Smith & Wesson 25-2 1955 Model .45 ACP Target Heavy Barrel 6.5″ Revolver

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: LSB260617MB001

Make: Smith & Wesson

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

Serial Number: N640639

Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)

Caliber: .45 ACP w/moon clips / .45 Auto Rim

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. 25-2″. The crane arm is marked with inspector marks. The right side of the barrel is marked 45 CAL. MODEL 1955”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas and the S&W monogram logo.

Barrel Length: 6.5″, Pinned, Full-Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade integral to a serrated rise on the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, 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 refinished grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with a relief cut and silver S&W medallions. There are little to no handling marks. The checkering is defined with minor peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling along the grooves. There is no 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 is minor finish wear at the muzzle. There are scattered light scratches. There is clouding on the barrel finish. The action shows operational wear. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no perceptible 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: Wooden display box w/cleaning kit, paperwork, and 8x half-moon clips.

Our Assessment:  The Smith & Wesson Model 25-2 traces directly to the 1955 .45 Target Model, a heavy-barreled N-frame revolver developed as a precision-oriented successor to the earlier Model of 1950 .45 Target. Chambered in .45 ACP and intended for use with half-moon clips, the Model of 1955 combined a heavy barrel, Patridge front sight, micrometer-adjustable rear sight, and target-grade hammer and trigger with Smith & Wesson’s large-frame action. When numerical model designations were adopted in 1957, the revolver became the Model 25, with the 25-2 designation appearing in the early 1960s. The design remained a favorite among bullseye competitors and enthusiasts of large-frame Smith & Wesson revolvers, and its ability to use both .45 ACP with moon clips and the rimmed .45 Auto Rim cartridge added considerable versatility. This late 1970s example represents the mature form of one of Smith & Wesson’s classic postwar target revolvers.

This Model 25-2 remains an attractive example, retaining approximately 97% of its original blue finish with minor muzzle wear, scattered light scratches, barrel clouding, operational wear, and a cylinder turn line. The refinished Goncalo Alves target stocks remain in Fine-Excellent condition with strong checkering and no chips or cracks, while the bright 9/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion despite some fouling. Mechanically, the revolver remains particularly strong, with tight lockup and no perceptible play at each chamber. The included wooden display box, cleaning kit, paperwork, and eight half-moon clips complement the revolver’s traditional target configuration and .45 ACP chambering. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY