+99% Outdoorsman or Pre-27? Got it figured out. Thanks.

dacoontz · #1 02-24-2010, 05:39 PM

Saw a pistol for sale that was listed as pre 27 unfired. I believe the unfired part but the seller believes he has a pre-27 because it came with a 357 magnum box. Obviously, this looks to be a 38/44 Outdoorsman with serial number S 135042. But am I mistaken? Did any pre-27's ship with partridge front sights in the target variation? I guess anything is possible but I thought all pre-27's had the ramp like front sight, don't know the proper title of that triangle front sight. I do wish I had a picture of the top strap. What do you think? Nice piece none the less and if you are interested than I can tell you where and how much (not cheap).

Daniel #2322

SmithNut · #2 02-24-2010, 05:49 PM

From the pictures, I'm not sure we can tell. What is it chambered for? If 38 special, then your thought on the Outdoorsman is on the right track. If it's a 357 Mag, it should have checkering on the topstrap, and would be a .357 Magnum (pre-M27). The .357 Magnum was shipped with the Patridge as shown.

DCWilson · #3 02-24-2010, 05:58 PM

My longnose Pre-27 has a Patridge front sight, but it doesn't have the TT and TH of a target model.

Wouldn't the gun you pictured have to have target stocks to be considered a target model?

dacoontz · #4 02-24-2010, 06:45 PM

So this could be a pre-27? Would the topstrap be the tell all definitive characteristic?

I am not sure what it is chambered for but I suppose it should say on the right side of the barrel. I suppose that would also make it obvious.

Art Doc · #5 02-24-2010, 06:46 PM

The 357 Magnums and later Model 27s routinely came with PATRIDGE sights on the guns with 6" and longer barrels. The Patridge sight was named after a man named Patridge who designed it.

The Model 27 and pre-model version should have checkering on the top strap and sighting ramp as previously noted.

Also, the 357 Magnum will have counter-bored chambers, commonly called recessed chambers. I can't be 100% certain from the photos, but the gun pictured does not appear to be recessed.

Of course the best clue would be the caliber marking on the barrel.

dacoontz · #6 02-24-2010, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaxonPig

Of course the best clue would be the caliber marking on the barrel.

I know, I know. This was kind of a "Durrr" moment for me. I want to try and get the guy back on the phone to clarify that and the other details. Thanks gents for the info. Daniel.

handejector · #7 02-24-2010, 07:09 PM

Looks like a 357 to me, but I made a mistake in '68, and another in 08.

dacoontz · #8 02-24-2010, 07:21 PM

Just talked to him. Checkered top strap and 357 on the barrel. He has it listed on gunbroker starting at $1000 but is trying to sell it out of his shop for $1800 so his reserve is probably close. Very nice gun either way but too much for me. Thanks again. Daniel.