Grant Cunningham Custom SW Target Model 1955 [ 25-2 ]

brsscreen · #1 06-20-2016, 09:37 PM

MODEL & GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is an NRA Excellent Smith & Wesson Target Model of 1955 (Model 25-2) 6.5 inch barrel steel revolver in 45 acp (or .45 auto rim) that has been custom tuned by Grant Cunningham and fitted with custom ivory Micarta grips by Jon Collins. It also comes with the original factory checkered target grips with the SW logo medallion, and five (5) new S&W factory full moon clips. Price = $1,799.99 + UPS shipping from Las Vegas, Nevada to your FFL. See Terms below.
The gun is an early Target Model 25-2 (serial number 378668) (3-T's - Target Trigger, Target Hammer and Target Sights) (Pinned) sent to Mr. Cunningham for his custom tuning and finish work and unfired since his test firing. Mr. Cunningham's high quality revolver work is well-known and speaks for itself - he is a much in demand revolver trainer and author whose name frequently shows upon in gun forum discussions. The work Mr. Cunningham did on the gun is as follows - winning bidder will receive the serial numbered invoice for this revolver - Super Action Job, Chamfered Cylinders but no re-Finish. Mr. Cunningham said the gun is in great condition and recommended no further work based on his evaluations. He strongly recommended against refinishing the gun because the original factory finish is in excellent shape as are the case hardened trigger and hammer, a rarity for revolvers of this age he said.
U.S. Buyers from States where this gun is legal only, please. No sales to CA, NY or anywhere else where any of these guns are restricted - check with your FFL before bidding. Your bid is your (i) determination after consultation with your FFL that you can receive and own these legally where you live, and (ii) agreement with the Terms below.
Lay-a-way available - see Terms.
CONDITION: This high polished blue original factory finish revolver is in NRA excellent condition - unfired since the custom work and test firing by Mr. Cunningham. As noted above, Mr. Cunningham strongly recommended preserving the original factory finish on this revolver due to its quality and rarity. The Collins grips are as-new, only used by Mr. Cunningham during his test firing. The factory checkered target grips with SW medallion are original to the gun and in excellent condition. See Photos.
The factory lettering and proof marks from this high quality era of production are sharp and read as follows: On left barrel "SMITH & WESSON", in the cylinder crane the serial number (378668 Model 25-2), on the right barrel "Target Model of 1955". on the right frame at the grip the S&W Logo, and on the right frame below the cylinder "Made in USA, Marcas Registradas, Smith & Wesson. Springfield, Mass.", and on the right barrel ".45Cal 1955".
GENERAL INFO: The Model 25-2 is the old hand ejector model of 1955, which is the result of adding a heavier barrel to the hand ejector model of 1950. The 25-2 is what S&W named the hand ejector model of 1955. The model naming began in 1957. The -2 is to designate a change to the ejector rod threads to left hand. The Model 25-2 has almost exclusively been in 45 acp/ar. These are the last of the great pinned models before the stainless steel era, and the subsequent declines in quality with MIM parts and safety locks.
The gun forums are full of posts about the 1955 Target-Model 25-2 revolvers. These were (and still are) quite accurate for target or defense shooting using the 45acp with moon clips or the 45ar ammo. Here's a sample link to a discussion about how the Model 1950 evolved into the Model of 1955 - the gist is those who own these guns like them:
Tell me about the S&W Model of 1950 please. - THR
What makes this particular gun unusual is that it has been custom tuned by Grant Cunningham, one of the most widely respected revolver smiths in the country. He has one of the longest waiting lists out there because he divides his time with training and writing, but anyone who has waited is well satisfied and gets a top quality result like this revolver.
Here's a link to the home page of his website: www.GrantCunningham.com
The ivory Micarta grips were done by master S&W grip maker Jon Collins of Unionville, IN. Mr. Collins work is well known and frequently mentioned in gun forums. Check out his web site here for other samples of his work - Custom Pistol Grips and Kits - CollinsCraftGrips

TERMS: Postal or bank money orders or bank cashier's checks are preferred; personal checks are accepted from SW Forum, but must first clear the time my bank says - about 12 days. A lay-a-away is also available on these terms, if desired - 1/3 due within ten (10) days of purchase, balance due in six (6) equal monthly payments (paid in full one hundred eighty (180) days (no interest) from the purchase), and if not timely paid-in-full for any reason, one-half (1/2) of the total amount paid will be refunded, the balance kept as a restocking fee, and the gun relisted. U.S. Buyers from States where it is lawful to purchase and own this item only, please. It is your responsibility as the Buyer to comply with all applicable Federal and State transfer and ownership laws and requirements. Before you bid, please confirm with your FFL that you can legally own this item where you live for your intended uses and that your FFL will receive it from a non-FFL. Shipping and handling to your FFL in the ConUS is $56; normal rates to AK and HI would apply to buyers from those States. Please take a three (3) day inspection from receipt to confirm the item matches the listing information - no firing use or disassembly beyond field stripping, please. If any significant misinformation has inadvertently been given, the Buyer may return it for a full refund of the item price (before shipping) without any restocking charge as long as the Buyer does not "action test" it, damage or modify it or change any parts, and pays the return shipping. Items are sold in their as-is condition without any warranties expressed or implied. Firearms should, of course, be checked by a competent gunsmith before firing - buyer's responsibility. Please email with any questions.
PHOTOS & MORE INFO: Here is a link to high resolution photos of various views at different light exposuers -
SW Target Model 1955 by MBZ C230 | Photobucket

The Photobucket password is SW1955. Please email for any specific photos not provided or with any questions you may have. Thank you.