Need some help estimating value on a 25-2

[mdoffroad]

I've done some research and I'm no closer now than before. It looks like I, or my brother, will be taking pocession of a S&W 1955 style Model 25-2 Revolver/Target Pistol that Smith & Wesson ran the serial and said it was from 1980. It's blued, in nice shape and pretty clean w/wood grips. This being said, and without pics, whats a realistic price range for it? Considering keeping and shooting it since it shoots .45 ACP same as the 1911, but, who knows. I keep seeing auctions from $380 to $600 for everage guns with pristine units with woodbox originals going for over a grand.. am I close?

 

[robctwo]

I recently bought two 25-2 from fellow forum members. Both were pristine. Not new in box, but hardly shot. One from 1975 and one from 1980. Both were right at $800 shipped, gun only. I thought they were fairly priced for what they were in today's market. I've shot a few hundred through each of them.

Keep the gun and shoot it.

 

[Sebago Son]

If memory serves, around the 1980 time frame the 25-2 switched from a 6 1/2" barrel to a 6". In my experiance, the 6 1/2's bring better money, but in my view, one in Good-To-Very Good is a $600 revolver.

 

[TDC]

Well.... I would buy every Mod 25 that was shootable for the $380 you mention. I believe an average 25-2, without the presentation case, tools or paperwork should easily bring $600, and I expect the price on all "premium" N frames will go up substantially soon.

I believe fewer 25's were manufactured during the P&R years than 27s, 57s or 29s and the interest in them today is growing.

All handgun values are speculative but I believe your own estimates are accurate.

 

[fyimo]

Quite frankly you would be hard pressed to find a nice one for less the $600 in todays market. That plus with moon clips they are a blast to shoot so most people that get one and like the 45 ACP round don't normally sell them.

Model 25-2 with Maple Kurac Grips on it

 

[Sebago Son]

I believe fewer 25's were manufactured during the P&R years than 27s, 57s or 29s....

That may have been true during the 1970's, but in the early 1980's there were a surge of 25-2's made. I can remember seeing them around new and used just about everywhere. Was actually a little startling at the time as we were just then coming out of the Great Smith Drought of the 1970's.

 

[TDC]

That may have been true during the 1970's, but in the early 1980's there were a surge of 25-2's made. I can remember seeing them around new and used just about everywhere. Was actually a little startling at the time as we were just then coming out of the Great Smith Drought of the 1970's.

I remember that time frame too... I had purchased the 25-2 pictured in this thread in the very late 70's and a 25-2 "Mismark" as well. New interest in the Mod 25-2's had been generated by the arrival of the 25-3 125th Anniversary guns and there was an obvious production surge in production in both 45 ACP's and 45 LC's the early 80's.

My own assessment, FWIW, was that S&W was eliminating the pinned barrels and using up excess inventory in the last few runs. 25's seemed to be everywhere -- for a while...

 

[Sebago Son]

25-2's...

"... 25's seemed to be everywhere -- for a while..."

Around here it took 10 years or more for them to dry up again. In the process prices fell off and alot of guns got hacked off to 4" for belt guns, chopped up into 3 1/2" belly guns and hard chromed, or turned into ridiculous "race" or "pin" guns.

I actually bought a later 6" 25-2 in nice condition a year ago for $395. Its the one with the smooth Coco bolos second from the top in this photo. Had Pachmayers on it when I bought it.

I've seen several in the past year or so around here in the $450-600 range. The best one was fired, but unholstered and had a Presentation case. $650 was the asking price. It sold for $550.

Drew

 

[TDC]

Very nice group of 25-2's, Sebago Son...

It isn't often six 25-2's are seen together in one group like that. Are any of the pinned guns in the picture 25's you originally purchased new? Do you have a 1950 mismark in the group? Do you have or know of any pinned 25-5's NIB that may be available? Have you run across any factory 5" or factory 45ACP/LC convertible 25-2's? Just checkin'.

Region of the country makes a significant difference in both selling price and availability. You seem to be in the middle of N frame heaven. If you happen across any other 25-2's in the lower price range you mention and you don't want them, send me an e-mail... I've even been known to pay a "finders fee" on occasion..

 

[Sebago Son]

Terry,

PM me your contact info and I'll send you the location of anything good that I find.

No fee is necessary. I wouldn't take it anyway but I appreciate the offer.

BTW, I think that there is a 1950 in that group so they are not all 25-2's or 1955's. But there is a 5-screw Pre-25 and a 4-screw 25 No Dash in the pile...

Drew