New to Me S&W Model 25

lamarw · January 15, 2022, 08:48 AM

I won this one on and Internet Auction a few nights ago. I should have it shortly. It appears the only negative is the grips/stocks. It was shipped from the S&W Factory in June of 1961.

Here are a few pictures:

**Mike Irwin** · January 15, 2022, 08:52 AM

Very nice! Assuming .45 ACP and not .45 Colt given the gap between the cylinder and the recoil shield.

Jim Watson · January 15, 2022, 10:18 AM

Not original stocks but they are an indication that the original owner was a target shooter.

Dave T · January 15, 2022, 10:58 AM

It has been my understanding that S&W did not chamber the 45 Colt cartridge until the introduction of the Model 25-5.

This gun, shipped from the factory in 1961, would have to be a 45 ACP/45 AR. In collector parlance would be called a pre-Model 25 as model numbers weren't introduced until 1967-1968.

Dave

tlm225 · January 15, 2022, 11:17 AM

IIRC S&W went to model numbers in 1957, at least that's what I've seen in numerous sources over the decades.

105kw · January 15, 2022, 11:18 AM

Model numbers started in 1957, it should be marked as a Model 25-1, or 25-2.
The two I owned were very accurate.
Beautiful old S&W, I hope you have a lot of fun shooting it.

lamarw · January 15, 2022, 12:34 PM

Thanks for all the nice and informative comments. Yes, it is in .45 ACP caliber. Below is another picture which should indicate it is an early 4 screw. I have read some of these target models were slow movers (sales) by S&W. I also have a Pre-Model 26 that was shipped from the factory on May 17, 1957. I will probably not receive this one until late next week.

Butzbach · January 15, 2022, 01:06 PM

Something different for a change! Congratulations. Put that left hand in your back pocket and slow fire your way to ragged cloverleafs!

Pumpkin · January 15, 2022, 02:03 PM

Sweet gun, I had one years ago and a pile of auto rim brass. A little bit hard to find these days. I think it will, hope it will become easier to get. I have a 625 that likes it.

rodfac · January 15, 2022, 05:36 PM

SWEET...REALLY SWEET...take this to the bank: any, ANY good 200 gr. LSWC, H&G #68 look a like, with 5.1 gr of 231 will really tickle your fancy! Very rare to find one in that condition...shoot it...and for gosh sakes, report back!! Disregard any and all comments about shallow rifling not suitable for cast lead alloy bullets...it'll do fine....too...Starline will ship you .45 Auto-Rim cases in bulk.

I shot mine yesterday, with 75 yo eyes doing the steering and easily got 1" gps at 10-12 yds from a two-handed Weaver stance...you should be able to do better. Mine, BTW, is a Ca ~1970, version of the same gun.

Congrats on an excellent find. Rod

Scorch · January 15, 2022, 05:57 PM

Nice! A pre-Bangor Punta S&W.

Drm50 · January 16, 2022, 12:32 AM

I’ve got 2 m25-2 6.5” 45acp, 2 m25-5 45Colt and 1 m25-3 that is also a 45Colt NIB, Anniversary model. If a 25 has even dash it’s 45acp, odd dash 45 Colt.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Mike Irwin** · January 16, 2022, 09:11 AM

Whoops. Missed the "shipped 1961 statement."

Yep, too early for .45 Colt.

"In collector parlance would be called a pre-Model 25 as model numbers weren't introduced until 1967-1968."

Model numbers were introduced starting in 1957.

dahermit · January 16, 2022, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Watson

Not original stocks but they are an indication that the original owner was a target shooter.

The front sight is indicative of a target gun also.

Drm50 · January 16, 2022, 10:08 AM

I’ve never seen a m25-2 or earlier with anything but Patridge blade front. They are pinned in so they could be changed.

Jim Watson · January 16, 2022, 10:35 AM

A guy here showed me his 1955. He said when he started target shooting, he could not afford an accurized 1911, so he bought the revolver and shot his way into Master.

stinkeypete · January 16, 2022, 11:18 AM

I like that target grip, unless it's left handed!

dahermit · January 16, 2022, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drm50

I’ve never seen a m25-2 or earlier with anything but Patridge blade front. They are pinned in so they could be changed.

Yes... those Patridge front sights were hell on leather holsters, but being on target guns, were likely carried mainly in pistol cases, not holsters.

