My 45 LC, made in 1973. Never fired.

Eric

.45 Colt is such a wonderful cartridge. A pleasure to shoot and to reload. And nicely variable in performance.

I sold this 625 earlier this year because I wanted to thin the herd a bit and this gun was a little too special to use as a regular shooter. I will probably replace it with a 625 that isn't quite so "special". I was stunned by what it sold for, but when you have two bidders who want a very scarce item dearly and they're both determined and well-heeled, amazing things can happen.



I have a Puma '92 chambered in .454 Casull/.45 Colt which is a sweet little 16" Trapper.





Great thread!

I have a consecutive pair of those . I only shoot one but boy what a great shooter .

"I received the gun in October, 1967. I would add that the serial number starts with the letter "S". Special? Special Production? What do you think?"

All N frame revolvers back then had "S" prefix serial numbers. The "N" prefix appeared in 1969.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

This is the only .45 Colt I own. It is lettered from Mr. Jinks as being a .455 originally, and converted to .45 Colt by S&W.


This is one sweet old gun, and a tack driver to boot.
augy

There is just something neat about a big S&W revolver with 'COLT' emblazoned on it! My 625-7 .45 Colt MG started my S&W madness - it was my first ever S&W, bought new for me by my wife 8/02. Thousands upon thousands of rounds, and several years later, I got a second .45 Colt MG - a 625-6 in LN shape - to take up some of the plinking chores. By 12/02, I bought a new 24" oct barrel Puma M1892 in .45 Colt. The original 625MG and the Puma are shown below:



I also added a 625-8 4" in .45 ACP as my second S&W 9/02. I replaced it with a new 625JM when they became available. So, my 25/625 stable includes two 625MG's in .45 Colt - and a 625JM which regularly launches 255gr LSWC '.45 Colt-ish' loads - from .45 Auto Rim cartridges!



Sadly, the laser-etched '.45 COLT' has all but faded from my MG's... too much cleaning!

Stainz

Sat in the case at a local shop tagged a tad high and didn't move. My somewhat lower offer brought it home.

Gentlemen,
I have owned many .45 Colt chambered hand guns over the years. I like the cartridge because of the many power levels it can be loaded to. My favorite S&W is a 625-7 Mountain Gun I bought on 2/15/01.It was part of a run of 750 according to S&W. It has .451 throats and is very accurate with 255 grain Laser Cast bullets with loads of either 8.0 grains of WW 231 for 855 fps, or 20.0 grains of H-4227 for 890 fps. Both loads will group around 1" at 25 yards. I have packed this gun many times on prairie dog towns in a Tom Threepersons holster by El Paso Saddlery and found it to be very comfortable to carry all day. The gun is very tight and has a very nice trigger pull. It is not going anywhere!

I like the 44mag for big bore N frames, in 45 colt I go with the Ruger blackhawk to give me the option of the Buffalo Bore ammo for pig hunts.

Yes, I too have been infected with the 45 Colt / S&W N frame bug and have owned many (too many) over the years. I just checked my SOLD sheet and I have previously owned two 25-5s in 45 Colt, and two 625-7 Mountain Guns in 45 Colt, all of which had PC action jobs. I've also previously owned two 38/44s converted by Bowen to 45 Colt as well as a switch cylinder Model 58 in both 45 Colt and 45 S&W (Schofield). I currently own a 625-5 5" in 45 Colt and several Bowen customized Model 58s in 45 Colt. I continue to experiment with another Model 58 converted into a 45 S&W (Schofield), also by Bowen. The 45 S&W is a far better cartridge for an N frame but commercial ammo is limited to Cowboy Action type loads. It's a handloader's dream however in terms of its accuracy, performance and efficiency.

The Model 58 pictured below has a S&W Model of 1955 45 caliber barrel cut to 4", with the crown and rib milled and shaped to look identical to the original factory 58 barrel. The front sight has an improved profile and the barrel/cylinder gap is a tight .004". The barrel's bore is .4515" and the chamber throats have been cut to .453". The gun has a complete action job, times early and consistently and locks up solid at hammer release on each chamber. The front of the cylinder has Bowen's signature "Black Powder" chamfer, and he also installed an internal trigger stop, a carefully fit hardened pin set inside the rebound spring. The sights have been regulated to shoot a standard 45 Colt RNFP load 1" above point of aim at 25 yards. During the regulation process 1.5" groups were routine (hand held from a bench). The grips are checkered Spegel Extended Boot grips, custom fit to the gun.



Keith
keith.herrington@aol.com

Beautiful revolver cprher!

