Why am I jonesing for a .25acp?

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Snowdog

Snowdog

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Ok, from someone who never passes up an opportunity to badmouth the lowly .25acp and it's insanely anemic 65lbs muzzle energy with a tiny 50gr pill, I've been looking at the Colt Jr. a lot lately. Why is that? If small is the goal, my P32 offers a small package that delivers nearly twice the muzzle energy.

I'm assuming it's because it's one of the few calibers I've never had a firearm chambered in. However, there's something about the thought of having a tiny .25acp Colt Jr. that I appealing. If it wasn't for the price (typically over $400), I would have "bit the bullet" by now... though FIE offers something that looks similar for nearly half the price.

What can anyone tell me about the Colt Jr. ? Also, has anyone else found themselves jonesing for a firearm they know they won't find any use for?

Below is a Colt Jr. being sold on Gunbroker (auction link http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=104424710 )

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Here's an FIE "look-alike" of the Colt Jr. for half the price (auction link http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8699649 )

f4506fe376ddb4917f2f8648afcbed70.jpg
 
An Astra, marketed by Colt for a few years. No experience with them, but likely a decent enough little gun.

Oh!! I just read the box cover! Thats still a decent gun I guess, it is identical to the Astra cub. Wonder who made it for FIE, or if FIE made the thing themselves. Do a google on Astra pistols and maybe learn a bit about the design.

Why are you "Jonesing" a .25? Don't know that!

I've got an old FN Browning Vest Pocket .25, just about identical to the older Colt 1908, and its a fine little .25 auto. I also have a Bauer .25 auto. A clone of the Baby Browning in stainless steel. Fun little pea-shooters.
 
I have an Italian-made FIE I'll sell you cheap!

Price .25acp ammo before you take the plunge!

I actually like my .25, but it doesn't get much use since I got my LCP. The FIE is the same size, but twice as heavy.
 
A .25 auto is an EXCELLENT round, if you want to be of more danger to yourself than the BG.

The Ruger LCP would be a far better choice.
 
It really has nothing to do with defense. I would never ever ever employ any .25acp in a defensive role; I should have made that point in my original post.
If I need to carry something smaller than my K9 or S&W model 36, I have my P32 (which sees plenty of pocket carry). Even this .32acp pocket rocket I consider strictly a "straight in the snot-locker" defensive piece.
So to recap... any pistol I might buy chambered for this anemic cartridge would never serve a defensive role as I have a plethora of firearms better suited for this detail.

This craving I have for the .25acp feels more like something having to do with nostalgia than anything else. I've always gravitated towards the older "all steel" designs such as the 1911, HiPower and revolvers over more modern and potentially more sensible polymer-framed and alloy-framed firearms.

I guess I'll have to pick up one of these Colt Juniors or something of similar ilk (older design, all steel) in .25acp just to satisfy my illogical attraction.
 
I am getting a Beretta 21A for my wife in .25acp. Beretta is making them again. They only make these in limited quantities. Does the .25acp meet the FBI's penetration requirements? Most people go for the .22LR because performance is almost the same in a short barrel and ammo is so much cheaper. All my .25acp's are reliable and accurate.
 
Posted by Snowdog:
I would never ever ever employ any .25acp in a defensive role; I should have made that point in my original post.
Click to expand...

You obviously understand the severe limitations of the cartridge, so as long as you never employ it as a primary defensive arm, then have it if you can afford it.

However, I don't see what's so "appealing" about a gun that's virtually worthless for both self-defense and target shooting.

I'd rather invest the $400+ in a weapon that's actually useful.
 
Most people go for the .22LR because performance is almost the same in a short barrel and ammo is so much cheaper
Click to expand...

True for sure, but reliability of the rimfire in such a small gun is poor, that's why JMB invented the .25ACP round when even he couldn't get a self-defense level of reliability with the .22 in such small guns.

In the days before the Keltec P32 these little guns filled a niche. Now the P3AT or LCP is a far better choice.

But the small .25ACP guns are neat and becoming more collectible every year.

If you plan on shooting it much at all get the 21A in .22lr as the ammo costs will eat you up otherwise, although reliability will be only plinker worthy.

--wally.
 
I have an Astra CUB .25 and it's a fun gun to own, though I rarely shoot it. There is something cool about tiny guns, especially when they're quality guns like the Colt Jr. or Astra CUB. I'd like to pick up a baby Browning too.

mice1.jpg
 
Snowdog

Hey, I have been thinking the same thing. I have a Beretta 21 in 22lr and a Beretta tomcat in 32acp and a sig230 in 380. Now I want a little .25acp as well, I would also like to get a Beretta in 22short.

I do not really carry any of them for self defense, but they are fun to have. So Snowdog when you buy one let us know what you got and what you think of it.
 
I have both an Astra and an FIE, and the quality of the Astra is way above that of the FIE, I'll not buy another FIE The FIE looks like heck, and it's obvious that it came from the factory like that. I'm looking for another Astra in .25, a Colt Junior would do.
Oh yeah, that Astra is way more accurate than such a tiny gun has a right to be too! I have no trouble keeping 6 rounds in a 6" circle at 30 feet.
 
If I were to ever get one it'd be a Browning. I'd be getting it for the same purpose- "just because"- so I'd want one I thought was aesthetically pleasing. I once saw an engraved one with MOP stocks that was beautiful. And I hate .25's, engraving, and MOP stocks.

Jason
 
Wanting one is all the reason one needs. The first gun that I bought myself was a .25 and it was before I knew it would be worthless. I've kept it for almost 30 years and now I don't ever know where it is at because my son thinks it is neat even though he never shoots it.
 
Sometimes you get a craving for something irrational. I like old top break revolvers. Just because.

There is something about little pocket guns that intrigue me. I understand your attraction to the baby Colt. If you have the duckets, you should get one.

Sometimes the itch needs scratching.
 
Hamilton Bowen has built .25 ACP revolvers on S&W K frames. In the practical sense, this is an utterly useless handgun. I can still envision myself having all sorts of fun with one, though. A reloadable .22 using moonclips, done up in Bowen's usual perfection on a classic platform.

I at least have an inkling of what the OP is feeling, I think.
 
I think a little 25 would make a nice novelty item, but as you mentioned, it could not be considered a useful defensive tool. My P32 feels marginal at best... a 25 on the other hand, you might be better served with a good knife.
 
If you want one, buy one...

It may come as a surprise to some people, but all guns can be fun. We should not have to justify a purchase we make to everyone.

I have owned, (AND OH MY GOD I CARRIED IT FOR SD) a little Beretta in .25 and it was a ton of fun to shoot. I have a NAA .22 mag (AND OH MY GOD I CARRY IT FOR SD) It also is fun to shoot.

They are better for fun than defense, but sometime, and in some places they beat a rock. OK, they beat a small rock..
 
I can relate. I bought an Astra Cub in .22 short recently. Very cool little pistol.
Surprisingly loud too.
 
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