From the Vault: Smith & Wesson Model 25 Revolver

From the Vault: Smith & Wesson Model 25 Revolver

Brownells Gun Tech Steve Ostrem introduces us to the Smith & Wesson Model 25 revolver chambered in .45 ACP. Wait… a revolver that shoots the semi-auto 1911’s cartridge? The case has no rim for the extractor to grab! How do you eject the empties? The secret is the moon clip. The rounds snap into the clip and pop in and out of the cylinder as a group. The Model 25 is descended from U.S. Army’s M1917 revolver from World War I. Colt couldn’t make M1911s fast enough to meet wartime demand, so the solution was revolvers chambered in .45 ACP. As a bonus, the Model 25 is very accurate and its big N-frame really tames recoil. Only one round short of standard 1911 capacity, too. PLUS revolver reliability!
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40 Comments

  1. arnbo88 on May 26, 2023 at 4:35 am

    I also used standard speed loaders with .45 Auto Rim cartridges in my 1955 model.

  2. joseagustin veloz on May 26, 2023 at 4:36 am

    I love the simplicity of your reviews, thank you, would you do one of the smith and Wesson 43C?

  3. Balrog of Udûn on May 26, 2023 at 4:36 am

    .45 LC is gods cartridge

  4. David Breckenridge on May 26, 2023 at 4:36 am

    I would like to see a performance / accuracy review on a New S&W Model 25 Classic that has not been tuned in their performance center.

  5. john fiori on May 26, 2023 at 4:43 am

    Colt 1903 pocket hammerless.

  6. T Crabb on May 26, 2023 at 4:44 am

    IWI TS-12 Bullpup Shotgun

  7. John Grytbakk on May 26, 2023 at 4:45 am

    A gem.

  8. Thomas Smith on May 26, 2023 at 4:47 am

    Can you really safely chamber the 45 acp. round safely through this revolver, as it would give me a lot of flexibility on the range so I don’t need to spend a lot on 45 long colt and I want to get a 1911 as well, as I can as he said practice my accuracy on the range and I’d have one hell of a survival gun when shit hits the fan and with this ammo shortage going around I’ve had an easier time finding 45 ACP over 38 special now a days. If I can I’d gladly trade my model 66 over a model 25 if I can fire 45 ACP rounds on a regular basis safely through this gun, as I’ve seen revolvers that can fire 45 long colt fire 410 birdshot and 45 ACP no problem that are rated for 45 Long Colt, and as we know 45 ACP is a nicked down cartridge of 45 long colt that John Browning created for the 1911.

  9. Seapimp Nh. on May 26, 2023 at 4:47 am

    Curious what brand is that gold bead front sight ? I want to install one on my 25-5

  10. KFW on May 26, 2023 at 4:48 am

    Great gun, I love my 25-2.

  11. theol31 on May 26, 2023 at 4:50 am

    I’m glad you mentioned bullseye shooting, I knew a guy that used his model 25 for bullseye.
    If you could I’d like to see a winchester 1897

  12. Chris Chiampo on May 26, 2023 at 4:51 am

    😎 Nice Piece 💨💨🔫😊 Happiness is a Warm Gun 😊

  13. tom reta on May 26, 2023 at 4:51 am

    I have 1, bought it brand new in 1986 when they were discontinued. $225, looks new cause I’m passing it on.

  14. MrCoolKid 202 on May 26, 2023 at 4:52 am

    A 50 BMG

  15. Free America on May 26, 2023 at 4:54 am

    I love the Model 25. Thanks for sharing this great, classic American revolver.

  16. gilberto hernandez on May 26, 2023 at 4:54 am

    classics never die ❤️❤️❤️

  17. Khanclansith on May 26, 2023 at 4:55 am

    Does anyone have the Colt Model 1917 revolver?

  18. delgande on May 26, 2023 at 4:58 am

    Found my gun

  19. capt. mike73 AHOY! on May 26, 2023 at 4:59 am

    Love those vintage Smith revolvers. Classics.

