Smith 25

[kihnspiracy]

Today I picked up a Smith and Wesson 25 no dash version in .45acp. It is in really good shape. Has a 6 1/2 inch barrel, target trigger, target hammer, is a 4 screw version. The original owner said it was either a '60 or '61 version. S/N S215640. Can anyone verify that date for me?
I do have a question about the grips. They are the skinny K frame style like on early model 66's/19's. I have never seen those grips before on a N frame Smith. I have some pics, but couldn't get them to post. I could email to someone if they could post them for me.

I think I did pretty good. Even though it has a non matching case. No cleaning rod or paperwork.

 

[Toter]

Model 25

Sounds like you have the Magna stocks. They are much smaller but could be original to the gun. Remove and see if they are serial numbered to the gun. If you replace with targets as I would, keep the magnas if they are original. If the pistol is in good shape, that is a great price. The S serial numbers are sought more by collectors. Not sure why, but they are. These are great revolvers. Congrats on your find. Could you do me a favor and measure your front sight blade for me? I have a 25 with a 6.5" barrel with a red ramp sight. I assume yours is a partridge sight and would like to know th height of a standard patridge blade front sight. With my RR I am 6" high at 25 yards with the rear sight all the way down. I think my front blade is too short.

 

[kihnspiracy]

I had to look up Magna stocks. I had never heard of them before. That is what is installed on my 25. It does have a partridge front sight installed. I will measure the front and post the height when I get a chance.

 

[kihnspiracy]

I guess I should have posted this in the other section. Turns out my new 25 is a 4 screw version. Learn something new everyday.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

cool find....

 

[kihnspiracy]

Are moon clips required to shoot this revolver?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

No. They are just handy. You may have to poke out empties with a pencil, although usually most of them will just drop out if you up-end the revolver. Any remaining can usually be easily pulled out with a fingernail.

 

[kihnspiracy]

Nice to know. It didn't come with any paperwork or a manual. So I wasn't sure if I needed any. Any recommendations on a brand to use?

 

[Doug M.]

Ranch Products. Buy about 100.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the purchase so get some moon clips and the revolver is a hoot to shoot. They also make a tool for loading and unloading the moon clips which makes that much easier.

 

[tlay]

You do not have to use moon clips and you will have no problem discharging the cases. Try to find some target diamond grips for it. You will like these better. They will be for a N frame.

 

[fyimo]

I guess to me the Moon clips are what makes this revolver fun because you just drop a loaded one in and shoot 6 rounds eject it and drop in another clip with 6 rounds. The moon clips are cheap and easy to use and reuse so for me I would go that route as it easy and fun.

 

[Dave T]

You do not have to use moon clips and you will have no problem discharging the cases.

Since the OP is new to this model you might explain that he will have to punch out the empties with a pencil or some such. You left that little detail out of the above.

Dave

 

[ken158]

As to your date question - yes, 1960-61 is correct.

 

[fat tom]

No. You may have to poke out empties with a pencil,

Since the OP is new to this model you might explain that he will have to punch out the empties with a pencil or some such. You left that little detail out of the above.

Dave

Need to read the whole thread Dave.
f.t.

 

[kihnspiracy]

I pulled of the Magna grips and found 61 stamped on the left bottom side of the frame. It was stamped in pretty small numbers. So would it be a fair guess that my 25 was made in 1961?
I loaded some JHP's in it. Looks like the ammo is perfectly headspaced for the use of moon clips. I am going to look for some nice, checkered full size grips for it. I will set the Magnas aside. They look nice on it, but are a little small for my tastes.

 

[kihnspiracy]

Can anyone help me out with posting some pics?

 

[jaykellogg]

Can anyone help me out with posting some pics?

I use Photobucket.com. Upload the pictures. go to Photobucket and select which picture, click on IMG, return to the S&W site, Click on the yellow Icon above

and paste the URL.

Here is one from my file,

 

[kihnspiracy]

For some reason, Photobucket won't let me upload pics from my Ipad.

 

[perrazi]

if you get auto rim ammo or brass, if you reload, you won't have to use moon clips as these have a rim like any other rimmed case. btw, no such thing as a partridge sight. partridges live in pear trees. it's patridge.

 

[perrazi]

almost forget, congrats on your fine new arrival. these are great shooting guns.

 

[Nframecollector]

I shoot 45 auto rim in mine. Most accurate S&W I own.

 

[DGT]

I shoot 45 auto rim in mine. Most accurate S&W I own.

Agreed. You will love shooting this gun. I have a couple of pre-25 and consider them to be among the very best target revolvers ever produced.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

if you get auto rim ammo or brass, if you reload, you won't have to use moon clips as these have a rim like any other rimmed case. btw, no such thing as a partridge sight. partridges live in pear trees. it's patridge.

No such thing? How about http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...5664-1961-model-29-partridge-front-sight.html ?

 

[66Park]

No such thing? How about http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...5664-1961-model-29-partridge-front-sight.html ?

Oh, my! And all this time I thought it was Patridge.

 

[perrazi]

need to shoot that gun and see how accurate it is with that partridge sight and how long it sits there afterward. nice photoshop btw.

 

[66Park]

need to shoot that gun and see how accurate it is with that partridge sight and how long it sits there afterward. nice photoshop btw.

Good for the first shot, then you're on your own. Better practice point shooting.