The Model 25 had become a poorly performing handgun due to loose tolerances, and poor workmanship from Smith. The Model 25-5 was built to the tolerances S&W is known for. Thank God for the popularity of Cowboy shooting and the resurgence of interest in the .45 Colt (I've never seen a short Colt unless they're talking about the ACP). S&W brought it back to the fine handgun it deserves to be as a descendant of the S&W Triple Lock. My 25-5 is well balanced, accurate, smooth action, and with the ease of hand loading this cartridge it is very versatile. There are some good defense loads on the market in .45 Colt now, and this frame will take +P without a problem. Not a .44 Mag, but a lot funner to shoot. My home defense gun, and my mountain gun. And you can carry it ccw if you get the right gear. Reloading from speedloaders is as fast as any revolver, and the large cartridge is really easy to load in two by two.

If you're gonna carry a big gun, it needs to throw a big chunk of lead.

This is a BIG gun... and .45 Colt is a BIGGG chunk of lead.

A Silvertip or Gold Dot should make this thing QUITE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH if someone is big enough to carry it.

This to me would be more of a woods bumming gun for the trail.

I WANT ONE!!!

I owned one of these fine handguns some 15 years ago. Now I am looking for another one.if you get the chance to carry one on duty than you are carrying a true lifesaver.