Is the Model 25 Revolver - 3" Smith & Wesson still made ?

Question

I have seen it at only one store and they said it was new, but when I go to compare prices at other gun stores they have never herd of the gun. If had to choose bettewn the Model 25 or the Model 29(I know the Model 25 is .45 and the Model 29 is a .44) or is there a similar gun made by a different manufacturer better?

Answer 1

If you are looking for a hunting gun the Model 25's and M-625's are not what you want. The .45 ACP does not have the velocity or energy to be a good hunting round. It is a very good self-defense cartridge though. (As if I needed to say that!)

I'm pretty sure that you can find a used M-625 with a 4" barrel and have a gunsmith cut the barrel to 3" cheaper than you can buy that Lew Horton 3-incher.

If you want a hunting revolver, you'd be much better served with a M-29, or M-629 .44 RemMag. FWIW, the .44 RemMag is far too powerful for defensive use in a populated area. Even better than the M-29 family would be a Ruger Super Blackhawk, Redhawk, or Super Redhawk in .44 RemMag, or .454 Casull.

FWIW, a M-25 or M-625 can be reloaded with moonclips just about as fast as a semi-auto can switch magazines, and they are easier to pick up the brass.

My best suggestion would be to visit several gun shows and find a used M-625 at a good price and either keep the longer barrel, or cut it to the length you desire.

Doc

Answer 2

As a Dealer myself, I can tell you that the Model 25-3 you saw is a limited run "Lew Horton" special, and is a NEW gun. Smith & Wesson has made several special runs of other discontinued handguns and this is just another example of a limited run edition Smith & Wesson handgun. At $1100 for a Blued version and $1300+ for a Nickel finish, I personally wouldn't buy either one. The Smith & Wesson Revolvers are literally the best in the industry, but these prices are not justified just because they are a Lew Horton special edition/limited run. I personlly own a 625 4" barrel 45ACP in Stainless Steel and love it. I also own Several Model 29, 44 Magnum "Smith's" in both Blue and Stainless Steel that I also wouldn't part with either. I have hunted Deer and Bear with the 6" Model 629 Stainless 44 Magnum and a 6" Blued Model 29, and they performed incredibly well.

The 45 ACP cartridge is a great Target Round or Personal Defense round, but won't even come close to the velocity or FPS of a 44 Magnum regardless of manufacturer...To be quite honest I would stick with the Smith & Wesson Models, and in 44 Magnum caliber. They are not only the best, but 44 Magnum gives you the option of shooting less powerful 44 Special ammunition thru it also...For the money, quality,reliability and overall great performance, I can't recommend another more versatile handgun made by any other manufacturer.Just avoid any Smith & Wesson Handguns like the over-priced Lew Horton 25-3.....Good Luck whatever you choose........

Answer 3

Get yourself a Model 66, Model 19, Model 29 in a good used 357 Magnum with nothing less than a 4" barrel.**

Answer 4

S&W doesn't have the variety in revolvers like they use to. The only thing available that is close to what you are looking for is the Model 625 JM, with a 4" heavy lugged barrel like on the "L frame" revolvers. Price is $ 901 retail.

Answer 5

Smith and Wesson still shows it on their site:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=53940&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15706&isFirearm=Y

I don't see any reason to shoot a .45acp out of a revolver. The .45acp was designed for an autoloading pistol, however if you like it and you think it's a good thing, S&W makes great revolvers.

The .44 is a MUCH more powerful round, and can get unpleasant to shoot (with full power loads), it's also heavy as heck.

Without knowing what you want it for it's hard to say if there is something better.