25-2, 2 3/4"/Who Does This Work?

[Retired W4]

I picked up this revolver marked 25-2 that has some very unusual features and I'm hoping someone can tell me who does this kind of work. The serial number is from the N7XXXXX, 1980 time frame, which does not fit with the -2. The forward detent has been moved from the extractor rod to the face of the yoke. Also, as you can see from the pictures, it appears it is stainless steel but could be hard chromed. No markings on the barrel at all. It has a smooth target trigger and the rear of the hammer thumb piece has been rounded. The timing is perfect and the lock-up is great.

Who ever modified the gun did an excellent job. Can anyone tell me who is responsible for this work?

 

[410bore]

austin behlert?

 

[Retired W4]

One other pic of the right side.

 

[jmcghee]

Could have been done by Cylinder and Slide

 

[Retired W4]

Would Behlert or C&S mark their guns under the grips for identification?

Here is the hammer.

 

[Retired W4]

After doing some internet searching I believe what I have is in fact an Austin Behlert gun. Now does anyone know what the value is?

 

[mc5aw]

Could it be a Jovino gun?

 

[Retired W4]

Could it be a Jovino gun?

I'm not familiar with Jovino's work. I did notice the rear sight blade slopes down slightly from the middle rather than going straight across.

 

[bronco45]

As stated above almost all the Smiths marked their work. Behlert, Spokandguns, Jovino, C&S, both as a statement and as an advertisement. The inspiration is definitely Behlert, but it should have a "signature" somewhere.

 

[bamabiker]

I don't know who did it but that's an awesome gun. I would have to ditch the rubbers and put on some nice wood but that's just me.

 

[williamlayton]

There is nothing new under the sun but things forgotten.
Boys there are a lot of good gunsmiths that cam, and do, this work every day and they can do it right.
Blessings

 

[Retired W4]

I don't know who did it but that's an awesome gun. I would have to ditch the rubbers and put on some nice wood but that's just me.

That is the plan.

 

[bettis1]

I believe that it is a John Jovino. Here is a 25-2 of his that he made in 1983 (N829xxx). There is no marking on the gun that identifies it as his work, however, the factory shipped it to him and the barrel contour, hammer spur, and detent is typical of his work. From what I can see of yours it fits his work.

Jovino had a shop in NYC across the street from the NYPD and was a major supplier for them. He, along with Behlert and a few other custom smiths, were the first to produce the short barrel, large bore guns on a custom basis and their work stimulated the Factory to copy them.

Bob

 

[bettis1]

It should go without saying that these guns are highly desirable, both as examples of fine custom work and as carry pieces. My Jovino is my favorite concealed carry revolver...none other comes close. Try it...you'll like it!

Bob

 

[Poohgyrr]

Ya know, them old wheelguns are very outdated and obsolete. Being so old, they'll likely blow up and take your hand with them too. And the ammo is outdated and expensive and hard to find.

Just box them up and bring them to me for proper handling. Don't worry, I'm here to help!

 

[Retired W4]

It should go without saying that these guns are highly desirable, both as examples of fine custom work and as carry pieces. My Jovino is my favorite concealed carry revolver...none other comes close. Try it...you'll like it!

Bob

Thanks Bob. I might send for a letter from Roy just to see if it was delivered to Mr. Jovino. Mine appears to be stainless steel, but I don't think it is. What is the finish on yours? Mine looks like your Jovino, for sure.

 

[colt_saa]

Would Behlert or C&S mark their guns under the grips for identification?

Usually but not always

Back in the late 70s/early 80s almost every gunsmith was doing conversions like this.

Behlert and Jovino are probably the best known of that era. C&S and Mag-Na-Port also did them. Then every small shop copied the bigger guys. Here is my Behlert. The person that had it done specifically asked for no markings.

Your revolver is finished in industrial Hard Chrome. This is almost a dead ringer for stainless steel and very durable and corrosion resistant.

Your barrel looks too long to be a Behlert. Hard to tell with the picture angles supplied. Most of his that I have seen are 2 3/8".

A S&W letter might get lucky with a name. However many folks bought the revolvers and then sent them off to be converted.

 

[Retired W4]

Just an observation; all three of the examples in this thread, including mine have no barrel markings. I remeasured the barrel and it is 2 3/4", not 3" as I first stated. I was thinking hard chrome but I really didn't know.

 

[S. Hammer]

Ya know, them old wheelguns are very outdated and obsolete. Being so old, they'll likely blow up and take your hand with them too. And the ammo is outdated and expensive and hard to find.

Just box them up and bring them to me for proper handling. Don't worry, I'm here to help!

Can you shoot +P in them?

 

[KEN L]

Hey Tom

I told you these guys would know. Looks like you scored on this one!