4" 25-2 Question

[thomasinaz]

I have had this 4" 25-2 for several years, and have posted it here before. It has lettered as a 6 1/2" but the barrel markings are centered as a factory 4" barrel and it sure looks like a S&W barrel. I have a question about some frame markings I found under the grips. Does the 6 78 mean it was back at the factory for work in June of 78? Possibly getting a 4" barrel installed... I have learned on this great forum that some markings mean different types of work were done, etc. Any info on the other markings would be much appreciated also. Thank you.

 

[Doc44]

Your 25-2 had a standard refinish in blue (R-S) in June 1978. Does the muzzle have a shiny or sandblasted finish like the top strap? I ask because I have a 1955 Target 45 with a 4-inch barrel installed by S&W and it has a shiny finish (like the frame) indicating a longer barrel was cut to 4-inches. It letters as being made by S&W in 1955.

Bill

 

[thomasinaz]

Thanks for the info Doc! The more I learn the less I realize I know about these S&Ws...The muzzle isn't sand blasted looking, as far as I can tell. I included a pic of the muzzle and the other side of the barrel. Also the letter states it was shipped June 1977. Thanks again.

 

[Doc44]

Tom...the conversion from 6 1/2-inches to 4-inches is very well done and certainly could have been done by the factory in June 1978. I don't have any 1970s vintage 25-2s to determine where the roll markings are located, but the 4-inch was probably made from the original barrel that was 6 1/2-inches. Since records of work done on returned revolvers are just about impossible to search through, it is unlikely you will ever be able to verify the work was done by S&W. However, you have a great revolver you should enjoy shooting as I do mine (see photo below).

Bill

 

[Dave T]

Tomas, that is a real beauty. I used to have a 4" that was cut down and the barrel markings were noticeably off center. Yours look so much better it makes me think it was re-barrelled by the factory. Congratulations on an excellent acquisition.

Dave

 

[thomasinaz]

Thanks Doc for the info and compliment on my 25-2. Thanks for the compliment on this too, Dave. It does look good, and it shoots really well. It's also got a nice smooth double action trigger pull. Something about a 4" big bore N frame that looks just right...

 

[fred5876r]

I think a 25-2 in any barrel length is one of the most attractive guns ever made. Yours is sure a beauty and unique item as well.

 

[ddixie884]

I wonder why S&W didn't make the 25-2 4in a regular catalog item.

 

[BobR1]

Yours has a Ramp Front Sight, and not the standard 6" & 6.5" Barrel Partridge (Target) Front Sight.
Not likely it was shortened from a longer barrel, unless the ramp front sight has been installed on the rib, and not machined as part of the barrel. Hard to tell by the pictures.

My understanding was that a couple hundred 4" 25-2's were made for a Police Department years ago. The article on Model 25's I was reading years ago did not mention which department as best I remember. They were 4" Barrel, Ramp front sight models. This gun being a factory reblue, it might be one of the rare LE guns, unless it is a converted 4".

I had one built years ago using a 6" Model 25-2, and a new 4" Red Ramp 25-5 barrel. Mine said 45 Colt on the side of the barrel, and not 45 cal. Model of 1955. Like an idiot I priced it one day, way to high I thought. I did learn a valuable lesson, do not price something you do not want to sell.

Enjoy, you have a 25-2 the way they should have been offered for sale to the public in the first place.

Bob