I'm wavering on letting go my 25-7. It's a very nice piece that I don't see for sale very often. I really like the way it handles and the looks. All black with an unfluted cylinder, just has this all business look to it.

The problem is that I don't reload nor do I hunt with pistols. I really would like to keep with the cheaper commonly commercially available calibers. This was one of the reasons why I sold off my 10mm. 45LC although not that hard to find is a real burden to the wallet when I do find it.

Is there something else out there that is comparable in a .357 or .45 in looks and accuracy?

686+in 3" or the 8 shot bloodwork model are looking really good to me. Am I taking 2 steps back with this these? This is a different beast altogether but how about the new e series 1911?

I have had a S&W #25-5 for many years. I do not use it often, but will likely never part with it. That cylinder full of Silvertips is comforting to me.

Rule #1. Never sell a quality S&W handgun.. Only add new ones to your "stash."

You face the dilemma so many of us face... What is the perfect S&W handgun that will surely make us eternally content and happy forever?

It's a singular item that just doesn't exist, and for all intents and purposes, can't exist....

With so many frames, calibers, finishes, barrel lengths, engineering changes (dashes), grip and sight options, the "all things for all people" handgun quest becomes futile..

I have a large collection and I've handled and shot most all the models manufactured since the mid sixties. I've settled on one particular gun that, for me, is as close to ideal as I'll ever find.

This is my personal requirements list....

1. It must fit my hand and feel good to shoot.
2. It must be of an adequate caliber for both SD and hunting.
3. It must have a barrel length marginally acceptable for both CC and hunting.
4. It must be a firearm I'm proud of and aesthetically, I love to look at.
5. It must be inexpensive to buy or re-load ammo for.
6. It must have a frame size capable of a lifetime of hot load use.

For me that final compromise choice is the Mod 27-2 square butt with a five inch barrel in blue.

Why a 27 square butt?

It's an N frame that fits my hand and gives me a wide range of grip choices.

Why a dash 2?

I love the P&R guns of that era and that is the focus of my collection.

Why the five inch barrel?

It's the perfect balance of that barrel length, still so-so concealable and with an adequate sight radius.

Why the .357?

I prefer the .41 Mag caliber but just try to find one in a 5" P&R N frame.

Why blue?

Just like the way it looks...

If you like the N frames any Mod 27 or 627 may be worth a look... JMHO

It sounds like you'd be happier and better served with a good S&W 357. Choice of models and options is up to you, but I'd cast a vote for the 686 in whatever trim floats your boat. I have a 3-incher and love it dearly. I've also had a four-incher I shot competitively with, and did rather well. Don't feel bad about using the 25-7 as trade bait, it's not doing you much good as it now stands.

Isn't this thing adorable?

Sir.
There would a cost savings in the price of ammo if you got a .38/.357. There would be a lot less bullet going down range. .45 Colt is not a good round for casual plinking. .38 is cheaper to shoot. .357 is pretty good for defense.
You might consider getting a K22 for plinking and volume shooting and keeping the 25-7 for whatever your original intent was. Big bore handguns do give a sense of satisfaction. .22LR ammo is cheap enough to shoot several 1000 a month.
If the 25-7 goes up for sale, post it here on this forum. You will find many folks willing to buy it. They are a gun that won't sit idle if offered for sale.
I have 2 of them and they are great guns. .45 Colt makes me feel good.



Dressed up with early .44 Magnum grips.



Dressed for work.



Boxes.



25-5 that the 25-7 were bought to replace/upgrade



625 from PC shop bought to replace 25-7's when they wear out.

None of these guns will wear out, none of these guns will be sold for many a year.

I like .45 Colt caliber S&W revolvers.

I have to agree that the snubbie 686 is a good gun, sort of cute. .45 Colt is sort of manly.

Bill@Yuma

Thank you Bill for the excellent post.

I think I've come to a conclusion to let this one go. I believe I will be better served with something else as it's not doing much for me.

I'll post this in the classified section next week for sale/trade. Thanks!

I've been down your road here a time or two. What to sell? What to get then? That's why it is likened to a disease and named, "Newgunitis". While you really don't want a cure , one that will do MANY things for you and make it easy on the wallet if you don't handload is...

drum roll please...



Your instincts about the 627PC Bloodwork are dead on imo. GREAT gun that does many things well. This one will never be sold (although I almost did about a week ago, I just couldn't part with it. It's THAT nice).

Since you asked for our thoughts...thats one of mine.

I can see where your coming from, I have a M57 that I haven't shot in 10 yrs. It was my first Smith, I like it but a m19 would suit me better at this point. Yes, I like looking at guns but to shoot them is more fun. Every time I pick up my M27 or 57 I think D--- is this big, what was I thinking. Good luck with your choice and keep on shooting.

start reloading It will make you love your guns more.and look at all the range time you will get in.

__________________
God save the SOUTH

If you're not going to reload for it and ammo is too costly then let it move on down the road!
Trade it for a 625 in .45 ACP, a 686 or 66 in .357 Mag or even a 629 in .44 Mag.
I sold off my 10MM's, .41's and several other calibers for the same reason.
I eventually plan to spend some time at my reloading bench and work up some .45 Colt loads. Until then I have plenty of .357/.38, .45ACP and .44 Mag to keep me busy.
You should have no problem selling or trading it here.
Good luck with your decision.
WFR