Mod 25 No Dash in 45 LC

[dsalamone]

Hi All

Looking at a Mod 25 No Dash at a LGS. Seriel Number starts with S195, which puts it around 1959 or so.. Store says it is chambered in 45 LC and has a 6inch barrel, I believe they mean 6.5, but I did not measure. I seem to recall 45LC was not available until 25-5. Did the factory make any in LC before the -5? Gun is in decent shape and they want 8ish for it. Wish I would have taken some pictures..

I know it's hard to tell from what I posted, but can it really be a LC gun being that early? If so, it it worth what they are asking?

Appreciate any input on this

 

[Muley Gil]

All things are possible when it comes to S&W. The company has built .45 Colt revolvers over the years, on special order. The M25-3 was a commemorative chambered in .45 Colt. Around 1979, the M25-5, which has a longer cylinder, was introduced.

 

[22hipower]

I'd be checking to make sure it is 45 Colt, stamped on the barrel and will chamber 45 Colt. You'd think an LGS would know 45acp from 45 Colt. . . .but not always. If so, and the price is at all reasonable, it would go home with me. Good luck and let us know what you find out. And pictures, of course, if you get it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Doc44]

S&W shipped ten 1955 45 Target revolvers chambered in 45 Colt to H. H. Harris in Chicago, IL on June 19, 1959. The serial numbers are in the S130000 to S166000 range. Each has a blue finish and 6 1/2-inch barrel. It is certainly possible S&W shipped a few more. The right side of the barrel would be roll marked 45 COLT CTG..

Bill

 

[A10]

I'd be checking to make sure it is 45 Colt, stamped on the barrel and will chamber 45 Colt. You'd think an LGS would know 45acp from 45 Colt. . . .but not always. If so, and the price is at all reasonable, it would go home with me. Good luck and let us know what you find out. And pictures, of course, if you get it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I certainly wouldn't bet the farm on someone at a gun stores knowledge. I came across an HD at a black gun store one time, 1932 vintage in 90% condition. It was tagged as a Model 10 and priced accordingly. I nicely pointed out that the tag was wrong and they didn't care, It went home with me, and was eventually traded off to a collector on this forum.

 

[weatherby]

I wouldn't either.
Bought a k22 outdoorman 400 cheaper than the 17-4 right next to it.

 

[Doc44]

For those of you that have a copy of the new S&W book, "The Smith & Wesson Magnum Edition", there is a photo of a 1955 45 Target revolver chambered in 45 Colt. It is shown on page 171. It was shipped on June 19, 1959 to H. H. Harris in Chicago, IL and has serial number S130859. It is roll marked 45 COLT CTG. on the right side of the barrel.

Bill

 

[Photog]

I agree about being careful to trust some gun store employees. I visited a favorite of mine a few years back and had the "pleasure" of dealing with a new employee. I asked to see a very nice looking 1903 Springfield. At first handling, it looked like it was an unissued rifle....but then I saw that the front and rear of the receiver had been drilled and tapped. The front was right through the lettering. When I mentioned this, I was told that this was a "factory drilled and tapped rifle, the forerunner of the 1903A4 "sniper" version......and that it was actually worth about 3 times what they were asking, but the owner of the store wanted it gone, so it was only $3000......but he would let me have it for $2800 out the door if I bought it that day.....

 

[steelslaver]

There was a time when individuals and gun stores could ask and receive variations they wanted

 

[dsalamone]

Well.. not a LC gun but a nice example of a ACP 4 screw gun from 1959. Needs to be cleaned up as the gun sat for awhile. The dull spots in the pics is the dirt and not the finish lifting.

 

[Elroy]

I know it's hard to tell from what I posted, but can it really be a LC gun being that early? If so, it it worth what they are asking?

Appreciate any input on this

If this weapon was originally fitted out in 45 Colt, the grip frame will be stamped with a "7"

if the frame started life as a 45 ACP the grip frame will be stamped with a "5"

 

[Model19man]

Well it looks pretty decent. I would offer $1000 - that would be my price for it.

 

[hibbs]

I have one of the original 10 1955 Targets, 5screw, .45 Colt, shipped to HH Harris in June of 1959. It is blue, 6.5", walnut target grips TT,TH in a grayish/green 1950 target box with red corners,This one remarked to 1955 and 45 Colt. Sn.S165547.

Richard

 

[StrawHat]

I have one of the original 10 1955 Targets, 5screw, .45 Colt, shipped to HH Harris in June of 1959. It is blue, 6.5", walnut target grips TT,TH in a grayish/green 1950 target box with red corners,This one remarked to 1955 and 45 Colt. Sn.S165547.

Richard

Richard,

I am curious about the front sight. Patridge?

Kevin

 

[AC Man]

I have one of the original 10 1955 Targets, 5screw, .45 Colt, shipped to HH Harris in June of 1959. It is blue, 6.5", walnut target grips TT,TH in a grayish/green 1950 target box with red corners,This one remarked to 1955 and 45 Colt. Sn.S165547.

Richard

Awesome! May I ask how you came across finding this firearm? They never pop up for me. Mine is the usual 25-5 45 Colt.