Which 25 (.45 Colt) Do I Want?

[Scott E White]

Okay, I'm lost. Not a collector, but I've owned and shot S&W revolvers and other handguns for over 35 years now. Never paid much attention to what others liked or sought after, just owned and/or carried what felt good or was issued. Back in '83, I owned and carried the 25-5, 4" .45 Colt as a duty revolver. It shot like a dream with just a little trigger work, and I paid $325.00 for it from my LGS, factory-new. Back then, I was one of his best customers, and he treated me well.

Fast-forward to 1995, and I just wasn't using it any more. Money got tight for some personal reasons, and I decided to "thin the herd" a bit. The 25 was one of a dozen handguns to go, all at or above what I had paid for them.

Now that life has stabilized considerably and I have "matured" enough to realize the folly of my past decisions, I really miss that particular piece. I want to replace it, but the +/- $1,000.00 prices are just too much for another shooter I will only use a couple times a week, and carry around the woods from time to time.

I have just noticed that there are other "dash" numbers than the "5" made in the Colt chambering. I have also seen that you Gents speak frequently about the over-size issues, and I don't really want to get into casting heads for my handloading sessions.

Which Model 25 versions should I be looking for, and why? Which ones should I avoid, since accuracy is an issue (of course)? Is there a reliable outlet I could be checking on-line (local shops are now big-box stores, and pawn shops are practically non-existant)?

I'm not desperate to make my purchase, but I have been looking for about three years now, and the prices just keep getting farther out of reach. Although I still want the 4" barrel, I would be willing to go to a stainless instead of blue, but nickel finish just doesn't appeal to me in the least. Any helpful suggestions?

 

[panamajack310]

Hey, I would just purchase another 25-5.. S&W did make several other 45lc revolvers. They made the 25-7, 625, and 625 mountain gun. If you check on gunbroker.com or gunsamerica I am sure you can find several. I just checked and found several for under $1000.00...

 

[Smee78]

I will vouch for the 625 Mountain gun as an excellent revolver and a favorite of mine that I will never sell. It has the 4" barrel you are looking for and it avoids the oversized throats of the early 25 series. I'm sure if you look hard enough one will pop up sometime, but yes it seems that the longer you wait prices just seem to keep rising.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I have a 4" 25-5 that I like, but have been considering selling it because I also have a 25-13 blued Mountain Gun. It's great shooter with cast or swaged bullets as well as jacketed since the throats are tighter and it's a bit lighter. Sometimes getting the earlier big throated models to shoot well with lead bullets takes some thought about handloads. Factory Rem or Win lead usually does all right. Jacketed always does fine. The 25-13 especially likes a 282gr RCBS 45-270-SAA cast bullet loaded to about 900. If you can get past the dreaded lock they are a good choice if you prefer blued over SS.

 

[bigshep85]

My 25-5

I bought a 25-5 nickel and honestly it is one of my favorites that I have owned....maybe it will find a good home somewhere with one of the members of this wonderful forum who will care greatly for it

 

[Sprefix]

625-6 gets my vote! This revolver is tougher than you will hear most admit. It will live many lifetimes with cowboy loads or other factory ammo other than bear loads. It will handle bear loads with ease also.

 

[M29since14]

...I have just noticed that there are other "dash" numbers than the "5" made in the Colt chambering. I have also seen that you Gents speak frequently about the over-size issues, and I don't really want to get into casting heads for my handloading sessions.

Which Model 25 versions should I be looking for, and why? ...

In general, I agree with VAdoublegunner's comments. If you want a gun similar to the one you had, look for a 25-9. The "over-size" throats (exit bores) will not be an issue and the gun is otherwise similar to your older 25-5. If you do not want the "target" barrel profile and would prefer the newer Mountain Gun barrel, the 25-13 is also a good revolver.

