Smith & Wesson Model 25

About the Smith & Wesson Model 25

The Smith & Wesson Model 25 is an N-frame double-action revolver available in .45 ACP (using moon clips for extraction) and .45 Colt, originally introduced in 1955 as a modernized evolution of the World War I-era Model 1917 revolver. When Smith & Wesson implemented their numbered model system in 1957, the .45 Target Model became the Model 25, while the Model 1950 .45 Army was redesignated as the Model 22. Built on the robust N-frame platform with a 6-round cylinder, the Model 25 features adjustable target sights with micrometer-click windage and elevation controls, a target-grade trigger and hammer for precision shooting, and an integral rib along the top of the barrel. The .45 ACP variant requires the use of full-moon or half-moon clips-thin metal discs that hold the rimless .45 ACP cartridges and provide a rim for the extractor to eject spent cases-a carryover from the M1917's military heritage. Alternatively, .45 Auto Rim cartridges can be used without clips. Originally offered with 4-inch and 6.5-inch pinned barrels, Smith & Wesson later standardized on 6-inch barrels by 1979 while also introducing an 8.375-inch variant. To celebrate the company's 125th anniversary in 1977, Smith issued a limited commemorative run chambered in .45 Colt, leading to renewed interest in this classic frontier cartridge. Generational improvements alternated between calibers, with even-numbered dash variants (25-2, 25-4, 25-6) chambered in .45 ACP and odd numbers (25-3, 25-5, 25-7) in .45 Colt.

The Model 25's moon clip system was born from wartime necessity during WWI, but competitive shooters discovered that moon clips could reload a revolver faster than speedloaders. This led to the Model 25 becoming dominant in action shooting sports during the 1980s and 1990s, with competitors preferring the .45 ACP variant for its ready availability of affordable practice ammunition and compatibility with 1911 pistol brass. Jerry Miculek, the legendary revolver speed shooter, used tuned Model 25 revolvers to set world records.

Smith & Wesson Model 25 specifications

The Model 25's use of moon clips for .45 ACP is a direct heritage from the M1917 revolver, which was adopted during World War I when M1911 pistol production couldn't meet demand. The moon clips allow quick reloading-faster than speedloaders for most revolvers-and became popular in competitive shooting, particularly USPSA/IPSC and IDPA revolver divisions. Full-moon clips hold all six rounds while half-moon clips hold three rounds each. The .45 Auto Rim cartridge, essentially a .45 ACP case with an added rim, eliminates the need for moon clips but is less common. Production was dropped from the regular catalog in 1991 but continued as special runs until 1999. Modern reproductions and Performance Center variants are occasionally produced. The Model 25-2 (1977 commemorative .45 Colt), 25-3 (.45 Colt), and 25-5 (.45 Colt) are particularly collectible. The N-frame's three-point cylinder lockup provides exceptional strength for heavy .45 Colt hunting loads, though shooters should verify their specific variant is rated for modern high-pressure loads.