[gvf]

Kind of dumb Q since this is not a common gun: but is there any place that either has - or is more likely to have - S & W .45 Colt (or I guess L Colt is usual way of noting it) revolvers. I like especially the Model 25s.

I've seen them at online auctions and one at local store for $600+ each place. Yet, Blue Book gives the best condition (one step down from NIB) at around $350, the price the few I know that have them have paid at various stores. This price is mine as well, a tad more perhaps, but $ 600 + ?: Nada.

Thanks for any info

[Will5A1]

The current Blue Book does not have current, realistic, market prices listed for S&W revolvers, at least from what I've observed. I have not seen any current production Model 25's, I have seen Model 22's and they were fetching $600 - $700 (I think, they had IL's, I admired the 22's but wasn't about to buy one with that lock).

Classic (pre-lock) Smith N Frames are much in demand now, and I, and a lot of other guys, would buy every high condition N Frame we could find for $350, and I haven't found any lately. Used to find M28's in that range but none for the past year or so.

If you really want one I think $600 is a good price, that isn't to say there are not great buys out there, maybe if you look long and hard enough you'll get one from a motivated, or unknowing seller for $350.

[JoeHatley]

In general the "Blue Book" under values S&W firearms across the board.

I paid $365 & $385 for my 25-5's, but that was over 6 years ago.

Current prices in my area are $500 --> $600 asking prices. Selling prices are probably around $100 less.

Good Luck...

Joe

[.41Dave]

As previously mentioned, the Blue Book is rubbish where S&W is concerned. $600 is a fair price these days for any classic pre-lock S&W N frame in good shape. Anything less than $500 is a real bargain.

[gvf]

Thanks all, good to know. Can't afford $600 now for the current 25 in the local store, so I'll keep my eye out for a real bargain.

[Majic]

so I'll keep my eye out for a real bargain.
And watch that $600 price climb to $700. Can you handle a layaway plan?

[Gator]

What Majic said...

If you want one now is the time to buy. I have picked up eight S&W revolvers in the last few months (all pre-lock, of course!) because prices are rising so quickly. Those "real bargains" will get harder and harder to find.

And, yes, the Blue Book is worthless for any collectibles.

P.S. There is a nice 6" 25 (not mine) for sale on the S&W forum right now :)

[Colt46]

Their scarcity in a double action makes them hard to find and keeps the price higher than I'd like/

[Stainz]

The 625 Mountain Gun (625MG) was available from stock last year. My local pusher still has a new one in the display case $639-$659. I have many new IL-equipped S&W's, 66, 625JM, two 629's, and a 686+, it isn't a problem here. My first S&W was a new 625MG from '01 - I added a LN '96 variant last spring. It really is a delightful sized/balanced revolver. The 'look' is traditional as well, although, IMHO, it begs for wood stocks. Fortunately, unlike it's 629MG sibling, it's lower pressure round makes shooting it a good experience with wood stocks. I feel it's one drawback is the black front/black rear sight picture, but that, too, can always be changed as the front sight is pinned and the rear is a standard S&W sight.

Here are my Ahrends gripped 625-7 ('01) and S&W Dymondwood Combats gripped 625-6 ('96 - note forged trigger & hammer - the latter with mounted firing pin):

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/Stainz_2007/IMG_0211.jpg

Also shown, HKS #25-5 with Speer 250gr Gold Dot JHP's; Same round, 255gr LSWC (Both make 850 fps from the 4" tube.), and a 200gr LRNFP in a .45 Schofield case.

Stainz