S&W 25-2 1955?
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Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The Model of 1955 became the Model 25 in 1957 when model numbers were assigned. It became the 25-2 in 1962 but was still often called the Model 1955. The Model of 1950 was similar but with a lighter barrel. They are numbered within the N frame line. In 1955 the N frame serial series was 6 digits after the S prefix and remained so until the S series changed to the N series sometime after S333,000 or so. In 1970 the serial range started over at 1 with the N prefix. As I recall N1 was a Model 28-2.
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Walter Rego
Member
There are also approximately 1000 Model 25-2's in the N330000 range that were made in 1976 that were mistakenly marked Model 1950 instead of Model 1955 on the barrel. As Saxon Pig mentioned, the Model 1950 had a slimmer profile barrel so when you see one of the mis-marked Model 25-2's with a heavy barrel, it's pretty obvious.
SO, In your opinion would an unfired (after S&W) 25-2 model 1955 (.45 ACP) with a low (5 digit) N XXXXX not be very rare and should be reasonable priced for the area it's in?
Was the miss-mark for both the 45LC and the 45ACP? Or was the slimmer barrel 45ACP only?
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The 45 Colt version is the 25-5 and is a separate gun.
With condition being king (after scarcity, IMO) an unfired gun naturally commands a premium. IMO an early 1970s era 25-2 in very high condition will likely sell in the $500 range.
With condition being king (after scarcity, IMO) an unfired gun naturally commands a premium. IMO an early 1970s era 25-2 in very high condition will likely sell in the $500 range.
Walter Rego
Member
The mis-marked guns I referred to were Model 25-2 Model 1955's with the 6 1/2" heavy barrel profile chambered in .45 ACP. The story is that the incorrect roll mark stamp that said ".45 Cal. Model 1950" was used on about 1000 barrels before the mistake was noticed. As S&W had not made any Model 1950 .45 ACP revolvers (the rare Model 26 was the last) since 1960, you have to wonder why the roll mark stamp for the Model 1950 was even still out in the production area 16 years later !
Great info; I just got the 25-2, 1955 45ACP original grips, paperwork, tools, but no box or pres. case looks real nice either way. I'm surprised at the price I paid -it's a keeper.
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Beaver
Member
Mismarked
I'm the fortunate owner of a 25-2 with the 1950 mismark. I'm pretty sure it's not worth anymore than a regular one. I wish it was. However, the gun is a great shooter with 45ACP, and pretty powerful with AutoRim brass, 250-285 gr. bullets loaded 900-1000 fps. The new 270SAA mold produces the heavier bullets I'm referring to, and are great bullets. I got mine from Mt. Baldy Bullets and they are worth the trouble to get them. Now my buddy Stoney has the mold from RCBS I think, and the bullets are great.
I'm the fortunate owner of a 25-2 with the 1950 mismark. I'm pretty sure it's not worth anymore than a regular one. I wish it was. However, the gun is a great shooter with 45ACP, and pretty powerful with AutoRim brass, 250-285 gr. bullets loaded 900-1000 fps. The new 270SAA mold produces the heavier bullets I'm referring to, and are great bullets. I got mine from Mt. Baldy Bullets and they are worth the trouble to get them. Now my buddy Stoney has the mold from RCBS I think, and the bullets are great.
stumper
US Veteran
I would jump on any 25-2 in nice shape for $500. These days a 25-2 that has no real finish wear and is in the box would be more in the $700 range. Definitely with that low number. I see them listed regularly online for $700 to $900. I also believe that the mismarked 1950 version brings a good preimum.
These are my opinions at least. I know I would not think of selling any of my 25-2s for less than $700 and probably would not sell my mismarked 1950 for less than $1000 (actually probably would not sell it even for that).
These are my opinions at least. I know I would not think of selling any of my 25-2s for less than $700 and probably would not sell my mismarked 1950 for less than $1000 (actually probably would not sell it even for that).
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
My experience is that the 25s were never as popular as the Magnum caliber guns. I am shocked at the suggestion that a beater 25 would bring $700.
OK, I'll take $1,200 for this one that I bought for $375 a couple years ago.
OK, I'll take $1,200 for this one that I bought for $375 a couple years ago.
My experience is that the 25s were never as popular as the Magnum caliber guns. I am shocked at the suggestion that a beater 25 would bring $700.
OK, I'll take $1,200 for this one that I bought for $375 a couple years ago.
Must have got a discount for the millet rear sight ..........that will do it ever time! .........LOL
Dave T
Member
I am shocked that you think you can pick a clean one up for $500. Go find one today at that price and post a picture here.
Dave
PS: Upon further reflection, I'd be shocked if you can find a beater M25 for $500 without stumbling on someone who doesn't know what they have.
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Have to agree with that, but some actually prefer those things. 
Still, I'd be pleased to have that revolver for $375. In my neck of the woods, 25-2s are never cheap and they never sit around long. One priced reasonably ($500-$600 for a nice one) sells almost immediately, and even one on the high side will sell pretty soon, particularly if nice and with original stocks and the wood case. An S-numbered gun in nice shape could easily sell for $700-$800, or more, if with box.
