What's the general consensus on the "Classics" models?

[Bill Lear]

I've owned prior models - which I wish I'd kept, but back in those days I had to sell/trade one to get another.

I currently own a few S&W revos, one being the M25-15 "New Classic" in .45 Colt, and I find it to be a very nice successor to the older models. Clearly S&W has incorporated some important features into the new models while working to retain that classic look.

I remember the old firing pin in hammer design, but the firing pin in frame is an improvement. Other more subtle improvements appears to be more protrusion on the cylinder latch pin with stronger spring.

On the M25-15, I love the tapered, 6.5" barrel which really makes the gun feel light and balanced, plus the beveled cylinder and nice, deep-blue polished finish. Toss in some counter bored chambers and S&W would have the "perfect" heir to the line!

The action is quite smooth, with a nice SA let-off.

The only "downside" is the factory stocks are quite thin at the top compared to the originals, however, for standard power .45 Colts loads this it no issue. I do have a set of Hogue grips but removed them because I like the "look" of the original pattern grips.

Also I don't really have a bias against the IL, it certainly serves a purpose for those who want the security of locking out the action, and while I've played with turning it on and off I have not found it to have a negative impact on overall function.

Overall, I really like the "New Classic" and I think S&W has made a worthy update to the original.

 

[gfors]

Love my 29-10. Smooth trigger, supremely accurate, and gorgeous finish. Not crazy about the IL-I never use it, nor do I see the point of its existence. The gun also came with a cable lock, which should suffice for the purpose of rendering the gun inoperable, during shipping or storage, if that's the intent. But, other than the lock, which doesn't bug me all that much, it's a great revolver. You may need larger grips, depending on the size of your hand. I ended getting a few sets of older target stocks. Definitely a necessity for my ham hands.

 

[S.B.]

gfors,machining the IL ads to the cost?
Steve

 

[Dobermans]

I have a model 36-10 that I picked up to plop in the carry rotation. It is a nice enough revolver but the fit and finish aren't what they used to be. My Altamont fake stag stocks fit better then the walnuts that came with it. The side plate isn't the best fit but it does shoot and I am happy enough with it. Comparing it to my beautiful K-38 Combat Masterpiece, well you just can't compare them.....

 

[jaymoore]

I have to say that my 25-15 has one of the most attractive blued finishes I've ever seen on a S&W. Polishing work was done well and the color is just right. Insomuch as it's really a very dark blue rather than the usual shiny black.

Mechanically excellent, dimensionally correct, accurate, and with good proportions.

Only three bothers, two of which corrected: The factory stocks were ditched, a cosmetic drama at the muzzle, since removed with a quick turn of a crowning tool, and a single action trigger that isn't quite as good as my 625-7 PP. Figure a few thousand rounds ought to sort that.