As a recently joined member, though this is my first post, reading other members posts is both fun and educational. Thank You!
I have an opportunity to purchase 2 guns, a mid to late 1980s S&W Model 649 no dash in excellent condition and a 125 Anniversary Commemorative 25-3 near new, with box. Both are owned by the same person.
So, which one captures your interest most and be the first you would choose to buy? I do not have photos. Thanks Again

The 649. Commemoratives are not really very desirable, or maybe I should say "collectible".

The 649 is a nice gun.

Just my opinion.

I'm not a big appreciator of stainless guns, but the 25-3 would be mine if priced within my reach......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

The 25-3 for me.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

Depends on the intended purpose. The 649 is a carry gun. I wouldn't own one because that's not what I would want to carry.

The 25 is a hunting or target shooting gun. I have a 25-5 and its my favorite handgun. If I had the chance for the Commemorative I would jump at it.

Many people that buy Commemoratives do so because they hope it will increase in value, and thus keep it locked up and untouched. Personally, the ones that I have are shot often. My guns are my hobby, not my investment.

I am not a collector. I carry a 649-2 in my pocket daily. If you plan to carry and if the revolver is your choice that one is very hard to beat and would be my choice.

Another vote for the Model 25-3. Not made anymore.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Welcome from RI. I am not a commemorative fan, but given the choices, I would take the 25-3. Keep us posted on your decision

Neither is the 649...

But, just like everyone else has asked... Is it for carry purposes??? Range toy??? Safe queen???

Guns are not really that good of an investment and commemorative guns are exceptionally not that good of an investment. Now, if a commemorative celebrates something near and dear to you, then by all means grab it but don't expect many others to get excited.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

I’d take the 25.

I cast another vote to the M25

the 649,working gun.

I Would take the model 25. I like mine and would take another. No real use for a carry revolver I would never carry.

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What could possibly go wrong?

The decision for me would be based on the condition and price. If there is a premium for the 25-3 I probably wouldn't be interested. Not sure what "near new" means. If it means its been shot but is still very nice then definitely no premium for its being a commemorative. Tend to steer clear of the commemoratives but if the price is right, its been shot and you intend to shoot it, why not? The 544 44-40 is a good example. They can still be had for $1000+/- and where else can you find a 5 inch N frame 44 for that money? Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Model 25 is a classic gun…..make that your first acquisition……a 649 is for later when you round out your collection of N,L and K frames. Even then it would be far down on the must have J frame list…..even if you need a carry gun there are better ones suited to that cause. Look how pretty the 25s are.

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I had a 25-3 once, .454 bullets would pass easily through the cylinder throats. It shot….okay with jacketed bullets. I did enjoy the book. Didn’t mind it was a commemorative. If the price were right, I’d buy another.

25 first, 649 next. Get both.

I have a Model 1955 (pre-25) and a 649-2. The former I shoot regularly and is a great (and fun) shooter. The 649 is great gun for what it is. I shoot it enough to stay competent with it. It would not be my choice for a fun time at the range. If you're looking for a CCW, it will serve that purpose well. We can't make up your mind for you. You're comparing an apple to an orange. Good luck.

Welcome board! Enjoy the ride, ask questions (because we all learn from the answers), and WE LIKE PICTURES!

Your question is almost impossible to answer, but I will take a stab at it! You, must determine the use or need for this purchase! Your choices are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum of S&W revolvers. The 649 is a small J frame, usually associated with concealed carry or home protection. The 25-3 is an N frame commemorative usually associated with collecting, hunting, and longer-range targets. Also, there is probably a large difference in the sale price which means "which one can you best afford?" Next is the cost of the ammo, if you can find it. 38/357 will be cheaper than 45 Long Colt.

I have my reasons for buying or not buying both of your choices which are exactly that, "MY reasons"! Good luck with your choice!
jcelect

Thank you, I was not aware of that. I have no need for J frames, I have one (a Model 36-1) but it does not get out much. My 32 Hand Ejector, I frame gets out more. My N frames get the most time in the holster or on the range, therefore my suggestion.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

There is an unfired, in presentation box 25-5 125yr anniversary commemorative for sale on a gun board I frequent.
The seller is ASKING $1850 I believe , he might get it but not from me .
Nice gun but a guy could almost buy two N frames for that price
If you are going to shoot the gun , why pay the premium and if you are buying to collect , there may be better options

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the rules? there are no rules

One more vote for the 25-3

Those guns are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Small carry gun vs large target gun. I'd vote for the model 25 unless you're looking for a carry gun. If your looking for a carry gun I'd recommend something other than a 649...

