As Collectible Model 25-5 or model 57

[Chuckster62]

I am looking at 2 different S & W revolvers same condition both in presentation box, similar in price. Which would be the better buy as a collectible Blue 25-5 Long Colt or blue 57 in 41 Mag. ?

Any advice would be appreciated
Chuck

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! I personally like 45 cal. Have Sig 1911. Bought a 625JM used when looking for a 25. Last month I bought a 25-15, (used) 45Colt at the local gun show. I realize that there is an age difference between what you are looking at, & mine. My 25 has only been to range once, but was impressed. Have never shot a .41 mag, so can't speak to that. Do not know if you plan on shooting your new gun, or just collecting. If reloading, 45LC stuff is easier to come by. Some decisions are hard to make. Let us know how you make out! Bob

 

[flundertaker]

what prefix is the 57? barrel length? an early S prefix 57 with a 4" tube and cokes is going to be hard to beat as far collectibility.

 

[jack the toad]

what prefix is the 57? barrel length? an early S prefix 57 with a 4" tube and cokes is going to be hard to beat as far collectibility.

+1
In both collectability and price.
And I personally prefer a 45 Colt to a 41 mag.

 

[Chuckster62]

They are both 6" barrels, I am finding out what the serial numbers are this morning.

 

[weatherby]

Same seller ? If yes go for the package deal.....you won't regret it

 

[22hipower]

As flundertaker suggested, if it is a 57 with an S prefix (four or six inch) with Cokes that would be first choice for me. If a later model 57 (N prefix) then I'd go first with the 25-5 assuming roughly equal condition. I have both and from a shooting perspective I don't see much difference; both are great. You might want to check the throat size of the 25-5 (use the search function to find lots of discussion on that issue) but that wouldn't make any difference to me. Likely would want to buy both if the price was reasonable. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA 1457

 

[Chuckster62]

Both guns have a N prefix
25-5 N658xxx
57 N309xxx
I will most likely shoot it once and put it in the safe.

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

I am looking at 2 different S & W revolvers same condition both in presentation box, similar in price. Which would be the better buy as a collectible Blue 25-5 Long Colt or blue 57 in 41 Mag. ?

Any advice would be appreciated
Chuck

Seriously, if you can swing it, get them both! Both are highly desirable and collectable.

 

[colt_saa]

Welcome to the Forum

Neither gun has any significant collector advantage over the other. In ten or fifteen years they will have appreciated in value comparably.

Much of the purchase advice will be based on personal preference for one caliber over the other.

These are two of my favorite calibers to shoot. Choosing just one would be hard for me. As suggested, I would buy both if possible. If I did not have enough cash to buy both, I would suggest a Lay-A-Way deal. Say 50% of the price up front and then 10% a month for 5 months. I know we live in a world of instant gratification, but Lay-A-Way accounted for 60% of the high end firearms I acquired in my youth. Patience is the key.

If the seller wont go for that, you appear to have no real preference and you only plan on shooting it once (ammunition availability is a non-issue), I would say take a good look at both and see if one has a little something extra that catches your eye and buy that one. Perhaps a little better blue, nicer grain n the wood, better balance in the hand, etc.

 

[Chuckster62]

Thanks for all the advice, I am trying to work a package deal if I can. I am purchasing a Colt Light Weight Commander from him, and the Smith's are part of the same collection. His pricing is way above any Gun Broker completed auction for like guns. I collect other makes.

Thanks
Chuck

 

[Chuckster62]

Seller is about $200 to $300 over market value on each gun. Cash is King, I will post an update.

 

[jtcarm]

For a piece that won't be shot, I don't think caliber is much of a factor.

If the 57 is P&R, I'd say it's a slam-dunk. Was the 25-5 ever pinned?

For a shooter, even though I have no experience with it, I'd still go with the .41. I've owned a couple of .45 Colts and found the variations in bore & chamber dimensions too exasperating.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I can't accurately predict what gun will tickle the collectors fancy in 10-15 years, and I don't think most other people can either. Buy what you like.

 

[quinn]

The 25-5 that you listed above is a pinned barrel. However, given the serial number, the throats of the cylinder are most likely considered "oversize". S&W dropped to the smaller .452 throats about N900000. The 57 is also a great gun and would be pinned and recessed. When checking GB are you looking a prices of guns with presentation cases or no case/no box. The presentation cases run $150 or so in decent condition. JMHO. Pick the one you like. The 4" barrels seem to bring better prices in both models.

 

[Chuckster62]

Thank you all for the advice, I went with the Model 57. I will post pics when I get it.

Chuck

 

[DR505]

Bravo...out of the two, that would have been my choice, but only by a bit. Looking forward to the photos.