1955 Target Model

[Abbotson]

While I like Triple locks a LOT, I like .45 Auto-rim as a cartridge and find it quite useful, I have a few 25-2s and 625s but I guess my most unique is a 5-screw "Pre-25-2" made in 1955, it is also a 5" but hit has been refinished (in black chrome) so the collectors value is likely nil - that's OK I'll never sell it.

The group in attached pic is fired with a 260 gr. Lee (cast by me) over 2400 powder at 25 yards - the bullets are loaded long to be able to get enough 2400 in to reach 1100 fps (it is not a really high pressure load but I feel no need to go higher). The gun is zeroed for 75 yards hits 2" high at 25.

Just Ramblin'

Riposte

Great shooting and a very interesting load.

 

[Mike LaNier]

Well, I agree with everybody here; I also own a 1955 Target Model, made in 1956 and shipped to Portland, Oregon. It was owned by my uncle's business partner, the late Don Dillingham, a ranked bullseye shooter, and has been shot...a lot! I got it from Don before he passed away, primarily because it was the first .45 caliber handgun I had ever fired (back in 1958 when I was a high-school kid). It has the "W" shaped mainspring, and is in awesome conditon. Standard fodder? .45 ACP, hand-cast H&G 68 semi-wadcutters over 231... simply lovely! I also like the Auto Rim rounds but the brass is getting a little scarce.

 

[Valmet]

A 1975 6.5” 25-2 is my latest S&W acquisition (though it’s been some time ago), it’s become my favorite to shoot. Soft shooting and very accurate. Nice acquisition OP

 

[Riposte1]

1100 fps with a 260gr bullet and not a high pressure load?

Certainly not as high as the Speer #8 Manual (I never went that high, but a friend did and his 25-2 Survived) - but it likely exceeds the standard LUP Pressure the .45 AR was first listed in (I think that was something like 14,000 LUP - not CUP, later they listed it in CUP).

Then again, I reamed another 25-2 to .45 Win. Mag. and tested it with factory loads - but I don't shoot factory level win mag in it, I shoot 300 gr. home swaged SWCHP to about 900 fps.

I'm certanly not recommending it to others, just reporting what I do.

Riposte

 

[USSR]

Riposte1,

I know what you mean about the Speer #8 Manual. I have it, and some of the Max loads listed are darn right scary.

Don

 

[H Richard]

Mine's a 25-2, and a joy to shoot.