25-5, -7 or -9?

[DHernandez]

I have read, ad nauseam, all the info on these versions of the Model 25 as well as video reviews etc. I’ve been shooting for 50 years and I’m very familiar with S&W and Colt revolvers. I have an Anaconda 45 Colt 4” I really enjoy. Now my new quest is for a Model 25 in 45 Colt. So my question to you S&W shooters who know the M25 is- would you target a late model (mid-‘80s) 25-5 or go after a -7 or -9? In any case, 4” barrel. This will be to shoot, not necessarily collector value. It seems the 25-9 would be to most bugs worked out of the 25s? But I see many more 25-5s available. Thanks for any opinions on the topic.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

I can't honestly offer a comparison between the models mentioned. I can, however, tell you that I've had a 6" 25-9 for about 20 years now, and used it to take a bunch of whitetails. With the proper loads, this gun gives me all I need out of it.

 

[Dino44]

I don't recall ever seeing a -7 or -9 in 4" barrels. The few -7 and even fewer -9 that I have seen have been 5" and 6" respectively.

 

[dobegrant]

I have had a 25-9 4” gun for 30+ years and it is a great shooter.

 

[Nightowl]

The knock on the 25-5 is that the cylinder throats were oversize. I have on from around 1980 that has throats that measure .458. The claim from many is that oversize throats affect accuracy. However, it is reported that 25-5s made after around 1980 or so have throat sizes of .452. 25-7 or 9 also have the correct .452 throat sizes. Any one of those will shoot, it just depends on the the individual gun and which one you find first!

By the way, I have a 5 inch 25-7 that is a great shooting revolver!!

 

[dobegrant]

Here is my 4” 25-9 , if I remember it was from 1990

 

[BigMuddy]

If it’s a 4” you want it will have to be a -5 or a -9. Look for a -5 without a pinned barrel and it’s likely got correct throats and will be a good shooter. The -9 will have the “endurance” package. It’s probably the better gun, but hard to find.

Dan

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Here is my 25-5. I have not shot it lately but as I recollect it shot fine for me. I'll look up the SN to see when it was made. Triple alpha AJJ = 1985 (SCSW)

 

[DHernandez]

Just the info I’m looking for, thanks!

 

[kraynky]

My 25-5 seems to date about 1980. It's a 4"er and it shoots great. While I don't own a set of pin gauges, I can drop any of my .451 or .452 bullets in the cylinder and they hang up and will not drop through. I guess I got one of the good ones.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

... In any case, 4” barrel. This will be to shoot ...

Thanks for any opinions on the topic.

A four inch will be on the used gun market. S&W still markets a 6 1/2 inch in blue for the Classics Series.

I like the four inch but my most accurate is an 8 3/8 inch that was done right by S&W the others were oversized and had Serial Numbers starting N88xxx.

If you reload get the 45 Cowboy Special brass from Starline. Makes for a pleasant shooting experience especially if your a Senior.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've enjoyed this 5 in -7 for a long long time.

 

[panamajack310]

I have had a 25-5 for over 30 years. I love this gun it is very enjoyable to shoot. I even carried this gun with a 4” barrel as a duty gun when I was in my agencies detective division. Even with all of the semi autos out there I never felt like I was going to be out gunned. I have never had any issues with my 25-5 and have really enjoyed shooting it. Plus it pairs well with my Winchester lever action 45LC.

 

[jack the toad]

My 25-5 seems to date about 1980. It's a 4"er and it shoots great. While I don't own a set of pin gauges, I can drop any of my .451 or .452 bullets in the cylinder and they hang up and will not drop through. I guess I got one of the good ones.

Sounds like you did get a good one, congrats. Mind sharing the serial #prefix, either N or ABC 123, etc???

 

[StrawHat]

I have a Model 25-5, not sure of the year. What I am sure is .454 diameter bullets stop in the throats. Which is great because my bullet molds all drop that size. Also, a 260 fnrp or SWC at 950 fps has accounted for multiple Ohio white tailed deer.

