Model 25-5

[PackN]

Have an opportunity to purchase an 8 3/8" 25-5 SN N803xxx in 95-98% condition! Would this revolver have the dreaded Oversized throat chambers people harp about?? Guy says 4-5 boxes thru it! Whats a Fair price for it?

Thanks in Advance!!
PackN

 

[PackN]

Have an opportunity to purchase an 8 3/8" 25-5 SN N803xxx in 95-98% condition! Would this revolver have the dreaded Oversized throat chambers people harp about?? Guy says 4-5 boxes thru it! Whats a Fair price for it?

Thanks in Advance!!
PackN

 

[photoman]

As a general rule, the non-pinned barrel models are good.

 

[8emem]

I paid $500 for a 95% 4-inch 25-5 about a year ago. Got it from an auction site, I was the only bid. No box or papers. I think this is basically the middle of the price range. Add $50 or so for box and papers. Factory .45 Colt ammunition is very expensive which I think is part of the reason why the 25 and 625 are commonly available. Whole different story for the pre-lock 25 or 625 in .45 ACP. Basically the same gun as the 25-5 but these are in great demand and I have been seeing them go at auction routinely for $650-$700.

 

[Allen-frame]

The absolute best way to check for the proper size chambers and bore is to have a .451 and .454 lead bullet and simply drop them into the chambers one at a time. Then the forcing cone. This will at least give you an idea of the chamber/bore relationship and whether the gun will shoot accurately.

My buddy has an 8 3/8" 25-5, that I've wanted for some time. My intention is to have it cut and crowned to 3 1/2in.
At the same time I would check chamber size and have the bore slugged to find the optimum bullet size to reload for.

If you have a 'friend' that has the gun,, can you shoot it first, and see how accurate it is?

In my opinion, any N frame in 45 Colt is worth thoroughly investigating.
I have recently found my new 25-5 4" to be one of the best shooting revolvers I've ever owned.

How much is the starting price anyway?


Good luck, Al

 

[toroflow1]

My buddy has an 8 3/8" 25-5, that I've wanted for some time. My intention is to have it cut and crowned to 3 1/2in.

Hey Al, I've been thinking of doing that vey same thing to an 8" 25 that I have...I'm wondering if the lettering on the side of the barrel will look centered or not. Have you looked into that? And if so, what did you determine? Thanks.

 

[Hoot]

I've read that some of the oversize throat guns shoot as well as the "correct" guns, but I have no first-hand experience. As Photoman44 said, rumor has it that S&W changed the throats when they quit pinning the barrels.

I've never measured my (P&R) 25-5 4", but it's a tack driver. I really like the .45 Colt cartridge!

 

[toroflow1]

This thread is useless without pictures! So, I will oblige...

With this pinned 25-5 if I do my part, I can hit clay pidgeons sitting on a hillside from 75-100 yards.

 

[Hoot]

Oops, I forgot, sorry!

 

[SteyrAUG]

Originally posted by Photoman44:
As a general rule, the non-pinned barrel models are good.

I thought P&R guns were preferred? Or is it just in the instance of 45 Colt that they aren't?

 

[Hoot]

SteyrAUG, for collectors, the P&R is desirable. For shooters of the .45 Colt, the later guns are built to slightly different spec.

I'm not an expert, but from what I know, or think I know, the earlier .45 Colt guns were made to early specs, with .454 (ish) throats in the cylinder (and maybe barrel?). The later production guns were tightened to .451.

The .45 Colt Cartridge has a fascinating history.

Also, I love your sig line!

 

[feralmerril]

I have this one, also have the original grips.

 

[BUFF]

While the barrels of the J, K and N frames were pinned from their beginnings to about 1980, recessed cylinders were only for the Magnums (.357, .41, .44, .22 Centerfire/Jet) and .22 rimfires. There are no factory-made P&R S&W .45 Colt revolvers, just pinned and unpinned.

I have early Model 25-5 revolvers, a 4 and a 6 inch. Made the same year. The 4 incher shoots a lot better groups than the 6 incher, in spite of the longer gun's extra weight and sight radius.

 

[sceva]

While I would rather have a 25-5 with the correct throats (luckily mine has correct ones) don't be too quick to turn down one with large throats. They will normally shoot jacketed bullets acceptably and with cast bullets all you need to do is either order them in the correct size (usually .454/.455). If you cast your own bullets, size them to the correct size and they will shoot fine.
The large throats are not unique to S&W. Ruger blackhawks are also prone to them and they normally shoot just fine. Also, there are one heck of a lot of Colts around with the older, large throats without complaints.

 

[jimmyjoe]

Whats a Fair price for it?

I think with a 8 inch barrel about $450 would be a fair price.....

 

[Hoot]

recessed cylinders were only for the Magnums

Thanks Buff, that's what I get for posting at midnight. Indeed, the 1982(ish) and earlier .45 Colt guns are pinned, but not recessed.