Good Afternoon Again. This is a 3 screw, 6 inch barrel, model 25-9 s/n BFM1125, could you help me find the shipped date? The difference in value in the blue book is big between the 45 LC and the others, can anyone tell me why such a big difference? Thank you!
S&W 45 LC Model 25-9 date
- Thread starter ATripleJ
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
GunarSailors
US Veteran
1990-1991?
Candrews86
Member
I think the 25-9 was only catalogued for 1991? I don't think they were made very long. Could be wrong
The 25-9 with the fluted cylinder was made in fewer numbers than the 25-9 "Model of 1989," just the one year if I recall correctly. Model 25's were made in .45 ACP and .45 Colt (notice the cartridge stamp on the barrel...it does not say "LONG".) Not many 25-9's were made...I'd love a 4" to match my 6".
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
October 1990.
Why are they more expensive? I'd guess because of scarcity. More .45 ACP guns were made. Not just this model. I'm talking across all models and dashes over the years. The .45 Colt is a popular cartridge, especially with reloaders, and there's just not that many S&W's chambered for it in circulation.
Thank you all for your help. The difference in value according to the blue book is so much so I wanted to ask in case there was something really special about the differences. For a 95% grading, it shows $650 for .45 ACP or .45 Auto Rim, and $3150 for .45 LC. Mine isn't stamped ".45 Long Colt", it is stamped ".45 Colt CTG" but I have understood that .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are interchangeable terms, and I'm hoping that is the case when it comes to classifying my model 25-9. The .45 Colt and .45 LC seems to have been discussed in so many forums that I'm still not sure if I know the real answer, haha.
Congratulations on a fine addition
I too love the 45 Long Colt revolvers.
To get the shipping date, you would need to request a letter from the Smith & Wesson Historian. The various printed lists of serial numbers are manufacture dates. More often than not, the manufacture date and ship date are very close together, but not always. There are numerous examples of consecutive numbers that ship years or even decades apart even though they were made on the same day.
Do you have the correct original box? Since the 1980s more than 95% of the boxes had the date of manufacture printed on the computer generated end label. This used to be a 4 digit code now it is simply the date.
Both terms are absolutely correct.
Some folks will argue that the cartridges was originally called 45 Colt, so that is the only name that is correct.
However, until the 45 Short Colt was introduced, there was never a NEED to call the larger case "45 Long Colt"
With the two different cases having every dimension other than length being identical is it not common sense that when you walked into the General Store and asked for a box of 45 Colt ammunition the store clerk would ask you "Long or Short?"
Think of it this way, you may have been named John Smith by your parents. Until you have a son and name him John Smith JR, there is no need for you to go by the name John Smith Sr.
Last edited:
Pizza Bob
Member
I have a sneaking suspicion that the $3150 you see quoted in the BB is referring to those rare examples of the Model 25 in .45 Colt pre-1977 and the introduction of the Model 25-3 and subsequent .45 Colt variations of the Model 25.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
Last edited:
ptgarcia
Member
Are those the original stocks? I'm not even close to an expert on this but those don't look right for that gun. Those look like aftermarket Hogues.
That was a great way to explain the .45 colt/LC question, thank you. The grips are most likely aftermarket I think. I purchased a collection from a widow recently and her husband had been very active in target shooting and even a lot of competition target shooting. I was told that some of what he had purchased were available with this style grip, and others he converted, this was his preference I suspect. This one doesn't have the S&W emblem in the grip like some of the others, so my assumption was that this is one he converted. I am no expert on most of these topics either, so glad I have access to this forum for help.
As for the valuation being for pre 1977 .45colt versions, does anyone know for sure where this would fall? There isn't more insight in the BB on the topic. I may be interested in selling or trading it sometime in the future so I'd like to be in the right ballpark. Thanks again!
As for the valuation being for pre 1977 .45colt versions, does anyone know for sure where this would fall? There isn't more insight in the BB on the topic. I may be interested in selling or trading it sometime in the future so I'd like to be in the right ballpark. Thanks again!
Pizza Bob
Member
The 25-9 engineering change was in 1990. The right ball park would be $750 to $1100. Toward the low end with no box / docs / OE grips.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
25-9 prices
I would have to say that just a few years ago the $750-1100 figure for a nice condition 25-9 without box was right on but folks have figured out how nice these 25-9s are, and prices have gone steadily up. Find one for under a grand and you had better buy it because it will go quick.
I would have to say that just a few years ago the $750-1100 figure for a nice condition 25-9 without box was right on but folks have figured out how nice these 25-9s are, and prices have gone steadily up. Find one for under a grand and you had better buy it because it will go quick.
I am looking at a similar serial numbered gun starting with BHM. But the gun is in no way near the condition your gun looks. The one I am looking at is a forme trooper's duty pistol with Pachmyar grips and with holster wear and they are asking 600 dollars which seems a bit much. I have not seen it in person so I can't say what the wear issues are. The seller also says that it is a 5 inch barrel....but they may have measured wrong or would a LEO gun be something other than the 4 or 6inch version? I am tempted to acquire it but not sure if I should hold out for something in better condition. But I suspect price would significantly escalate....can't hurt to negotiate.
Doug M.
Member
That's probably not a bad price, and there is a 5" version with a non-fluted cylinder. I think that model is the pinnacle of the evolution, but that's just me.
From the pictures I have seen the gun has a fluted barrel and after asking the seller again about the barrel length he re measured and it is a six inch gun.
I got lucky with the 25-9 shown above... got it for ~$725 in 2013 or early 2014. It has a 6" barrel and quickly became one of my favorite revolvers. For a good working cartridge I have a load that pushes a 270 grain LSWC at roughly 950 fps. Hits HARD, and will do about anything my .44 magnums will do.
bananaman
Member
Similar threads
- Locked
