Smith & Wesson Model 25-5 The 1955 Target Model .45 Colt 4” DA/SA Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
LSB#: LSB251113MP011
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 25-5, The “Model 1955” .45 Target Heavy Barrel
Serial Number: AWF6244
Year of Manufacture: 1987 (Standard catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “45 COLT CTG.”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo, the right side of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The yoke and the sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The butt is marked with the serial number. Both sides of the grip frame show inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red ramp insert set on a ramped base that is integral to the serrated rib. The rear sight is a white outline square notch Smith & Wesson micrometer sight adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Goncalvo alves checkered target stocks with extractor relief. There are just a few handling marks or and pressure marks. There is one small millimeter-sized chip at the base of the right grip panel. The checkering is still sharp. No cracks were observed in the grips. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion and just a little fouling. The bore rates in 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a faint plum patina to the cylinder. The cylinder has a turn line through the finish. There is a bit of blueing loss at the muzzle. There is just a bit of corrosion freckling on the left side of the frame. The screw heads are moderately tooled but still useable. The case hardening color of the hammer and trigger are strong as usual. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in a Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The ejector spring is very smooth and strong. We did not fire this handgun, but did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Plastic case, spare cylinder, .45 auto-compatible moon clip. The aditional cylinder was milled for the use of moon clips by TK Customs.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson’s Model 25-5, also known as the “1955 Target Model,” is one of the finest examples of a large-frame precision revolver designed for competitive accuracy with a heavy barrel. Built on the N-frame, the Model 25 is a direct descendant of the post-war Hand Ejector lineage and was originally marketed to serious competition shooters.
This example, made in 1987, retains approximately 98% of its original metal finish and features a bright, sharp bore that shows just a little fouling. The checkered wood target grips show just a little handling wear, with one small chip and retain stong checkering. Mechanically, the revolver is tight, smooth, and correct. It comes with a spare cylinder in Very Good condition.
This particular Model 25 is a “-5” variant, introduced in 1978, that brought about the .45 Colt chambering and and (in 1982) deleted the pinned barrel. In addition to the .45 Colt cylinder, and additional cylinder is included which was milled for the use of .45 ACP in moon clips by TK Customs.
Model 25 revolvers remain in strong demand among both S&W aficionados and competitive shooters who appreciate their accuracy, balance, and classic styling. Whether you’re a collector chasing classic target Smiths or a shooter seeking a legacy revolver with excellent pedigree, this 1955 Target Model will be a nice addition to your collection. Please see our photos. -C.B.
