Found a rare bird today: EDIT: False Alarm, its a 25-5

[WCCPHD]

I went to a LGS today and spotted a four inch N frame in the show case. Asked if it was a .44 and the clerk said it was a .45 Colt. I looked at it and it was a four inch and if I looked at it correctly it was a Model 25, no dash which I believe is quite scarce. It looked really good in the case and when I looked at the tag it was marked $350. I reached for my wallet when he handed it to me. Unfortunately, the side plate and frame on the left side, opposite the side plate, was grossly pitted and looked as if someone had sanded it down and applied cold blue. It had hideous, small, pock marks all over both sides. Barrel and cylinder had holster wear, but were not refinished or pitted. I put my wallet in my pocket and got a bit sick to my stomach.

I can't help but wonder what it would be worth if it were in better condition.

 

[Borderboss]

Sounds like a great option for a shooter however unless the pitting on the side plate was really deep.

 

[78bagger]

Around here if it could make the bang noise, it would be worth the 350

 

[22hipower]

For $350 I don't care how ugly it was, it would have gone home with me.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[CH4]

^^^^^^^^^^^
Me too!!

 

[weatherby]

For $350 I don't care how ugly it was, it would have gone home with me.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Me three at this point.

 

[moosedog]

Did it say 1955 on the barrel or 45 Colt?

 

[Warren Sear]

$350? For an N frame? And not in .357? I would have bought it.

 

[Eddietruett]

Negotiate down to $300, find a sideplate and send to Fords! or for that price you could just shoot the snot out of it and have a ball for cheap

 

[stansdds]

Sounds like a shooter/project to me!

 

[murphydog]

The model 25 (circa late 1950s) was not made in .45 Colt, nor with a 4" barrel. The later model 25-5 definitely was on both counts. You can check for an S (model 25) or N (25-5) serial number prefix, confirm it is a .45 Colt and not ACP and see if the barrel is original. If it is truly a model 25 it has been altered or later parts have been installed.

I suspect the whole gun will need to be refinished, to avoid the dreaded dished sideplate seam. Only you know if you want to take on a project gun.

 

[Bob L]

Sounds like a great orphan for a project gun. I would jump on that quickly but I like orphans anyway.

 

[hannstv]

I would have jumped on that faster than a fat kid on a cupcake.

 

[blooch]

I just bought a 25-13 set up for moon clips that shoots 45 Colt and 45 acp. it is lots of fun. It was a lt more than $350 too, lol.

 

[notsofast]

Depends on what you're satisfied with as to how much spending is involved. I saw a nice original on GB, sold for $780.

I would be happy with an ugly good shooter but if I needed to make it all it could be I bet that $350 purchase price would double. And of course my new pride and joy wouldn't be complete without correct grips

 

[robertrwalsh]

If I didn't already have one I would have jumped on that unless it was 100% trashed for $350, but I have been known to be impulsive, on occasion to my regret.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I have also been known to jump.
But in this case, I would sure see a picture!
That's pretty much true in all cases!

 

[mm93]

My 25 in .45 Colt is an 8 3/8" in presentation box I bought in the late 1970's. I've always wanted a 4" to go with it, but 4" Model 25's in .45 Colt usually get a big premium. I'd have bought it at $350 if it was salvageable and had it restored.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I bought an ugly mutt once.. Don't need another..

Some say a good price for a shooter, I say wasted money, I'll shoot a pretty gun just as much.(that I can sell easily when done)

Would not lose one minute of sleep either.

 

[WCCPHD]

I'm not going to buy it. I have enough shooters and don't shoot that much anyway. I have two 45 Colt revolvers, but never really warmed up to the caliber.

I'm not sure about the "dash" number, if any, Just quickly perused it and when I saw the attempt at camouflaging the pits I was immediately turned off.

If anyone is interested let me know and I'll direct you to it. The LGS is a law enforcement supply and only sells to "public safety" personnel with proper credentials, even when they sell on the big on line website.