Model 27-2 Question

SRG

SRG

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I've always been a fan of the S&W Model 27's especially the
3 1/2" and 5" guns. I recently purchased a blued 5" Model 27-2 sn# N374xxx with a very worn finish and have two questions.

1. What year was it manufactured.

2. Where is the best place to have a nice high polish blueing done.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
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First of all, welcome to the forum.
That serial number puts it's DOB at 1976 0r 1977.
As to refinishing, unless it is a basket case, I would advise you to reconsider. Rebluing will severely negatively impact it's value. I'd leave it as is if it were me.
Jim
 
Thanks for the reply. I'll try and post some pictures later but, the finish is pretty bad.

I would usually pass on something with a finish like this but it was a Model 27 5" which I've always wanted, the action is still tight as a drum and the price was very right.
 
Most around here will tell you not to re-blue but if you're going to S&W seems to do a wonderful job of it. There have been some shown on here that S&W did and from what I saw they looked very good.
Ford's in Florida has a good reputation also.
 
Ford's does have a very good reputation. The question of refinishing guns is an age old question and is best served by your needs.

Seems pretty simple but those that advocate never refinishing the gun as it will diminish the value may have different needs than you.

I am pretty much a no refinish sort of fellow but I have a Baby Browning that really needs a refinishing job as it has been sorely mistreated, and the finish is unacceptable to me. And - - - - since it is my gun, I will make it acceptable to me. Others may disagree but it is not their gun.
 
Welcome to the Forum.

To answer your question, there are many shops that do top notch bluing. For one, it could go to S&W. There is Ford's who is outstanding and Doug Turbull is another guru.

That said, there are probably 6-12 refinishers in your own state that would do a more than satisfactory job for a reasonable price. Not sure if your in the Big City or the burbs but check the yellow pages. The shop will have examples for you to look at if you are close enough to personally visit.

As to the firearm's value, yes it will be worth less to a dedicated collector when you go to sell it. But I will bet that for every collector that would prefer it left in original condition there are a hundred shooters that would prefer to own a pretty model 27.

I never worry about how much money I am going to make on a firearm if I decide to sell it. As long as I get enjoyment out of it while I own it the rest does not matter. BTW, I have had a model 27 refinished by the factory. After 34 years I still have not decided to sell it. I bet I can sell it for more than I paid for it.

When it comes to refinishing, do not make your decision to please me or another collector. Make your decision to please yourself.
 
Refinish? What's that?


standard.jpg
 
Thanks guys. I am primarily a collector of 20th Century US Military Rifles and in that arena, I am definitely a no refinish guy. I would also be very against refinishing anything I would consider a rare collectible.

That being said, I'm currently working on my retirement gifts to me (I've still got a few years). I'm gonna treat myself to one of each of what I consider to be the epitome of American handguns. The Colt SAA, The Colt 1911, and the S&W 27. I plan on setting these pistols up to suit my tastes and resell value is not a consideration (they'll pry them form my dead hands kind of thing). Since I will be altering these pistols to suit me, I will be looking for shooters and I think this Model 27 fits the bill.

Anyone have contact info for Ford's? As far as locally is concerned, there's no one I'd let near my guns with a buffing wheel.
 
I've had VERY positive results with S&W's refinishing department. They are reasonably priced as well...just as long as you're not in a hurry.
As to the negative value of refinishing; If you ain't sellin' it, who cares?:cool:
 
Bear in mind that the current blue S&W offers will be slightly less lustrous than the older finishes due to EPA regulations on the chemicals they can use.
 
Just as a side note... I've collected S&W handguns for over 40 years.... The huge majority of my collection is made up of NIB handguns that I'm very proud of. I can understand why you'd want to make your 27 look as good as possible, especially a 5" 27.

However, there is something very appealing and intriguing about an older gun that has bluing wear, "battle scars" and other heavy usage that defines its character and history as being more than just a piece of metal..

If the gun is tight and well tuned I'd keep it that way and shoot the snot out of it. You can always re-blue it later. Doing a re-blue will never make it "new" again.

If it were mine I'd concentrate any expenditures on the mechanics of the gun, if needed, rather than the cosmetics.... and enjoy the gun without worry about any new dings occurring after a re-blue.

JMHO
 
I agree with TDC's well formulated points. The advantage of a worn gun is that you can shoot it without remorse or worry, while it is still proud of its past work.
 
Life is to short to own a ugly gun. I'd send it to Smith & Wesson for a reblue.
 
Sorry it took so long but here are some pictures of my 27-2 and the reason that I would like to refinish it.

IMG_0387.jpg


IMG_0388.jpg


IMG_0389.jpg


IMG_0390.jpg
 
Yeh, that one needs some help. S&W does a nice job for under $250
 
It's all up to you and your likes and what you want to do with it. Most refinish guns even by S&W will go down in value but in this case I think this one is beyond a little character wear and a refinish would be justifed.
 
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