[Steve Smith]

Ok, being a complete S&W revo virgin, and one who has been wanting a 25 for a while and is about to buy one, could someone PLEASE explain the dash system? The particular gun I'm about to buy is a 25-5. Its a 4" gun so the 5 can't be the barrel length.

Thanks,
Steve

[BigG]

The dashes refer to various engineering changes like delete pinned barrel, for example. A model 25 dash nothing would be the first model, the first change to the spec would be a 25-1, and so on. HTH

[Steve Smith]

HTH

Almost. Could someone elaborate on the different changes for each dash number?

[owen]

it depends on the model


a -13. -5 and -2 could all be the current model A model 10 will have lots of -'s because its so old. A 500 Mag will have no dashes.

[BigG]

The dashes are model specific and some of the changes are very minor like change shape of thumb latch or change from square butt to round butt. The new internal lock would make a new dash on any model currently manufactured at the time it was instituted. My K22 is like a dash 9 and it is already 15 or 20 years old. You really need to get a "Standard Catalog" by Supica and Nahas if you want details.

[Steve Smith]

Thanks, guys!

[Mike Irwin]

A complete explanation of the various "dash" changes for all models would run several pages.

If you have a particular model in mind, ask about it.

Most of the changes covered by a "dash" aren't readily visible to the eye, either. You have to know what you're looking for.

[Steve Smith]

Mike, as we have spoken about via PM, the particular gun is a 25-5. I know this is considered to be one of the best you can get, and I really like the ones I've handled. Just wondering what the -5 was compared to the 2,3,and 4.

[LWCmdr45]

There have been twelve M25 models ranging from pre-M25 (before the numeric model numbers were assigned) to the M25-10 (current production with frame-mounted firing pin, MIM parts, etc.). The 25-5 was made from '78-'88 (with only the first four years having pinned barrels), was the first STANDARD production .45 Colt model and is probably the easiest variant to find in that caliber.

Steve

[Steve Smith]

Thanks all. When I get the gun I will post a pic in the S&W thread.

[EJ]

This is pretty comprehensive---


http://www.recguns.com/Sources/IIIB2e1.html

[popeye]

I've used the above link for info in the past. Ive got a 36 no dash but it's a J not an I frame. Am I reading the chart wrong?

[Old Fuff]

Popeye:

The model 36 (no dash number) was introduced in 1957. Prior to that it was known as the "Chief Special" which was first produced 1950. All Chief Special and model 36 revolvers were (and are) made on the "J" frame. The "I" frame is similar, but is shorter and the cylinder isn't long enough to be used with the .38 Special cartridge.

[BigG]

25 introducing model no., 1957
25-1 Change extractor rod, r to l thread, 1960
25-2 Eliminate triggerguard screw, 1961
25-3 45 ACP and 45 Colt versions, 1977
25-4 Shorter cylinder, 1977
25-5 45 Colt std production, longer cylinder

[glockten]

Interesting thread.

I didn't see the following in the recguns chart, so I would be grateful if someone could explain them:

29-5
629-4
686-4
625-7

[BADSBSNF81]

Longer stop notch in cylinder, new bolt block - 90

Change rear leaf sight, change extractor - 94
Begin shipments in blue plastic case - 96
Change thumb piece/ship trigger locks - 97

Change rear sight/drill and tap/change extractor/Hogue grips - 94
Introduce Power Port Barrel - 95

Change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin, change to MIM trigger, change internal lockwork in 45ACP - 98