Behlert Custom Smith & Wesson S&W Model 25-2 .45 ACP 2.75″ Revolver

SOLD FOR: $3,275

LSB#: 240418SH001

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 25-2, The 1955 .45 Target Heavy Barrel, Behlert Custom

Serial Number: N846286

Year of Manufacture: 1980-1982

Caliber: .45 ACP & .45 Auto Rim (Not .45 Colt/LC)

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 2 3/4″ Pinned, Ported, Custom Cut

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert, it is integral to a ramped base that is fixed to the serrated barrel rib. The rear sight is a white outline square notch micrometer sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black rubber Pachmayr Presentation Compac grips. There are some scattered light marks. The checkering is strong. The grip rates in Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to Customization

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there are some tool marks on the lands at the muzzle. In my opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few tiny marks through the finish, mostly on the cylinder. There are a few spots of oxidation on the back of the frame under the grips. There are light handling marks. There is a partial turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: Moonclips are required to eject .45 ACP, moonclips are not required to eject .45 Auto Rim. The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each of the six chambers. 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 soft case and one moonclip.

Our Assessment: This is Smith & Wesson’s 1955 .45 Target Model, a heavy barreled target revolver chambered in .45 ACP with a 6″ barrel, adjustable sights, target trigger and target hammer. The model would later go on to become the model 25. The 1955 .45 Target Model, and its later numbered version, are built on the N-Frame and were in production from 1955 to 1991 and have made later appearances in the “Heritage” and “Classics” series from Smith & Wesson. The .45 ACP is a caliber every good American needs to have one of, plus a wide variety of ammunition available at reasonable prices. This one is a Behlert custom, Austin Behlert was one of the luminaries of custom handguns and began gunsmithing in the 1950s and would end up becoming a master pistolsmith. When combat shooting took off in the 1970s, his work was at the forefront. He is most known for his work on 1911s, Hi-Powers, and revolvers. He produced competition guns and also carry guns like this one. Before companies were offering compact carry handguns, you sent your gun to a ‘smith who would make it compact. The barrels were chopped and grip frames reduced, but brands like Colt and Smith & Wesson soon realized the success of these designs and started offering their own iterations. One can see the clear influence Mr. Behlert had over eventual Smith & Wesson designs, especially the limited runs of the beloved Lew Horton Combat Special revolvers. This particular piece is a 25-2 that has been cut down to 2 3/4″, ported, and had a ball detent added to the underlug. The grip frame has been converted from an N frame square butt to a K frame round butt. The trigger has been polished, the hammer has been tear dropped, and a sweet action job has been done. This example is in about Fine Plus condition with about 97% of its blued finish with some light wear, a good bore and strong mechanics. If you’ve been hunting a Behlert revolver or have an affinity for custom handguns, drop a bid! Please see our pictures and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red