What price can I expect to pay for a 25 in very good condition preferably with between a 4 and 6.5 inch barrel? I think this will be the next gun I consider buying. I am seeing them $1000 + on Gunbroker. Is that reasonable?
FOUND - Model 25 in 45 colt
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ColbyBruce
Member
I think you are in the ballpark. I have an older blue steel, 4" pinned barrel, 25-5 myself. .45 Colt ammo has gotten pricey in the last few years.
My guess - $700 to $1200 depending on where you find it, accessories with it like original boxing and grips, condition, barrel length and -dash- number. Short barrels are scarcer and bring a premium. For 25-5's, ask the seller for a good measurement on the cylinder throats. Early ones are too big; .456-.458" and tend to shoot at best 5-7" groups at 25 yds. with lead bullets. Later 25-5's and subsequent -dash- numbers have .452-.453 throats and shoot tight groups. I think 25-9 is the last one without the lock. I'm not sure about 25-10. My 25-5 8-3/8" and 25-9 6" both shoot about 6" higher than point of aim at 25 yards with 800 fps 255 gr loads.
birdshooter
Member
I paid $875 for this 25-5 last April. No box. I haven't measured the throats. Shoots just fine and doesn't lead so I haven't seen the need to so.
Thanks for the information. I had no idea about the cylinder throats. Since I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, I should probably look for 25-6 or later. I don't know why I want a 45 colt, I just do. I could get a Blackhawk for a lot less, but just like the Smith revolvers. Oh well, gives me something to think about.
Birdshooter - that is a deal I could live with. For me this would be a shooter and probably not picked up for resale value, so a box is not necessary, just a nice one.
Birdshooter - that is a deal I could live with. For me this would be a shooter and probably not picked up for resale value, so a box is not necessary, just a nice one.
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The info I have read here on the forum about large cylinder throats seems to have been corrected with 25-5 with a three letter prefix to the serial and a non pinned barrel. Good luck.
This 25-9 with 6" barrel cost me $725 shipped last year. A good shooter.
Very nice! I could really live with that deal!
"Early ones are too big; .456-.458" and tend to shoot at best 5-7" groups at 25 yds. with lead bullets."
Not all are bad shooters. The M25-5 I bought in June 1980 had .451-2 throats in the chambers and shot sub 2" groups at 25 yards all day long.
Not all are bad shooters. The M25-5 I bought in June 1980 had .451-2 throats in the chambers and shot sub 2" groups at 25 yards all day long.
It should be fine. N900000 or so the "problem" of throat size was fixed. The 3 letter prefix came after that...IMHO
Watchdog
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You do not need a reason.
My thinking is that the .45 Colt is way underestimated and underrated. Without getting into all the stuff about bullet weights and types and various loads, I'll just say I like big fat bullets that pack a wallop when they hit something.
Plus, it's so much fun to shoot! And like some other things in life, if it ain't fun, why bother?
25-7
Look for a 25-7 that has a 5" barrel. Great balance and shoots like a laser!
Look for a 25-7 that has a 5" barrel. Great balance and shoots like a laser!
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Harkrader
Member
I have two 25-5s purchased mid-'70s. Serial numbers 661XXX, one number apart. Six-inch barrels.
A .452 bullet drops through, slowing slightly in some chambers. A .454 ball does not go through.
625-6 Mountain Gun purchased mid-'90s.
All shoot just fine.
A .452 bullet drops through, slowing slightly in some chambers. A .454 ball does not go through.
625-6 Mountain Gun purchased mid-'90s.
All shoot just fine.
Hey, If it's priced right, go for it. Mine shoots better than me and I am OK with that. Mine is also a 4" and it's a beauty.
Lou_NC
Member
Not the most flattering picture but I bought this 25-5 from a local seller in August of 2013 for $650. The cylinder throats will allow bullets to drop through (both cast and jacketed) but I haven't done any extensive "accuracy" testing yet for lack of time. The cast handloads I've put through it so far have been grouping well enough for me. 
For what I paid, I'm happy. It was pristine when I got it and I'm still happy with it.
For what I paid, I'm happy. It was pristine when I got it and I'm still happy with it.
You do not need a reason.
My thinking is that the .45 Colt is way underestimated and underrated. Without getting into all the stuff about bullet weights and types and various loads, I'll just say I like big fat bullets that pack a wallop when they hit something.
Plus, it's so much fun to shoot! And like some other things in life, if it ain't fun, why bother?
I agree totally:
Smith & Wesson Forum - ISCS Yoda's Album: Revolvers - Picture
The .44 Magnum is ever so overrated and the .45 Colt is ever so underrated......
But if you can get a 25-5 for under a thousand dollars good luck and grab it!
***GRJ***
