New S&W 25-15

[DocRock]

Several weeks ago while perusing GB, I came across a revolver that was, to me, quite odd: a Model 28-2 in 45 acp. It was discussed in this thread:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/wth-is-this-s-w-28-2-45-acp.888190/


And I learned that the N frame but relatively more plentiful and less expensive 28-2 had in decades past frequently formed the basis for conversions to 45 ACP or 45 Colt.

I have never really been an S&W fan or even known that much about them. I have always been a single action aficionado. But, the discussions around the 28-2 in 45acp got me interested. I looked around for one of the Model of 1955 and bid on several at the Rock Island Auctions and on GB but was unwilling to spend north of $1200, which seemed the minimum even for some rather weary examples.

Well, in my investigations, I came across a 25-15 in 45 Colt. While I would have preferred a 4” in 45acp, I am also a big 45 Colt fan with several single actions and lever guns thus chambered. So, I threw in a low bid on the off chance and won!

review of the 25-15:

https://www.gunblast.com/SW-25Classic.htm

$850 is a pretty good result in today’s market for a NIB 25-15, in my opinion.

Very very pleased with the fit to hand. Seems fantastic. I have no way to measure pull weight but single action is excellent and double action is extremely smooth and no heavier than I had expected. Haven’t shot it yet. I have added some pics in comparison to my RBH in 45 Colt. Haven’t done any measuring, but visually the S&W cyl doesn’t seem thinner/smaller to me.

De rigeur, pics:

 

[DocRock]

Also looking for holster recommendations. I prefer a flap or retention strap type holster.

 

[Jonesy814]

That's sweet!

 

[Riomouse911]

Purrrrrty! That’s a real looker for sure .

The Model 25 is a great gun, you’ll have a blast shooting it. If I recall correctly they can take loads a bit hotter than SAA loads, though I wouldn’t stoke it to Ruger pressures.

Here is some John Linebaugh notes on the .45 Colt:

http://www.reinfjord.net/art/Gun Notes John Linebaugh.pdf

My only N frame holsters are ones I had made for my 629 by Tex Shoemaker in the 1990’s, I don’t have any good recommendations for you on newer ones .

Again, that’s a real beauty. Show us how it shoots for you when you get a chance.

Stay safe.

 

[J-Bar]

I have four N Frames.

Careful. They can be addictive.

 

[ECVMatt]

That is a beautiful gun! I think you have a winner there.

For leather, I really like the Lawrence leather speed flap. I have tried to find a contemporary version but to no avail. I think I am going to have to start messing around with leather and see if I can make similar version, of course without the carving.

 

[cfullgraf]

Nice revolver. You'll enjoy the 45 Colt S&W. I like my 25-5's

If you really want a 45 ACP S&W, add a Model 625 to your list to watch for. They won't have the premium price that the Target Model of 1955's get.

 

[Pat Riot]

$850 is a pretty good result in today’s market for a NIB 25-15, in my opinion.

In mine too!

I bought the same revolver, new, in March. I paid $939.00 which is $100 less than MSRP. I was very happy with the deal. Congrats on a really good price!

Here a some shots of mine and with it’s other .45 Colt brothers.







I started looking for a load that it might like and I believe I have found it’s favorite, so far. A 205 grain Bear Creek Supply RNFP bullet over 8.7 grains of Universal.
These shots are at 10 yards, one handed, no support.




This revolver is fast becoming my very favorite. I just enjoy shooting it.

The double action trigger pull on mine is pretty stiff. I will need to work on that by shooting it a lot more…Darn! I hate that.

Congratulations on a really nice revolver.

Oh, I haven’t done much research on holsters yet, so I really don’t have any input on that.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Crimeny!
A "-15"

I guess that's a fine testament to the original architecture that it has survived at least 15 *revisions*.

Nice score on your part.

Todd.

 

[DocRock]

In mine too!

I bought the same revolver, new, in March. I paid $939.00 which is $100 less than MSRP. I was very happy with the deal. Congrats on a really good price!

Here a some shots of mine and with it’s other .45 Colt brothers.

View attachment 1000562

View attachment 1000564

View attachment 1000563

I started looking for a load that it might like and I believe I have found it’s favorite, so far. A 205 grain Bear Creek Supply RNFP bullet over 8.7 grains of Universal.
These shots are at 10 yards, one handed, no support.
View attachment 1000565

View attachment 1000566

This revolver is fast becoming my very favorite. I just enjoy shooting it.

The double action trigger pull on mine is pretty stiff. I will need to work on that by shooting it a lot more…Darn! I hate that.

Congratulations on a really nice revolver.

Oh, I haven’t done much research on holsters yet, so I really don’t have any input on that.

The wood on those grips is extraordinary!

 

[DR505]

Welcome to the Model 25 Club! They are great revolvers. And cfullgraf is right...get a 625 in .45 ACP next.

Here is my "25" Family. The top three are .45 Colt, the bottom two are .45 ACP:

 

[Pat Riot]

Welcome to the Model 25 Club! They are great revolvers. And cfullgraf is right...get a 625 in .45 ACP next.

A Gent at the shooting range let me shoot his 625 .45 ACP a while back. I put all 6 rounds in the bullseye at 10 yards. One of those is on my list now.

 

[cfullgraf]

I like the Model 25’s especially in 45 Colt. Here is my family of Model 25-5. The 6” I bought new back in the day.

 

[DocRock]

That is a beautiful gun! I think you have a winner there.

