S&W Model 1955 Target model, 45 ACP

[dtwalker]

I just found this great website today. I have a S&W Model 1955 with a 6 3/8 or 6 1/2 barrel. Had it for years; took it in trade. In the process of talking w/Millett because I've stripped out two of their rear sights. Happened onto a thread here with a lot of talk about 1500's but don't know how to get back there. Last couple of years I've been shooting this (that's a story in and unto itself). Anybody have a handle on the value of this revolver? I don't want to be stupid. If it's worth less than $1000 I'm going to keep on keeping on. If it's worth $10,000 it's for sale.

It's good to be here,
Dave

 

[Old Fuff]

Welcome to The High Road...

Smith & Wesson 1955 .45ACP revolvers generally sell in the $400 to $600 range on the Internet auctions I follow. It would have to be truly exceptional to pull $1,000.

I don't understand your reference to "1500."

However if you go the the forum's search function (in the green bar, top of the page) and enter: 1500 it may turn up something.

 

[dtwalker]

Just Brain Fade Old Fluff; reference should have been to 1955 and NOT 1500.

 

[dtwalker]

I thought from another thread that the 1955 was in a different category than the various Model 25's.

 

[Old Fuff]

I thought from another thread that the 1955 was in a different category than the various Model 25's.

It sort of is...

Following World War Two S&W introduced a target revolver that used the same barrel forging as the .357 Magnum (pre-model 27) with a narrow rib. They called it the model 1950.

Later they introduced another version with a wider rib on the barrel, similar to that on a model 29 (.44 Magnum) and named that the model 1955.

Then things got confusing as they came out with different barrel lengths and .45 Colt as well as .45ACP.

I suspect you have one of the earlier (and better) guns. Post a partial serial number (use xx for the last two numbers). The serial number will be found on the butt after you remove the stocks. Look for a letter "S" or "N" prefix as well as the number.

 

[SaxonPig]

I believe the only real difference between the 1950 Target Model (became the Model 26) and the Model of 1955 (became the Model 25) was the latter's heavier barrel. If yours doesn't have the MOD 25 stamped on the frame beneath the cylinder crane then it's a pre-1957 version. A pre-25 in nice shape would bring more than the later models. My guesstimate would be $600 or so for a pre- model. Note that the early, pre-1968 target stocks (with the diamond around the screw) will sell for $150-$400 all by themselves so if present they are a real plus to value. A pre-25 with its original target stocks could get close to $1,000 in value, IMO. I paid $375 for this 1980 M25 about 2 years ago. It wears a Millett sight but I would advise against altering an early gun. These usually shoot real nice.

 

[Majic]

The 1950 Target (or Pre-26) will have the classic tapered barrel and the 1955 Target (or Pre-25) will have the heavy barrel. To get in the $1000 range your revolver should be one of the early pre number models and in excellent condition with the original box, tools, and docs.

 

[dtwalker]

Thank you everyone. I've figured it out with your help. My revolver is stamped " 45 CAL. MODEL 1955' on the barrel. "N449965 MOD. 25-2" on the frame under the crane. Rubber Pachmeyer grips. It's a shooter and I'm going to keep on shooting it! It wears a Millett rear sight (I added that).

Only problem I've had is that twice the threads off either the elevation screw(Millett) or the T nut (S&W) have stripped off under recoil. Last time at the range I lost the T nut. Called Millett/they were GREAT and sent me a couple of elevation screws at their cost right away. These are not hot loads either (mostly factory).

Thank you again,
Dave

 

[Tom C.]

I have a 30 yr. old 25-2. I was interested in a combat style revolver, so I had the barrel shortened to 5" and the trigger narrowed. The recoil with full power loads is mild enough to question how you manage to tear up the rear sight vertical adjustment screws.
I like mine enough to get a 625-8JM as a companion.