Some of you may remember my post last week, I bought the 27 no dash with the modified front sight. It arrived. UNBELIEVABLE! I wasn't prepared for it. The gloss black mirror finish. I am scared to touch it. I don't know if I can use it. I am not sure if I should keep it. I am sort of a slob. I could use some suggestions for a holster that won't scratch it.

The sight is really a well done thing. It won't bother me. There was one picture that made it look like maybe it had been re-crowned, that was just the light, the crown is perfect.

Here's some pics, I hope you enjoy them.

Very nice! But a holster? I would never put that in a holster!

Nice gun!
Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy it.

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"I also cook."

Wow, nice. I'd hang that beauty in a homemade, shiny black, suede lined, leather flap holster.

The holster would have to be made of velvet. Real nice score, I didn't even notice the sight issue till you mentioned it. I should be so lucky to find a nice piece like that. Congrats

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Bob
Sic Semper Tyrannis

"Guns were made for using. As to it losing some of it's luster through use... Are you as good looking as you were when you were 19?

Are you less valuable for the scuffs and scrapes you got gittn' where you are today? Would you rather have stayed in your crib and stayed cute?

Shoot it, take care of it, and enjoy it.

what's the deal with the rear sight it looks grooved not checked like the rest of the top strap...........or am I seeing it wrong

It's grooved, is it supposed to be checked.

Edit-

I just did a google image search, grooved seems correct.

PS- why you wanna mess with my mind!

That is a very nice 27 and you bought it to enjoy so take it out and use it for what it was made for, shooting. It won't hurt it as long as you take care of it.

Regards

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Mitch
SWCA 2597

I must have missed your other post about the Front site but it looks to be an unmodifed Baughman ramp....Did it come with a Patridge or what was modified ?

It's a beauty and needs to be shot

I like it! But carry in a holster?
Maybe a sholder holster....
More like a target/plinking revolver to me.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

The rear sight body should be checked like the rest of the top strap. Sometimes the checking is lighter than the grooves. The front sight is a bit different than usual, but the pins appear to be polished flat and blued with the rest of the gun, so I would lean toward it being original.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

The modification to the front sight is a groove filed in the top of it, possibly the previous owner thought it helped him in sight aquisition. I missed the grooved rear sight in the original post, it does look to me to be a replacement. 27 rear sights are to be had, just be patient and keep an eye on the Accessories for Sale section here. Any way you look at it, it is a beautiful example of a 27. I agree it is meant to be shot! You will not damage it as long as it is cared for. EDIT: The rear sight appears to be from the correct era, and as many have said in the past, when it comes to S&W, never say never! Though this is a flagship line of revolvers, it is always possible it came from the factory with that rear sight on it.

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Even older, even crankier....

As for holsters, assuming that you can open carry, keep an eye out or a good Bianchi or Safariland lined example. El Paso Saddlery's lined holsters are also excellent, and I have not experienced significant holster wear on gun finishes from any of these three makers.

You do need to buy a holster for an N-frame Smith. It will be be fitted to that size of gun and this alone reduces finish wear, I think.

The models that I wore most were the former Model 29 from Safariland and the Bianchi Model 5BHL. Both are basketweave-stamped, an option. But my El Paso holsters are also superb. The soft lining used by these companies does seem to prolong the finish life on blued guns, although I wore mostly stainless models when I was carrying service revolvers daily.

Beautiful specimen.

Just go out and enjoy the heck out of it. It can take a long time to train a gun. Best get started.

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David Wilson

Hi:
Nice Model 27.
with the "Modified" front sight plus the faint turn line assume that this revolver is a "Former Virgin" that has been handled, used, and fired---so shoot it and enjoy it. Firearms were never meant to be "Worshipped" not fired, and to spend their life in a dark gun safe.
Jimmy

You have a nice revolver. I can't imagine buying that gun and putting it up, keeping it new for the next owner. How in the world do you expect to enjoy it if you don't shoot it? If you don't shoot it you may as well have just layed them hundred dollar bills that you bought it with on the shelf in your safe. Old Skeeter said he wasn't warehousing a revolver for the next owner. That's what it amounts to. Shoot that gun and clean it afterwards. If you don't know how to properly clean one without screwing up the finish, just ask. You'll find lots of guys here that will tell you. There's no sin in not knowing how, the sins in not asking and goofing the finish up.

You just described one of my mules....

and trade it for a shooter grade 4 inch
and roll with it,sir.

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HIS Trains 'a LEAVIN

OK, now that the question of using it is settled, what do y'all think a bout a quickie reblue, my neighbor has been experimenting....

Kidding.

I have been adjusting my mind to the idea that it will not remain so pristine. Yes, I would appreciate any tips towards not damaging it in the cleaning process. I use break free and retired terri cloth kitchen towels and flannel patches and a plastic bristle brush for around the breech etc...

Whatever advise you can offer to improve this routine is welcome, don't be shy.

But I am really curious about holsters that won't wear it down. I have down the obligitory google search on the subject, but I would like to hear from ya'll some 1st hand tips. I walk ALOT in the wood with a gun tied to my belt. I could see that one being a favorite, but I would hate to rub down those corners to bare metal.

Thanks!!!

What he said, whatever you get make sure it fits properly and has a soft lining.

I was thinking about this one:

Bianchi 111 Cyclone Holster - Plain Tan, Right Hand 12686 FREE S&H 12686. Bianchi Holsters.

Anybody have any first hand with it.

For holsters look for suede lined leather.

The Bianchi 5BHL is a favorite of mine for carrying N-frames on the hip.