I'm trying to help a friend out with this one.

He received a Pre Model 27 from a relative in payment for a loan. Serial # S807XX which dates it to 1951-52 according to SC of S&W. The gun, originally a 5 inch, was sent back to S&W at some point and an 8 3/8ths inch barrel was installed. Both barrels are with the gun and both are serial number marked matching the gun. The relative told him S&W also refinished the gun.

At the moment it has about 85% of the finish- a dull blue- remaining on both barrels. The original diamond Magna grips appear to have been ground with a grinding wheel to put a speadloader cut on the left panel. The barrels have obviously been swapped back and forth a few times as there are
numerous marks around both sides of the pin on the frame. The pin is also too long and sticks out a bit on both sides. There is a heavy turn line on the cylinder but lock-up and timing are still good.

Now for the REAL 'bubba' job. The side plate is not only a shinier and deeper blue than the rest of the gun, it also sits about 1/16th of an inch below the top of the frame by both front screws. It is also at least 1/32 short by the front/crane screw. Near the top and under grip screws the plate is about 1/32nd below the frame surface. What the heck did they do?

Can a K-frame side plate fit on an N frame that way?

Also-any idea at all what the value of this Franken-Smith is?

I would never have thought somebody would try that...I can't imagine a K frame sideplate screwholes would even line up..but, if no one can answer your question, I'll try it when I get home and give you the results..

Any true S&W gunsmithing experts want to take a crack at my original post?

Also, the friend said his relative gave him the gun in lieu of $600. I don't think it makes it to that level, but I'm fishing for opinions.

Sorry I couldn't get photos.

Sounds like a replacement side plate from a different gun. With all the issues it is perhaps a $250 - $300 gun if it shoots well.

To me,that sounds like an optimistic value.I wouldn't want it at all.

Sounds to me like the foundation for a restoration project. Would agree, $250-$300 value. Perhaps a little more as it has two barrels with it.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I am thinking a 5" .44 special.

The relative is doing a disservice to your friend (his own relative). It may be from ignorance (doesn't know any better) or malice. Either way your friend needs more payback/collateral.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

It's better than an autographed photo of Rosie O'Donell, but nowhere near worth $600.

The relative should sell the gun himself and use the proceeds (plus $300 or $400 more) and pay back your friend what he owes him.

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You're shy a few manners.

I got this one for $450 last week. It's from 1954 with none of the aforementioned problems. That deal sounds pretty unfair, although if he accepted the gun as payment, deal is done. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Bubba should be hanged...

At best you are looking at parts. Two $50 barrels and a $75 cylinder. Maybe $40 for the trigger / hammer. And that only if they are not mechanically altered, ruined in some fashion or rusted.

Sounds like the rest of the gun is junk.

Life's too short for broke up guns...

My initial response to my friend was "I hope you didn't pay more than $200 for that."

He was hoping I'd want to buy it for $450-$500. I politely said I wasn't interested, however I would investigate and give him an Idea of the true worth.

Sounds like $200 to a max of $300 if the internals aren't altered.

The sideplate is the real puzzler. The plate does not fit the frame correctly, yet the revolver seems to function just fine when dry fired.

There are/were two 27's on G-broker that were 100% complete, and original, just pretty rough. One had a buy it now for $599, the other opening bid of $450. Not ONE person bid on either.

"Suspisious minds" Here is my theory. The original owner was a advanced type gunman. He sent the gun back to smith, got a extra fitted barrel and smith engraved his name in gold on the sideplate. (Had that done that myself). Then alas, the gun is stolen. Now someone got ahold of a sideplate trying to make the gun saleable.

Plausible, as the barrels are definitely both properly serial numbered to the gun.

This sounds like a case where the parts are worth more than the whole. I would take everything apart, put the pieces in a coffee can and sell it as is. Consider anything over $200-250 as a gift to you for disassemblying it.
Bob

Other than the possibility that it may have been stolen (good thinking, that), what would keep this from being good fodder for a project gun, such as the conversion I want to do to replace my stolen .45ACP revolver?

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NHI, 10-8.

I think the point is this:
When you borrow money, pay it back IN CASH.

Don't pay it back with some item of dubious value and perhaps questionable legality.

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You're shy a few manners.