Nightcrawler
New member
Okay, as I said in another post, I found a Smith & Wesson 25-5 yesterday at a local shop for $299. It's got a blue finish, 5" or 6" barrel (think it's 5"), and is chambered for the .45 Colt round. The blueing is a little worn here and there, but the lockup is tight. There is no discernable play in the cylinder; the double action trigger is like butter and the single action trigger is crisp and light. It has easy to see white box rear/orange ramp front sights.
In other words, it was love at first sight.
I've been told to stay away from the Thermonuclear loads available for .45 Colt, but according to an article I read by Mr. Linebaugh, a 250-260grn bullet at 800-900 feet per second (the load I was looking for) would be fine. Also, Winchester Silvertips and Cor-Bon Self-Defense .45 Colt would be fine as well, AFAIK.
I know this gun was discontinued in 1991 or so. How hard are they to find? Do I have a real prize here?
I know it's not much for collector value if it only costs $299, but that's fine, 'cause I intend to shoot this baby, not put it under glass and look at it (though it's pretty enough to do that, too).
HKS Makes speedloaders for it. This is even better. Can anyone recommend a holster for it? Not necessarily a concealed carry one; I'm thinking a good, LEFT HANDED shoulder holster or hip holster for field carry.
And, if I do want to get it refinished, can anyone recommend anywhere? I'd want a nice, professionally done rebluing job.
Who has good deals on bulk .45 Colt ammo? Preferably some stuff with a LITTLE bit of punch to it. (As opposed to straight CAS loads that are like 200grn @ 700fps.) I don't want my practice ammo to be too low powered; that won't help me get accustomed to recoil and fast follow up shots with more powerful ammo, you know.
Also, is there anything else I should know about this piece? I emailed S&W once, they say they provide service and parts for discontinued models, so I should be fine there if any springs or small parts need replacing down the road. Though, from what I understand, revolvers tend to last for a long long time.
In other words, it was love at first sight.
I've been told to stay away from the Thermonuclear loads available for .45 Colt, but according to an article I read by Mr. Linebaugh, a 250-260grn bullet at 800-900 feet per second (the load I was looking for) would be fine. Also, Winchester Silvertips and Cor-Bon Self-Defense .45 Colt would be fine as well, AFAIK.
I know this gun was discontinued in 1991 or so. How hard are they to find? Do I have a real prize here?
I know it's not much for collector value if it only costs $299, but that's fine, 'cause I intend to shoot this baby, not put it under glass and look at it (though it's pretty enough to do that, too).
HKS Makes speedloaders for it. This is even better. Can anyone recommend a holster for it? Not necessarily a concealed carry one; I'm thinking a good, LEFT HANDED shoulder holster or hip holster for field carry.
And, if I do want to get it refinished, can anyone recommend anywhere? I'd want a nice, professionally done rebluing job.
Who has good deals on bulk .45 Colt ammo? Preferably some stuff with a LITTLE bit of punch to it. (As opposed to straight CAS loads that are like 200grn @ 700fps.) I don't want my practice ammo to be too low powered; that won't help me get accustomed to recoil and fast follow up shots with more powerful ammo, you know.
Also, is there anything else I should know about this piece? I emailed S&W once, they say they provide service and parts for discontinued models, so I should be fine there if any springs or small parts need replacing down the road. Though, from what I understand, revolvers tend to last for a long long time.