Hi,

I've owned pre-MIM 625s and they are great revolvers. My FAVORITE though, and only .45ACP revolver I thus currently own, started out in 1980 as the 6 1/2" Model 25-2 target revolver in blue.

Then, it got the modification that S&W failed to do at the factory . . . reducing the barrel length to a fast-handling 3 1/4." LOTS of converted 25-2s were custom-made back in that day too!

Mine also has the slickest custom trigger job you'll even encounter, both in single action and double action modes, and the super-wide and grooved target hammer was radically narrowed, rounded and smoothed for fast, double action work (both for matches and for self defense).

The front sight (which looks sort of like a Patridge) is squared and filed SHARP on its edges . . . perfect for self-defense in a darkened home if an intruder made the mistake of grabbing the barrel, for it will draw lots of blood fast if someone grabbed it.

Yep . . . look for a Jovino custom 25-2 or other custom chopped 25-2 and I'll bet you'd love the .45ACP revolver. I'll never sell mine, that's for sure . . . IMHO the ULTIMATE fighting revolver! Mine was converted in the very early '80s by a long deceased Savannah gunsmith. I'll never know who though.

PS: I added the funky, MIM-type late cylinder release button. I'm left-handed and this type cylinder release is smoother and faster for a lefty in competition. I can reload this moon-clipped revolver just as fast as I can my competition 1911s . . . and shoot it faster and better too! When shooting in competition, I temporarily replace the elk horn stags + Tyler T-grip with Hogue rubbers.



PPS: Just as cool, the barrel length and profile is a lot like the gorgeous profile of a 3 1/2" barreled Model 27-2, like this one that I own. They make quite a pair, IMHO . . . but my favorite revolver of all time is that chopped barrel 25-2! What a shooter it is!!!!!!!