I recently posted that I got a model 27-2 6in nickel from GB.

FINALLY.....I got a model 27!!!!

I was excited because I thought I got a good deal ($575 OTD) and I always wanted a model 27 since I got into S&Ws. Well the excitement was over when I got the gun. It had scuff marks and what looked like old polish all over it. To make matters worse, I found a wear mark down to the steel on the cylinder about the size of a thumb print. I later took off the grips to see how much of the scuffs/discoloration could clean off and lo and behold, the rear most screw in the sideplate was changed. It was a completely different type of screw head, and it was buggered. Needless to say, I was even more dissappointed. I was very dissappointed because I talked to the shop owner over the phone and he said other than some dull spots, the gun was in exceptional condition. I called back the shop that I got the gun from and the owner was very understanding and helpful. The gun was on consignment, and he was willing to give me all of my money back or a partial refund. I started polishing the gun and noticed it started cleaning up pretty good except for the cylinder spot which is bare metal. I felt between the screw, and the cylinder wear mark, I would ask for $200 in return and just keep the gun because its still a P&R'd model 27 in original nickel (N stamped on grip frame and cylinder). The grips have a scratch at the bottom from the checkered area to the bottom but are otherwise nice. I felt $375 was all I wanted to pay since I felt the gun deserved a renickeling either by S&W or Fords of Florida. The gun shop owner countered with $150 refund, no more.

So now, I ask you, what would you do? This would be my first model 27(I do have a 686-3 for 357 shooting). I am on the fence since the wear spot and replaced screw bother me. I would have $425 OTD in the gun. Would I be foolish to send it back? Should I be patient because its not a rare gun? Does the original nickel finish make it worth it? What say you? Please post your reasoning or any questions.

I have long tried to find Cadillac revolvers at a Chevy price. Sometimes... someone manages to pull it off. Mostly, I end up paying either a Chevy price for a Chevy... or worse... I pay a Cadillac price for a Chevy revolver. I am not sufficiently knowledgable about M-27's to give you much advice. But, if it were me, I'd take the refund. I'd clean the revolver up and think a while. Look and see what a refinished M-27 is generally worth. If you want it for shooting, shoot the tar out of it. If you want it as a collectible revolver, you'd probably be better off returning the revolver and getting a complete refund. JMHO.

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Well they concept about the refinish idea is that if S&W or Ford's did it, it would basically be indistinguishable from original nickel. Its not like there could be another shade or anything. Now of course, it would look brand new, but many model 27s do.

If it were me, although I'd be disappointed that it wasn't in the shape I believed it to be, I'd take the $150 and keep it. Around here it's hard to find an N frame shooter (much less any other) for $425.

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"I'm your huckleberry."

I'd love to own a 27-2 shooter. For $425 I'd enjoy shooting the heck out of that one. If you were looking for a collector grade gun- send it back and keep looking.

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Andy

Sir.
If you want a shooter, it is a good price.
If you want a pristine sample for a safe queen, get rid of it.
Bill@Yuma

I kind of want a shooter but my 686-3 has such a great trigger that I wonder if its been done by a gunsmith, plus I'm used to the weight and feel of it and I shoot it well. I'm looking more for a collector grade 27 at this point and time but I also like getting good deals on shooters at the same time. Hard decision...

Sir.
Indecision can be solved by keeping it as a shooter and keep looking for a pristine sample for you safe queen.
2 Model 27's beat 1 Model 27 in any collection.
Bill@Yuma

Take the partial refund and use it for a refinish at S&W or Fords.

You'll end up with what you thought you were buying in the first place for damn near the original price.

I found out today that a nickel refinish at S&W costs:

$200
$15 to ship back
$11 in taxes approx
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$226 - to make it look perfect. Add that back to the gun price:
$425
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$651 for a mint 27-2 nickel. I even have a spare pair of 70s N frame grips which are brand new. So it basically will be a brand new model 27 for under $700....can't beat that.

I will be able to ship to them for free since they are sending me an address label for my 1953 K-22 which is having timing issues.

If someone has a good reason for me not to, post it, or forever hold your piece