John Taffin’s Smith & Wesson 25-5 1955 Model Target H-Bar .45 Colt Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,775.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS004
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 25-5, 1955 Model .45 Target Heavy Barrel
Serial Number: N678086
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980 / Modern (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
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 with “SMITH & WESSON”. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 25-5”. The crane arm is marked with inspector marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “45 COLT CTG.”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas, and the S&W monogram logo on the side plate.
Barrel Length: 6″, Pinned, Full-Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp with a red insert, mounted to a serrated ramp integral to 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 hardwood with brass escutcheons and a speedloader cutout. There are little to no handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. These grips are not original to this revolver. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-colored hammer and trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling present. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are minor scratches and handling marks. There is finish wear at the muzzle and edges of the cylinder. There is corrosion freckling along the bottom of the barrel. There is chemical discoloration on the side plate. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. 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: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 25 traces its lineage to the company’s large-frame .45-caliber target revolvers, combining the strength of the N-frame with adjustable sights, finely fitted lockwork, and configurations intended for both serious target use and sporting applications. The Model 25-5 chambered the traditional .45 Colt cartridge and paired it with the heavy-barrel profile and target-style sights that made these revolvers especially appealing to big-bore enthusiasts. This 1979-1980 example features a 6″ pinned barrel, full rib, red-insert front sight, and micrometer-adjustable rear sight, while provenance to the John Taffin Collection adds meaningful collector interest given Taffin’s extensive writing on .45-caliber revolvers and traditional sixguns.
This Model 25-5 retains approximately 97% of its original blue finish, with minor handling marks, muzzle and cylinder-edge wear, corrosion freckling along the underside of the barrel, chemical discoloration on the sideplate, and a cylinder turn line. The smooth hardwood grips remain in Excellent condition, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling, fouling, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup and only minimal play at each chamber. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity provides desirable provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY