Model 25 questions

[fourb20]

I have a model 25-2 which shoots .45 acp ammo. On the right side of the barrel is stamped, "Model 1955". I also have a model 25-5 which shoots .45 long colt.
My question is; I was under the impression that a certain model would be of one caliber. Can someone clear this up?

 

[Fred Ward]

Model 25

The model 25 was made in both calibers, I've had both. I've seen them with interchangeable cylinders, but those may have been custom models. In the mid-80's a shipment of model 25 "1917" versions came in from Brazil, they were war surplus in 45 ACP. I believe this gun was originally chambered in .45 Colt, and modified to ACP with half-moon clips for the Army in WWII. They were primarily used for stateside garrison duty to make the 1911's more available.

S&W still makes a couple of versions of this gun, I currently own a model 325, a scandium and titanium version that is very lightweight, and I just sold a "Model of 1889" 3 inch.

 

[Drm50]

I could be wrong but I think M25s with even dash numbers are
45acp and odd dashes are 45 Colt.

 

[lowriderfxr]

The 25s depart from the S&W practice of changing the number in numerical order when engineering changes are made. In this model 25-2 is 45acp and 25-5 is 45 long colt. 1955 target is the name given to the 25-2 before model numbers came along in 1957. If I recall there were some 1955 Targets made in 45 Colt, but they are rare and very valuable.

 

[Old Corp]

Plus all the other close-by model numbers were taken.
24, 26, 27, 28, 29, etc.

 

[Pizza Bob]

With S&W there is an exception to every rule - that's what makes them so interesting.

Adios,

Pizza Bob