Model 25-2

[Cornhusker]

Hi guys
I came across a model 25-2 that looks like it has either never been fired or more likely fired but very little and I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what year it was made?
The serial number is N450xxx and it's chambered in .45acp
Thanks

[Art Doc]

Probably 1978 or thereabouts.

Don't see them in the case too often. Do you know if it came that way?

[RC20]

That would actually be 45 Auto Rim, not ACP

If you want to shoot ACP in it you need the half moon clips

[Cornhusker]

Originally Posted by SaxonPig

Probably 1978 or thereabouts.

Don't see them in the case too often. Do you know if it came that way?

I don't know for sure.
It was something my brother had that belonged to our dad.

Originally Posted by RC20

That would actually be 45 Auto Rim, not ACP

If you want to shoot ACP in it you need the half moon clips

I've got the half moon clips.
To be honest I've never heard of auto rim, but you are right, the little manual that came with it lists .45 acp, .45 auto rim and .45 Automatic Wad Cutter
It calls the gun a 1955 Target Revolver Model No. 25.
Thanks for the input guys.

[BUFF]

"Don't see them in the case too often. Do you know if it came that way?"

Jinks' book says the Model 25-2 got a wood presentation case as standard in 1974. Before that, they came in the standard blue cardboard boxes.

[Muley Gil]

"That would actually be 45 Auto Rim, not ACP

If you want to shoot ACP in it you need the half moon clips"

Actually, you CAN shoot .45 ACP in a M25-2 without clips. The cartridges headspace on the case mouth. They just don't eject without using clips. Most often, you can just shake out the empties, or use a pencil to punch 'em out.

[firearmsunlimited]

Serial number N452410 shipped February '79. Hope that helps.

[NE450No2]

Cornhusker

If a fella does not need the Power of 300gr bullets in a 44 Mag, the 25 in 45 AC is one of the best S&W handguns you can have, IMHO of course.

I have used them quite a bit, for sport and for an LEO Work Gun.

For most uses and for Urban Defense 45 ACP ammo with full moon clips is a great choice.

For field use, especially in bear country, Buffalo Bore ammo in 45 +P Auto Rim is the way to go.

[BUFF]

In my mind, the Model 25-2 that S&W should have made in numbers, in addition to the fine 6-1/2 inch gun, was a Model 25-2 with a 4 inch barrel with the same profile as the longer one, with the same ejector rod shroud, with a ramp front sight blade. It would have been sweet. The later Model 625-3 and later Mountain Guns in .45 ACP have proven how wonderful such a .45 caliber holster gun can be.

Once you find good bullets and a powder charge that gives you a 230 grainer at 830 fps, and a 250-260 grainer at 860 fps, loadings that fire that big, heavy, large diameter chunk of lead with authority, but not belching fire and ear-splitting blasts, bullets that go "CHUNK' really hard at both launch and impact, you have got the makings of a useful and confidence building day in hand. The glamour of the raucous, flash and racket booming .44 Mags diminishes. I find a day at the range with a bucket full of standard .45 Colt and .45 ACP cartridges lets me enjoy a day of pounding mother earth with some authority, doing a lot of shooting , projecting useful power and allowing me to go home at the end of the day with my hands still not numb and aching and my ears not ringing but me still feeling I got some serious thumping accomplished.

I enjoy a range afternoon with 250-350 rounds of .45 ACP and/or .45 Colt to shoot. The same quantity of 250-260 grain bullets being shot at 1,470 to 1,530 fps with their extra noise, blast and recoil leaves me just a lot more tired at the end of the day. I feel beat up, instead of just having done some work.

The mid-power big bores are where it is at.

[Art Doc]

Buff- I had not heard about the case being standard as of 1974.

But I bought a new 25-2 in 1976 or 1977 and it came in a properly labeled blue box.

[Cornhusker]

I saw one on gunbroker in the same box, and one in the already sold part that even had the yellow plastic strip, so it musta been kinda common?

[Walter Rego]

The Model 25-2's that were shipped in Presentation Cases also came with a few half moon clips. Pull the bottom liner up and see if they are tucked under there. That's usually where the owner's manual, warranty cards and other papers are stored too.

[Cornhusker]

I've got some of the clips...well, my brother has them, he forgot to throw them in the box.

[GAMMD]

Great place for S&W reading I just purchased a Model 25-2 45ACP serial # N689xxx in case with tools looks very unused such craftmanship 6.5 inch barrel believe its late 70's. Purchased at a local Gun shop for 710.00 to go along with a 41Mag that I love shooting that I found in similar condition.

[pointman1970]

I recentely purchaseda model 25-2 model 1955, serrial nimer begines with a N as well, i allso was wondering year of producion my self.
mt box ddint ahve the insert in it nor tools. Rge crome is excellent, like the feel of the revolver, . Like to find a box with insert for it.
Am new to this form so hi to all and thanks.

[Inspector-Callahan]

Originally Posted by BUFF

I enjoy a range afternoon with 250-350 rounds of .45 ACP and/or .45 Colt to shoot. The same quantity of 250-260 grain bullets being shot at 1,470 to 1,530 fps with their extra noise, blast and recoil leaves me just a lot more tired at the end of the day. I feel beat up, instead of just having done some work.

The mid-power big bores are where it is at.

+1. The 25-2 is a fabulous gun. Accurate, easy on the shooter, reasonable to feed, classic lines....what more can you ask?

IC

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

"That would actually be 45 Auto Rim, not ACP

If you want to shoot ACP in it you need the half moon clips"

Actually, you CAN shoot .45 ACP in a M25-2 without clips. The cartridges headspace on the case mouth. They just don't eject without using clips. Most often, you can just shake out the empties, or use a pencil to punch 'em out.

Right on Muley.

I do this all the time with mine. I hate moon clips and I have no problems with justsnagging the out with my fingernail.

I don't shoot competition or carry a 6.5" N frame for ccw, so no clips for me thanks. AR brass is where it's at IMO.

Buff,

I agree with you except that I have a 4" 25-5 already. I would love a 5" 25-2 with the RR/WO sights. Actually, I would love all my N frames to be 5" (besides the ones that already are).