25-5, Yay or Nay?

[Kevin G]

Just put this on hold at LGS so I can gather some info.
4" blued 25-5, .45 Colt, in VG condition, wood target grips. No box or papers.
$695.
Tks, Kevin

 

[Rpg]

I don't know if it has a lock. If so, I'd have no interest.

Otherwise you got a real keeper.

 

[FlyFish]

The earlier 25-5s - generally those from the pinned barrel era - had chamber throats that were oversized for modern cast bullets, and have been reported to have mediocre accuracy. One way to check is to drop a bullet sized to .452 into the chambers and see if it drops through. You'll find some threads with more discussion on this if you search on "chamber throat."

That said, I have one of those earlier 25-5s with the oversized throats and it's plenty accurate with my handloads using .452 bullets.

 

[Doug M.]

A 25-5 long predates the lock , etc.

 

[DRJ]

That would be a yea in my area.

Doyle

 

[Detonic2]

I have a M25-3 with a 6" barrel, to keep the cost of ammo down, I sent the cylinder to TK Customs to modified the said cylinder to shoot .45 ACP with moon clips or .45 L.C.. When I'm at the ranch in AZ, it's nice to shoot the cheep .45 ACP reloads and keep the .45 Long Colt for serious business.

 

[Professor Frink]

Whenever I have the spare cash, I will likely buy any 4" 25-5 45 colt I can find, and at that price I would certainly buy yours.

I have two and love them, both accurate and both have the "correct" throats.

I once owned an earlier 25-5 with a 6" barrel and shot it regularly. Later I heard about the oversized throat issue and I got deeply concerned, but it seemed to shoot just fine too (though hopefully I'm a better shooter than I was then).

I'm a big fan of those DA .45s, they just seem classy to me.

 

[pharmer]

I vote "yes." Joe

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Kevin I know the exact gun your talking about because I looked at it myself 2 days ago! :-D *i'm in saco* haha. Go for it, Im going for the wardens 19-5 they have myself :-D

 

[Nframecollector]

I would jump on it for that price. Even if the throats are oversized it can be remedied with a cast bullet of a larger diameter. I have one with .453 throats that I size cast bullets to .454. Excellent shooter!

 

[perrazi]

I have all three bbl lengths. the solution is to load Remington swaged bullets in 250gr weight. they are usually .454 diameter with a small hollow base. load them to around 800fps with your favorite powder and enjoy. if you don't reload, then shoot Remington or Winchester ammo in 250gr. weight. otherwise,cast your own of the correct diameter.

 

[spad124]

The earlier 25-5s - generally those from the pinned barrel era - had chamber throats that were oversized for modern cast bullets, and have been reported to have mediocre accuracy. One way to check is to drop a bullet sized to .452 into the chambers and see if it drops through. You'll find some threads with more discussion on this if you search on "chamber throat."

That said, I have one of those earlier 25-5s with the oversized throats and it's plenty accurate with my handloads using .452 bullets.

+1.

I have a non-pinned barrel 25-5 6" from 1988. Throats are sized for modern .45s.

They are just plain fun to shoot.

 

[Kevin G]

Thanks for the help Gentlemen.
Kevin

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have one that I always carried when I was walking the woods prior to turkey season. A bit heavy but that cylinder filled with Winchester Silvertips is pretty impressive looking.

 

[sceva]

Go for it.

A Mod 25-5 is a perfect N-Frame.

Here's mine - 1985 and the throats are perfect

 

[00Buck2]

The 25-5 4" that I had was deadly accurate. That is a good price for a 4" just be sure and pay attention to flyfish and Nframecollector's advice.

 

[Allen-frame]

Kevin, I have seen pinned 25-5s go for $500. and $600.
$700. seems to be the norm these days. When you can find one.

Smiths in 45 Colt ctg. can bring stupid money on auction sites,
and then some decent guns sit there for reasonable amounts unsold.

Who knows?

If you buy the 25-5 and it isnt your cup of tea you should be able to recoup
your investment.
But, be careful. They are addictive. And monies slated for other
things may be spent on more. And more.





Good luck and enjoy.

Allen

 

[Kevin G]

Allen,
Have you considered therapy? V nice collection.
Tks, Kevin

 

[IamCaleb]

Allen........Awesome collection. I'm loving that smooth cylinder on the 5th from the bottom!

 

[Muley Gil]

I have a M25-5 that I bought new in June of 1980. Serial number range is N697xxx. I just checked it and .451 jacketed bullets drop through the throats. Lead .452 bullets "stick" when dropped into the chambers. It shoots fine with either .451 or .452 bullets.