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S&W model 25 vs model 26

playthings
Had an earlier post concerning the S&W model 25 chambered to accommodate 45 acp vs 45 long Colt and have decided on the acp chambering.
I also see the S&W model 26 is chambered for 45 acp. They appear to be the same frame size, both have 6 inch barrel, adjustable sights, etc. What's the difference between the two models? What did I miss?
Thanks again.
Jim
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    The S & W Book said that they had a smaller diameter barrel. As production of the standard version of the Model 26 ended in 1960, with relatively few produced. It's more then likely they would be a expensive collectors item nowadays.

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  • 5x5
    The new model 25 will not accomadate the moon clips required to fire the 45acp. They produce the 625 that fires 45acp, I do not know if takes the moon clips are not to fire the 45acp. The older model 25-2 will fire both 45lc and the acp's with the moon clips. I wanted one but the are hard find and really expensive. I found a new model 25-13 and really enjoy it. I hope this info will help.
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  • select-fire
    playthings, Why don't you ask the seller http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/viewitem.asp?item=30561359
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  • bobski
    not to sound like im harping, but im trying to educate potential m25 owners to realize that the gun was not chambered to shoot 45acp, it was designed to shoot 45 auto rim, but can shoot 45acp with moon clips.
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  • Boomerang
    quote:Originally posted by bobski
    not to sound like im harping, but im trying to educate potential m25 owners to realize that the gun was not chambered to shoot 45acp, it was designed to shoot 45 auto rim, but can shoot 45acp with moon clips.You're harping![:o)]

    Boomer

    "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as it is by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed"

    . and the antithesis to this philosophy was uttered by Bill Clinton "I smoked it, but I didn't inhale."[V]

    NRA Life Member
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  • ATF
    This is from Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson second edition.

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    When a worm wants to relax,does he go fishing? "And remember a wet dog doesn't fly at night" "My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be." ATF,Eagle Guns
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  • joel_black
    quote:Originally posted by 5x5
    The new model 25 will not accomadate the moon clips required to fire the 45acp. They produce the 625 that fires 45acp, I do not know if takes the moon clips are not to fire the 45acp. The older model 25-2 will fire both 45lc and the acp's with the moon clips. I wanted one but the are hard find and really expensive. I found a new model 25-13 and really enjoy it. I hope this info will help.


    How can you use a moon clip on a 45LC when it does not have an extractor groove?
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  • joel_black
    My Mod 25 has a shoulder for the 45acp. When I'm too lazy to load up clips, I shoot it with 45acps and simply extract the cases with my fingers.

    quote:Originally posted by bobski
    not to sound like im harping, but im trying to educate potential m25 owners to realize that the gun was not chambered to shoot 45acp, it was designed to shoot 45 auto rim, but can shoot 45acp with moon clips.
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  • playthings
    This topic will be locked soon and I wanted to comment and thank everyone.

    rufe-snow: Yes, the model 26 has more collector value than I thought. I'm looking for a shooter. I'm pretty traditional and will look for a blued model 25 or 25-2.

    Select Fire: I've developed such an appreciation for the expert knowledge and opinions of the people on this forum that I just had to ask it here.

    bobski: Thanks for the proper cartridge designation. Had not seen it listed as 45 auto rim. I'll be looking for a nice model 25 with 6" bbl chambered for the 45 auto rim cartridge.

    Boomerang: Bobski has probably seen that sometimes "harping" is the only way to get through to me.

    ATF: Looks like it's an interesting book to have, but I'm going to quit buying guns soon. Oh; wait a minute, I said that 15-20 guns ago. Maybe I should buy one.

    joel black: Good information, didn't know you could do that. At the range I've always seen the moon clips used.

    Thanks again to all. It's been fun and very informative.
    Jim
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  • wundudnee
    I was looking for a model 25 when I stumbled onto this 1956 production ".45 cal. of 1950" model 26. If you are shopping for or even interested in buying a S&W, buy the
    "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Supica and NaHas. It's an excellent reference and only $34.95. There are several paragraphs on the models 25 variations and the 26. This revolver just feels "right".
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    ....................
    Whenever I see a cow eat grass, I am reminded that "This too shall pass."............ Baxter Black
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  • playthings
    wundudnee
    You've got a fantastic looking model 26. After the post by rufe-snow I looked at some prices on the 26 and discovered that I'll have to settle on a model 25. Personally I would probably like the balance of the lighter weight barrel better.
    Will search for a copy of the book, have quite a few S&W pieces and should gain some knowledge about them.
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