Smith & Wesson S&W Model 25-5 ‘The 1955 Model .45 Target Heavy Barrel’, Blue 8 3/8” 6-Shot Double Action Revolver & Case, MFD 1980
SOLD FOR: $1,600
LSB#: 160420RM09
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 25-5 ‘The 1955 Model .45 Target Heavy Barrel’
Serial Number: N735323
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition, by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas Page 398)
Caliber: .45 (Long) Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action (DA / SA), Fluted Swing-Out Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right side is marked “45 COLT CTG.” The right side plate is marked with S&W’s trade mark logo, the right side of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas. The left side of the grip frame is marked “F25 / 8 / 33X21 / F” the butt is marked with the serial number, the right side of the grip frame is marked “I” in circle, “5” in heart and “4569”. The yoke is marked “33X21 / F25”, the yoke cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 25-5”. The inside of the left grip panel is marked “480”.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, pinned, with shrouded ejector rod and solid wide rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with an orange-colored insert, integral to a rise in the barrel’s solid rib; the top of the rib is serrated and matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click-adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered target stocks with silver-colored S&W logo medallions. The stocks have poor fit to one another on the upper fore strap portion and at the butt; otherwise the stocks match each other’s tone well. The stocks have scattered light to moderate depth compression marks as photographed. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with case colored wide, serrated target trigger and wide, checkered target hammer.
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is worn but still crisply defined. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance is shown as some very light scattered handling marks on the barrel and cylinder. The cylinder has a very light drag line that has not completely penetrated the finish. The right side plate’s forward most screw hole has some screwdriver tooling. The screw heads are slightly marred but still highly serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces only very light play in full lockup with no measurable back play. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is short and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a wooden display case that shows a few scattered handling and storage marks as photographed; the interior’s blue felt lining has been removed with areas of dried glue and small amounts of the felt remaining; the inside has a lidded compartment that contains a cleaning rod, brush, screwdriver, jag tip and bore mop of S&W make, all in Excellent condition; the case is in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Model of 1955 .45 Target Heavy Barrel Model 25-5 in .45 (Long) Colt, retaining about 98% of its metal finish, only showing a few minor marks in the stocks; the wood has a gap in fit at the upper fore strap portion and a smaller miss-fit at the butt, however the stocks match each other’s tone well and give excellent purchase to the grip frame. This is a beefy, rugged and visually stunning revolver that has a rear adjustable sight and a bore free of erosion. Included is a S&W factory wood presentation case and cleaning gear. .45 Colt is one of the most popular cartridges in history with a track record spanning over 140 years; it has been found to be effective against medium to large game (with hotter loads) and is certainly capable for home defense. This target model revolver should be very accurate and will be welcomed in any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
