I have a 5" Model 27 5 screw, Serial # 173xxx. Can anyone help me with an approximate birthdate and value?
It is in really nice condition with some slight holster wear on the muzzle and cylinder and a few minor scratches.
It's a beauty, but I may be selling it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

the scsw says it's about late 1956, probably shipped some time in '57 or maybe as late as '58.

What it would bring at sale depends a lot on it's condition and if it has it's orginal numbers matching grips, box, papers etc.

for a no dash M27 5in in avg condition with signs of use but not abuse, I'd venture a guess of somewhere between $600 and $800 maybe more if the right smith junkie is looking to buy one and happens to see it.

By posting that you may be selling it............odds are some of those smith junkies will be PM'in you soon

Pdx, is there a prefix letter, like a P or an N? Did you take the number off the butt of the grip frame?

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Dick

Oh, yes, sorry! I meant to add that the serial # has an "S" prefix. It is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. No box, and I think I still have the original grips in addition to the S&W large grips.

Serial S173xxx Should be 1957 if it is indeed a model 27. If it is pre model 27 5 screw it should be 1955/1956. The large head screw should have gone away in 1955 but I have seen at least 1 ship date for one N frame that was several years later.

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Gun Safety is no accident.

I have no way of knowing for certain that it is a Model 27....someone told me it was some years ago. I have no supporting documentation.
I would think S&W would need to be contacted to confirm?

Open the cylinder and look in side the frame just above where the cylinder pivots to swing open,

you'll see the serial number and below that you may see "MOD 27" stamped on it, if you don't then it's what is refered to as "pre model 27"

On the crane and on the frame are the numbers 80816. No model number. If is is not a Model 27 what does that do to the value? It has the same hi-gloss bluing and finish.

If it has 5 screws, .357 mag. , high gloss blue, and the barrel measures 5" from the end to the face of the cylinder, it would be a "pre-27" like this one, no other model with a 5" barrel. 28'S are 6"




Ned

Before 1957 when model numbers were assigned this gun was simply called "The 357 Magnum." They typically bring more than the later model marked guns.

Here is my 1956 357 Magnum.

Mine is every bit as nice as the 8 3/8 model currently on Gun Broker bidding at $1,100+ right now. I don't have the white outlined sights or the red insert on the front sight, but the condition of mine is just as good.

Ned: Mine is exactly like yours with the exception of the front sight and the grips. Mine had the "skinny" grips and a different front sight. 5 screw, hi-gloss blue and true 5" barrel.

They are called "Magna's", look like these




Ned

Yup....those would be the ones!

OK...so Pre Model 27 in good condition? Any kind of price range?
I'll take some pictures and try to post them.

$900 - $1500. 5" are hot sellers, eclipsed only by the 3-1/2's & an occasional 4" Here's a 5" 27-2 from around 1980 or so





Ned

She's a beauty Ned! Thanks for the info....