The tale of two 25's

[quoheleth]

I have the opportunity to purchase a new-to-me model 25. The owner has two for sale, same price for either gun. Both are in .45 Colt.

The first is late 80s, pre-lock, with a 6" barrel - a full-size "bull" style with half underlug. It has factory target stocks and factory trigger. From the pics, I would put it in VG-EX condition.

The second is a 4" tapered barrel Mountain Gun, early 2000s with the lock having been professionally removed. It has a Hi-Viz light pipe front sight and factory (non-medallion) cocobolo grips. This, too, is factory trigger. Likewise, in VG-EX condition.

I'm drawn to the 6" --- don't know exactly why, but it has my eye. I know the 4" would probably be more practical but the bigger gun calls me. I have a 6" Ruger GP100, so I am familiar with the longer tube. Accurate as heck, but it's length is - well, it's long. I have a 4" Smith model 15 that is much easier to handle.

Do I go with what I think I want (6") or what I know is more practical (4"). This would probably not be used for anything but range work. Even a 4" N-frame is a bit much for southeast Texas carry.

Let me hear it...reasons for 6" or 4"?

Q

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I'd buy the older 6" 25.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[pinkymingeo]

I agree with Joni. The newer MG, in addition to the IL, has laser etching, a smooth vs ribbed backstrap, MIM parts and, generally, doesn't have the quality aura of the 25.

 

[jimmyjoe]

I too, would go for the 6 incher......

 

[snubshooter]

I too vote for the 6" older version. Although I like the 4" for size, the 6" is more valuable because of being pre-lock and will appreciate in value. Then you could buy BOTH and get the best of both worlds.

 

[Iggy]

Do we see a pattern developing here?

Another vote for the 6" gun.

 

[quoheleth]

Hmmm...glad this isn't unanimous

By the way...thanks for the welcome, and my apologies for not introducing myself first. Wanted to make sure I got this question in for evening consideration before I 110% committed to the 6".

By the way...that's what I told him I wanted on Friday evening. Today, I started 2nd guessing myself, so wanted to make sure I was thinking straight.

Q

 

[GLL]

Q:

Welcome to the Forum !

Did you happen to notice the dash number on the 6" ? Is it a late 25-5 or an early 25-9 ? The great thing about either is that the gun will have proper cylinder throat diameters !

Jerry

 

[quoheleth]

The 6" is a 25-5, SN begins BAN (yeah, that's not a typo).

FYI, the 4" is a 25-13, SN begins CHK.

Q

 

[borntoraisehogs]

I would take the 4" or buy the Lawman leather Dirty Harry as soon as you have taken possession of the 6" .

 

[stevie-ca]

6 inch for me