Model 25 Markings

[Retired W4]

I learned something today while reading the thread about the gun likely converted from a M-28 to 45 ACP with a 6 1/2" 1950 barrel. Doc44 mentioned "1950 45 Targets have a 5 stamped there indicating the caliber is 45 ACP" so I had to check my Model of 1955, Model 25 (nd) and there was the 5, prominently stamped on the grip frame.

It's a good day when you learn something new. Thanks Bill.

 

[blackdeuce]

Sometimes learning is not so good. I'll never forget posting pics of a really nice pre 27. It was early in my collecting days.

Then, somebody pointed out that the font on the barrel was wrong. The barrel was newer than the gun. I think the gun originally had an 8 3/8" barrel and someone stuck a 6" barrel on the gun.

Bummer! Lol

 

[Gun Relics]

I learned something today while reading the thread about the gun likely converted from a M-28 to 45 ACP with a 6 1/2" 1950 barrel. Doc44 mentioned "1950 45 Targets have a 5 stamped there indicating the caliber is 45 ACP" so I had to check my Model of 1955, Model 25 (nd) and there was the 5, prominently stamped on the grip frame.

It's a good day when you learn something new. Thanks Bill.

It's funny you should mention that. I told him the exact same thing in a private message a couple of days ago. The first thing I did was check my frames and yup!

 

[Gun Relics]

Sometimes learning is not so good. I'll never forget posting pics of a really nice pre 27. It was early in my collecting days.

Then, somebody pointed out that the font on the barrel was wrong. The barrel was newer than the gun. I think the gun originally had an 8 3/8" barrel and someone stuck a 6" barrel on the gun.

Bummer! Lol

What clued them off? See attachment...

 

[blackdeuce]

What clued them off? See attachment...

It wasn't that noticeable, but close. lol.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Doc44s post also spurred me to pull different caliber N frames from the 1950s and check for letter codes on the toe of the frame.
My results are:
44 Military/ .44 Special from 1955 has a 4.
Model of 1950, .45acp has a 5.
Model 27 no dash .357 Mag has a 7.
38/44 Heavy Duty .38 Special has an 8.
Pre model 29 .44 Magnum has a 0.
I don’t own any in .45 Colt.