Value for a Model 25-2 .45 CTG

FieldGrade · #1 09-08-2016, 07:45 PM

I have a SW Model 25-2 .45 CTG (LC) w/ 8 3/8 inch barrel SN N459XXX. It is it excellent cond with presentation case. From the way I read the BB, the .45 acp is worth $800 with going rates around $1,000. However, it appears the BB price for the .45 CTG is about $3,400. Is this correct? See attached photos.

deyomatic · #2 09-08-2016, 08:02 PM

I am not sure what the Blue Book says, but the $800-$1000 figure sounds right to me for one of that vintage, and the long barrel.

g8rb8 · #3 09-08-2016, 08:40 PM

That is certainly interesting on more that one level.
The typical 25-2 is a 6" barrel in .45 acp and in that condition with presentation case it might fetch in the vicinity of $1000 give or take $200 depending on your location and mode of purchase.

What you have is a different bird on two factors.
1. The 8-3/8" barrel is a bit unusual. I don't recall seeing one on a 25-2 before but the SCSW (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) lists them as available.
2. The .45 Colt (a.k.a. ".45 Long Colt") caliber in the 25-2. I don't recall the last time I saw one.

Is this one worth lettering? I'd think so.

Hopefully a more learned member will be along to affirm or correct my observations and maybe give some rough idea as to value.

Jackcpat · #4 09-08-2016, 08:44 PM

Beautiful handgun, I can't tell by the photos is the barrel stamped .45 cal or .45 colt ctg

Ronbo · #5 09-08-2016, 09:03 PM

Have one in 45 Long Colt sure looks like that, has the rotted flock lining in the wood box sure it is not a 25-5

BruceM · #6 09-08-2016, 09:09 PM

If the gun does not have the M25-2's short cylinder, the odds are that it is either mismarked or has been rebuilt with M25-5 components. Unfortunately, having the gun "lettered" is the only way to know for sure. I wonder if the OP would post a partial serial number?

Bruce

FieldGrade · #7 09-08-2016, 09:23 PM

The barrel reads .45 Colt CTG.
The SN is N459XXX.
How would I go about lettering it?

da gimp · #8 09-08-2016, 10:34 PM

I've never seen or heard of a 25-2 that was factory chambered originally in .45 Colt, as opposed to being a .45 ACP pistol. My guess is that it is either a re-work or that it possibly is a mis-marked frame... More than a few S&W .44 mag pistols have appeared here in frames stamped as model 57's & vice versa. Most of the experts here that I've read, said there is only a little added value to those with the wrongly marked frames...

That being said.. dern near every expert here also said, "Never say never with S&W."

Good luck to you sir... I hope it's proven to be an uncommon & rare piece. Better minds than mine with far more expertise will be along shortly....

BUFF · #9 09-09-2016, 01:17 AM

I wouldn't let what the Blue Book says influence me about anything. As several of our most experienced posters here have said, there is a mistake on pretty well every page of the BB.

SCS&W III says your serial number is from 1977-1978, which is pretty early for a Model 25-5 in .45 Colt.

g8rb8 · #10 09-09-2016, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FieldGrade

The barrel reads .45 Colt CTG.
The SN is N459XXX.
How would I go about lettering it?

I think it would be a good idea to letter this revolver as I think there's a fair chance it could be original and it could significantly affect its value.

New Procedures for Historical letters?

FieldGrade · #11 09-09-2016, 09:10 PM

Thanks everyone!

bananaman · #12 09-10-2016, 08:41 AM

Welcome to the FORUM! Nice 25, by the way. I have a 25-15 in 45 Colt. That was a result of my earlier 625 JM purchase. I enjoy shooting them both. Just something about a 45 revolver! Bob

da gimp · #13 09-10-2016, 08:43 PM

the S&W mod 25-3 was .45 Colt too...I'm thinking that at one time, S&W would make & fit a .45ACP cylinder for this model, around the mid to late 1980's if I'm remembering right, although it could have been the 25-5 variant.. Better memories than mine will know.