pre-27 .357

5-Shot

5-Shot

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I was just in a local pawn shop and to my surprise they had a pre-27 model .357. It's the earlier model with all the side plate screws. There's no wear at all on it but, sadly, it has fallen victim to some poor storage practices. The outside of the cylinder has a lot of light "freckles" as does part of the frame. So, I have a couple of obvious questions: What should I offer (I know this is pretty thin data)? Does anyone know what Smith charges for a re-blue? Is it a transgression against antiquities to consider a re-blue?

Thanks,
Ed
 
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Value can vary wildly based on barrel length (shorter is better). You don't mention what barrel this gun has.

"Freckling" might polish off but the gun shows finish wear afterward.

Refinishing is not cost effective unless the gun is free and greatly reduces value when done. It is not recommended in 99% of cases.

You don't mention how much is being asked for the gun (why are you keeping so many secrets?) but I would view the gun as a well-worn shooter at this point. To me such a gun is worth $400-$500 but very few sellers would agree with me. Most think this gun is still worth $1,200.

Not to me. You decide for you. I can't tell you what you should pay for a gun.
 
Saxon,

When I walked into that shop, the very last thing I was interested in was a mod 27. No "collector" here! Consequently, I didn't pay a lot of attention to details. It does have the extra screws in the side plate and lacks a series model number. The serial number was S 7xxxxx, I think. It is a six incher. What got my attention was that other than the "freckles", the condition was spectacular, at least to my casual eye. The shop's asking price is in the $500 range and they are generally negotiable.

I was just thinking of this gun as a shooter but generally prefer K/L frames so was looking to the future in case things didn't work out with it. I'd certainly be unhappy with it un-blued and since blueing would kill it, I'll probably pass. Thanks for the input.

Ed
 
I recently saw a re-blued 3.5" pre-27 in a shop for about $700. I felt it was more than I wanted to pay for a re-blued .357 even with that barrel. Depending on the actual wear, the one you describe is a better deal. If nothing else it would be a great shooter. YMMV
 
Gotta agree with S/P on this. Too me it is a $350to $450 gun. I never like to see any attempt at re blue as generally they destroy any hope the gun had. This gun is straight up a shooter and not destined to be a collector. So go offer $350 or whatever your good at and shoot the hell out of it. Kyle
 
That is of course unless you collect slightly used guns with minor freckling. Then the gun is worth $400 to $500 IMHO. Different folks collect different things. Not everyone can afford the $2,000 to $12,000 safe queens.

Personally, I have some of both. My preference is 6" blued wheel guns. Should they have 5 screws and diamonds, then that is even more appealing. I have several very nice guns that have names, initials or SS numbers scratched into the frame somewhere. To me this "branding" is sort of like a prior owner putting a tattoo on his gun and just adds to its history. I once put my initials on the tube of my Remington 870 TB trap gun. I did so because I had trouble finding my gun in the rack of 20 or so like guns at my gun club during trap shooting events. It was early in my gun owning life and I probably would not do it today, but I do understand the motive.

So, all that said, if you like the gun and can afford it, go for it. All S&W's need a good home.;)
 
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As I understand the condition you describe, you have an excellent opportunity to purchase one of the finest shooting revolvers S&W ever made at a decent price. It is not a collector, but a shooter, and to buy a current mfg copy (with IL) would cost over $1000. This gun is a much better gun, and could give you and your children shooting pleasure for both your lifetimes and then some.l
 
First I'd check the serial number again, S-70,000 should be a early post war gun, very desirable even with a few flecks on the finish. S-700,000should be a model 27, not a pre-27 if I am not mistaken.

The price is good even for a shooter. There are 5, 6 and 6.5 inch barrel guns some are harder to find than others. It took me twenty years to find a pre-27 6.5 inch gun in my part of the country.

Re-blue is not a good idea unless the finish is ruined. A little flecking it not a bad thing and if it has perfect screws, good mechanics and matching grips it is a good gun. If you want it for a shooter, you will never mind a new made gun that is nicer or has better finish, even with the flecks.
 
All S&W's need a good home.
Click to expand...

Alas, how tragic the plight of poor, unwanted, reblued and freckled S&W's, languishing in cases at pawn shops and the like, just waiting for someone to give them a good home and lavish them with the love they truly deserve.
 
I sure wish the people selling re-blued guns understood they are worth little to nothing. I have yet to see a re-finished S&W N-frame for the prices most here seem to think they are worth.

Same applies to cut down barrels. Supposedly doing so destroys the value, unless someone else is selling and I'm trying to buy. Then they seem to go for the guns original value plus the cost of the cut down.

Dave
 
Dave T said:
I sure wish the people selling re-blued guns understood they are worth little to nothing. I have yet to see a re-finished S&W N-frame for the prices most here seem to think they are worth.

Same applies to cut down barrels. Supposedly doing so destroys the value, unless someone else is selling and I'm trying to buy. Then they seem to go for the guns original value plus the cost of the cut down.

Dave
Click to expand...

Funny how that works, ain't it ? Often wondered the same thing myself. Never saw a reblued N frame that the seller acknowledged was worth hundreds less nor would come off a penny . . . and sooner or later they always seem to sell at their price or close to it. Now, I know those buying are not aficionados or collectors, but there is a market for those guns to those to which this makes no difference. And to those looking for a shooter and price is the major consideration, a nice reblued S&W is worth it if they can get it cheaper.

Like most others here, I usually pass on refinished guns even when buying shooters since I learned long ago that my interests and tastes evolve and change over time always in the back of my mind I look toward a possible scenario where I might sell it. The circles I run in, it's harder to sell a refinished gun, that's all.
 
bushmaster1313 said:
Alas, how tragic the plight of poor, unwanted, reblued and freckled S&W's, languishing in cases at pawn shops and the like, just waiting for someone to give them a good home and lavish them with the love they truly deserve.
Click to expand...

It found a home. It won't be refinished. I like it freckles and all....it even has what i think is an evidence number etched in the sideplate. There's a pic of it about three posts down....in this thread

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-grip-identification-need-some-help-here.html

It came with the original numbered grips in excellent condition. Although they have been temporarily replaced with a set of grips I'm trying to identify as noted in the link. The shop came off their price since it looked rough. Kroil and 0000 steel wool and it looks a bit better but the picture angle disguises most of the freckles. And it shoots just fine...

And for the record, the original poster gave me his "blessing" to buy the gun since he was not interested.
 
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