mossberg 25s?

Question
I recently went through some old family firearms and came across a mossberg model 25s 22 single shot bolt action. It is entirely ordinary except for the fact that it has fairly large threading on the outside of the last half inch or so of the rifle. Could this be for a silencer, hence the s in 25s, and was it legal back in the 30's when it was manufactured? Any info is helpful.

Answer
Hi Jay.

I checked several blue books and a few online sources but couldn't find any record of a model 25s, I only found a model 25. Perhaps you are reading the model number incorrectly or looking at another number which is similar? The model 25 was designed to fire 22 s, l, or lr cartridges so perhaps you are seeing 22s stamped on the barrel?

If you do have a model 25 then the threads near the muzzle were most likely for a removable hood that covered the front sight.

There is always a chance that someone added the threads for an aftermarket accessory such as a silencer however this seems doubtful. The 22 round is only effectively silenced when using subsonic ammunition and many of the common loads are supersonic. Plus the model 25 was an inexpensive gun which would not normally be worthy of custom modifications. Anyone desiring a silenced rifle would most likely have a more expensive model and usually a semi-automatic. Silencers have existed since 1902 so it is possible, just doubtful.

I have also seen certain rifles outfitted with a large compensator, muzzle break, or flash hider which had external threads that resembled a silencer, however these would be of minimal value on a single shot 22 rifle.

Here are some links which you may find helpful for more information:

Photos, parts list, and original factory tag from a Mossberg 25:

http://home.epix.net/~damguy/models.htm

General search link

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us&q=mossberg+%22model...

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Bob