S&W 25-5 with eagle "engraving" on side.

[fxntime]

$600 buy or not buy?

Nice shape, 6" wood presentation case that is lined, high polish blue, correct grips, has a "engraved eagle on the side. Does have a pinned barrel.

Needs cleaning but in very good shape other then that.

Thanks!

 

[markeb]

I think that is a very good price. If you have done some research on this forum, most of the pinned barrels with a N prefix to the serial number had over-sized cylinder throats unless it was sent back for a replacement cylinder. Post some pics when you purchase it.

 

[fxntime]

Doesn't seem to be much love for this model. Is it because the frame isn't heat treated like the magnum frames are?

 

[M29since14]

The lack of love is probably due to accuracy issues cast bullet shooters had with the early guns with the "oversize" exit bores. Factory loads (hollow-base, swaged, soft lead bullets) shot fairly well in those guns but cast bullets usually didn't. I can't respond to the comment about frame heat-treatment. Have never seen any authoritative information about that one way or the other. We do know about the cylinder exit bore problem. Anyone can measure that.

 

[fxntime]

Still can't find this particular model [I can find the 25-5] in my S&W book. It has a "engraved" flying eagle on the front of the frame by the barrel. Not very big and looks machine done but not aftermarket looking. Did S&W make anything like this?

 

[Rapidray]

Sounds like one of the Heritage series revolvers. A picture would be nice and at $600 well worth it.

 

[blackdeuce]

I can't find anything about a 25-5 with an eagle. I'm not sure what the eagle would do to the value as far as collectability. The presentation case is probably worth $100 if it's nice, so that makes the gun $500.

I have a 25-5 and a 25-11 Heritage. No eagles. I also have a 25 no dash.

 

[Art Doc]

I strongly suspect the eagle was added by a previous owner. I've never seen such decoration from the factory. You have to decide if it adds or detracts from the value. A collector would shun it.

There were some problems with the 45 Colt caliber guns due to sloppy machining leaving oversized chamber throats. But I wouldn't say there was no love for the 25-5. Based on the many forum posts I have seen a lot of guys have them and lot more want one.

I like mine. Looked for a few years wanting a 4" model with a pinned barrel. A dealer set up at a show two years ago sold me this one for $550 OTD.

Has a little holster wear on the barrel. No eagle, though.

 

[fxntime]

I strongly suspect the eagle was added by a previous owner. I've never seen such decoration from the factory. You have to decide if it adds or detracts from the value. A collector would shun it.

There were some problems with the 45 Colt caliber guns due to sloppy machining leaving oversized chamber throats. But I wouldn't say there was no love for the 25-5. Based on the many forum posts I have seen a lot of guys have them and lot more want one.

I like mine. Looked for a few years wanting a 4" model with a pinned barrel. A dealer set up at a show two years ago sold me this one for $550 OTD.

Has a little holster wear on the barrel. No eagle, though.

The eagle doesn't look like it was added after the fact and the finish is polished out more then I typically see [granted I'm not a S&W guru in ay shape or form] Did they typically come in a lined wood presentation case or were those reserved for just some limited runs?

 

[11e40]

I would say get it. with box & good clean shooter ,ok price at todays level. probably has oversize cyl. throats, may have to handload to get it to shoot well.

 

[Art Doc]

OK, I'm sure you're right and it came that way.

 

[blackdeuce]

You could get standard guns with presentation cases. They weren't reserved for special guns. I have several N frames in presentation boxes.

A number of commemoratives that I've seen came in presentation boxes that had special logos, etc. on the box.

 

[fxntime]

OK, I'm sure you're right and it came that way.

Unless it was completely refinished and polished out, it just doesn't look like it was done later. It's been fired, [in fact it's pretty filthy] Bluing is in nice shape and it's doesn't seem to be sloppy action wise.

I do suppose it could have been done later but it just doesn't look like that to me. I was hoping someone with more S&W knowledge would know if they ever did a run with it on the revolver.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I dont think you would have any problem getting your $600 back plus expenses if you chose to not be in love with this gun. In my watching they sell in a couple of days at higher prices.

 

[Jack Flash]

I would think that $600 is a very fair price for something chambered in .45 Colt, and with the presentation box and all.

But only you can answer the "buy or not?" question. And that all comes down to what you want it for.

With the right ammunition, it would most likely be a great shooter in a great caliber. For home defense, it would also be a winner.

But if you are looking for something to buy and flip, or even buy as an investment, you should think that over for a long time. Making money on it would by no means be a sure fire thing!

 

[blackdeuce]

Is it just an eagle without any words or letters? I would think that a special production gun would have some sort of inscription.

Could it be an NRA eagle?

 

[blackdeuce]

If you want more specific input, edit the title of your post and change it to something like "25-5 with eagle. Anyone seen one?" To do this, you have to select Edit and then Advanced Edit.

 

[fxntime]

Is it just an eagle without any words or letters? I would think that a special production gun would have some sort of inscription.

Could it be an NRA eagle?

All I could find was just a flying eagle [like it was turning in flight], no other markings or inscriptions.

It was maybe 1 inch high, maybe 3/8-1/2 wide. On the front side of the frame under where the barrel screws in.

 

[fxntime]

I just sold one with an 8 3/8 bbl for $1200.00. So, I'd say $600.00 is a good price if it has a pinned bbl!

Yes, it has a pinned barrel.