Is there such a thing as a Model 25-2 4”?

[MarkHayden]

I've checked the SCSW 4th Ed. and cannot find any reference to a Model 25-2 produced in a 4" barrel. I have a 25-5 in 4", and I'm looking for its mate.

Your thoughts on this issue are, as usual, welcome and appreciated.

Mark

 

[505Gibbs]

Never say never with S&W but not likely unless someone sent a 6.5" back and had it cut OR a very special order model. Let's see what others offer up.

 

[Patrick L]

I remember an old Wiley Clapp article in Guns and Ammo, maybe back in the 80s, about non-standard S&Ws. There was a picture of one, supposedly a very small number were made.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

There's one in my house, but I don't think S&W would have gone to the trouble of stamping a 4" barrel off-center.

Whoever did it surely did a fine job of polishing and bluing the round-butt conversion. Looks like factory, except it was a little early and lacked serrations.

 

[Doc44]

S&W built the 1955 45 Target shown below for Remington in 1955. I believe S&W would have built a Model 25-2 with an uncataloged barrel length (4 or 5 inch) if a customer ordered one, particularly in the early 1960s. S&W would have charged extra to cut the barrel (probably $10).

Bill

 

[MarkHayden]

Thank you for your replies. I thought it might be a special or custom order. I will sleep better tonight…

Mark

 

[shawn mccarver]

For some reason, I thought Bill Powell had one in his collection that I handled at one of the S&W Symposiums (I don't think we were calling them by that name at the time), but after his untimely death and his collection scattered about, there is no way to tell for sure. Maybe it was the 45 Colt version (more likely), but I am sorry I am not certain.

 

[Patrick L]

Just out of curiosity I dug back into my library. That Guns and Ammo article is in the October 1988 issue. Picture of the "new" Ruger SP 101 on the cover.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

There's one in my house, but I don't think S&W would have gone to the trouble of stamping a 4" barrel off-center.

Off-center; I think is a clue that bubba cut down the barrel the easy way.

 

[Leroy Thompson]

There were two made for the state of Maine that letter with 4" barrels

 

[StrawHat]

There were two made for the state of Maine that letter with 4" barrels

I would enjoy seeing those letters! If anyone has them, please post!

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

S&W built the 1955 45 Target shown below for Remington in 1955. I believe S&W would have built a Model 25-2 with an uncataloged barrel length (4 or 5 inch) if a customer ordered one, particularly in the early 1960s. S&W would have charged extra to cut the barrel (probably $10).

Bill

Bill,

Is that the one built with the Model 1950 frame? How did it letter?

Kevin

 

[weatherby]

I know you asked about 4" but this 25-2 with a 3 1/2" letters.

 

[505Gibbs]

I know you asked about 4" but this 25-2 with a 3 1/2" letters.

A 'very' special order it is!

 

[mchom]

Off center barrel stampings

Could be factory cutting down a longer barrel prior to assembly to satisfy a special order
Both of these off center stamped letter as shipped w/4"
I have a few of bubbas too…

Off-center; I think is a clue that bubba cut down the barrel the easy way.

OD Top
Pre 24 Bottom

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Could be factory cutting down a longer barrel prior to assembly to satisfy a special order
Both of these off center stamped letter as shipped w/4"
I have a few of bubbas too…




OD Top
Pre 24 Bottom

The top one looks funny but the bottom one is passable.

Both are handsome revolvers and thank you for the sharing great information.

 

[Model29-26.5]

S&W built the 1955 45 Target shown below for Remington in 1955. I believe S&W would have built a Model 25-2 with an uncataloged barrel length (4 or 5 inch) if a customer ordered one, particularly in the early 1960s. S&W would have charged extra to cut the barrel (probably $10).

Bill

Is this one yours, Bill?

 

[DHernandez]

There is a stainless 4" 25-2 on GB now, but it is definitely a cut down.
Just a moment...
Item 1060849462
smith and wesson 25-2 45 colt model 1955 stainless great shooter

 

[Leroy Thompson]

I made a mistake. The two guns shipped to the State of Maine in 1950 were actually Model 26s chambered in .45 Colt and with 4" barrels as stated by the letter. It is not stated what entity in the State of Maine ordered the revolvers.

 

[MarkHayden]

I guess the answer to my question is "No", unless the 4" 25-2 were special ordered or modified in somebody's backyard. Thank you for all of your very informative info.

Mark (dealing with the heat in North Idaho)