Another Model 25 45 LC?

[BBrandt]

I have a hole in my N-Frame collection that needs a model 25, 45 LC. I've seen several at local shows. At what dash number did S&W finally get the cylinder throats right at just over 0.452? I plan to gage anything I might buy, but this will help narrow the search.

Thanks

 

[S&W Fan]

Just one man's opinion but I love the -7, matte black with 5" barrel. Never had any accuracy issues with the one I foolishly let get away. In fact it was the most accurate of the .45 revolvers I've owned-regardless of whether acp or Colt chambering.

 

[RGNewell]

I've always loaded .454 Dia bullets in 45LC.. I can check 2 model 25-3 125th anniversary models today or tomorrow with pin gauges.

 

[BigMuddy]

-5's with NON pinned barrels.

Dan

 

[k22fan]

Cylinder throats were reduced during dash 5 production near the time barrel pins were deleted. Pinning barrels was discontinued in 1982. Not long after that serial numbers changed to three letters and four numbers.

However, while there was never a recall, a friend got S&W to replace the cylinder in his early 25-5 under warranty. I don't doubt S&W replaced cylinders for other owners but they had to ask.

My 1977 Model 25-3 125th Anniversary .45 Colt had .458" throats. 25-3 cylinders are shorter than 25-5 cylinders. 25-3 cylinders are similar in length to .44 Special cylinders. 25-5 cylinders are about the same length in the front as .44 Magnum cylinders. They're shorter in the rear because they are not recessed. Consequently, replacing a 25-3 cylinder would not have been as simple so I doubt S&W replaced any 25-3 cylinders under warranty.

 

[AJ]

I have a Model 25-9 (S/N: BFM0489) and it has always shot very well for me. Never any complaints.

 

[GypsmJim]

I make my own boolits, so switching to a 0.454" sizer was little effort. My 25-5 is now a tack driver. Funny thing, my other Colts and Rugers shoot better now as well.

Just me, but I like the pinned barrels better.

 

[ameridaddy]

My 25-9 has proper .452 throats, and heavy duty cylinder stop with wide and deeper cylinder stop grooves.
It also has *&@#$ thread choke as does my 25-5 with its .456-.458 throats.

 

[22hipower]

The ones I have, or have checked, with SNs higher than N900,000 will not let a 452 bullet fall through the cylinder. Admittedly small sample, but those I have with SNs under N900,000 consistently have .454 throats. Not that I care, they all shoot better than I can.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[StrawHat]

Unless you are planning to enter competition, they are all accurate enough for the average joe. I have a Model 25-5, no idea what the throats measure. Don't care, I bought it for Ohio white tailed deer and used it to take, maybe a dozen. A .454 diameter 260 grain SWC over a good dose on Unique brought venison home.

Kevin

 

[Model19man]

The throat size is a don't care. Any of these revolvers are superbly accurate. It's an old rumor that keeps prices down. More for me at lower prices - and maybe you if you act fast enough.