25-2 45 cal model 1955 ?

Ktam5150 · Mar 2, 2023

Well once again I have more questions than answers so I come to you all for some of those answers. Have an opportunity to purchase a 25-2 model 1955 in good condition with no box or papers. It has a 6in. barrel, 10 groove backstrap and forestrap,
adjustable rear and partridge front sights, checkered no diamond grip’s, and S/N N24240. I’m very interested in it as I currently have a 625-2 and absolutely love it. One of my favorite shooters. I’m wondering if anyone has any comments or information to share on this. What’s a fair price given the current market? Are they desirable. I know that a model 1950 was also made but not sure of differences. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

rockquarry · Mar 2, 2023

I've had a 25-2 for a long time. Mine has a 6 1/2" barrel but maybe these were made in other lengths as well. Some of these guns have oversized chamber throats, something that's no problem as long as you use the right diameter bullets.

Big, heavy guns that are easy to shoot well and quite accurate. Mine has oversize throats and still is reasonably accurate with undersize .452" cast bullets. I would guess .451" jacketed bullets will shoot well even in the oversize throats. I much prefer Auto Rim brass instead of dealing with clips, but some actually like the clips. Your choice.

You can look on Gunbroker completed auctions to see what these guns have been bringing.

murphydog · Mar 2, 2023

The model 25-2 has the heavy barrel, as opposed to the tapered barrel of the model 1950 .45 Target (also known as the model 26, if you can find one so marked). It was only made in 6.5 and later 6” barrels, the .45 Colt versions are in other lengths.

This one sounds to be from the early 1970s. A nice one will be in the low $1K plus range.

spin132 · Mar 2, 2023

I acquired this 6.5" 25-2 Model of 1955 2 years ago from a member here for $1,350. It is in very nice condition but did not come with box or papers. This one (N 379xxx) shipped in 1977. I notice the serial number of mine has one more digit than the one you are considering. Mine is a great shooter.

erikpolcrack · Mar 2, 2023

My 1955 SN also has one more digit - N4584XX. I believe mine is from 1978 or 1979. I absolutely love mine! It is tight, smooth, and a joy to shoot. Also lovely to look at. Got it used years ago.

Fullmetaljacket · Mar 2, 2023

I have serial number 24,158, letters to Feb. 1972. Yours should be very close to that I think. Barrel length was 6.5" until 1979, check yours again, measure from cylinder face to end of the barrel, I bet it's 6.5".

Ktam5150 · Mar 2, 2023

im not sure why I’m havi such a hard time replying to everyone but I thank you all. Apparently I’m not very tech savvy. I’ve never had this issue before. I went ahead and bought it they are holding it until I can get there and pick it up. $1000 out the door. It’s probably not in as good as condition as spin132, that is super nice. I’m not into hand loading so I hope it doesn’t need to have special needs.thanks for the date ranges. Full metal jacket I will check the barrel length again. It’s about a 2 hr drive from here and I won’t be able to get any more information on it until I get there which will probably be next week as I will be working until then. Please keep any information and comments coming, I can use all the info I can get.

moosedog · Mar 2, 2023

Sounds like a great price on the 25-2.
Since the advent of the internet there seems to be all kinds of worries about oversized throats in these and other 45 cal S&Ws. As they say on the other side of the tracks, "Forget about it"
The model 25-2 1955 Target, the pre 26 1950 Target, along with the 1917 and the 1950 Army pre 22, were all designed with rifling to shoot 45 ACP Hardball FMJ. Either 230gr FMJ or 185gr Target loads. Since you don't reload, stick with factory 45 ACP 230 gr FMJ and you'll be surprised at the accuracy.

Model19man · Mar 2, 2023

Ktam5150 said:
Well once again I have more questions than answers so I come to you all for some of those answers. Have an opportunity to purchase a 25-2 model 1955 in good condition with no box or papers. It has a 6in. barrel, 10 groove backstrap and forestrap,
adjustable rear and partridge front sights, checkered no diamond grip’s, and S/N N24240. I’m very interested in it as I currently have a 625-2 and absolutely love it. One of my favorite shooters. I’m wondering if anyone has any comments or information to share on this. What’s a fair price given the current market? Are they desirable. I know that a model 1950 was also made but not sure of differences. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

According to Roy mine shipped in June 1978. Yours has a far lower serial number so it was likely shipped years earlier. Mine has a 45 Colt cylinder so I have been using that for the past 11 years. It was also very accurate with the 45 ACP cylinder - both are great.

