25-2 8 3/8" rarity?

[USMC0802]

Need a hand here guys...

Was researching 25-2s last night online and found a post on another forum that claimed there were only three Model 25-2s shipped with 8 3/8" barrels. Thought that was unusual until I tried finding reference to another one. Am striking out finding an answer elsewhere so figured this would be the best place to inquire of more experienced collectors.

Anyone know about this barrel length with regard to the -2s?

Tyler

 

[USMC0802]

Why is this important to me you may ask?

 

[USMC0802]

Barrel number

 

[410bore]

Barrels and cylinders were not generally numbered past 1958 or so. I'd say your gun was sent in for a new barrel, or some other form or work

 

[Retired W4]

The way the numbers were applied to the cylinder and barrel look odd to me.

 

[Art Doc]

The barrel and cylinder numbers do not look like S&W factory stampings. I have never seen the cylinder number droop off like that and the barrel numbers are not uniform. But even if made up I have no idea where the long Model of 1955 barrel came from.

I suspect that somehow it is not original but it would be worth $50 to letter it just in case you won the lottery.

Maybe some of the experts around here will offer a more educated opinion. Someone may even have the serial numbers of the known long 25-2s.

BTW- If you think that's rare I have a photo of a 10" Registered Magnum I can show you.

 

[USMC0802]

Thanks guys; I do plan to request a letter on it; just trying to get an initial feel for what it is. Here are a couple of extra pics...showing the second cylinder as well.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I agree,Something is not right.The bottom line is that it is still a cool and unique Gun that I would love to own.I would be willing to pay what a N prefix 25-2 with the 6.5" barrel sells for.I would think that number would be $750-$800.What is the second cylinder for......45 Colt?

 

[Retired W4]

Whoa. You didn't mention the other cylinder before. I'll repeat the question. One for .45 ACP and one for .45 LC? Pretty cool!

I didn't mean to seem rude by repeating the question. I just gots to know.

 

[USMC0802]

I agree with you guys on the value unless configuration is verified by letter. Cylinder currently installed is .45 Colt with an un-numbered ejector. "Extra" cylinder is ACP with a much more pronounced turn-line and an ejector numbered to match everything else.

Concerning the possibility that the "only three produced" thing is accurate, and at the risk of seeing what I want to see because I own it, would it be possible that the hand-stamped numbers on everything are the result of a custom-order or "pre-PC" type special assembly?

I bought it because I wanted a good shooter, so my feelings aren't going to be hurt either way. I do really like the extra sight radius provided by the longer barrels.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

It is very possible that it was a hand fit custom Gun,I would letter it ASAP.Expect about a 3 month wait for the letter to be completed.

EDIT:It seems Doc44 owns or has owned one of the three 8 3/8" barreled M25-2's.It is also pretty close to your serial number range:N25000.I would PM him and ask how his serial number(s) where marked.

 

[Doc44]

USMC0802...The serial number is only stamped in the yoke cut on N25000. One other serial number is N25. I don't know the serial number of the third one, but it could be N250 or N2500. The original ones were shipped with smooth stocks made of birds eye maple and have the small S&W logo on the left side of the frame. My revolver has a red ramp and white outline rear sight. N25 has what is referred to as a three step ramp if I remember correctly. The only other difference between your revolver and mine (except for the stocks) is mine has the lazy ampersand roll marked on the right side of the frame and yours has the modern, upright ampersand.

The ampersand on the barrel of your 25-2 indicates the barrel is period correct for the serial number of your revolver (1972) and could very well be original to your gun. The letter will (hopefully) be a good investment.

Is there an R-Bi inside of a rectangle stamped on the grip frame of your gun, or a month and year stamp (like 10 72)? If there is, it would indicate the gun was returned to S&W for some type of work. Stamping of the serial number on the different parts suggests it was disassembled at some point and the numbers stamped to make sure the correct parts were kept together. Even if this is the case, you have a great shooter. I have shot my 8 3/8" and it is fun to shoot and very accurate.

Bill

 

[USMC0802]

Bill, (and everyone else!)

Your input is greatly appreciated. Sounds like the odds are that this revolver is not "THE" third 8 3/8" 25-2, which is okay with me - I didn't pay "1 of 3" price for it so no big deal.

I will order the letter this week which I hope will answer some of the questions I have about it. I

n the meantime, I'm still eager to hear opinions on this one...I should think that if it were someone's "project" gun that taking the trouble to number even the ejector star would be unlikely, though I do aknowledge that one can never fully explain why some folks do what they do.

When the letter arrives I'll update this thread.

 

[USMC0802]

No date code...only markings under the grips are the assembly number, a "5", a half-struck "GS", and on the opposite side an "E" in a triangle, and a circled "S".

 

[USMC0802]

Red ramp FS, white outline RS.

 

[Allen-frame]

Whatever its origin, I think it's a very cool 1955 and would enjoy owning it. Provided all the parts fit properly and it Shoots, I would be willing to pay a premium for it.

A range report is in order. After all, if it don't shoot, it's nothing but a fancy paperweight.
Just a suggestion ; use factory 230gr. jacketed ball.


Good Luck,

Allen Frame

 

[USMC0802]

I just stepped out on the front porch (joys of living in the country) and went 2 for 6 standing/unsupported on a conspicuous cow pie that the range finder says is 142 yards out there...and excepting one trigger jerk, the rest were within a foot or so.

I love it.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I think your gun is most likely a factory done, customer-driven custom build.
Which cylinder and ammo were you using when you shot at the cow pies? What we all want to know is if both cylinder assemblies function correctly.

 

[USMC0802]

The .45 Colt cylinder was installed when I bought it, but the loaded clip of ACP FMJ sitting on my desk "inspired" me to swap cylinders and use ACP for the test fire. Haven't live-fired the Colt cylinder yet, but timing/lockup was perfect so I anticipate no problems with it.

 

[Retired W4]

We will all be waiting with you for that letter to arrive. There is nothing else I could add to the discussion but I do wish you good luck.