25-7

[Doug M.]

So, a kindly member saw my WTB for the (5", unfluted) 25-9 and told me of a 25-7 for sale on GB. Given the realities of my likely use, the availability of the later variant, and the scarcity of either version, I took a look at the listing.

I did something that passes for due diligence in checking out the seller. His web presence seemed a bit out of date, so I talked to him for a few - it was a function of the supply chain stuff early in the pandemic, in summary. He does only online stuff, as a rule. Fine. His BG ratings were uniformly good. (BTW, probably also based on my WTB, I got a moderator alert about scammers - thanks for the info. It did impact my checking into the seller.)

So, I went through the pain in the butt of getting on GB; the only real issue was doing a scan of my ID that their software would accept. I had a vague recollection of some of the tips others have posted with GB bidding, so I mostly watched until just about the end. BLUF: I won it.

I picked a local dealer I know whose FFL is online at GB, and emailed the shop. I figure it will take a few days to get the logistics addressed, and that's fine. Now I need to make time to find ammo, which even at extortionate levels will likely take divine intervention.

 

[Hasbeen1945]

Congratulations. Owners of 25-7 or 25-9 's are a small group. I've heard not to many more than a couple of thousand were produced. I'm a hand loader and these things are fun to shoot. They can be mild to a little wild.
Always keeping in mind these are not Rugers.

45's are fun. 25-9 with Culina's. 25-7 with Goodyears.
25-5 and 625.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I bought my 25-7 when they came out new.

Not going to ever be sold as long as I am breathing, nice score!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

In the early 80's I had both a 25-5 4" & 6". The factory ammo they liked best was Federal 225 gr LSWCHP/HB at K-Mart it was about $7.50/50 over that summer I (and my best friend) must have shot up 20 boxes. A 6' tree with a paper target lasts a long time shooting 22's, 38's, & 9mm's. They often only lasted a week with the 45's. Sadly that ammo isn't made any longer!

I still enjoy a 200 to 230 grain LRNFP bullet over 6.7 grain of WW 231. I still have 4 Ruder Vaqueros, 2 SAA Italian Clones, and 1 Rossi 92 and 1 Marlin 1894 CB. That load is accurate in all of them and about the power of a 45ACP.

I used to load a 185gr LSWHP from Starr Bullets in Indianapolis (Long out of business) using the 6.7 of 231 loading. When they hit slightly angled steel plates the mash into a daisy looking disk about the size of a 50 cent piece. I have just 500 left and use them sparingly!

My loads were a mixed brass and WLP primers with an occasional batch with CCI primers, didn't matter to the performance. I have shot around 20 to 35 thousand of these rounds and never had leading issues. (I think that's the mild velocity, around 750 fps in the revolvers.)

Ivan

 

[DR505]

I do like S&W .45 Colt revolvers. Give us a report when you get it, and also when you find ammo to shoot. I have two 25-9s, but of the fluted variety (don't know which is rarer, fluted or unfluted). Also have a 625-7 MG:

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Had mine along time. Bought NIB. Since I REALLY dislike "Goodyear grips" on any Smith I restocked it with something nice.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I have far more chambered in .45 ACP/AR, but any big-bore N-frame is welcome in my house...

Gotta Luv'em.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Mehutch]

Love my S&W Model of 1989 25-7 5" barrel. Shoots spot on and is fun to have. A great investment.

 

[steelslaver]

Another 45 colt guy here.

 

[Doug M.]

I found a small amount of ammo at a heinous price. It was not ammo I really wanted for it - the Hornady LEVERevolution stuff with the plastic insert for tubular mags. I have a line on some back ordered ammo, 4 cases worth a significant but better price, but at least I have something to load in it if I want.

 

[Kingspoke]

S&W 625-7 .45 Long Colt

I have the 625's in long colt, also a 625-6 (not shown) in 45 acp, which is a lot cheaper to feed.

 

[racoonbeast]

If you are foolish enough to ask me my opinion on Smith & Wessons, and unlucky enough to have to stick around for the answer, you will hear me rave about the quality of my Triple Lock and other early Smiths. I will tell you that anything beyond a -2, or made after the early eighties is trash and good only for a canoe anchor.

All that being said, and it being Sunday, it might be time to confess. Despite owning a bushel basket full of the older stuff, all N frames and various calibers, all of which I love and shoot often, my favorite shooting Smith is my Model 25-6 "Model of 1989". It is extremely well built, smooth as can be, and very accurate. Just a joy to own and shoot. Hopefully we can keep this as our little secret.

Here is mine. The scope is a temporary thing. It goes on when I test ammo.

 

[jack the toad]

Pic is repost of two -5's (N and ABC prefix) and -9. All pin gauge proper throat size.