AM I IN THE RIGHT FORUM?

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OK, this may sound dumb, but after reading the descriptions of the various forums that may apply, I need to verify which is the correct forum.

One forum says 4 and 5 screw, one says 3, one doesn't say which screws, but DOES only refer to 'L' frames. Well, mine is an 'N' frame, just has 2 screws on the right side, Model 25-5, 45 COLT CTG on the barrel. I have no idea if it was manufactured before 1980 or not, as when I purchased it would have no bearing. I have no recollection nor record of the purchase, but believe it to have been in the 1980s or possibly 1990s. I've had it forever.

I guess I could just go ahead and post my question now. I have been looking at various books to determine its current value, and the different ways in which the Model 25 and sub-models are listed can be somewhat confusing, especially with the designation of .45 Target Model of 1955, since all the 25s sprang from that. Since mine is a 6 inch barrel, that would seem to preclude it from being a 1955 Target. Though the .45 Colts garner a hefty premium. Then other listings (in same book) seem incomplete with regard to barrels and calibers. I have a friend that really wants it, but I'm trying not to get cheated on price. BTW, the serial is N822619, and another number on the actual crane is 47874 and under that, E6, in a different font. Don't know if those matter. Are these guns ONLY a 45 Target 1955 if that is stamped on the barrel, as I have seen others allude to?
 
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Welcome aboard!
The 3rd screw is under the right grip panel.
This Sticky may help with screw ID. To IDENTIFY your Gun >

Note the subtitles on the revolver sub-forums.

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present]S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers

Every 25-5 I've seen has a pinned barrel, so your thread belongs in the S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 section. I moved it for you.
 
OK, this may sound dumb
There are no dumb questions around here. We all learn over time. Don't apologize for asking questions. We like to help.

One forum says 4 and 5 screw, one says 3, one doesn't say which screws, but DOES only refer to 'L' frames.
All L frames are three screw revolvers. One is hiding under the right stock panel.

mine is an 'N' frame, just has 2 screws on the right side, Model 25-5 . . . the serial is N822619
That one should be from about 1981. It also has three screws.

The rest of your questions will have to be answered by someone who collects N frames. I have a few, but I don't collect them and therefore don't know as much about them as others on this Forum.
 
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Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 4th edition says that the N800000 series shipped from 1980 - 1983. The other numbers you found are just assembly numbers and can be ignored.

Post a pic or two if you can so we can see the condition and help to determine value. Having the original box/papers/tools is a bonus.

Welcome to the Forum!

Todd

Edit -- Just noticed Jack had narrowed down the shipping date for you already. Lots of helpful, knowledgeable folk here. I'm no expert but I have learned more from other members than anywhere else. Keep reading, posting, and enjoying.
 
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The Model 1955 was remanded the Model 25 in 1957 went S&W went to a computerized inventory system. Actual stamping of the revolvers started in 1958. Sometime along the way, the Model 25 became the Model 25-2. In 1978, S&W introduced the Model 25-5, and dedicated that model to the 45 long Colt. This is the revolver you have.

A decent revolver and around here about $1000 value.

Kevin
 
Thanks for all the replies. I guess the barrel is pinned. This is the only S&W in my collection, so I am not super familiar. If that is the barrel pin just in front of the forcing cone, it seems almost microscopic to me. I had thought it was part of the rear sight tang, but I guess that is just held with a screw. The gun is in near perfect condition; no scuffs or markings except for almost imperceptible drag marking from cylinder indexing. It's only been fired a few times. I would agree that its value would be right at $1,000. Pretty sure I still have the box, etc. somewhere. Also has the ramped front sight with red insert. That should be a key, as I believe I have seen 1955s with the square sight. I just wanted to be sure it did not fall under the special premium for 45 Colt in the 1955 Target model.
 
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