Model 25 Classic- Yes or No?

[Northerngunner]

Greetings from Canada! This is my first post here on the forum. Hoping to get some insight on the S&W Model 25 Classic. To be honest I am more of a Ruger guy but the Model 25 has been a revolver I have always wanted to own. My wife bought me a 624 many years ago and it is a very accurate handgun. I won't part with that one. However, I had to send the first one back because the muzzle had a ding in it and there was rust in the crane area. It was replaced and the one I have is a keeper.
I had an opportunity to buy a new Classic Model 25 a year or so ago. My initial excitement turned to huge disappointment as upon examination, the revolver had tooling marks all along the barrel. It also had some "chatter" marks near the frame. Sent it back for full refund. However, I can't stop thinking about the Model 25. I could get a Redhawk but they only have the 4.2" available here in Canada. I prefer the longer barrel.
I only want the Model 25 for target shooting, don't plan on any hot loads. We can't hunt with them here so the sole purpose will be target shooting.
So, what can you tell me about the quality of the Classic? Hit and miss? Improved QC? Waste of time? Many canted barrels, sights issues, cylinders to specs? Thanks in advance for your comments and insights.

 

[Babysitr]

Welcome from Illinois.. I have no experience with the classic line....I've seen some beautiful 25-2's in presentation cases, look around there are lots of options.

 

[Narragansett]

Welcome to the forum!!!

I cannot comment on the M25 Classic, relative to all the QC issues you mentioned, although I have heard of many issues on many models. However I am sure they are shipping lots out the door that are just fine too. We only hear about the bad ones. Personally I look for the older guns, but even in the older guns there were some issues with the 45 colt models. I have a 25-2 in 45acp which is more economical to shoot.

I am sure you will get some responses from knowledgeable people

 

[petemacmahon]

Greetings from Canada! ..... We can't hunt with them here .....

Seriously, not at all?! Why?! So, you can only shoot targets?!

 

[Northerngunner]

Seriously, not at all?! Why?! So, you can only shoot targets?!

Well, we do IPSC, IDPA, 3 Gun, Service Pistol, all the action shooting sports but, no, we are not allowed to hunt with handguns. I know, I know.

 

[Herky Bird]

I wouldn’t worry about any new firearms my 2018 Model 27 Classic has been perfect. Although, it only has about 2,500 rounds of magnums through it.
I almost went for the Model 25, but cheaper ammunition and the top-strap checkering of the Model 27 won me over.

 

[hammer 1]

I have a 57 classic, and after 2 years, no regrets. I have not found a load it shoots poorly, just a couple it shoots better than I can hold

 

[Pine_Worker]

Personally, I would look for an older 25-2 for 45ACP or a 25-5 for 45 Colt. You may pay more but I believe the you will be more than satisfied.

 

[tlawler]

A nice older one will hold value better. I’m on the lookout for my first .45 revolver also, but I’ve been looking for a nice pre-war 1917.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Yes. If you don't a 25 go for it and be happy.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

If they made a new model 25 45 acp, I would buy one! I dont shoot 45 colt. So I had to find a 25-2. And got lucky in finding a good one.
It was a no brainer as I already loaded for 45acp, for other guns.
If I found another, in the same barrel length, I would get a spare.

 

[CH4]

Personally, I would look for an older 25-2 for 45ACP or a 25-5 for 45 Colt. You may pay more but I believe the you will be more than satisfied.

I agree. Nothing classic about the Classic.

 

[Dieseltech56]

Before you go buying an older 25 you better check the throats. Sight unseen I’d trust a newer one more than an older one

 

[dr. mordo]

I have a M29-10 Classic that has around 12000 rounds thru it. The trigger is like glass and the bullets go where I aim them. Besides the bluing, which has started to flake off a tiny bit, I have seen no flaws at all with the craftsmanship of the gun. I have owned around a half dozen recent manufacture Smiths, and they have all been good guns.

That said, I would buy an older gun if I were shopping today. Here's why:

1. The internal firing pin, which has caused light strikes on more than one gun I have owned. I hate the internal firing pin far more than the lock. I'm at the point where I replace the OEM firing pin with a C&S extended pin before I even test fire the gun.
2. The lock.
3. The bluing is vastly superior on older guns. I'd rather have a worn old gun with classic bluing than a brand new black-blue gun.
4. Collect-ability. IMO the golden age of revolvers is past, and no modern S&W will hold the value of the older guns.
5. Cost. For close to the money you will pay for a M25 Classic, you could definitely get a older 25 if you shop. Even better, get a M1917 for even less. I've been watching a very nice 6.5" M25-2 online for $995 and so far have talked myself out of it because I have both a 5" and 3" M1917.

 

[CH4]

I have a M29-10 Classic that has around 12000 rounds thru it. The trigger is like glass and the bullets go where I aim them. Besides the bluing, which has started to flake off a tiny bit, I have seen no flaws at all with the craftsmanship of the gun. I have owned around a half dozen recent manufacture Smiths, and they have all been good guns.

That said, I would buy an older gun if I were shopping today. Here's why:

1. The internal firing pin, which has caused light strikes on more than one gun I have owned. I hate the internal firing pin far more than the lock. I'm at the point where I replace the OEM firing pin with a C&S extended pin before I even test fire the gun.
2. The lock.
3. The bluing is vastly superior on older guns. I'd rather have a worn old gun with classic bluing than a brand new black-blue gun.
4. Collect-ability. IMO the golden age of revolvers is past, and no modern S&W will hold the value of the older guns.
5. Cost. For close to the money you will pay for a M25 Classic, you could definitely get a older 25 if you shop. Even better, get a M1917 for even less. I've been watching a very nice 6.5" M25-2 online for $995 and so far have talked myself out of it because I have both a 5" and 3" M1917.

^^^^^^^^^^
Well stated