Smith&Wesson Model 25-2 Purchase

[tjtoolbox]

Just picked up a Smith&Wesson Model 25-2 from my local FFL. It has the three Ts. In 45 acp with a 61/2 " barrel, blue finish in very good condition. It came with a Presentation Box, Screwdriver and tools. Original paper instructions. My FFL was asking $1000.00 for it so I snatched it up before it even went into his gun cases for sale. This has been one of the Best deals that I have ever gotten from him. Hope to take it to the range next week after I get some moon clips. It will not be a Safe Queen. All comments welcome.

 

[22hipower]

Sounds good, and congrats, but where are the pictures? I don't know that they came with the presentation box, except the commemorative versions, but perhaps. I did buy one from a forum member with a presentation case and tools and paid the same as your LGS was asking, but that was five years ago. Some complain about oversize throats on the older ones but I don't know that that was much of an issue depending on what bullets are used. Great guns, enjoy. And we do want to see pictures, here's one of mine.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qPfPzW https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[erikpolcrack]

Have had a 25-2 for years. It is a clear contender for my favorite firearm.

 

[TheTinMan]

My 25-2 also came with a wood presentation case. The diameter of the chamber throats is not consistent and some are over-sized. Accuracy is poor with lead bullets; however, FMJs work fine.

 

[StrawHat]

I have a couple of the Model 25-2, one came to me in the presentation box, the other was presented as a box of parts!

I have found cast bullets of .454 diameter give very good results in my ACP revolvers. Long bearing surfaces help also. I have two favorite bullets, the SAECO 453 and the Lyman 453423, both cast on the soft side 16/1 to 20/1. My revolvers also prefer them to be shot fast so either bullet is seated over a hardball dose of powder.

Kevin

 

[Model29-26.5]

Mine came with a case but not sure if it’s the original case or not.

 

[Beemer-mark]

I used to own one of the early Model 25's in 45 Colt. The cylinders throats were all over the map, like .458 to .451. Never could make it shoot. Beautiful gun but gave up on it and sold it. Recently picked up a 25-8 in 45 acp. Had been minimally reworked and lordie lordie it's a shooter. Don't like moon clips so bought 45 Ar brass from Starline.

 

[ameridaddy]

... I don't know that they came with the presentation box, ... Great guns, enjoy. And we do want to see pictures, here's one of mine.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qPfPzW https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

I bought mine new, and it came with a presentation box.

 

[bananaman]

Just picked up a Smith&Wesson Model 25-2 from my local FFL. It has the three Ts. In 45 acp with a 61/2 " barrel, blue finish in very good condition. It came with a Presentation Box, Screwdriver and tools. Original paper instructions. My FFL was asking $1000.00 for it so I snatched it up before it even went into his gun cases for sale. This has been one of the Best deals that I have ever gotten from him. Hope to take it to the range next week after I get some moon clips. It will not be a Safe Queen. All comments welcome.

Congratulations! You might want to try RIMZ Poly Moon Clips. Great for range use, and best of all no tools needed! I use them with my 625 JM. Bob

 

[T44spl]

Congratulations on your purchase of one of the great target revolvers at a great price. Outside of the cylinder throat issue which i will not address since other members have touch on that we'd love to see some pictures. Also measure your barrel length to make sure it is the 6 1/2" and Not a 6" size. There is a greater demand for the longer size.

 

[Valmet]

Nice score OP! The 25-2 has become my favorite N-frame as I’ve reloaded 45ACP for years and it’s just so affordable and fun to shoot.

 

[RubEric]

My 25s. .45LC and .45 ACP/AR

 

[Valmet]

If you don’t already have one, get a moon clip unloading tool…

 

[Waldo]

I don't fool with moon clips. I load .45 Auto Rim. Both of my S&W revolvers will function using .45 ACP ammo without moon clips. Most of the time, the empties will fall out or I can pick them out with my fingers. Worst case, I use a pencil to extract the empties. But I much prefer .45 Auto Rim and mostly use it.

 

[StrawHat]

Hopefully you have made it to the range.

The Model 25-2 used the same bore and rifling specs as the Model 1917, so, set up for hardball. Cast lead can be made to work. I have found bullets with a long bearing surface help grab the rifling. I size them to .454 and have very good accuracy in all of my ACP revolvers.

The two bullets I like are the Lyman 453423 and the SAECO 453.

The Lyman bullet was designed by Elmer Keith and is a 235 grain SWC. The SAECO is a 235 grain wadcutter. Both hit hard.

Kevin

 

[Jay Hall]

My 25s. .45LC and .45 ACP/AR

 

[Jay Hall]

My 25s. .45LC and .45 ACP/AR

Eric, on the lower picture are those smooth wood grips after market or S&W that came on the revolver? Thanks.

 

[ameridaddy]

... I don't know that they came with the presentation box, except the commemorative versions, but perhaps...

I bought mine new in 1977 0r '78, and it came in a presentation box.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[H Richard]

My 25-2, is 6 1/2", and an excellent shooter. One of my more enjoyable shooters. I use the cheaper metal moon clips and have no problem. The Mooncliploader works very easily. I have made up arbors for 9mm J Frame and 9mmK Frame also.