  20. Brian Lee on May 26, 2023 at 4:59 am

    I’d love to see a model 19 Combat Magnum. Very nice model 25 is there a S&W that shoot both 45 acp and 45 Colt? Thanks

  21. delgande on May 26, 2023 at 5:00 am

    Can this one still fire 45 colt or only acp?

  22. the jonesn on May 26, 2023 at 5:06 am

    25-7…do that one

  23. Kogaion78 on May 26, 2023 at 5:08 am

    @Martin Stiastny
    "Back when I was skinny and had hair"………lol………from the poster taken……..
    …..me too!…..millions same……..
    …pitty it cannot shoot pumped munition this N frame skinny gun……

  24. J D on May 26, 2023 at 5:09 am

    Mmmmm 1955 Target. Needs grips befitting a classic. No rubber turd grips for my lady.

  25. Liberty Cave WS7PB on May 26, 2023 at 5:10 am

    I bought a 25 a week after turning 21, it was stolen and I replaced it with a Model of 1988, I shoot 255 grain Semi waddcutters at about 1000 fps in 45 Auto Rim Cases and feel I am armed for anything.

  26. SNOW GORILLA on May 26, 2023 at 5:10 am

    Great gun and interesting info to go with it Thanks

  27. Jim Collins on May 26, 2023 at 5:12 am

    Well Done!

  28. G C on May 26, 2023 at 5:14 am

    Love my 25! Most accurate gun I’ve ever owned, but the problem is that my son has laid claim on it. 🙂 Every time I take it to the range, I get a lot of questions from fellow shooters who have never seen the moon clips. All in all one of the best S&W made.

  29. One Doomed Spacemarine on May 26, 2023 at 5:17 am

    I thought the Model 25 was only available in .45 ‘Long’ Colt, but I guess it wouldn’t be a lot of work to make it do .45ACP
    Seems like a very pleasant gun to shoot.

  30. Chris Stookey on May 26, 2023 at 5:18 am

    Fun video. I love the old Smith and Wesson revolvers. Have you done a video on the 27 yet?

  31. Mike on May 26, 2023 at 5:20 am

    Would you get about the same effect shooting . 44 specials in your model 29 or 629 as far as perceived recoil and accuracy ?

  32. Joseph Tutolo on May 26, 2023 at 5:23 am

    Another reason I spend my money at Brownell’s. I have a 625. Thank God they couldn’t make enough 1911’s. Best accident ever for shooters.

  33. Martin Stiastny on May 26, 2023 at 5:23 am

    Back when I was skinny and had hair, way back in 1978 (I believe, it was a long time ago), I worked in a gun shop in NYC.
    I worked for the John Jovino company. I worked for a fabulous gentleman named
    Lou Imperato (sounds familiar? His son owns Henry), anyway, through his connections, about 5 model 25-2’s were made up by Smith and Wesson gunsmith named Frannie Longdon with extra cylinders in 45 Colt. This was before S&W came out with the 25-5.
    Unfortunately, I was not old enough to have a NYC pistol permit, hence, I never owned one of those revolvers.
    But they do exist. I was able to lovingly fondle them. Oh, the good old days.

  34. Kenbob48 on May 26, 2023 at 5:24 am

    I have a pre-25 Model 1955 and it’s the most accurate gun I own.

  35. Halina Wegrzynnowski on May 26, 2023 at 5:24 am

    Loved the knowledgeable presentation. What do you think of the 357 sig compared to 9mm and 40s&w

  36. Jim Collins on May 26, 2023 at 5:26 am

    Well Done! Please review the S&W Model 39, 9MM pistol.
    Thank You!

  37. Mr45Bullitt on May 26, 2023 at 5:26 am

    BEAUTIFUL!!!

  38. Matt McCarty on May 26, 2023 at 5:27 am

    Need some Culina Grips on that beaut.

  39. ernest berk on May 26, 2023 at 5:29 am

    I love your vault videos!

  40. tmaddrummer on May 26, 2023 at 5:30 am

    Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for a good leather holster that you have experience with? Thanks!

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