Most folks here report good results with the newer stainless models, too. I did have a 625-6 Mountain Gun, which was a nice gun and shot well enough. It has the round-butt frame, if you happen to like that. I don't. That was the only SS S&W .45 Colt model I have had the chance to shoot very much, so couldn't comment on the others.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

On the newer 25-5's that do not have a pinned barrel S&W seemed to have adressed the throat dia. problem. If you do find a potential purchase 25-5 try the bullet drop test. Obtain a .452 diameter jacketed bullet (bullet only not a loaded cartridge) open the cylinder and drop the bullet nose first into each chamber. If it falls through and bounces off of your toe the throats are too large. This is an easy way to check one before purchase. Just be sure to seek permission and explain your actions to the owner or gunshop clerk first to avoid alarming them! As already noted Winchester and Remington 250 grain LRN ammo are loaded with .455 dia. bullets and are good to go with all throat sizes, they are soft bullets and will swage down nicely to throat and bore diameters with ease. Good luck in your search!

 

[jimmyj]

This an't Jimmy, but his evil twin:
Consider a RUGER! Stronger and less expensive.

 

[Meeteetse]

I am a big fan of the 45 Colt too, but like you, I sold a couple of guns that I now wish I had. I do however have a 625 Mountain Gun (pre-lock) and it is a great gun. It is easier to pack around than my other 25's, mostly due to the tapered barrel profile making it a little lighter, and it has the round butt. I too, would like to find another, but I want an odd one, perhaps with fixed sights. It would make a great pack gun once you found a great load for it.

 

[Scott E White]

625-6 gets my vote!

I haven't seen a 625 priced for someone who wants to shoot it, rather than "collect" it. I just have a really hard time paying almost three times as much for something I bought (feels like just a few years ago) almost thirty years ago.
My 629 (also 4") spends a lot of time on my hip during deer season, so I wouldn't mind picking up a twin in the Colt caliber.

They made the... 625, and 625 mountain gun.

I will vouch for the 625 Mountain gun ...

The looks of the MG are quite different, and I haven't been able to shoot or handle one, so I'm not quite ready to go that route yet.

I have a 4" 25-5 that I like, but have been considering selling it ....

This could be good for both of us. Let me know when you decide! Did I mention that I'm a workin' man with a family and home to support?

 

[David LaPell]

I had a 25-13 Mountain Gun, yes it had the lock, which I removed and yes it had the MIM parts which I had to live with, but it was still a nice gun and I wish I still had it, with the right handloads it shot great.

 

[Allen-frame]

Greetings Scott.

It really almost doesn't matter which model 25 or 625 you choose,
you will be happy with whichever one you make the deal on.

You seem to be stuck on price, which in and of itself is not such a bad thing.
But if you are not willing to put in the time to find 'the deal' then your search
will not bear fruit.

I have been collecting Smiths now for some years and Smiths in 45 Colt in particular.
The hunt for the bargain must sometimes make way for the just do it purchase.

I have paid between $600. and $2200. for my N frames and regret not a one.

I may also be the reason you cannot find a Smith 45 anywhere.

If you want one badly enough you will gravitate toward Gun broker and look every day for a 25 or 625 and find one.
What you find is just commensurate with how much time you put in looking.

Good luck

Allen Frame

 

[robctwo]

I bought the 25-15 Nickel 6" a couple years ago, lock stock and mim. Very accurate gun. I bought the 25-13 because i wanted the 4". Also a great gun. I bought the 25-7 because I'm insane and wanted a little Old School. Very accurate as well.

.45 Colt is a blast to shoot. I reload.

 

[Scott E White]

Greetings Scott.
If you want one badly enough you will gravitate toward Gun broker and look every day for a 25 or 625 and find one.
What you find is just commensurate with how much time you put in looking.
Good luck
Allen Frame

Due to your OUTRAGEOUS collection, I deemed you to be a worthy and reliable source of advice. I have consequently spent the last few days tirelessly scouring the auction sites, and have found that my beloved Model 25s are, indeed available within my budget. Quite a bit more than they used to be, but still affordable to someone like me.

Just a couple quick questions, if some of you Gents can help;
At what point ("dash" designation) did the dreaded locks appear? No problem with MIM parts, but I detest the locks.
Was a model offered with a 4" barrel and a full under-lug? Just re-checking your photo, I see what appears to be both a 6" and a 3" in this configuration.
Now that I've seen the variety of model 25s out there, I'm inclined to be a bit more picky, and less "desperate" to find an exact replacement of the 25-5 I miss so dearly. Might even be a bit of fun to change a couple features.