The other thing, what kind of accuracy are you looking to obtain? As a competitive shooter, the 45 long Colt cartridge is one of the last I would consider for competition in a factory stock revolver.

Kevin

 

[colt_saa]

I have read, ad nauseam, all the info on these versions of the Model 25 as well as video reviews etc. I’ve been shooting for 50 years and I’m very familiar with S&W and Colt revolvers. I have an Anaconda 45 Colt 4” I really enjoy. Now my new quest is for a Model 25 in 45 Colt. So my question to you S&W shooters who know the M25 is- would you target a late model (mid-‘80s) 25-5 or go after a -7 or -9? In any case, 4” barrel. This will be to shoot, not necessarily collector value. It seems the 25-9 would be to most bugs worked out of the 25s? But I see many more 25-5s available. Thanks for any opinions on the topic.

If your heart is set on a 4" gun then the -9 engineering revision or later is probably the best way to go

If a 5" revolver will fit your needs there is product code 100924 that was initially begun during the -7 engineering revision and completed during the -9

If you are not intending to carry this concealed and a 6 1/2" will do, I am incredibly fond of the Heritage Series which is a -11 engineering revision. These have the endurance package but were made with a old world, nostalgic kind of look to them. Additionally as you can see from mine pictured above they were manufactured with a colorcase hardened frame which I happen to really like plus a gold McGivern bead front sight

Though I did have to replace the factory provided grips

 

[Hair Trigger]

I have read, ad nauseam, all the info on these versions of the Model 25 as well as video reviews etc. I’ve been shooting for 50 years and I’m very familiar with S&W and Colt revolvers. I have an Anaconda 45 Colt 4” I really enjoy. Now my new quest is for a Model 25 in 45 Colt. So my question to you S&W shooters who know the M25 is- would you target a late model (mid-‘80s) 25-5 or go after a -7 or -9? In any case, 4” barrel. This will be to shoot, not necessarily collector value. It seems the 25-9 would be to most bugs worked out of the 25s? But I see many more 25-5s available. Thanks for any opinions on the topic.

I haven't shot any M25's except my own 4" M25-5. the SN dates it to 1980-ish (N824xxx). I can push a .452" bullet through the chamber throat with very slight resistance, so I figure my throats are .453-.454" or so. It shoots good groups and doing side-by-side shooting with other S&W's I own in .357 or .41, I get as good a group with the M25-5 as I do with the others, and it shoots as good a group as the SA Colt clones (Uberti) I have that are chambered in .45 Colt. So, it shoots at least as accurately as I do.

Pick up whatever you can find for the best price, or with the features you want (pinned barrel, or nickel for instance).

 

[Model19man]

I had several M25-5's all with pinned barrels. All were tack drivers with the right ammunition. I think anyone who measures a throat is not capable of owning a revolver.

 

[DHernandez]

Well I shot my 4” Anaconda in 45 Colt today with cowboy loads and full power Winchester silver tips. The groups were great with both but, as expected, the silver tips were very tight. I have multiple Smiths so it’s time to get a 25 and enjoy a Smith in 45 Colt as well. I appreciate all the info. My initial plan was a -9 4”, but I’d be open to a later -5 4” as well. That CCH -11 is a real beauty too, wish I hadn’t seen that!

 

[Hair Trigger]

Well I shot my 4” Anaconda in 45 Colt today with cowboy loads and full power Winchester silver tips. The groups were great with both but, as expected, the silver tips were very tight. I have multiple Smiths so it’s time to get a 25 and enjoy a Smith in 45 Colt as well. I appreciate all the info. My initial plan was a -9 4”, but I’d be open to a later -5 4” as well. That CCH -11 is a real beauty too, wish I hadn’t seen that!

Careful, .45 Colt can get addictive; you'll be looking for more of them. I started out with my M25-5 and then decided I "needed" a couple of single-action Western revolvers and a lever action rifle chambered for .45 Colt.