Beyond the 25-5

by BC, Brrrr!, Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 11:32 (3599 days ago) @ Rob Leahy

My 25-5 is a keeper. Maybe my primary keeper, "grail" guns aside.

Mine's been carried, camped, packed, and shot so much that it feels like part of my hand. The Fishpaw stocks help in that regard.

Anyway, its real beauty is in its utility, rather than in its somewhat anonymous 80s styling.

There are a few worthwhile post 25-5 S&Ws to consider if you are looking for a .45 Colt. Some are on the pricier side, but with the ever increasing prices of 25-5s, one can, with a bit of savvy and good fortune, land an unusual late model "lunker".

The 25-7 and 25-9 are updates of the -5. Endurance Package are the primary difference, but they were also offered with the ever popular 5" bbl. the -7 came with a matte finish and I fluted cylinder, and, unfortunately, a somewhat short front sight. The -9 offered the standard high gloss finish.

The 25-11 and 25-13 were limited production revolvers and part of, or forebears of, the "Heritage" series guns. Thin pre-war type barrels, round butts, and fancy finishes. The Turnbull case hardening is polarizing among those who pay attention. Great shooters and light on the belt.

In stainless, and beyond the Mointain Gun, S&W offered a 5" under lugged version called the 625-5 "Classic". Great shooters, and arguably an ideal hunting revolver with the right balance of weight/length.

Finally, the 26-1, which was a commemorative model for the GA State Police. 5" thin tapered barrel, smooth narrow trigger, football-profile hammer, and lanyard swivel. Sort of a modern version of yesteryear's "ideal" patrol sidearm, plus a bit of bling on the sideplate. 80s era, so somewhat blocky smooth magma grips, but overall a superb sixgun once the internals are goosed.

There were obviously other late model choices, but my taste goes to these more than the "hunter" styled revolvers and scandium type guns.

Any of these would be a fine choice, but few are truly bargain priced unless you consider value and potential resale.

Sorry to blather on. These are favorites of mine.