Smith & Wesson 25-2 1955 Model .45 ACP Jovino “Effector” 2.75″ Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2,113.99
LSB#: LSB260416DH015
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 25-2, 1955 Model .45 Target Heavy Barrel, Jovino “Effector”
Serial Number: N805176
Year of Manufacture: 1980-1983 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .45 ACP / .45 Auto Rim
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Hand Ejector Revolver
Markings: The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 25-2”. The crane arm is marked with inspector marks. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas and the S&W monogram logo.
Barrel Length: 2.75″, Pinned, Full-Rib, Modified by Jon Jovino
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Baughman Quick Draw with a red insert, integral to a serrated rise on the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, white outlined square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation. The rib is serrated, and the top strap has a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Pachmayr ‘Presentation/Compac” checkered rubber with a speedloader cut. There are minor handling marks and scratches. The checkering is sharp and well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished / Modified
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are scratches and handling marks. There is scattered corrosion freckling throughout. There are carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp with light use. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with minimal play at each chamber. 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: 4x moon clips and black Don Hume leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 25-2 descends from the company’s Model of 1955 .45 Target revolver, one of S&W’s classic N-frame target revolvers chambered for .45 ACP and also usable with .45 Auto Rim. The 25-2 combined the large-frame strength and excellent balance of the N-frame with adjustable sights, refined double action/single action lockwork, and the mild-recoiling accuracy potential of the .45 ACP cartridge. While standard Model 25-2 revolvers are already desirable among target shooters and Smith & Wesson collectors, this example is especially interesting as a Jon Jovino “Effector” conversion. John Jovino Gun Shop of New York became known for distinctive custom defensive revolvers, often built from full-size Smith & Wesson platforms and modified into compact, powerful carry guns. Modified by Jon Jovino Co. to short barrel, round butt configuration, acorn-profile hammer spur, and smooth trigger. The revolver has a Jovino installed barrel mounted ejector rod locking pin. This revolver retains its Model 25-2 identity while adding a 2.75” modified full-rib barrel, Baughman Quick Draw front sight, Pachmayr rubber stocks, and a practical defensive profile chambered for .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim. The result is a compact big-bore N-frame with strong collector appeal for those who appreciate custom S&W revolvers, Jovino conversions, and unusual defensive wheelguns.
This Smith & Wesson Model 25-2 Jovino “Effector” is a 2.75” modified, pinned-barrel .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim revolver with a blue finish, adjustable rear sight, red insert Baughman Quick Draw front sight, Pachmayr checkered rubber stocks, four moon clips, and a black Don Hume leather holster. The revolver retains about 96% of its metal finish with scattered scratches, handling marks, corrosion freckling, carbon rings on the cylinder face, and a faint cylinder turn line. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup and minimal play at each chamber. This revolver should appeal to Smith & Wesson N-frame collectors, custom revolver enthusiasts, and buyers looking for a distinctive Jovino-modified big-bore defensive revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY