]

OK, Thank you.... My 625 5" is a - 6 So can I assume that it is a later model with most factory changes and imrovements?

Thanks again

625-6 is USUALLY a frame mounted firing pin, MIM, gun with no internal lock. To me anyway, the most desireable version. Nice way to start.

There are several permutations of 625-6 (different barrel lengths and different chamberings), but when you're talking about a 5" .45 ACP 625-6, all of them I have seen are exactly as Tom E describes--frame mounted firing pin, MIM, no IL. And although you can make a world-class USPSA revolver out of any 5" 625, both of my personal 625s are -6s, if that tells you anything!

[Canuck-IL]

I assume that it is a later model with most factory changes and imrovements

Can't assume 'fatory changes' = 'improvements' ... more often than not, they are changes to minimize production costs (excepting the demise of the floating hand).

/Bryan

[Tom E]

It was the original 625-2 that had the floating hand. That was one of the design changes in the 625-3, but some early 625-3s do have the floating hands as the factory used up its old parts. (S&W never liked to throw anything away.)

I just worked on a friends -3 with a floating hand. Also had chambers my reamer just rattled around in, biggest I've seen. You never know.

[steveyacht]

OK, Thank you.... My 625 5" is a - 6 So can I assume that it is a later model with most factory changes and imrovements?

Thanks again

625-6 is USUALLY a frame mounted firing pin, MIM, gun with no internal lock. To me anyway, the most desireable version. Nice way to start.

There are several permutations of 625-6 (different barrel lengths and different chamberings), but when you're talking about a 5" .45 ACP 625-6, all of them I have seen are exactly as Tom E describes--frame mounted firing pin, MIM, no IL. And although you can make a world-class USPSA revolver out of any 5" 625, both of my personal 625s are -6s, if that tells you anything!

Thank you all for your information!! I bought the gun several years so I could have a DA revolver to shoot in local club competition with. Now, forgive me my ignorance, but I am new to the intricasies.... What does "MIM" mean?

Thanks again,

Steve

[steveyacht]

OK, Thank you.... My 625 5" is a - 6 So can I assume that it is a later model with most factory changes and imrovements?

Thanks again

625-6 is USUALLY a frame mounted firing pin, MIM, gun with no internal lock. To me anyway, the most desireable version. Nice way to start.

There are several permutations of 625-6 (different barrel lengths and different chamberings), but when you're talking about a 5" .45 ACP 625-6, all of them I have seen are exactly as Tom E describes--frame mounted firing pin, MIM, no IL. And although you can make a world-class USPSA revolver out of any 5" 625, both of my personal 625s are -6s, if that tells you anything!

Thank you all for your information!! I bought the gun several years so I could have a DA revolver to shoot in local club competition with. Now, forgive me my ignorance, but I am new to the intricasies.... What does "MIM" mean?

Thanks again,

Steve

[Tom E]

What does "MIM" mean?

Thanks again,

Steve

metal injection molding? Anyway, it's a powdered metal, fused , molded part.