S&W 25-5 Question?

[bluesmoke9]

I have guns but I'm not a collector by any means. Thirty years ago I traded a guy for a S&W 25-5, .45 Colt, with a pinned barrel. It's probably had 200 rounds fired in thirty years, maybe less. It's not perfect, but in very nice shape. My question is; I can keep it, it won't get fired and will end up going to my kids (hopefully many years from now). Maybe by then it's really worth a lot, maybe not. Or, I can sell it for (?) get something I'll use more often and still have something to pass on to the kids. What say you?

[BigDogatPlay]

I presume since not mentioned that there are no box and papers to go with. Having the originals present will usually always bring a bit of additional value, which goes up the older the example is.

The 25-5 dates from 1978 up until 1982 when the barrel pin was done away with so it's somewhat an "end of an era" kind of gun. It's not particularly rare although I most usually see longer barrel lengths. Your photo shows target trigger and hammer as well as period correct oversized target grips. I see no obvious holster wear. Depending on internals and how it checks out I'd think $500 would be where I'd start negotiating as a buyer.

If it were me I'd likely hang onto it and pass it to my kids down the road, assuming they would want it.

[billybob_jcv]

Why don't you like shooting the 25-2?

If I could accurately predict the future collector value of *anything* I certainly would have better things to do than haunt 'net forums!

If you don't want it and won't miss it, then sell it - but then you can't come back here in 20 years and tell us about the one you let get away...

[bluesmoke9]

No box or papers. And it is a 4" which does seem to be the exception of most I've seen for sale. And it's .45 Colt, not .45 ACP and I don't reload. Maybe that makes me cheap but, it is what it is.

[kurac]

There is a small following of people that enjoy the 45 Colt in a double action revolver. The 25-5 though not common is not rare either. I have seen a couple sell the last few years for $750-$800.

Your revolver was made at a time when S&W had a large product line of revolvers and was turning out a bunch of them. So basically it could be a collector piece in todays market if it is in really nice shape. Maybe it will be a hot item in 15-20 years but I wouldn't call it a hot item today.

[-hanko]

There is a small following of people that enjoy the 45 Colt in a double action revolver. The 25-5 though not common is not rare either. I have seen a couple sell the last few years for $750-$800.

Your revolver was made at a time when S&W had a large product line of revolvers and was turning out a bunch of them. So basically it could be a collector piece in todays market if it is in really nice shape. Maybe it will be a hot item in 15-20 years but I wouldn't call it a hot item today.

That said, its build quality is better than what SW is producing now.

It's a beautiful gun.

-hanko

[billybob_jcv]

Oh - whoops - misread the 25-5 as 25-2...

It's really annoying that 45 LC ammo is so expensive. It's a fun round that is very versatile and there is no shortage of nice pistols and rifles chambered in 45 LC. One of these days I'm going to start reloading - and one of the first calibers I want to load is 45 LC in both smokeless and black powder.

In your situation, I would probably sell it. Safe queens are no fun.

[gibt]

Personally I will never sell my 25-5. It's a great gun. If you're not going to shoot it, sell it to someone who will and take that money and buy something you like. The gun should sell fast. I have one in nickel.

[Fishslayer]

Can't recall ever seeing a "Sure am glad I sold that old S&W" thread.

Seen plenty of "Sure am sorry I sold that gun."

Pass it on so your kid. Then he can come on Calguns & find out how many video games he can get for "this old revolver."


So... how many PMs have gotten so far with offers?

[bsg]

Can't recall ever seeing a "Sure am glad I sold that old S&W" thread.

Seen plenty of "Sure am sorry I sold that gun."

very true. if teardrops were dollars... the regret crowd would be rolling in dough.

[BunnySlayer]

I had one and sold it and regret it!

[Snapping Twig]

4" 45 colt is a woodsman's dream companion. Perfect size and plenty of power, easy handling.

If I owned it, there'd be no selling going on.

4" N frames are a special thing.

Learn to reload, it's not that hard. I taught myself back in the early 80's and never had a reason to regret it.

[billybob_jcv]

BTW, here's a very cheap & easy way to try reloading:

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=LEE90263

[chickenfried]

I had one sold it and kinda regret it. It was a beautiful blued 4" N-frame after all. But I still think it was the right decision to sell. Had other revolvers I shot more so like yours' it just sat in the safe for the most part. Also didn't feel like reloading for yet another caliber. Buy something you'll use.

[03fatboy]

Sell it and get something you'll enjoy shooting, maybe even get something that your children will enjoy as well!

I'm interested, Be sure to contact me first if you decide to sell