Welcome BoB ,yes it is a big deal when shelling out your hard earned cash on a 45cal. N frame.
1. Condition. 2. Price.
When determining the value of a Smith revolver ,the condition is first , then the price.
You will not know if it shoots until you try it ,and by that time , you own it.
As gun4fun has said , any Axx or Bxx serial prefix model 25-5 or 25-7 will shoot.
Let us know the particulars of the deal ,and we will help all we can.
Regards ,, Allen Frame
My own 25-5 ,25-7 ,and 25-9 ,they all shoot just a bit better than I do .....
Good Luck! , Allen Frame