When was the model 25 in .45ACP introduced?

The "pre-model 25" was introduced in March 1955 as "The 1955 .45 Target Model". It became the "Model 25" when model numbers were assigned in 1957.

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Lorin

Originally called the 1955 Target Model because as noted above it was introduced in 1955. It succeeded the 1950 Model which was similar save for a much more slender barrel. Target shooters wanted more weight up front so S&W added a heavy barrel to the 1950 Target 45 and came up with the 1955 Target 45. When model numbers were assigned in 1957 it became the Model 25. Often the barrel is marked Model 1955 to separate it from the earlier version.

Probably can't see it, but this M25-2 made in 1980 is marked Model 1955 on the right side of the barrel.

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No life story has happy end.

The mid-1950's were great years for handguns - the pre-25 & 19, the Colt Python, of course the mighty .44, and others.

SP - beautiful grips on your 25-2!

My Model 25 is marked 25-5 in 45 Long Colt. It came with the presentation box.

Unfortunately there is a chip out of the righthand grip panel Going to need to replace the grips. And the plastic insert for the presentation box has a number of cracks as well.

The good/great news is the finish is beautiful and the gun shoots wonderfully.

I play at Cowboy Action Shooting, so I have lots of .45 Long Colt ammo and the light Cowboy loads are a dream to shoot in the gun.

I'll shoot a picture and post it.

If anyone has a source for period correct grips and the case insert I would love to hear about it.

Thanks,

Tom

Hi, and welcome! The stocks are readily available, there may even be a pair in the For Sale section of the Forum. Yours probably have the so-called "football" extractor cutout on the left panel, and note the color of the metal washer at the top of each panel if you want an identical pair. There are also several grip repair experts on the Forum.

Used, intact case inserts are harder to find, but one of the Forum/SWCA repairs them at a very reasonable price. He has done 2 sets for me. His e-mail is [email protected], and tell Joe he owes me for the referral

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

+1 on what VM said those grips are just beautiful