25-5 custom?

[S.Marshall]

Hey all,
Looking for some input on my 25-5. It was given to me from a family friend who was the original owner. Said he had it custom made. Unfortunately I may have to part with it but I’m not seeing anything similar to compare. This thing has spent its life in the original wood box. The velvet had turned to dust when I opened it. Can anyone give me any input on exactly what I have here and value? I appreciate any input.

 

[younggun22]

Looks like an 8 3/8ths barrel to me!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Looks like a standard 25-5 in excellent shape with the normal long 8 3/8” barrel. Fine gun.

 

[jcelect]

Custom?????

That appears to be a standard 8 3/8" 25-5. The only thing out of the ordinary is the yellow in the front site insert. The ship date is probably sometime in Mid 1980
jcelect

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Hard to call a standard revolver "custom made".

 

[stansdds]

Front sight insert looks red to me. Looks like a very well cared for 8 3/8" Model 25-5. Maybe the custom work was a trigger job?

 

[22hipower]

As others said, a standard 25-5 in 45 Colt and appears to be a very nice one. With original presentation box (even with deteriorated lining), tools and paperwork it's probably in the $1200-$1500 range. Very nice.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[CH4]

Nice example of an 8 3/8” 25-5
Hope you can keep it.

 

[Retired W4]

Welcome to the forum S.Marshall. That is a beautiful 25-5 you have. After looking closely, it does appear to have a ~yellow front sight insert. The only way to know if it came from the factory with that insert is to get a letter from the SWHF. I have a 5 screw 44 Magnum with a similar insert but my letter says the invoice does not mention that non-standard feature, suggesting it was done after the fact. Regardless, that is a fine revolver. I would be tempted to spring for that letter. Enjoy.

 

[S.Marshall]

Thank you for all the good info. I will definitely look into that letter.

 

[Truckman]

Thank you for all the good info. I will definitely look into that letter.

May I suggest first joining both the S&W Collectors Association and the S&W Historical Foundation?...Doing so not only reduces your cost of getting historical letters, but lets you in on a world of new information on all things Smith & Wesson......Ben

 

[Pizza Bob]

OP - jcelect (response #4) restores presentation cases. It may be worth your while to contact him directly about doing the case your 25-5 came in. Even if you can't keep it, restoration would only enhanced the value of the whole package.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

One of my favorites; 25-5 blue with 8 3/8 inch barrel.

If your a Gun Enthusiast its a keeper. If not, you should sell it here where you will get your best dollar.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You received an outstanding gift from your family friend, and it almost looks to be unfired and ANIB! Your 25-5 in .45 Colt is a desirable and valuable revolver, and there are lots of fans here on the Forum. As jcelect mentioned, the s/n dates it to 1980. The 25-5s were made with 4", 6" and 8-3/8" barrels...but for some reason the 8-3/8" bbl. versions like yours are not quite as popular as the other two. The front sight insert was normally red, so the yellow front sight insert may be the "custom made" that your friend referred to. I've seen examples of factory yellow inserts (certain LEO revolvers), so S&W did manufacture revolvers with yellow inserts and probably did with special orders. You're fortunate that the disintegrated blue flocking in the mahogany presentation case did not stick to the revolver because it can be a PITA to get off. Joe (jcelect) can reline the case for you...he does outstanding work for a fair price. It's obviously your decision as to whether or not to keep or sell that minty 25-5, but it will probably sell fairly quickly. Most of us would vote to keep it, but then again if you sell it someone will be very happy to own it! Good luck!

 

[GypsmJim]

Personally, I only keep things that fit into one of my hobbies, or are of sentimental value. If a friend or relative gives me ANYTHING as a gift, THAT has sentimental value.

My 8 3/8" 25-5 came with a box of ammo, with only 6 having been fired. Even with its wide throats, it still shoots real good.

 

[S.Marshall]

Well it looks like I’m keeping it. Thanks again for all the advice. Being from a friend it really is hard to part with. Got a custom Harley rod project eating me alive but this beauty is going nowhere. Gonna have the box restored and get SW letter.
Anyone here restore holsters?

 

[Model19man]

Looks like a typical red insert / white outline rear sight to me. In any case it is a fine revolver.