You got a great revolver at a great price I think.

rockquarry · Mar 2, 2023

moosedog said:
Sounds like a great price on the 25-2.
Since the advent of the internet there seems to be all kinds of worries about oversized throats in these and other 45 cal S&Ws. As they say on the other side of the tracks, "Forget about it"
The model 25-2 1955 Target, the pre 26 1950 Target, along with the 1917 and the 1950 Army pre 22, were all designed with rifling to shoot 45 ACP Hardball FMJ. Either 230gr FMJ or 185gr Target loads. Since you don't reload, stick with factory 45 ACP 230 gr FMJ and you'll be surprised at the accuracy.

Oversize chanber throats is a serious concern if you have an interest in accuracy and don't cast and size your own bullets. Should that be the case you're pretty much limited to factory jacketed ammo or handloads with jacketed bullets. That's pretty restrictive for some and limits the use of your handgun.

TheTinMan · Mar 2, 2023

rockquarry said:
Oversize chanber throats is a serious concern if you have an interest in accuracy and don't cast and size your own bullets. Should that be the case you're pretty much limited to factory jacketed ammo or handloads with jacketed bullets. That's pretty restrictive for some and limits the use of your handgun.

OP said he doesn’t hand load. My 25-2 has random diameter chambers as far as I can tell. However, it shoots FMJ 45 ACP just fine and that’s easy to find these days. Plated work OK too, but I prefer to stick with FMJ for that particular revolver.

Inland7-45 · Mar 2, 2023

A friend of mine had one made in the mid 70. I fired a lot hardball out of that gun. A real pleasure to shoot.

By the 70,s the only S&Ws with 6.5” barrels were the Model 25 and 29. In 1979 the 6” became standard across the N Frame line.

I have always wanted one of these but never got one. I do have a Model 29-2 with a 6.5 barrel. I have shot alot of mid range .44 Specials through it. Just as much fun.

ronbwolf · Mar 2, 2023

My 25-2 was a 6 1/2" with a destroyed finish when I obtained it years ago (80's?). I had it cut to 4", recrowned, action job, and industrial hard chromed.

Hawg Rider · Mar 3, 2023

Here's my minty Model 25-2, another local gun shop find about 10 years ago. Picked up this all matching blued 6-1/2" bbl. revolver for $695, s/n N139297 (ca. 1973). It's very comfortable to shoot and accurate, and often goes to the range along with my Model of 1917. I've never had any accuracy issues with this .45 ACP revolver. I believe that Fullmetaljacket is correct and that your barrel length is 6-1/2" with Patridge front sight. You say it's in "good condition"...but does that mean 90%, 95%? Condition helps determine value. I value mine at $1200+. If the bluing is nice and the action is tight, buy it if you can get it for around $1K. Good luck!

Retired W4 · Mar 3, 2023

Ktam5150 said:
...It’s about a 2 hr drive from here...

In my communications with your neighbor, Two-bit Cowboy, I would think a two hour drive would be normal in Wyoming.

kscharlie · Mar 3, 2023

Mine is a bit older, before model numbers were used. ".45 Target Model of 1955", or pre-25. The 5-screw frame was actually made in 1955, but the gun was not assembled and shipped until 1959. Picked it up about 5 years ago for $800 and change. It's the nicest S&W I own, and it is pure pleasure to shoot. You will enjoy yours.

bill-in-texas · Mar 3, 2023

If this helps give you a reference point, OP, I paid $1,000 for my 25-2, (bottom) some time in January 2020.

It's a great shooter!
-Bill

Model of 1950, 6.5" (top) Seen with 25-2, 6"

weatherby · Mar 3, 2023

Here are my two

One a special order pinto with 3 1/2" inch barrel and red post front sight.

The other is a 6 1/2" with red post sight.

Ktam5150 · Mar 3, 2023

It really is.

H Richard · Mar 4, 2023

I paid $850 for my 25-2 back in 2011. If that helps your time line. It is a Oct. 72 ship date.

25-2 45 cal model 1955 ?

Member

Member

Moderator

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

US Veteran

Member

Attachments

US Veteran

Member

Attachments

Member

US Veteran

Similar threads