Got this new to me 1977 vintage S&W 27-2, 8 3/8" barrel, pinned and recessed. $375 + tax. Came with a leather holster, nothing more. Unfortunately somebody decided to Mag-na-portit. The finish is worn in a couple of spots, but nothing major.
Here is what she looked like when I first saw her, pretty sad and neglected.
Excuse my pictures, took them in my shop. Need to get beeter onces out in the open.



And after some cleaning and targets:

Congratulations on the nice find. She shined up like a new penny.

Unfortunately, somebody felt the need to Mag-na-port it.

Can somebody tell me if this is factory original front sight and insert?

That front site doesn't look proper.
If the magna-port bothers you and since you got the gun at a cheap price - shorten the barrel or find a shorter replacement barrel

Good Luck

vit,

That clean-up job sure did wonders. IMO, you got a good deal at $375 - even though is has been ported.

The front sight was also altered. It looks the original Patridge sight with the rear filed off and a red insert added. Here's what the original unaltered sight would have looked like.


(click for bigger)

Wow, it cleaned up great. I agree with Lorin, it looks like a customized patridge. If it were mine I'd find and fit a replacement patridge or just leave it as is. The magnaporting really shouldn't bother you (especially for $375!) it's a pretty typical aftermarket modification on magnums of that vintage, and very well done. Besides this way you have a revolver you can shoot and enjoy instead of a museum piece.

/b

Nice gun!

Now you'll have to try some steal at 100 - 500 yards with it.

Peace,

Mag-na-port or not, it is still a very nice gun!!!

SWEEEEEEETTT, I would do the same thing!

Interesting observations of the fron sight, I didn't even think of that. The insert appers to be some type of reflector.

quote:

Originally posted by ASA335:
Nice gun!

Now you'll have to try some steal at 100 - 500 yards with it.
I don't know about 500 yeards, but 100 should be easy enough Our range only goes to 100.
Peace,

I'd say the front sight has been altered.

In addition to the color and not so clean fill, note that the front sight blade pin is obviously showing, indicating it has been removed at some point. Unless it was for the magnaporting, I'd say it was to do a little file work - which makes zero sense, if you're going to remove the front sight why not just replace it with a factory red ramp, right?