RickB · January 16, 2022, 12:54 PM

Must be Herrett's stocks? Don't know that the demand for revolver target stocks will ever be very high, but now that Herrett's is no more, someone might fancy them.

Drm50 · January 17, 2022, 02:35 PM

I have always hated ramp fronts, worse is ramp with red insert. Ramp was to enhance draw.
Red insert was for cops who might have to shoot in poor light. They are wonderful for their intended purpose. To me it doesn’t give a well defined sight picture. The blue always leaves shine on top of sight. Flo colors don’t agree with my lookers, again not distinct sharp picture.
Back in 60s, S&W offered several options on front blades. Today some of these blades will sell for $50 used.
I have Patridge sights on most of my S&Ws. I buy or make holsters that have a hard piece sewn in for sight track. A traditional holster sewn over/ one sided isn’t good idea. Neither is putting a thousand dollar pistol in a $11 dollar holster. I go for lined models.

RoyceP · January 17, 2022, 09:45 PM

My 25-2 has two cylinders. One chambered for 45 ACP / Moon clips and the other 45 Colt. It's extraordinarily accurate in either caliber.

I favor the 45 Colt cylinder. I bought it new in the early 1980's. The dealer had several like this. Someone told me that based on the serial number it was made around 1979 - 1980.

RickB · January 18, 2022, 09:54 AM

I think the first .45 Colt M25 was a commemorative, called 25-3, and it used the same short cylinder length as the ACP version, but it couldn't chamber longer .45 Colt rounds, so the production models had a longer cylinder, like the 29 and 57.

RoyceP · January 18, 2022, 10:24 AM

I have both the 25-2 and the 25-3 (pictured) in .45 Colt. Either will chamber any 45 Colt round that is loaded to SAAMI OAL specs. The cylinder length is about .125" longer than my favorite handload which is found in the latest edition of the Lyman reload manual using a 250 grain lead SWC round nose over Unique powder at 1.570" OAL. The only load longer than that in the manual is the Keith 255 Gr SWC at 1.575" OAL. It also fits with .120" to spare.

So what you are doing is perpetuating an unfounded myth.

laytonj1 · January 20, 2022, 02:05 PM

There were some early production pre model 25’s chambered in 45 colt.
Also, there was the scarce model 25-1 in 45 ACP as well as a 25-4 in 45 colt (Deluxe Anniversary Edition).

As RoyceP pointed out, there was a very short run of 25’s with both ACP and Colt cylinders. BTW, your serial number dates to 1977/78.

Jim

lamarw · January 20, 2022, 06:12 PM

The S&W Historian, Roy Jinks, informed me per the serial number it was shipped in June of 1961.

It is supposed to be delivered to me tomorrow (Jan. 21), and I will note back here on a detailed description of any further stampings on the frame cylinder cut out and on the right side of the barrel. Due to recent happenings in the USA, I just hope FedEx gets it to me in the shipment from Georgia to Alabama.

Hopefully, it will not ship through California.

January 15, 2022, 08:52 AM	#2
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Very nice! Assuming .45 ACP and not .45 Colt given the gap between the cylinder and the recoil shield. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 15, 2022, 10:58 AM	#4
Dave T Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2000 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,456	It has been my understanding that S&W did not chamber the 45 Colt cartridge until the introduction of the Model 25-5. This gun, shipped from the factory in 1961, would have to be a 45 ACP/45 AR. In collector parlance would be called a pre-Model 25 as model numbers weren't introduced until 1967-1968. Dave __________________ RSVN '69-'71 PCSD Ret

January 15, 2022, 11:17 AM	#5
tlm225 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 962	IIRC S&W went to model numbers in 1957, at least that's what I've seen in numerous sources over the decades. __________________ All that is neccessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

January 15, 2022, 05:36 PM	#10
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,624	SWEET...REALLY SWEET...take this to the bank: any, ANY good 200 gr. LSWC, H&G #68 look a like, with 5.1 gr of 231 will really tickle your fancy! Very rare to find one in that condition...shoot it...and for gosh sakes, report back!! Disregard any and all comments about shallow rifling not suitable for cast lead alloy bullets...it'll do fine....too...Starline will ship you .45 Auto-Rim cases in bulk. I shot mine yesterday, with 75 yo eyes doing the steering and easily got 1" gps at 10-12 yds from a two-handed Weaver stance...you should be able to do better. Mine, BTW, is a Ca ~1970, version of the same gun. Congrats on an excellent find. Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

January 15, 2022, 05:57 PM	#11
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Nice! A pre-Bangor Punta S&W. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 15, 2022, 10:18 AM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	Not original stocks but they are an indication that the original owner was a target shooter.

