S&W Model 25 Classic Any Cons? Update: Good Thing I Checked

Rugerman

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I have always wanted a S&W Model 25 revolver. Forever. I finally have a chance to buy a new manufacture S&W Model 25 Classic. It is in .45 LC. I don't want to compete with it; don't want to "magnumize" it. I will be reloading mostly target velocity loads. I just want a nice, big, accurate revolver to shoot with. From the research I have done the quality has improved, tolerances are tighter, finish is a deep blue like the original. I have a 624 in stainless that is very accurate. I am hoping the 25 will be the same. From what I am reading it should be quite accurate. Is there any reason not to buy it? Anyone have issues with theirs? Hoping to hear from people who actually shoot one. Thanks.

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My new S&W arrived on Tuesday. Was all ready to go to the range. Had ammo, targets, etc., on standby. Based on my own experiences with S&W and similar warnings from members here, I unpacked it very carefully. Everything looked good until I turned it over. Just past the crane extension there was a small, silver tool mark. Kind of like something chattered on it for a second. Further up there was a U-shaped tool mark as well. Beside it and extending all the way to the muzzle was a series of hairline scratches. They weren't really big but scratches nevertheless. I felt sick. Should have known I guess. I contacted the dealer and they said they would get back to me. They called today. They are sending a prepaid Canpar form and it's going back. Their only question was, "Did you fire it?" No, absolutely not. Good thing, too. So it's going back but they don't know if they can get a replacement. They said that they don't normally examine a new gun they just ship it. I appreciate the fact that they didn't question that it came that way. Big question for me now is do I want one if they can get me a replacement?

This is how it came. The scratches look worse under the flash from the camera. In daylight they aren't quite so prominent which is why I didn't notice them right away. But you can see the tool marks, One near the crane and one about half way up the barrel.

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Like all new Smiths, give it a good once over for defects before you buy it. Other than that, you can’t go wrong:)
 
Like all new Smiths, give it a good once over for defects before you buy it. Other than that, you can’t go wrong:)

Funny you should say that. My 624 was a gift from my wife some years ago. Brand new, out of the box there was a ding in the muzzle crown. Also some rust in the crane area (on a brand new gun). It was returned and replaced and that one is a shooter. So, yes, will definitely be going over it. They appear to have a good warranty but hopefully I won't need to use it.
 
I picked one up from a site sponsor a couple of months ago. S&W is finally getting their quality back up to what it used to be decades ago.

The bluing is deep, not quite as good as my 19-3 but getting there. It has a wide target trigger and wide target hammer.

Haven't measured the trigger weight but it's smooth.

I picked up a couple of boxes of factory "cowboy" ammo to try it out and shot a 6 inch group at 20 yards first time out of the box.

The factory grips are walnut and quite nice.

So ya, go ahead and buy it.
 
I've had my 45LC 25 for a little over a year. 3K through it no issues, still tight as new. It's a keeper totally happy with it.

Thanks for your input. Do you shoot reloads or factory? If reloads, can you say what bullet/powder you use?
 
I don't know about the new model 25's, but some older ones had problems with tight throats that resulted in barrel leading when shooting cast bullets. They needed to be opened up a bit.

Auggie D.
 
I bought a recent built Smith 586 a couple of years ago. Despite all I have read about QC problems on newer Smiths , I have absolutely no complaints on my revolver. It is well built, tight and bluing is as it should be= very good. It is also more accurate than I am.
So my experience with these recently built « classics » is very good.
So: Go for it !

Gilbert
 
Thanks for your input. Do you shoot reloads or factory? If reloads, can you say what bullet/powder you use?

Reloads HP-38 200 grn swc for light target loads home cast W/W 230 grain LRN with HS6 or Vectan A0 for stouter loads. I dont run max loads usually midway between mid level and max charges. I load the vectan a little hotter as it's a single base powder, and want as full of a case as I can.
 
Got a new one through Wolverine a few years ago. I was very impressed with fit&finish. Functioned flawlessly and grouped well. Really liked the grips it came with. I ended up selling it to fund something else.
 
Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. Decided to go with it. It's on it's way here and I am getting really excited about it. Got dies and components for it. Just waiting for it to arrive but it's going to be about a week to 10 days. Will post some groups if anyone is interested.
 
I like it. The hardest choice is whether to have it chambered in 45Colt (not long Colt) or 45acp with moon clips. Both have advantages & disadvantages....but since both calibers were harmonized at .451, one does not have to use the heavy 250 grain bullets for 45Colt. Unless you cast your own, bullets are a one time use....
Be interesting to test what a 185 grain SWC in the 45Colt case would do.
 
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