25-2

[N55BZ]

I bought a 25-2 on Gun Broker. When it arrived I noted that the chambers in the cylinder had pronounced and bright machining marks. I did not have prcision gauges large enough to measure the chambers, the throats were all 0.462+.

I fired it and said that I had found my new favorite pistol. The accuracy was a bit disapointing but the ammo was just what I had on hand. When I got home and unloaded the moon clips I noted that all of the cases were significantly bulged and one was split. The case diameters at the cannelure varied between .488 and .492.

I contacted th seller who said that he had noticed the machining marks but had not possessed the pistol for any length of time and had not fired it.

I sent the pistol to Smith and Wesson on 02 January. (They sent me a prepaid mailing label) and asked them to check and replce the cylinder as necessary. I received a letter from them today stating that the repairs would cost $202.00 including shipping. I was impressed by their service.

The down side.. the only cylinder which they had available was in stainless steel. I will have to wear a paper bag over my head when I go to the range. Beautful deep blue pistol made in 1962 with diamond grips, presentation box, tools, etc and now a stainless cylinder.

Anyone have any suggestons on making the stainless cylinder look like it was blued?

I will send a picture (anonomosly) when I get it back from Smith and Wesson.

Kindest regards,

Bill

 

[TenTea]

In collector parlance, that would now be a *PINTO*

I'll bet the paper bag will not be necessary.

 

[Tom_R]

Keep an eye out on GB for a 25-2 Cylinder. They are out there. Put a Want ad here for one too.

A good Smith could Probably Blue the Stainless Cylinder, but I'd just see if I could get a Period correct one.

 

[N55BZ]

Thank you, you are very kind.

Kindest regards,

Bill

 

[TenTea]

Keep an eye out on GB for a 25-2 Cylinder. They are out there. Put a Want ad here for one too.

A good Smith could Probably Blue the Stainless Cylinder, but I'd just see if I could get a Period correct one.

I have seen at least one blued 25-2 cylinder on eBay in recent months also.

You won't notice the cylinder when you're shooting out the bullseye with wadcutters.

 

[pittpa]

I have a new blue one with extractor. PM.

 

[pittpa]

Look Ma, no turn marks! You can shoot the shiny cylinder and save the blue one for Sunday dress-up.

 

[N55BZ]

Arrived from Smith & Wesson.

I received the pistol on 12 Feb. Smith & Wesson had it for about five weeks. It arrived with the stainless cylinder. In the interim I had purchased a NOS cylinder in blue steel. Smith returned the original cylinder, ejector star, etc.

I checked the throats of the Stainless cylinder and they all measured 0.452+. The NOS blued steel cylinder measured 0.456- 0.458.

I fired the pistol with the stainless cylinder and was amazed. The last six shot target (25 yd. slow fire) had all six in the 10 ring with four forming a ragged hole in the X ring.

This is my new favorite pistol.

 

[N55BZ]

Arrived from Smith & Wesson.

I received the pistol on 12 Feb. Smith & Wesson had it for about five weeks. It arrived with the stainless cylinder. In the interim I had purchased a NOS cylinder in blue steel. Smith returned the original cylinder, ejector star, etc.

I checked the throats of the Stainless cylinder and they all measured 0.452+. The NOS blued steel cylinder measured 0.456- 0.458.

I fired the pistol with the stainless cylinder and was amazed. The last six shot target (25 yd. slow fire) had all six in the 10 ring with four forming a ragged hole in the X ring.

This is my new favorite pistol.

 

[flundertaker]

.....and the pics are where???

 

[r3captain]

I checked the throats of the Stainless cylinder and they all measured 0.452+. The NOS blued steel cylinder measured 0.456- 0.458.

Just curious, how did you measure the throats?

 

[N55BZ]

Throat Measurement

I bought some precision gauges from Vermont Gauge through Amazon. They cost $3.50 each. They work much better than a micrometer caliper with or without an expandable small hole gauge and they are cheap.

Sorry about the pictures. I am still trying to get them onto the post. I will figure it out eventually.

Kindest regards,

Bill