SW 25 feedback

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Noxx

Noxx

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I'm looking at a S&W 25-2, NIB, 45ACP. Any feedback from owners of this model? I don't think I want to spend more than $650, altho I see a lot of people asking 800ish for this model, which seems a bit much to me.

Any input appreciated.
 
In the condition you describe, I think $650.00 is a fair price and maybe even a good price if cylinder unturned and box/papers included. My opinion only. The real worth is what someone is willing to pay for and what someone is willing to sell for...
 
Given where you are, and given the fact that no 25-2 Smiths can be imported into the state of kalifornistan, and given the fact that if you were to find one for sale it's going to be from a private party, I'd say $800 is probably a fair price. If I still lived in the People's Republic (I moved from there 3 years ago), I'd pay that much for one in 98% or better shape.
 
Thanks Harm. I think you're right, I'm just not too thrilled about $800 + DROS, etc, but it looks like it'll be in that range or I''ll have to miss out.
 


Question for you Califorians:

Even though this is a private sale, doesn't the law require a DROS? Are non-approved firearms grandfathered?

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Private sale requires a DROS, but private sales are exempt from the "handgun approval list"
 
private sales are exempt from the "handgun approval list"
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As are pawn shop sales. Only, I never had any luck finding certain Smiths in pawn shops in the valley.
 
The 45 ACP in such a heavy gun is a cream puff. When I was young and foolish I bought a 25-2 brand new because it was so beautiful and sold it fast because I was more into hard kicking Magnums. Live and learn. I bagged one off GunBroker about 3 years ago for the $375 buy it now.

I'm keeping this one.


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I am also looking for a 25-2..I want an 8 3/8' barrel. Passed on the exact thing on GB about 1 month back, ( Bought an 8" 14-4 and 629)(So I have already spent my allowance)... The GB price was $650 in 98% condition. Went to a Central Pa. gun show this weekend and I saw 2; 25-2 (6 inch) one in a presentation case and the other @ about 80% with tax over $900.. To steep for me.....
 
Thanks for the input guys. Mine was in 100% condition, with box, accessories, etc. I had to go a bit over the top, paid $850 plus fees, and I'm thinking about paying S&W $50 for a letter since it seems it'll end up a safe queen. No remorse tho, I don't seem them raining down in never fired condition.
 
noxx- I bet you paid the "CA premium" for a gun that can't be legally imported into the state so selelrs can jack the price for local buyers.

I was also thinking that 25-2s weren't made in the 8" length. The 45 Colt models were the 25-5 and later.
 
The 25-2 is a big, slow, easy to shoot revolver. You feel almost no recoil. Accuracy is terrific and the trigger is great. If you want it, buy it. You will forget about the price premium after a year or two and the value of the gun will just go up so long as it is taken care of.

Get full moon clips. They are a lot easier to use than the half moon clips.
 
noxx- I bet you paid the "CA premium" for a gun that can't be legally imported into the state so selelrs can jack the price for local buyers
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Pretty much. I wouldn't say the seller jacked up the price as I bought it auction, but the market certainly is different here than elsewhere.
 
I am looking for one for competition, the only turnoff is that they did not make the rifling very deep. I would be interested to know how owners have fared with .452 cast boolits.

Saxon, that price is outstanding, you truly did get a second chance.
 
With Smith revolvers, particularly the more desirable ones like a 25-2, the price you walked away from two years ago is this year's steal . . . and always will be.

They were only made with 6 1/2 and 6 inch barrels back "in the day," and had the super-wide, grooved target triggers and target hammers. They were target revolvers with great accuracy with the right loads.

Here's a 25-2 from 1980 that's may favorite handgun of any type and size. The barrel was reduced to that sexy 3 1/4" length that makes the vintage M27s look so great.

The trigger was rounded and severely narrowed for fast, double action shooting for action handgun competitions. It is incredibly fast out of the holster with wonderful recovery times as one swings between targets in double action mode. And, using full moon clips, reloads are as fast as reloading an auto for some of us. IMHO, the ultimate fighting revolver.

BTW, it loves .452 cast bullets and will eat out single jagged holes in a target at 10 yards, standing/unsupported.

IMHO, this is the gun that S&W made a mistake not making back then. However, lots of gunsmiths DID convert those big ol' target revolvers back in the '60s-'80s, including the legendary John Jovino of NYC. Mine was converted in Savannah by a long passed away revolver master.

2250454198025-2.jpg


AND WITH MOONCLIPS SHOWN:

2256768new25-2plusmoonclips-edited.jpg


T.
 
I saw one at the last show for $575 with a display case that was in great shape. If I had not been cash poor, I probably would have bought it, despite having one already. They are awesome, and I expect to have another someday. Too bad the guy was not interested in what I had to trade.
 
Here is one I traded to. Traded a model 60 3 inch square butt S&W even for this 25-2 in presentation box. I love the 25 but I miss the model 60 also.
model25-2.gif
 
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