S&W 25-2 ... a couple questions

[DeepSouth]

First off I haven't normally been much of a revolver guy, but recently I've been warming up to them and seem to be getting addicted. I have been lusting for a 25-2 for over a year and finally found a good enough deal that the wife had to agree to the purchase. $600.00 for a probably 90% gun, barely even has a cylinder ring.

Anyway I wanted the thing mainly because it it awesome in every way. But I do intend to use it as a hunting/outdoors companion. I was thinking I could carry a couple moon clips of CCI shot shells for snakes and small stuff, and a couple of JHP's for bigger animals, yotes, dillars, wild dogs, whitetail if he comes close enough, ect, ect.

Mianly I was just wondering if I can safely shoot +P's in it. Not much mind you, maybe a 25rnd box a year, probably less as I will usually be carrying this in addition to a rifle.

I also noticed on the CCI site that the "45 Auto shotshell is not intended for revolvers" (bottom of the page) and can't help but wonder why not? Again probably want shoot 10 rounds a year.

In short, Can I shoot the +P's or shotshells in it safely and without damaging the gun. Most of this guns bullets will be FMJ's sent down range at paper making tight groups and I don't want to mess that up the other 3% of the time. It was born in 1980 has a 6" barrel if it makes any difference.

Thanks in advanced.
DS

 

[USSR]

DS,

Yes, the S&W Model 25-2 will handle +P loads just fine. I have a 25-5 (same revolver only in .45LC), and run it at .45ACP +P pressure levels (23k psi) without problems.

Don

 

[rjrivero]

+P isn't an issue with the Model 25. The reason they don't use the shot shells in a revolver is because the plastic/shot can get caught in the forcing cone and lock up the cylinder.

 

[steveno]

I think that the problem with the CCI shotshells is because the aluminum case can and/or will stick in the chambers after firing. I had a problem with the shotshells and a S & W 745 and would lockup after firing. I had to drop a cleaning rod down the barrel to "unstick" the case from the chamber and then eject it. the same ammo works just fine in a Kimber Compact SST. I haven't tried them in a S & W 1911 to see if they work or not. they usually don't put those kinds of warnings on something without a reason so if you decide to try them you are probably on your own.

 

[Jim Watson]

The CCI shotshells amount to bottleneck cases, they will set back in the cylinder, expand out at the step to the chamber throat, and bind up the gun.
I've done it so you don't have to.

 

[NVMM]

I think you can buy the shot capsules and load them your self. I've done that with 38s and had no problems.

 

[DeepSouth]

Thanks for all the info. I guess I'll save the money on the shot shells, I'll just have to practice until I can make head shots on snakes at 50 yards. Glad to know the +P's want hurt anything.

Thanks again
DS

 

[earplug]

Snake Head shot works

That big bullet and mild recoil makes accurate shooting easy.
I don't harm snakes anymore. None in our yard.

 

[Fishslayer]

Congrats on your M25. You're gonna love it. Speedloaders at $1 & less apiece.

 

[AKPastor]

Let me echo the congrats. I love my 25-2. It is my favorite handgun.