I'd really like to have a blued version of a 625 (and a 625 too) with a 3-5" barrel and round butt., but can't find anything...did S&W make such a revolver? If not, what is the closest thing??


thanks for any help

I would look at a Model 25.

The 3" model 25 in .45 ACP is the gun S&W should have made 30 years ago. There are many (like me) who would own multiples of them.

What you are looking for is the model 25. Unfortunately this model seem to "bounce" between being chambered for either the 45 ACP or the 45 Long Colt. Currently it's the Long Colt that is listed in the catalog. This means that you'll have to look for a used model 25 chambered in 45 ACP. Unfortunately I do not know the specific Dash numbers for the ones that were chambered in 45 ACP but perhaps someone more up to speed on this model will post what change numbers to look for. One other thing to note is that the older versions pre 1995 or so will have a square butt grip frame for barrel length of 4 inches or more. I also expect that you'll find every version of the model 25 to feature semi lugged barrels, so if you want a full lug that may not have been made.

Now, if you are interested in something with fixed sights, the Model or 1917 is currently in the catalog as part of the Classic line, however be aware they aren't cheap and it will have a square butt grip frame. On the plus side, the two classics that have shown up at one local gun shop have featured finishes that are exceptionally well done, actually IMO they are too pretty to actually shoot.

25-2 is the .45 ACP model in blue. 25-5 is the .45 Colt model in blue. If the Model No. starts with a 6 it should be stainless. ( like 625) Over the years S&W has changed their numbering system so many times that most folks are confused.

thanks everyone!!! if i can't find a round butt 25, i may consider finding a rough shooter and have it coverted to RB.

that's where i get confused. i was assuming that a blue version would be a "525"...as in a blue version of a 686 is a 586.

BTW, i want .45 ACP

The 586/686 was introduced in the 80's within a short time frame. The Model 25 was named in 1957 while the 625 came out in 89. S&W could not change the name of the 25 so they just added a 6 to designate SS.

thanks for the explanation, Mack.

My 625 does not have the same finish as my 610 or 686. Why, I don't know. The other two guns are so much nicer-looking too.

Bite your tongue, Sir!(LOL)
I am a BIG fan of the 625. I have two, a 625-6 with 5" barrel (Model of 1989) and a 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special with 4" barrel. They perform so well, that they are the first revolvers I pick up when I head for the range. Both of mine have correct throat dimensions and will "just" chamber .452" cast bullets (PERFECT!).

I have never seen more forgiving revolvers to shoot.:





Here's why I like them so much - 25 yards, standing:



Back to "On Topic" - if you find an older Model 25, be sure and check the throat size before you plunk down your cold hard cash. Many of them have over size cylinder throats (some as large as .456"-.457"). Optimum throat size is .452". You can carry some .452" jacketed bullets and check them (use the bullets (NOT cartridges) as a plug gauge). The later Model 25's are sized correctly.

Dale53

Gun Broker has a couple 4" Model 25's now. One is a 25-13 Mountain Gun the other a conventional 4" Red Ramp gun. Both are in 45 Colt.

I have seen one Lew Horton 25 Snub in 45 acp at Ozark Shooters Supply in Springfield MO years ago. Being independently poor caused me to not bring it home at the time.

I had a 25-2 rebarreled using a 4" Red Ramp 45 Colt barrel several years ago. My idea of the ultimate defensive revolver. I wish I still had it. It was my Educational Gun. I learned not to price something you do not want to sell. I now have a new set of words in my inventory, "It Aint for Sale".

I think I saw a picture of a Model 25 in 45 acp with a 4" barrel posted somewhere a while back. No idea of the dash no.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

A number of gunsmiths, Jovino being the best known, chopped 25's back in the day. This one has a 2 3/4" barrel, butt reshaped to round, ball detent lockup, reworked hammer and trigger, and some other stuff. Try a WTB in the classifieds.