S&W 25-5

[marlin35]

Are the new production model 25’s any good? I am itching for a double action 45 colt and it’s slim pickins. Any other quality (and accessible) alternative recommendations are welcome as well.

[enfield]

I believe the newest iteration is the 25-15. I've heard nothing but good concerning the accuracy and build quality. Unfortunately they only make them with a 6.5" barrel

[kooz]

A friend of mine was looking on gunsinternational the other day and I think he found some 4" 25s and 625's , he was looking for mtn guns. May be worth a look there .

[boatswainsmate]

If your wanting to stay with S&W try to find a 25-7 with the 5 inch barrel or 25-5 without the pinned barrel. This Ruger intrigues me also. www.gunbroker.com/item/1031384710 Maybe one day I'll see one for sale locally. Happy Shooting! Boats

[marlin35]

Ideally I can find one with the 5 or the 4.25 inch barrel. I dont need the 6.5 inch barrel for my purposes. I’ll have to check out guns international. I’ve never bought a gun online. I’m wanting to cash flow the purchase with a vintage marlin that folks around here don’t seem to see the value in.

[squawberryman]

Was that statement kind or helpful? As a guy with more than one Marlin, I don't remember you asking.

[marlin35]

Jan 21, 2024 14:30:11 GMT -5 squawberryman said:

Was that statement kind or helpful? As a guy with more than one Marlin, I don't remember you asking.

Apologies!! I meant in my local area, not this forum. That’s the badly stated sentence of the year. This forum is great. Man now I feel like I got my foot in my mouth!

[squawberryman]

Copy that. You've got fodder for a thread if you want to make one maybe.

[marlin35]

Is guns international reputable? Better than gunbroker?

[hunter01]

Jan 21, 2024 19:26:35 GMT -5 marlin35 said:

Is guns international reputable? Better than gunbroker?

I’ve bought from both without issue. The nice thing about GI is there are no fees to the buyer. GB hits the buyer and seller with fees!😡🖕🏽

[bigbore5]

I've bought off both. Prefer guns international, guns.com, and Bud's over GB anytime

[marlin35]

I have read some stuff about oversize throats in the 25-5’s, do yall size cast to .454? Or shoot as cast and lube with a slightly oversize sizing die? My molds drop at .4535 so I could soften my alloy and try to get it to bump up. I know it’s hard to say without whatever gun I’ll end up with but I’m a thinker.

[bigbore5]

I really don't understand why they can make a 41 or 44 so precise, yet screw up the dimensions of a 45 Colt. They've had 150 years to get it right!

[marlin35]

Jan 22, 2024 8:04:28 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

I really don't understand why they can make a 41 or 44 so precise, yet screw up the dimensions of a 45 Colt. They've had 150 years to get it right!

.45 colt- the neglected oldest child

[bigmuddy]

Jan 22, 2024 7:58:15 GMT -5 marlin35 said:

I have read some stuff about oversize throats in the 25-5’s, do yall size cast to .454? Or shoot as cast and lube with a slightly oversize sizing die? My molds drop at .4535 so I could soften my alloy and try to get it to bump up. I know it’s hard to say without whatever gun I’ll end up with but I’m a thinker.

They did “get it right” with newer 25-5’s. As was mentioned the non-pinned barrel guns, at least every one I have seen, had proper sized throats. The 25-7 I have shoots like a laser . It was only available in a 5” matte finish. If you can find a 25-9, they are the cream of the crop. Throats sized correctly, endurance package, no lock, and were made with 4” barrels if desired.

The earlier 25-5’s (pinned barrel guns) if they had the large throats can be made to shoot ok with proper loads but can be a pain.

I know people cuss the newer guns with the lock, frame mounted firing pin, MIM parts, etc. but if S&W would make a 4” M 25 again I’m in for one. Mountain Gun or heavier ribbed barrel, either would work.

Dan