I'm curious about and interested in the Bowen customized Model 58s and the reason for having a 58 converted to .45 Colt as opposed to standard non-pinned 4" 25-5, 25-7, or 25-9.

Is it just a preference thing?

I love the S&W Military and Police 44 Special revolvers from the early 50's. The whole concept of a fixed sight big bore with a 4" tube is to me the high water mark of revolver design and function. I had Bowen build me an entire set of what I thought a modern version of that gun should look like. In the pictures below you'll see the 44 Special built on a Model 520, in the middle a 41 Magnum on of course a Model 58 and at the bottom a 45 S&W built on a Model 520. In each case I used a factory barrel to make the conversion, from a Model 29, a Model 57 and a Model 1955 respectively. The shorter 520 cylinders are perfect for the 44 Special and the 45 S&W since they are much shorter than either the 45 Colt of the 41 Magnum. All have the ejector rod lug and exactly the same internal and external modifications. I asked Bowen to make them look as much like factory guns as possible and I think he hit me a home run on that alone.
Keith

I understand now. Thanks for the explanation. That is a gorgeous group of revolvers thats is for sure. They look like factory Smiths alright, he did an excellent job with that.

Mr. Bowen does do excellent work. I've got two revolvers on my list to get first. After that the next one is a Bowen Redhawk .45 Colt ‘Kodiak’ Conversion in blue.

My 25-5. The most accurate revolver I own.

Once again I see a fine thread initiated by Allen Frame, very informative, well documented and great posts by forum members. Thanks for all of the information and especially all of the photos. All I have to do now is find one of these to add to my varied collection. I'm thinking at least a MG!

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

This is my 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. It's one of my favorite revolvers....

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__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Original post edited February 3rd. 2012.

Pictures and text added as the collection has grown.

Just picked up a 625-5 and a 25-5 today.

Good luck. and keep the faith.

Allen Frame














Now 21 Smiths chambered in 45 Colt.

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

only have 1.....the one on top is 45 Colt...

I traded a 8 3/8 41 mag. for this 25-13. It was LNIB and my first 45 Colt.

Now I need a lever gun to go with it!

__________________
Shoot fast & live long
Warren

Here's my latest S&W. It's the Model 25-5 (pinned barrel) with a serial number of SN 679XXX. Back in November of 2011 my younger brother, who is terminally ill, presented me with his prized Shorty Forty. I've been taking care of him since Thanksgiving and the Model 25 was the gun he kept by his bedside until his illness affected his condition to the point when he could no longer bring himself to sit up. We'd jokingly talk about how, if ever, "scallywags" broke into his house, he'd be ready for them with "six-for-sure."

He knew that I had previously owned a Model 25-5 that I'd purchased from a German gun shop when I was stationed there in 1985. I used that revolver to compete in the local IPSC club matches. I once took out six bowling pins mounted on a railroad tie, all with one shot with that handgun. The huge .45 Colt slug does have a tendency to dump a heckuva lot of kinetic energy on a target.

I have shot this particular revolver when the entire family went to the gun range in November. Shooting at a distance of 15 yards, it performed admirably in the accuracy department. I did not bench rest it as we had many firearms to shoot and the day was getting late. Also, since reading on this forum about the pinned barrel versions possibly having cylinder and forcing cone improper diameters, I'll have to set it to the micrometer, when I return to Michigan.

Along with the revolver is the wood S&W Case and the original Goncalo-Alves grips. I'll post more pictures as time permits and update the post when I am able to do a projectile drop-though test and mic the cylinders and cone.

In the meanwhile, I've already given this Model 25-5 a nickname; Mjolnir ("The Crusher," the name of the mythological Norse god Thor's hammer).



..and a close-up with the HKS Speedloaders

__________________
JWS3
1SG, USA (Retired)

JWS ,, condolences for your younger brother.
I lost my older brother back in November on his 64th. birthday.

Have a story associated with him also.

Good luck.
Travel safely

Allen Frame

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

Thank you, Allen. My condolences to you on the passing of your brother. I'll have so very many fond memories of him and stories to pass along to the family.

Brothers are special people. All too often we tend to take them for granted and miss them dearly when they depart.

__________________
JWS3
1SG, USA (Retired)

Questions about Smiths in 45 Colt Ctg.


Allen Frame

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

I just purchased my first s&w 45lc I currently have it listed in the classifieds but I am already regretting letting it go and it isnt even gone yet. It is a beautiful gun and is also my first nickel plated gun, I cannot get over how great the finish is practically spotless mirror shine even under the grips there is no blemish. It has a small flake on the cylinder is the only flaw but I contacted s&w today and believe I am going to send the cylinder in and have the cylinder replated and add this one to my collection.
It just feels superbly in the hand, The quality of the old s&w never ceases to amaze me.

I didn't see any nickels in allens collection....is there a reason for this or did I just overlook those?

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This is a 28-2 converted by Cogan Custom to 45 Colt with the lightest smoothest action I have ever felt. This is a "keeper". 3 inch barrel and ported,and refinished





Hamilton Bowen breathed new life into a 25-5 by reaming a pinned and recessed 44 mag cylinder out to 45 Colt.There were no recessed 45 colt
cylinders. Entire pistol was finished with a matte surface.I was fortunate to buy this from fellow member PattonTime

First a closeup showing the 44 magnum cylinder as converted to 45 colt


Next, the left side of this jewel




Now,the right side of my Hamilton Bowen 25-5




Next, an old Heavy Duty Post War Transitional S64106 which I bought from a fellow forum member.This also was converted to 45 Colt,but by master
pistolsmith Jim Stroh of Alpha Precision.First, right side view



Next ,left side view



Lastly,closeup of caliber marking



Next is a 25-5, but it has been fitted with a 1950 45 Colt Barrel which is the
light tapering barrel and seldom seen in 45 Colt

Tight side of the 25-5



Next,left side




Next is a cool revolver that Smith never made in PreLock, a blue 45 colt mountain gun. I am not as ambitious or mechanical as Allen-Frame to create pistols in Prelock that the factory never made. Here is my mountain gun, a 25-13

Right side of mountain gun




next,left side of Mountain Gun




Next, a 25-10,a limited edition of about 150 made in 2001 .Has extra side plate screw and Tapered barrel in 45 Colt.Explained in detail on page 347 of the 3rd edition of the Standard Catalog

First left side of 25-10



Now,right side of 25-10




all pictures were uploaded from Image Shack

__________________
Gun Control= Using Both Hands

My 'new'.45 Colt 4 inch 'N' prefix S&W 25-5 purchased new by me in June of 1980. Manufactured in 1980. It has never been fired, except at the S&W factory. Flawless beauty.

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Donald Paul, unlike you, I couldn't resist shooting mine. Shoots great!
Steve

I'm with you S.B. Life's too short--I'd shoot the snot outta that fine revolver...

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Hello everybody,

I have been following this thread off and on for awhile. Bought a 25-9 about 4 years ago and stumbled on to it then. Just bought a 625-7 and picked it up last week. Very nice! I wanted to see what kind of penetration you would get with Buffalo Bore 255 gr, 1000 fps standard pressure rounds. So, I fired a couple into a tulip log that I had recently cut in my front yard. I guess two ice storms and last summers draught did it in. I decided to just use the Mountain Gun to split up the rest of the trunk I had cut into 16" chunks. OK, it won't actual split 20" thick logs.
I didn't know what to expect, I've read some pretty astounding claims on the penetrating power of 45 colt rounds. Have to say I was a little surprised they didn't go a little deeper. The one that penetrated 3" traveled about 1/2" sideways and the one that went 2 1/2" went about an 1" off to the side.
I don't care for the Hogue grips so I order some Ahrends today. I'm looking forward to working up some loads for the gun.

Chris

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You wouldn't happen to know what kind of grips those are would you? A buddy of mine has a Colt Officer's Match that he inherited from his grandfather with very similar grips and I was wondering who may have made them.

Welcome to the forum, *SHOT. I don't know what useful info can be extrapolated from your test, but thanks for the effort........

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

For those folks who hunt the elusive and dangerous tulip tree it is probably helpful info. Other than that, it just satisfied my curiosity. I was particularly interested in how the soft cast bullets would hold up in this relatively hard target.

Remembering our veterans this weekend and I thank them for their service!

Chris

Many a hunter has been gored by an angry tulip tree........

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Did the 25-5 ever come with a recessed cylinder? I had one in the mid 80's that had a pinned barrel but I don't remember if the cylinder was recessed or not.

No 45 colts had recessed cylinders from the factory anyways.
I own one ,only because Hamilton Bowen reamed out a recessed 44 mag cylinder and kept the recess/. very cool gun.
its pictured higher up on this page.It is a 25-5



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

__________________
Gun Control= Using Both Hands

Those look like Ropers.

Do a search for "Ropers" and you will have plenty to read.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

... the only Smith & Wesson I own with the name Colt on it.

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Thanks Muley Gil!

Here's another. 5" tapered barrel

I have a S&W N frame chambered in 45 long Colt. Blued with a 6" barrel. The curious thing is the 25-5 stamping. The -5 bit is clearly overstamped on a -2. I have been told it was built in 1981. Accuracy with my loads is good. Could be better but this is not a target revovler for me.

