Hey folks, I’ve noted this before, but never thought to ask. I’ve not noted that my other revolvers have the serial number inside the ejector rod shroud - but this 25-5 does. Am I an idiot who has never noticed this on other guns, or does it signify something? (I thought it might indicate a return to the factory for some repair.)

Any insights?

Attached Images

	IMG_9546.jpg (101.3 KB, 50 views)
	IMG_9392.jpg (60.4 KB, 113 views)

I would think that could be the sign of a possible factory refinish...Are there any marks or stamps under the grips on the left grip frame?......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

This one N821XXX is marked in the exact same location. I got it with 3 charge holes fired but no box/accessories, definitely original. Most of my N frames are so marked in that location. Joe

__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I see the N, not sure what the other markings may mean.

Attached Images

	IMG_9391.jpg (70.4 KB, 39 views)
	IMG_9389.jpg (48.9 KB, 44 views)

Perhaps this is a case of “one must not only look, Grasshopper. One must SEE!”

I don't see a return date...I'll let others comment on the markings...What does the breech end of the cylinder look like?......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Since the OP's gun is earlier than yours, I'll guess it is common...I should be more observant (or maybe start taking notes)......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

I have not seen serial numbers in the ejector rod shield on 3 screw N frames, or 4 screw frames. The SN's on my 5 screw frames are oriented vertically.

My eyesight ain't what it used to be, can't tell if'n the 1st digit is a "3" or an "8". S&W seemed to make a whole lot of 4" N frames in the late '70's/early '80's, maybe thought some big LE contract would come until Gaston Glock spoiled their cornflakes. Joe

__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Y'all made me go check. Every N Frame I opened, 3 27-2's, 2 28-2's, 3 29's were so marked including more recent "triple alpha 4 digit" 29-5 and 629-3. Joe

__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I'm done looking tonight. My eyes are starting to cross.

I have two 4" blued N-frames laid out for tomorrow's gun show in Mesquite...The 29-2 is N797277 and the 25-5 is N714522, both shipped in late 1980...Neither one has the S/N in the ejector rod housing...Both are original finish......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

When the company was still doing soft fitting, the serial number was stamped on the barrel, cylinder, extractor, yoke arm, grip butt, and some other places. Once soft fitting was ended, 1957(?), that practice ended. BUT, the numbers in the reinforced shroud were 90 degrees from the ones in the OP’s images.



In my opinion, someone with a set of stamps was having fun.

But, still, not a bad revolver.

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Catching up, here is the rear of the cylinder…

Ok, so it officially “odd.” Suits me!

Attached Images

IMG_9394.jpg (64.2 KB, 39 views)

This first digit is an 8, and matches all other typical serial number locations.

My 4" nickel M25-5 is between the two shown (N824234) and does not have the SN stamped in the extractor shroud cavity. I swapped the target stocks for magnas, they fit my hand better.

Attached Images

	IMG_1377.jpg (57.7 KB, 16 views)
	IMG_2731.jpg (291.4 KB, 13 views)

Get a grip adapter (Pachmyar, Mershon, S&W, Tyler, B K) and really dial it in!



Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Rats! Now you have me looking for a 4" 25, in nickel no less.

I don't care for the grip adapters. It's kind of funny, the M25 is no bigger than a M57 or M29 with target grips, and I keep the targets on those when I shoot them. The .45 Colt recoil isn't as harsh and I like the smaller grips on the M25.

Duh, I just now got what everyone is talking about after looking at your gun. I agree, they quit marking 'em on the "barrel shroud" probably when they started stamping it on the frame in the "yoke cutout flat." Hey, once past 70 the only things that make sense are things already inside the skull. Joe

__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

No, the SN is still on the yoke cut of their guns too. All three of the ones in this thread are 1980 or so manufacture, and most revolvers that new don't have the SN on the individual parts like the cylinder or barrel like they used to in the 1950's-1960's or earlier. The frame has the SN in two places on most revolvers, the one on the butt is the official one. It's nice to see the SN on the associated parts, for collectors at least they can verify those parts are original.

Ok, did my own inspection of my admittedly limited “collection.” (I consider myself an accumulator, not a collector. Collector implies some degree of organization.)

25-5, as noted above, serial number, without the leading N, is stamped such that it is readable with the muzzle held pointing up.

25-2 Jovino, Ser N8x, no numbers in ejector shroud.

25-2 6”, Ser N7x, ditto, no numbers.

27-2 5”, Ser N6x, same, no numbers.

As it gets said all the time about S&W, “you never know…”