Here's a 1980 Model 25-2 N-frame in .45ACP . . . with a 3 1/4" barrel.
Back then S&W failed to see the incredible potential in offering a .45ACP moon-clipped revolver with a snubbie barrel. BIG MISTAKE!
So, there were quite a few gunsmiths who would cut the 6 and the 6 1/2" barreled 25-2 target revolvers down to make the ultimate N-frame snubbie fighting revolver!
Mine is from that era and is the very, very last handgun I'll ever sell. WOW, what a shooter. I've won a bunch of matches with this wheelgun (pin matches and tactical-types). The way it swings, points and shoots is perfection in balance when shooting fast, accurate double-action matches and for defense!
Until S&W saw the light in the late 1980's, you had to create your own. Lots of folks did too!!!
Mine has the slickest, lightest action I've ever seen on a S&W revolver, a narrowed and rounded trigger (originally these were the super-wide and serrated target triggers for single action work), and it retains its wide target hammer, though many had the hammer bobbed.
Mine also retains the square grip, though some (including the Jovinos) had their grips rounded and sometimes even reduced to the popular K-frame round butt grip.
The MIM, modern type latch release looks out of place but . . . I'm left-handed and it works best for super-fast reloading during matches when tenths of seconds make the difference. I can reload this revolver just as fast as my 1911 race guns!
T.
