Boxhead
Member
Around 6 months ago I stumbled upon a decent nickeled 4" M25-5 45 Colt (pinned w/ no recess) at a local show. I had been searching for a 4" 45 Colt for some time. The price was low while thoats were not but I bought it anyway as I can have bullets cast as required. I took it to the range and found that one chamber would not allow the case to be extracted, stuck big time with factory level loads. I emailed S&W and they advised to send it in which I did. A couple of weeks later they advised that one chamber had been bulged (for you "Ruger Only Load" fans...) and the cylinder needed replacement, cost was $140 materials and labor though the nickle cylinder was on back order. I advised go and a five weeks later the gun arrived via FedEx payed by S&W, actually the day I was heading to the airport to head back to the Middle East from where I type. The gun looked better than new. Cylinder lock-up and end shake are near nil, the entire piece was re-polished to match the new cylinder to the old frame, the rear sight blade was replaced (original had a "drop on the floor" ding on the right wing blade) and the front blued blade was also replaced. In all, a nice, almost as new, 45 Colt with proper .4525 cylinder thoats. So for those that shy away from the "big throat" 45's I advise they may be worth chasing if the price is right. I'll be home on a month or two to wring it out but expect no surparses.