There are a couple of photos of the 625-5 Stocking Dealer Special in this thread. Both wood Combat stocks and Hogue rubber stocks are shown in the photos.

Were there two kinds of stocks in the same 1500 gun production run or were there a couple of production runs of the Stocking Dealer Special?

What's not to like

25-7



625-5 Stocking Dealer Special, 1993

Have a customer that brought this in and we need info.
I am not usually stumped but here goes.
Have checked the referance books we have on hand and on-line
Says he bought this new at B&B Guns in North Hollywood, CA in the '89.
No blue box that he can remember but possibly a wood presentation box.
It is a 25-5 in 45 Colt.
Serial number indicates 1979-1980 production. Barrel length is 6 1/2" ribbed and pinned
The barrel has the marking of "45 Cal. Model 1950"
The grips appear to be dated 1988 - very hard to see the date
Target hammer but but standard grooved trigger
Hope it is alright to use links to pictures - Model 25-5 pictures by firearmsforsale - Photobucket
Thanks in advance for any info

but maybe I missed it. Anyway, I can contribute the fact that I have a 25-11...these were all in the Lew Horton Heritage Series. There were about 150 made with a blue barrel and color case frame in 45 Colt. The serial prefix is GBP for these. But they also made about 150 in all blue with a serial prefix of BAK. Look at page 348 of the standard catalog, 3rd Ed., for information on these two varieties of 25-11. I have an all blue variety in the BAK serial and my serial is lower than the BAK0016 that is the example in Supica/Nahas. They have a 6 1/2" barrel with Patridge gold-bead front sight. Gorgeous gun and I bought it three months ago for a shooter. It is wonderful, wonderful shooter. This is one I will have when I pass on one of these years. Oh, maybe it is obvious, but if not, this is a Performance Center product and shipped in 2001.

i have 2 25-5;
1-25-5 6" or 3/8 or 1/2
1-25-5 8" or 3/8 or 1/2
how do you tell the length w/o taking it out and measuring
they are both 95% ,nickel plated, walnut checkered handels
also came in boxes with a long door in the molded bottom but no felt on either just plastic. both dated 1980-1983.

also have a 19-4 357 mag. hair trigger given to me by retired GST. it was his service revolver came with matching S&w holster. 85% condition. or more looks great, no bad scratches it is blued of course also 4" barrel.
any comments on value and opinions welcomed.
also have a S&W Sigma allied forces all black swv9e.
I have not shot any of them, I'm just a collector.
total of 15 firearms from 22 derringer to ak to mossberg to glock 40cal. etc.
long and winded, sorry...

My 25-10 and 25-11 aren= amazing shootesr....the 25-11 matches my Colt SA Army guns in case color/blue configuration.....so I sold my close friend my 25-10 (same configuraton) since he hungered for it.
Here is the 25-11:



I even found a Pedersolli baby sharps in .45 Colt to go along with the Uberti 1873 cowboy gun.....this thing at 200 yds is a "pig" buster.....we shoot steel pigs at 200 and this light weight rifle in .45 Colt sure beats holding a real 45-70 Sharps....

Love the cartridge.....been loading for 50 years and this is tough to beat.....My 460 mag in PC form with 7.5" barrel will shoot with my Steyr Scout rifle at 100 yds......of course the revolver has a 8x scope and the rifle a 2x....


Truth be told...it is really tough to outperform a Freedom Arms single action in terms of pure accuracy.....This one will hold sub-2" groups @ 100yds from a solid rest....


But I am a S&W collector and love my Smith guns.... at least most of them. If I have to rate them,
Most accurate.....945 (the BEST), 3566TSW in 9mm (or 952); K-32; Model 41
Very Accurate.....Model 25's in both .45ACP and .45 Colt
Terry

Great thread! This is my one and only (for now) 25-5, in nickel. The throats run .455-.456. It shoots well with jacketed bullets, and the big soft Hornady swaged ones. This thread remids me that I should be looking for another one.

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You measure the barrel from the muzzle to the other end where it butts up very close to the cylinder, not to where it enters the frame, which is a common mistake.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I have two. A 1980 25-5 and a 2001 25-11 Heritage.

Oh my, this is the greatest. Rather than just a thread maybe we should have this be a seperate section on the forum. I love all 45s and reload 45acp, 45Colt and 45-70. Oh, almost forgot. I'm really happy no one has mentioned a "45 Long Colt".LOL Here's my 25-13 from 2004 with Hogues.