A lot of the commerative guns are in really good condition because everyone that bought them figured they'd keep them nice so they'd be worth more. Since nobody really cares about whatever it is they are commemorating, it shouldn't have much of a premium, but would still be a nice gun.

Buy both. They are no longer made. Negotiate a price for the package.

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Heavily armed old man.

Neither. Hold out for a good K22. -S2

Hands-down, the M25-3. M649's are a lot easier to find and have little collector value. The M25 comes from the era that was the best of S&W, IMO. I really would like to have one, but i recently (New Years Day) found a M25-5. .45 Colt is a fun round to shoot, mild recoil but still a heavy hitter, and there's nothing to keep you from making the 125th Anniv. gun into a shooter, since you said it's "near new".

Buy both.

For a serious answer. What purpose do you have in purchasing? Target shooting/hunting/home defense? Get the 25-3. Concealed carry? get the 649. Just to have and to hold? Either one.

My EDC is a 49 no dash, that was Metal Lifed to look like a 649. If you need a CCW you can't do much better that the 649!

If you already are set on a CCW, You better pick up the 25-3, they are harder to come by; you won't be sorry! Treat it like a shooter and shoot it! 45 caliber six-guns are a hoot! I have owned a 4" and a 6" 25-5 and currently own a Brazilian Contract 1917 and a 625 of 1987.

Ivan

The 25-3. And shoot it. I like big guns, I cannot lie.

I don't even have to think about it.......the 25. Of course I like 45 Colt. Getting harder to find. I have a 25-15. One of my favorites. IF I only had a 25-7??? Bob

I'll go along with the Model 25-3 gang...although I'm not a commemorative collector- I like the gun, the bbl. length, and the caliber. However, in many cases it doesn't appear that the 25-3s are selling for as much as the online sellers were looking to get. Maybe because the 25-3s are commemoratives. As jcelect pointed out, this is a case of apples and oranges when it comes to size, purpose/usage, price, ammo, etc. Tough decision...choose wisely, or buy both!

Regarding commemoratives, they are often in very nice condition. I've only bought one, and I bought it for the gun, not the commemoration. I think that's a viable approach.

25. EDIT: HawgRider is right, get both!

Fwiw, a LGS had both a 340 and a 349 for sale when I was there yesterday. $595 and $585, iirc.

A M649 is with me almost every day. I don't have any interest in a collectible that I won't shoot.

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Come and take it!!

Welcome aboard!
You might want to read up on the 25 series Smiths as to oversized throats and shorter cylinders.
Link for starters:

MODEL 25 QUESTION

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

25-3 obviously. I've been collecting Smith & Wessons for more than half of my life and had to Google the 649. No interest there whatever.

My thoughts exactly, buy both.

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SWCA#2288
SWHF#407

I dearly love the N-frame .45 Colt revolvers. But .....
If you want a safe queen and a collectible, the 25-3 will do. But S&W commemoratives have never held much value over the same gun as a standard model.
However, if you want a shooter, the 25-3 is the last one you would want. These were made with the shorter .45acp cylinder and some heavy bullet .45 Colt loads are too long. Worse yet, the cylinder throats were way over sized and these guns are noted as noticeably inaccurate. I looked at one once thinking of buying it. A drop test with a .454" bullet fell straight through without even slowing down.
If you want a .45 Colt shooter, look for a 25-5 or later.

If I were in your position I would be interested in the 25 because I don't have one. But only at a reasonable price. I don't believe the commemoratives hold value except in an unfired w/box, papers & tools condition (Like any other well made out of production revolver). I wouldn't be interested in one like that since I'm a shooter first and nothing in my collection is unfired. In good used condition, as a shooter I would be all over it if I could negotiate a the right price.

Having said that, I carry a 640-1 daily. If you do not have a Snub J frame .38 or .357, you NEED one. Just my opinion but the steel frame DAO Chief in a pocket holster is the best possible combination of concealability and dependability available.

Like some of the others.Id buy both.

I have the 25-3 I shoot lead semi wad cutters at just under 900fPS
It shoots fine. I did not pay collector price nor would I.

Thanks for all of your great advice, good reasons to buy either or both. Since I do intend on shooting the 25-3 Commemorative and their harder to find, that will be my first purchase followed with the 649. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase these two fine Smith & Wesson handguns and will take them out to the range when this cold New England weather warms up !
I’ll post photos as I get them.
What a wealth of knowledge you have, thanks for sharing!