January 15, 2022, 11:18 AM	#6
105kw Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2017 Location: Columbia Basin Washington Posts: 415	Model numbers started in 1957, it should be marked as a Model 25-1, or 25-2. The two I owned were very accurate. Beautiful old S&W, I hope you have a lot of fun shooting it.

January 15, 2022, 01:06 PM	#8
Butzbach Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2021 Location: Texas Posts: 145	Something different for a change! Congratulations. Put that left hand in your back pocket and slow fire your way to ragged cloverleafs!

January 15, 2022, 02:03 PM	#9
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 430	Sweet gun, I had one years ago and a pile of auto rim brass. A little bit hard to find these days. I think it will, hope it will become easier to get. I have a 625 that likes it.

January 16, 2022, 12:32 AM	#12
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	I’ve got 2 m25-2 6.5” 45acp, 2 m25-5 45Colt and 1 m25-3 that is also a 45Colt NIB, Anniversary model. If a 25 has even dash it’s 45acp, odd dash 45 Colt. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

January 16, 2022, 09:11 AM	#13
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Whoops. Missed the "shipped 1961 statement." Yep, too early for .45 Colt. "In collector parlance would be called a pre-Model 25 as model numbers weren't introduced until 1967-1968." Model numbers were introduced starting in 1957. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 16, 2022, 10:08 AM	#15
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	I’ve never seen a m25-2 or earlier with anything but Patridge blade front. They are pinned in so they could be changed.

January 16, 2022, 10:35 AM	#16
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	A guy here showed me his 1955. He said when he started target shooting, he could not afford an accurized 1911, so he bought the revolver and shot his way into Master.

January 16, 2022, 11:18 AM	#17
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,293	I like that target grip, unless it's left handed! __________________ My book "The Pheasant Hunter's Action Adventure Cookbook" is now on Amazon. Tall tales, hunting tips, butchering from bird to the freezer, and recipes.

January 16, 2022, 12:54 PM	#19
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	Must be Herrett's stocks? Don't know that the demand for revolver target stocks will ever be very high, but now that Herrett's is no more, someone might fancy them. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

January 17, 2022, 02:35 PM	#20
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	I have always hated ramp fronts, worse is ramp with red insert. Ramp was to enhance draw. Red insert was for cops who might have to shoot in poor light. They are wonderful for their intended purpose. To me it doesn’t give a well defined sight picture. The blue always leaves shine on top of sight. Flo colors don’t agree with my lookers, again not distinct sharp picture. Back in 60s, S&W offered several options on front blades. Today some of these blades will sell for $50 used. I have Patridge sights on most of my S&Ws. I buy or make holsters that have a hard piece sewn in for sight track. A traditional holster sewn over/ one sided isn’t good idea. Neither is putting a thousand dollar pistol in a $11 dollar holster. I go for lined models.

January 18, 2022, 09:54 AM	#22
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I think the first .45 Colt M25 was a commemorative, called 25-3, and it used the same short cylinder length as the ACP version, but it couldn't chamber longer .45 Colt rounds, so the production models had a longer cylinder, like the 29 and 57. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

January 20, 2022, 02:05 PM	#24
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	There were some early production pre model 25’s chambered in 45 colt. Also, there was the scarce model 25-1 in 45 ACP as well as a 25-4 in 45 colt (Deluxe Anniversary Edition). As RoyceP pointed out, there was a very short run of 25’s with both ACP and Colt cylinders. BTW, your serial number dates to 1977/78. Jim

January 20, 2022, 06:12 PM	#25
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	The S&W Historian, Roy Jinks, informed me per the serial number it was shipped in June of 1961. It is supposed to be delivered to me tomorrow (Jan. 21), and I will note back here on a detailed description of any further stampings on the frame cylinder cut out and on the right side of the barrel. Due to recent happenings in the USA, I just hope FedEx gets it to me in the shipment from Georgia to Alabama. Hopefully, it will not ship through California.