S&W 25-5 barrel

[HUNTERKJL]

Hey folks, this is my first post on the forum as I just discovered it.

I have a 25-5 bought new in 1982 by my father, I've owned it since 1986. I have recently detail stripped and cleaned it as it was loaded with tons of crud! It has 8 3/8 inch barrel (pinned), TT, TH, RR front and WOL rear sight. It is a good shooter, but I have always wanted to have a shorter barrel.

I have searched, googled all the main parts suppliers I could find and have yet to find a 4" barrel. I am thinking of taking it to a local smith here in AK and having the barrel cut to 4 or 5 inches and then mounting a newer replacement front sight. I want something easier to pack to shoot some hard cast boolets out of, (not Ruger only hot loads), but somewhere in the 1000+fps range. This old revolver is sentimental so selling or trading is not an option, but as is it will just remain a safe queen used for occasional target shooting. Any iseas or suggestions? Not too worried about ruining value, but want a good hard hitting 45 Colt for a woods gun.

Thanks for input, opinions.

 

[john traveler]

Your idea of a shorter barrel carry gun is certainly a practical one.

My first preference is a standard factory replacement barrel. They are out there but it takes time and simply good luck to find one. Try posting your want needs on this and other gun boards.

To properly do a barrel shortening requires a skilled smith with the proper specialized tools and machines: lathe, crowning tool, and mill. Installing a factory-original-looking front sight takes some skillful milling and drill press work.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[HUNTERKJL]

Thank you for reply. My choice would also be a factory replacement, but I have become frustrated trying to locate one. My barrel has a decent cylinder gap of about .004 and has probably only seen mabe 2500 rounds.

I was thinking of going with a Weigand Combat front base from Brownells that takes the newer interchangable front sights. I have a local smith who seems to do a good job cutting and recrowning revolver barrels. Done carefully, just a touch up cold blue to the muzzle would also save reblueing the entire revolver as it is blemish free. Just from rough measuring, a 4 or 5" barrel would also not cut into the Smith & Wesson name engraved on the side of the barrel. I'm thinking since it is sentimental for me and will not be sold, decreasing the value by cutting down is not such a problem as long as I end up with a more packable/practical barrel length.

Thanks Again

 

[k22fan]

Either method could work out fine but I'd be patient and wait until I found a 4" barrel. That way the gun will look like an original S&W rather than a project gun and if you don't sell the long barrel you could switch them back if your preference ever changes. However, shorter barrels have become more popular and others are trying shorten theirs also so I wouldn't expect a bargin on a 4" barrel or to find one quickly. The modern sights that you can change with your fingers are practical but most folks settle on a favorite blade and then never change them again.

 

[RussellD]

I dont know what part of Alaska you are in. I used to live in Anchorage. The was a retired machinist named Stan..who had a very nice shop behind his house. He build some nice rifles for me and I know he could do the work you are looking for. Ask at a couple of the local gun shops..they can give you name and address.

I do miss living there..

Good luck on your project.

 

[JT]

Keep it factory ...

As much as I like custom work, it is expensive and you will never recover you money. Even if you do not plan to sell your jewel, it will be worth more to your heir if you leave it stock. There are barrels available if you are patient. Here's one that did not sell recently Smith & Wesson Model 25-5 .45 Caliber Barrel 45 : Barrels at GunBroker.com. If it were me, I would keep the barrel and buy a replacement ... the best of both worlds.

But if you do decide to cut, for goodness sakes get someone who will do your classic justice. There are some great S&W smiths, such as Jim Stroh <http://www.alphaprecisioninc.com/>, Ham Bowen <http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/> and David Clements <http://www.clementscustomguns.com/>.

 

[CelticSire]

Have you thought about purchasing a 25-5 with a four inch barrel? I know it would be more expensive than having the work done on yours, but if you deduct the cost of the work from the cost of shooter grade gun, it should be relatively affordable. That way you get to keep your father's gun in its original condition and have a shooter.

 

[HUNTERKJL]

Thanks for all of the info and advice. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a decent barrel. If nothing shows up, I have 2 very good and reputable shops here in Anchorage that could do a cut and re-crown for me. It would be nice to find a 4" barrel to have fitted and keep the 8 3/8.