Looking for info on this S&W 45 ACP revolver

[mojave30cal]

I came across a S&W 25-2 in .45ACP made around 1980. It
is roll marked " 45 Cal Model of 1955" on the right side of
the barrel. Is this the model that had the oversized chamber
throats I've heard about? The seller is asking $1150.00 and
it looks to be in great shape. Any thoughts?

 

[rct269]

I think it is the model with oversize throats---and I think they long since solved that screw-up by the time this one came along.

So much for my thinking! The good Lord willing, someone who KNOWS will be along directly!

Ralph Tremaine

My blissful ignorance is explained by the fact I don't know diddly about anything made after this one's daddy came to be---on purpose!

 

[sceva]

I thought it was the early 25-5 .45 Colt revolvers that had oversized throats.

 

[series guy]

Every 25-2 I have measured has had oversized cylinder throats. They will shoot well with plated bullets but unless you use an oversized cast bullet I’ve found most cast bullets pattern like a shotgun.

 

[22hipower]

I have some with and some without oversize throats, perhaps I just don't shoot well enough to realize the difference. That's a good price though for one in excellent original condition. Try a .452 bullet and see if it will drop through the charge holes, if it sticks a little, probably tight enough. If it just drops through, maybe an issue. Pictures if you get it please.'

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[robertrwalsh]

That's how I checked mine. Drop a .452 bullet down the cylinder. It should hang up at more or less the same position thru all six bores. Not as good as a set of pin gauges but a whole lot less expensive and does the job.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I have a 6-1/2" Model 25-2 that was manufactured in 1973. I have never measured the cylinder throats so I don't know if they're oversized or not. But it doesn't matter...my 25-2 is extremely accurate with any .45 ACP ammo that I've used. I primarily use FMJ because I often take along and shoot my Model of 1917. $1150 might be on the high side, but it seems that all vintage N-frames are increasing in value. I would think a fair price would be around $1K...maybe you could negotiate a little better price with the seller, but I would not hesitate to buy it. Good luck.

 

[H Richard]

I have a 25-2 and it shoots very well, with cast 200 Gr H&R bullets. It is my understanding the 45 Colt model is the one to have over sized throats.

 

[series guy]

I have measured more than one Model 25-2 with .456 cylinder throats. The measurements were done with pin gauges. I bought a 25-2 with .456 throats and had Andy Horvath ream a Model 29 cylinder to .45 Colt with .451 throats and it shoots very well.