Help with valuation of 4-inch 25-3 in .45 Colt

[steelslaver]

I doubt it is a legit 25-3. As noted above it sure looks like it has the longer 25-5 and latter length cylinder, You can tell by the gap between front of cylinder and frame. The 25-3 and rare factory 45 colts prior to it were the only "short" cylinder 45 colts. One should check the cylinder throats. I have measured factory 45 colt cylinders with throats as large as .458. Personally I would buy it at $500, measure the throats and replace the cylinder with one I reamed from a 44 mag cylinder and give it a nice hot salt bath next time I fire up my blue tanks.

There are not many functioning N frames I would pass up at $500



'

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

As much as I would like a 45 Colt 4" Smith, if the outside was that bad, what are the internals like? That is a shame! Bob

I’m thinking it was a policeman’s duty weapon. Carried everywhere, every day but only shot quarterly, maybe. Whoever inherited it may have thought leaving it in a leather holster is what John Wayne would do. Or storing it in the attic, basement or garage would keep it away from children.

I have seen that happen. Great grandfather had great firearms but the last two generations have no clue how to take care of it.

 

[ussmanlovede36]

All that S&W needs is a good cleaning. I also believe it's a model 25-5 and after cleaning I think it would sell at $750 or more.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Nice and desirable working gun in .45 Colt. I would replace the red ramp abomination with front/rear night sights and call it ready for duty.

I prefer RR/WO and 3 Ts. Those were the premium S&W revolvers. The Plain Janes were typical of a PD order.

Some people like the M28 over the M27. I love the M27 and got one.