For leather, I really like the Lawrence leather speed flap. I have tried to find a contemporary version but to no avail. I think I am going to have to start messing around with leather and see if I can make similar version, of course without the carving.

View attachment 1000531

I really like that holster, albeit not as elaborately carved. I did some searching and found a place that sells vintage gun leather, including Lawrence, but no luck on that model

Might have to have something made.

 

[ECVMatt]

I really like that holster, albeit not as elaborately carved. I did some searching and found a place that sells vintage gun leather, including Lawrence, but no luck on that model

Might have to have something made.

I think we have been on the same site! I found a left handed version for a 4" medium frame DA and missed buying it by about a week! I have also spent hours on the internet trying to find something close and just can't seem to find a match.

 

[StrawHat]

The Model 25-15 is a fine revolver. You are correct, the cylinder is the same diameter as the one on your Ruger. The reason it is not rated for the extra super heavy duty loads is the double action lock work and side swinging cylinder. Many more finely fitted parts than a Single Action. The more parts, the more the heavy recoil will abuse those parts.

I have several versions of the 45 caliber N frame but the majority of mine are the ACP variety. I have one in 45 long Colt and one chambered for the 455 Mark II cartridge.

The Linebaugh article is a good one and his load is proven. Of course so is the standard load for the 45 long Colt.

Holsters, find a small maker and tell him what you want. They can build a superior holster for you and usually for less than a factory piece. I have a couple of fellows if you want to consider that route.

Here is my Model 25-5,



They are older versions of the revolver you own. Mine was good for quite a few white tailed deer.

Enjoy yours. Dry firing will smooth the action and hand loading will allow you to beat factory loads. If you cast, the sky is the limit!

Kevin

 

[DocRock]

So I finally got some real time with this pistol. Got to run 90 rounds through it today, shooting from 10 and 25 yards.

Learned two important things:

1) I don't like double action
2) I am very poor shooting double action [ergo, number 1].

Having watched Dirty Harry again on a flight to the UK a few weeks ago, I was surprised at the very manageable recoil (all Barrys 250 grs FP over 10 grs HS6). But then, it's no 44 Mag. Single action was a delight and I had great groups at 10 yards and good groups at 25. Double action was atrocious. Even slowly stacking it, I was no good. Rapid fire was absolutely appalling. Single handed, single action as I am used to shoot CAS (frontier duelist), it was great and felt a little lighter than my RBH and quite similar to my Uberti Schofields from a weight perspective. But, does it do anything my RBH doesn't do? No.

So, not sure this is a keeper.

 

[Pat Riot]

So I finally got some real time with this pistol. Got to run 90 rounds through it today, shooting from 10 and 25 yards.

Learned two important things:

1) I don't like double action
2) I am very poor shooting double action [ergo, number 1].

Having watched Dirty Harry again on a flight to the UK a few weeks ago, I was surprised at the very manageable recoil (all Barrys 250 grs FP over 10 grs HS6). But then, it's no 44 Mag. Single action was a delight and I had great groups at 10 yards and good groups at 25. Double action was atrocious. Even slowly stacking it, I was no good. Rapid fire was absolutely appalling. Single handed, single action as I am used to shoot CAS (frontier duelist), it was great and felt a little lighter than my RBH and quite similar to my Uberti Schofields from a weight perspective. But, does it do anything my RBH doesn't do? No.

So, not sure this is a keeper.

My model 25 has a stiff double action trigger pull as well. I also shoot CAS and do much better with single action. I prefer Duelist.

I am sure shooting it more will lighten the DA pull, but I will probably shoot mine the way Dirty Harry shot his. Single Action.
There is no one I need to impress with my Double Action talents. I can always shoot it DA when I like but it’s not a competition gun.

Not sure why everyone thinks a revolver that is DA capable must always be shot Double Action.

 

[DR505]

Both of my 25-9s and my 625-7 in .45 Colt have great DA triggers, very smooth and feel less weight than they are. DA is a breeze with them.

 

[roval]

it is very easy to lighten the da action pull by replacing springs. there are spring kits from wolff. you don't even have to replace the hammer spring if you choose not to do so.

 

[Tallball]

When you finally get good at shooting DA (it will take a while), you'll find that your SA shooting will have improved, too.

I don't know if my 625 is my "favorite" big bore revolver, but I shoot it more than any of the others.

Smith And Wesson Model 625

• Tallball
• Apr 5, 2018

 

[StrawHat]

Dry firing is a great way to smooth out an action and practice your double action trigger pull. Find a big blank wall. Take your normal grip on the revolver and sight on the blank wall. Take your normal breath and squeeze the trigger while watching your sight picture. The first couple of times, expect your sights to move a bit but the movement should become less with practice. Once you get your trigger pull and sights to stay aligned, you will be able to stop your pull when your sights stray , realign your sights and continue your trigger pull.

A blank wall allows you to concentrate on your sight alignment. Using a target, balancing a nickel or any other gimmick take your concentration away from the sights. The sights determine where your bullets go.

Good luck! It takes practice but it can be done!

Kevin

 

[Pat Riot]

A blank wall allows you to concentrate on your sight alignment. Using a target, balancing a nickel or any other gimmick take your concentration away from the sights. The sights determine where your bullets go.

Thank you for saying this. You just confirmed what I felt about placing a dime, or a shotgun shell, or Joe Schmuckatelli’s whiz bang trigger trainer on your gun to practice trigger control. Controlling your trigger doesn’t mean squat if you cannot control your sights while pulling the trigger. (Edited)