Which one to buy first ?

[StrawHat]

Neither is the 649...

But, just like everyone else has asked... Is it for carry purposes??? Range toy??? Safe queen???

Thank you, I was not aware of that. I have no need for J frames, I have one (a Model 36-1) but it does not get out much. My 32 Hand Ejector, I frame gets out more. My N frames get the most time in the holster or on the range, therefore my suggestion.

Kevin

 

[kamloops67]

There is an unfired, in presentation box 25-5 125yr anniversary commemorative for sale on a gun board I frequent.
The seller is ASKING $1850 I believe , he might get it but not from me .
Nice gun but a guy could almost buy two N frames for that price
If you are going to shoot the gun , why pay the premium and if you are buying to collect , there may be better options

 

[damienph]

One more vote for the 25-3

 

[reddog81]

Those guns are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Small carry gun vs large target gun. I'd vote for the model 25 unless you're looking for a carry gun. If your looking for a carry gun I'd recommend something other than a 649...

A lot of the commerative guns are in really good condition because everyone that bought them figured they'd keep them nice so they'd be worth more. Since nobody really cares about whatever it is they are commemorating, it shouldn't have much of a premium, but would still be a nice gun.

 

[pasound]

Buy both. They are no longer made. Negotiate a price for the package.

 

[Speedo2]

Neither. Hold out for a good K22. -S2

 

[Hair Trigger]

I have an opportunity to purchase 2 guns, a mid to late 1980s S&W Model 649 no dash in excellent condition and a 125 Anniversary Commemorative 25-3 near new, with box. Both are owned by the same person.
So, which one captures your interest most and be the first you would choose to buy? I do not have photos. Thanks Again

Hands-down, the M25-3. M649's are a lot easier to find and have little collector value. The M25 comes from the era that was the best of S&W, IMO. I really would like to have one, but i recently (New Years Day) found a M25-5. .45 Colt is a fun round to shoot, mild recoil but still a heavy hitter, and there's nothing to keep you from making the 125th Anniv. gun into a shooter, since you said it's "near new".

 

[Goldstar225]

Buy both.

For a serious answer. What purpose do you have in purchasing? Target shooting/hunting/home defense? Get the 25-3. Concealed carry? get the 649. Just to have and to hold? Either one.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My EDC is a 49 no dash, that was Metal Lifed to look like a 649. If you need a CCW you can't do much better that the 649!

If you already are set on a CCW, You better pick up the 25-3, they are harder to come by; you won't be sorry! Treat it like a shooter and shoot it! 45 caliber six-guns are a hoot! I have owned a 4" and a 6" 25-5 and currently own a Brazilian Contract 1917 and a 625 of 1987.

Ivan

 

[glenwolde]

The 25-3. And shoot it. I like big guns, I cannot lie.

 

[bananaman]

I don't even have to think about it.......the 25. Of course I like 45 Colt. Getting harder to find. I have a 25-15. One of my favorites. IF I only had a 25-7??? Bob

 

[Hawg Rider]

I'll go along with the Model 25-3 gang...although I'm not a commemorative collector- I like the gun, the bbl. length, and the caliber. However, in many cases it doesn't appear that the 25-3s are selling for as much as the online sellers were looking to get. Maybe because the 25-3s are commemoratives. As jcelect pointed out, this is a case of apples and oranges when it comes to size, purpose/usage, price, ammo, etc. Tough decision...choose wisely, or buy both!

 

[John Patrick]

Guns are not really that good of an investment and commemorative guns are exceptionally not that good of an investment. Now, if a commemorative celebrates something near and dear to you, then by all means grab it but don't expect many others to get excited.

Regarding commemoratives, they are often in very nice condition. I've only bought one, and I bought it for the gun, not the commemoration. I think that's a viable approach.

25. EDIT: HawgRider is right, get both!

Fwiw, a LGS had both a 340 and a 349 for sale when I was there yesterday. $595 and $585, iirc.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

A M649 is with me almost every day. I don't have any interest in a collectible that I won't shoot.

 

[Imissedagain]

Welcome aboard!
You might want to read up on the 25 series Smiths as to oversized throats and shorter cylinders.
Link for starters:

MODEL 25 QUESTION

 

[greenmachine]

25-3 obviously. I've been collecting Smith & Wessons for more than half of my life and had to Google the 649. No interest there whatever.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Buy both. They are no longer made. Negotiate a price for the package.

My thoughts exactly, buy both.

 

[Grayfox]

I dearly love the N-frame .45 Colt revolvers. But .....
If you want a safe queen and a collectible, the 25-3 will do. But S&W commemoratives have never held much value over the same gun as a standard model.
However, if you want a shooter, the 25-3 is the last one you would want. These were made with the shorter .45acp cylinder and some heavy bullet .45 Colt loads are too long. Worse yet, the cylinder throats were way over sized and these guns are noted as noticeably inaccurate. I looked at one once thinking of buying it. A drop test with a .454" bullet fell straight through without even slowing down.
If you want a .45 Colt shooter, look for a 25-5 or later.

 

[Birdhunter6]

If I were in your position I would be interested in the 25 because I don't have one. But only at a reasonable price. I don't believe the commemoratives hold value except in an unfired w/box, papers & tools condition (Like any other well made out of production revolver). I wouldn't be interested in one like that since I'm a shooter first and nothing in my collection is unfired. In good used condition, as a shooter I would be all over it if I could negotiate a the right price.

Having said that, I carry a 640-1 daily. If you do not have a Snub J frame .38 or .357, you NEED one. Just my opinion but the steel frame DAO Chief in a pocket holster is the best possible combination of concealability and dependability available.

 

[heeter3]

Like some of the others.Id buy both.