Model 25-5

[StrawHat]

I got this one in the late 70s or early 80s.

I had been using a similar Model 29-2 to hunt in Ohio and was miffed that a friend was getting quicker drops and less tracking with a Blackpowder 45 long Colt. I tried his and realized the big bad 44 was not in the same league as the 45 so, I bought this one.

Now, this was pre internet so the lore of oversized throats was not known to me. I cast up a bunch of 260 grain SWC bullets and tested them. All shot good enough to drop deer. I settled on Unique powder and .454 bullets.

Here is a shot of the cylinder with a 454 dropped in. (Image won’t load so click on the thumbnail.). As you can see, a nice snug fit.

It was/is a good shooting revolver. I have not had it out in quite a while as I prefer the ACP cartridge.

Kevin

 

[JRB416]

Very nice 25-5, I like the contrasting stocks. I've never owned a Smith in .45 Colt, but thought about it many times. Maybe this would be a good revolver to have a small list of successful hunts included with it if you haven't already. You know, for one of those "I wish this gun could talk" moments. Thanks for showing.

 

[StrawHat]

Very nice 25-5, I like the contrasting stocks. I've never owned a Smith in .45 Colt, but thought about it many times. Maybe this would be a good revolver to have a small list of successful hunts included with it if you haven't already. You know, for one of those "I wish this gun could talk" moments. Thanks for showing.

Your welcome. I have not hunted with that revolver for many years. But, it was a lot of fun when I did.

Here are a couple more images.

I believe these are the stocks that came on the revolver. I enjoy swapping stocks on my revolvers.

Kevin

 

[Hair Trigger]

It's been posted before, but here it is again. One of two nickel guns I own. Came with original target stocks but I like magnas on this one.

 

[StrawHat]

It's been posted before, but here it is again. One of two nickel guns I own. Came with original target stocks but I like magnas on this one.

That is slick!

Want to trade?

Kevin

 

[45Smashemflat]

My nickel 25-5…

 

[Hair Trigger]

That is slick!

Want to trade?

Kevin

Thanks for the compliment and offer. Coming from you it's a tempting offer because everything I've seen of yours is very nice. I'll hang onto what I have, though, I only have three 4" N frames and one other nickel gun, so it serves dual purpose. It's also my largest caliber revolver. Like several other of my S&W collection (pitifully small as it is), I found the nickel M25 by accident at a gun show, I was looking for a BHP the day I found it. As serendipity, blind stupid luck or whatever else you want to call it would have it, the second day of the gun show I found the BHP, and it was a .40S&W version which I preferred. I was eating beans and crackers for a couple of months after those two purchases, figuratively speaking.

 

[panamajack310]

Beautiful looking revolver it makes me want to go in my safe and take mine out for a spin. I carried mine as a detective for about 3 years. Then my agency mandated that we carry our duty issued guns.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

This was a grail gun for me and a nice member on this Forum made it so for me some years ago.

 

[Birdgun]

Thanks for the info. I do believe a .45 Colt will put a deer down seeing it was originally developed to put a much more ornery critter down.

I do enjoy my Model 25-5. I gave mine a name; "Black Beauty."

S&W Model 25-5 in .45 Colt.

Thanks for looking at my Black Beauty.

God bless,
John T.

 

[StrawHat]

Thanks for the info. I do believe a .45 Colt will put a deer down …

God bless,
John T.

John,

My Model 25-5 has accounted for a bunch of Ohio white tailed deer. You can believe it will do that with aplomb. My load ballistically equaled the old blackpowder load, 260 grain bullet, +\- 900fps. I used the age old Unique recipe but other powders will work. I even used black powder.


Kevin

 

[Grayfox]

I love the .45 Colt cartridge. But due to a touch of arthritis in my hands, the traditional Colt/Ruger plow handle grip and I don't get along.
S&W to the rescue! I have 4 N-frames in this caliber and enjoy shooting them all.

The bottom right is a 25-2 in .45acp, but everything else in this picture is .45 Colt.

 

[GypsmJim]

The first deer I ever got with a handgun was with a .45 Colt. After switching to home-cast .454 lead boolits in my 25-5, I tried them in all my other .45 Colts and they work best in them all.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Thanks for the info. I do believe a .45 Colt will put a deer down seeing it was originally developed to put a much more ornery critter down.

I do enjoy my Model 25-5. I gave mine a name; "Black Beauty."

S&W Model 25-5 in .45 Colt.

Thanks for looking at my Black Beauty.

God bless,
John T.

Beauty. Is that a 6.5”?? I didn’t think I’ve seen a 6.5 barrel in 45 colt. I have a 25-2 6.5 which is ACP and a couple of 25-5’s 4” and 8 3/8” but have not seen a 6.5 in 45 colt.

 

[Drm50]

I shot a deer about 35-40yds with 25-5 using 242gr Lyman Button Nose WCs at about 750fps. Was only 125lb deer but it only made it a few yards from where it was hit and it was knocked down. Punched a neat hole in and out.
Comparison to 44mag reminded of difference from 30/30 vs 35Rem.
Seemed like more thump.

 

[Birdgun]

Just a six-inch barrel

Beauty. Is that a 6.5”?? I didn’t think I’ve seen a 6.5 barrel in 45 colt. I have a 25-2 6.5 which is ACP and a couple of 25-5’s 4” and 8 3/8” but have not seen a 6.5 in 45 colt.

No. "Black Beauty" has just a 6-inch barrel.

Thanks for asking.

Birdgun

 

[Model29-26.5]

I got this one in the late 70s or early 80s.

I had been using a similar Model 29-2 to hunt in Ohio and was miffed that a friend was getting quicker drops and less tracking with a Blackpowder 45 long Colt. I tried his and realized the big bad 44 was not in the same league as the 45 so, I bought this one.

Now, this was pre internet so the lore of oversized throats was not known to me. I cast up a bunch of 260 grain SWC bullets and tested them. All shot good enough to drop deer. I settled on Unique powder and .454 bullets.

Here is a shot of the cylinder with a 454 dropped in. (Image won’t load so click on the thumbnail.). As you can see, a nice snug fit.

It was/is a good shooting revolver. I have not had it out in quite a while as I prefer the ACP cartridge.

Kevin

My 6.5 is a 45 ACP
The other two are 45 colt.
I haven’t yet shot the 8 3:8 but I’ll get there soon enough.
I changed the grips to classic footbal cut targets immediately.

 

[jdlii]

This forum and its impressive members have led me on many adventures and acquisitions of fantastic S&W revolvers. I read many threads about the .45 Colt N frames and finally decided to take the plunge.

I was looking for a 4" or 6" however, they seemed to be as common as a unicorn. The one that I found was an 8 3/8" 25-5 in fantastic condition with a presentation box at a price that was more than fair.

This revolver is a great shooter and doesn't disappoint!

 

[Model29-26.5]

I have one just like it.
A beauty indeed.
I have not yet taken her for a little daince.

 

[pharmer]

I envy the photo skills here. This is as good as I got. Joe