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S&W 25-2 barrel length

varian
how is the barrel length measured on this particular pistol, to the frame or to the start of the forcing cone. thinking of purchasing one of these but there appears to be a $150 difference in value between a 6 inch barrel and a 6 1/2 inch barrel.
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4 comments

Date Votes
  • perry shooter
    Revolver barrels are measured from one end Muzzle to the other end

    Forcing cone.

    EDIT just as a side note about sight radius. N.R.A. Bulls-Eye pistol rules Mandate no longer then 10.0inches between rear and front sight . To do this that is where the weird 8&3/8 inch barrels on S&W revolvers came about
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  • dfletcher
    The 6 1/2" barrel is on the older 25s, I'd guess about 1980 Smith went to the 6" barrel - they may have also dropped pinned barrels at the same time.

    I've always had the 6 1/2" barreled version, honestly I doubt from an accuracy or durability point there's any difference.

    BTW, if you get a 25 and reload check out Penn Bullets - they make a 225 grain full wadcutter and can size .451 to .454.
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  • beantownshootah
    As mentioned, revolver barrel length is measured from the muzzle to the end of the forcing cone.

    Some people claim the measurement should be from the muzzle to the front of the cylinder. Same thing, give or take 6-10 thousanths of an inch for the cylinder gap if you're REALLY being precise about your measurement!

    As mentioned the $150 basically just buys you a slightly older gun with a bit more collector's value. While all else being equal, I'd take the slightly longer barrel, I think in practice the *functional* difference between a 6 and 6.5" barrel is negligible.

    Main thing is an extra half inch of sight radius with the longer barrel.

    In terms of ballistics, .45ACP and .45 Colt both top out in velocity pretty fast with typical loads, and going from 6 to 6.5" will probably only net you another 20-30 fps.

    That difference is so miniscule it would be exceeded by ordinary shot-to-shot variation, or by differences in velocity due to cylinder gap between different guns.
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  • varian
    thanks guys. not overly concerned with velocity or sight radius but do understand why the difference is. my concern is when the shop owner is charging more for that extra 1/2 inch of barrel "yeah i know, older gun" just wanted to make sure how barrel is measured. thanks again.
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