Smith & Wesson 25-3 125th Anniversary Standard .45 Colt 6.5″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,610.00
LSB#: LSB260424HS008
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 25-3 125th Anniversary Commemorative Standard Edition
Serial Number: S&W3594
Year of Manufacture: 1977 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 5th Edition) “Model 25 Commemoratives are curio & relic as defined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.” -The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 5th Edition.
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Hand Ejector Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “.45 CALIBER”. The right side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” / “125TH ANNIVERSARY”. The side plate is marked with a commemorative S&W seal. The barrel markings are gold-filled. The right side of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 25-3”. The crane arm is marked with inspection marks. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6.5″ pinned full rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated Baughman Quick Draw blade 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 smooth Goncalo Alves target stocks with a “football” cut and S&W medallions. There are little to no handling marks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The grip screw is lightly tooled. Overall, the grips are in Fine Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, though there is lead fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is minor blueing loss at the muzzle. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads vary from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent 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: This revolver comes with a Mahogany presentation case, a nickel-silver 125th Anniversary medallion, and the book 125 Years with SMith & Wesson by Roy G. Jinks.
Our Assessment: Reintroduced in 1955, the Smith & Wesson Model 25 traces its roots to the company’s large-frame target revolvers, particularly the postwar .45 Hand Ejector. Built on the N-target frame, the Model 25 offered classic Smith & Wesson target revolver handling with big-bore chamberings and a reputation for excellent balance, accuracy, and fit.
The Model 25-3 was produced in 1977 as part of Smith & Wesson’s 125th Anniversary commemorative series, celebrating the company’s founding in 1852. Chambered in .45 Colt, these revolvers combined traditional S&W target features with special commemorative markings. According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, the Model 25 commemoratives are recognized as Curio & Relic firearms — adding collector interest beyond their practical and aesthetic appeal.
This particular revolver retains about 99% of its original blue finish with only faint handling marks. The grips rate in Fine condition, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, and the action functions correctly with tight lockup and minimal play at each chamber.
This revolver should appeal to Smith & Wesson collectors, commemorative revolver collectors, and shooters who appreciate a finely made N-frame .45 Colt from one of S&W’s classic production periods. Please see our photos.
-C.B.