Model 25-2 question

[JoseyWales2]

I saw a nice looking 25-2 in a local gunshop today. The finish was very, very good with a barely visible turn line on the cylinder. The grips were not original though and it had a '77-'78 S/N as I recall. I was thinking about buying it when I noticed an unusual "feature" on the muzzle end of the barrel. Instead of the end being perpendicular to the bore, it was chamfered or even dished in about an 1/4 inch.

Is this a special customized feature or did someone hack this up for some unknown reason? I've never seen anything like this before, but then I'm still on a big learning curve on the S&W revolvers.

 

[H Richard]

If I understand you correctly, the muzzle was "recessed" 1/4 inch. If that's the case, I don't think S&W ever recessed the muzzle on any revolvers. It most probably was done by a gunsmith to correct a problem or accidental damage to the crown.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

It sounds like someone had an 11 degree target crown put on the gun, and while it isn't factory, if done right it will definately help protect the crown and normally makes the gun more accurate by cleaning up the factory crown, which isn't always as precise as it should be. By recessing the crown, it helps protect it from accidentally being dinged on something, which will hurt accuracy.

I had Mag Na Port do that type crown on a Ruger Super Redhawk .44 magnum some years ago, and what a difference it made in the accuracy! Groups with the exact same loads from the same boxes of handloads went from about 1 1/2" @ 25 yards, to all in one hole just a touch bigger than a nickel.

 

[JoseyWales2]

If I understand you correctly, the muzzle was "recessed" 1/4 inch. If that's the case, I don't think S&W ever recessed the muzzle on any revolvers. It most probably was done by a gunsmith to correct a problem or accidental damage to the crown.

Yes, I think "recessed" would be a much better word to use than my original description. But does it make much sense to do it as deep as 1/4 inch? Also, how does something like that effect it's value? Seems to me it might be difficult to resell at some future point unless the buyer wasn't too particular.

 

[H Richard]

If properly done, I don't think it would hurt the value of a shooter grade model. As Gun 4 Fun stated, it enhances the accuracy and could be a plus to some potential buyer. If I had the offer of two identical condition guns, and one had the recessed target crown, I would probably pick the one with the recessed crowning. Since this is a 25-2 which is used in competitive shooting, I would imagine the previous owner had it done to enhance the accuracy.

 

[airstreamnut]

Hi JoseyWales!

I bought that 25-2 last Saturday. It was, in fact, manufactured in 1977 and purchased in march of 78. After checking with Smith and Wesson, I found that the revolver was modified by their Performance center for the original owner, with a target crown, as another poster had suggested. It possibly is the most accurate hand gun I have ever had the pleasure to shoot. It had Herritt grips on it, but I did have a set of original, period correct S-W target stocks, so I have returned it to it's former glory. It did come with the walnut(?) presentation case as well as the cleaning kit, tools and paperwork.

I wasn't even looking for a 25, but rather a 29 or 629, but as I shoot a lot of .45 in my 1911's, I won't even have to buy a new die set for the press. The 25-2 joins my model 66-1 set(2", 4" and 6"), my 19-2, and model 36.

It was a great find!

 

[Dump1567]

Nice find. Pics?

I just picked-up this beauty.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

It possibly is the most accurate hand gun I have ever had the pleasure to shoot. It had Herritt grips on it, but I did have a set of original, period correct S-W target stocks, so I have returned it to it's former glory.

It's good that you had some correct grips, and you should certainly keep them with this gun. However, its former glory was undoubtedly with the Herrett's grips, which were surely far more functional than the classic factory abominations.

Caution: This is probably a minority opinion.

 

[airstreamnut]

Thanks 520.

After shooting with both the Herrets and the Target Stocks, I'm apt to agree with you. I like the the look with the targets but the Herrets FEEL better. Post Some pics soon!

 

[28Shooter]

It's good that you had some correct grips, and you should certainly keep them with this gun. However, its former glory was undoubtedly with the Herrett's grips, which were surely far more functional than the classic factory abominations.

Caution: This is probably a minority opinion.

I'm with you 520, my first S&W was a Model 28 and I ordered a set of Herrett Jordan Troopers for it before I even took delivery of the gun. Still have both and those Troopers do nothing but enhance the look and feel of that gun. For the purists out there, I still have the factory Magnas that it came with from the factory.