Help with a model 25-2 please

[burneyr]

Doing some Christmas shopping with the wife today and I dropped in a pawn shop a few doors down from a store she visited.

I found a very nice 95-97% or so model 25-2 "Model of 1955" six-inch in .45ACP. I have several S&W .45ACP revolvers already, and the $550 price tag did not seem like much of a great deal. Anyway, I gave the employee $20 to stick it under the counter till lunchtime tomorrow.

I returned home beat from being dragged all through the mall and pulled out the trusty SCSW.

OK, now my questions are these.

Serial on the revolver crane recess (did not pull the grips) is N6555XX in which the SCSW refers to 1979-1980 production. However, I see the 25-2 models ran from 1961 till the -3 in 1977. Could this combination of model and serial number be correct?

Secondly, I found a very neatly stamped A4 on the crane itself with the usual part number. Having a couple 686 CS-1's with an "M2" stamp on the crane recess denoting factory rework, does this A4 signify anything?

The revolver is beautiful, just trying to decide to go back and buy it or not. I need another 45ACP wheelgun like a hole in the head. If they knock off a few more bucks, it might be worth having though.

 

[Culina]

If its as nice as you describe, I think most forum members here would snap it up at $550

They are typically seen priced north of $700

 

[burneyr]

North of $700? Wow, prices must vary by location a good deal. I have another virtually identical to this one I bought last year with wood presentation box, unused tools, and paperwork for $550. If I do go back I was going to offer maybe $475-500 and see where that goes.

I had no clue some were priced that high.

 

[Triggershoe]

Bought a 25-2 sometime ago in 1980'ish. at big five sporting goods in my area. It was/is seemed like a deal at the time for $359.00. Six inch bbl.or is it 5.5. Said customer dropped on floor and scratched cyclinder. I couldn't see anything but a faint speck like dust. Had box,rod, etc., etc. Can't tell you about specific part matches. Used it for a while way ago back 4 Bowling Pin Matches. Lost 2 the Auto's then. My Rule; want it, buy it. Mine; spot welded half mood clips together making speed loaders and champhered the ejector plate for easy/quick cartridge drop in.

 

[Art Doc]

The -3 series isn't offered until the early 1980s. 1977 would still be a -2. Also, should be a 6.5" barrel. The 6" was made standard in 1978 but mine is from 1980 and has the 6.5" so they were using them up.

I know nothing about those stampings. I always assume to be fitting numbers.

Good price.

 

[GJHIII]

That revolver sells for well above $700 in my vicinity as well. The pistol you describe would'nt last a day on a shelf in my neighborhood. Some people have all the luck.

 

[tom turner]

I'd buy it in a HEARTBEAT at that price! I keep extra cash on me for nice surprises like you found.

A later 25-2 (the best ones)? Yep, they aren't making 'em like that anymore. One of the very best S&W revolvers ever, IMHO!

 

[steamloco76]

I had looked for quite some time before scoring a 6.5 inch 25-2 this summer. Cost me $750 plus tax etc., so $550 is an awesome price for a true classic S&W.

 

[Model19man]

That would be an $800 revolver around here.

 

[deanodog]

I have the same gun but it would take 700.00 to get mine away from me. You can always get your money back and probably make a little if you want to resale later.

 

[Doug M.]

Probably worth a good bit more than the $550 unless there is some hidden flaw. Unless the staff are really dumb, they will not be talked down. If I were in the market for one, I'd snag it. If it is late enough production to not have a pinned barrel, it is far more likely to have the proper size chambers, which is the only concern I would have. If it is in fact a 6" barrel, it is again likely to be in that later production as I recall.

 

[Doc44]

S&W standardized the barrel length of N-frame revolvers at 4, 6, and 8 3/8 inches in 1979. A 25-2 in the N655000 range probably dates to 1979 and may have a 6 or 6 1/2-inch barrel as S&W was using up all their old parts. The 25-3 (deletion of the pin in the barrel) would have been implemented in 1982 (not 1977). A4 was stamped by an inspector or by someone who fitted the parts for the revolver and really has no particular meaning.

Bill

 

[mmcwillis]

If you think that $550.00 for a 25-2 is too much take a look at GB....then go buy it for the good deal it is!

 

[MajorDude]

The 25-2s were really well made target guns. Like they said, if it's in good shape that's a great buy. I think I paid $450 for mine probably 20 years ago.