S&W model 25-2 variants model 1950 & 1955

[Rutgers]

Have been trying to find out the difference between these two models. At first I thought it was a typp. But have seen barrels with markings of both types.

So... if there is an expert out there who can answer this question... please answer...

Thank You

 

[austintexas]

45 ACP

Not an expert, I haven't looked at mine in a while but I think I remember my model of 1950 was a light barreled target and the model of 1955 was produced with a heavy barrel.
SWCA 893

 

[tt66]

The Model of 1950 had a lighter profile barrel. The Model of 1955 had a heavy profile barrel. When the model numbers came to be, the Model of 1950 became the Model 26, and the Model 1955 became the Model 25.

Tim

 

[Walter Rego]

Are you asking about the Model 25-2's that had mismarked barrel roll stamps ?

If so, approximately 1000 of them had the barrels marked .45 CAL. MODEL 1950 in September of 1976. The serial numbers are found in around the N337,000 range give or take a thousand. They were Model 25-2's as far as the barrel contour and marked 25-2 on the frame under the crane.

Here is a photo of an original Model 1950 and a Model 25-2 barrel with the mismarked roll stamp. The difference in taper is quite apparent.

 

[StrawHat]

As mentioned, the Model 1950 45 ACP Target revolver had the tapered barrel common to all the Target revolvers at that time. Jim Clark bought one and tried to use it competitively and failed. He met a S&W representative at some event and gave him an earful. The guy listened and the Model 1955 was designed. The only difference between the two models is the profile of the barrel. Except on that one day, in 1976, when roughly 1000 heavy barrels were incorrectly stamped with the Model 1950 stamp.

Here is an image with a different perspective of the barrels.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Forgot to add this short article.

Kevin