Happy Hump Day All!

I am going procure a pre 27 tomorrow and need to understand the market on these. This specimen is a 5 screw non model marked 357 magnum with a 5 inch barrel and checkered diamond magnas. Serial number is from early 50's as I don't recall it being S1/S2/S3. I think it was S84XXX

It's coming from the original owner's family with no box and the holster that's been with it since new. Mechanicals, bore, etc look good and clean. Grips number to the gun, and all serials are matching. Bluing has its ups and downs, there is some barrel holster wear near the end and a decent turn line, but not bad. A touch of freckling on the side plate, no rust or heavy pitting anywhere. I started the negotiation at $700 and he said no less than $800, which I agreed upon... So I will be picking it up tomorrow morning I didn't know where to start but wanted to pay a fair price since the money would be going towards the family's expenses as the original owner just passed away. It will live a good second life now with me hopefully.

Am I paying too much in the current market? I figured it was worth the gamble for an all original pre 27. I don't see them often here in the desert for sale.


Thanks in advance
SVT28

Edit: After a couple nights of thinking I took the plunge and glad I did. The condition was much better than I recalled. The holster included came from the George Lawrence Company in Oregon. Maybe the pre 27 was shipped there too?

Serials all match, S831XX so 1951-1952.

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I hesitate to say one way or the other without photos. I think you will be fine & the 5 inchers are great shooters as there well ballanced. Enjoy it! Kyle

That price sounds fair to both parties. The holster is a plus if it's a decent one. Sounds like no FFL fees or shipping involved, another plus. You did fine.

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You're shy a few manners.

I don't think there is much risk at $800 assuming the finish is original even with some wear. I traded for the one below last year at about $1500 value. Not sure I would have paid that but the seller wouldn't have taken less on a cash deal. Post pictures when you get yours, and good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

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sounds pretty dang nice !

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I think $800 is a fair price if there's no issues. . They're not that common. The 5" has a nice balance and easy to shoot. .

I bought a 5" pre-27, I believe 1950, a few years back but I can't remember what I paid for it. . It came with the original magnas numbered to the gun. . Bluing is all there and hardly nothing for a turn line. . The gun hadn't been used in ages and was dry and tight. . Cleaned and lubricated it run like a clock. . In the photo below it's the one in the center. . Poor picture with camera flash, but it's the only one I have. . Since the picture it wears a set of cokes.

Rod

I think $800 is a very comfortable price. I paid $1300 and was glad to do so. It is without a doubt my best shooting revolver and the last I would ever let go of.

Stu

Got it! Pics attached in the first post

If you got it for less than $1000 then you did terrific.

Even at $1000 that gun is worth it.

You did great, congratulations.

Very, very nice! I'm glad you bought it!! I think you will like it a lot, and have the pleasure of shooting for a long time.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Very nice!

Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I think you did very well......I've been watching one at a local pawn shop.....not a pre....1968 vintage......maybe a little better condition........just the gun, $1500........still waiting

Oh Yea! You did more then fine on this one! Take it out and shoot it and you will really appreciate the quality of "Old World" Craftsmanship! Kyle

A 5 inch pre-27 is on my wish list. Nicely done.

Very nice S&W .357 Magnum, IMO likely a 1952 shipped gun.

Two little extras you got in that bargain are the original "High Shoulder" Magnas which were used until around the end of 1952.

Also I would bet you a shiny new penny if you closely examine the medallions in your stocks they are very likely made of plastic which were used for about one year in 1952 instead of the usual nickel coated brass .

PS, Is there a serial number stamped inside the ejector rod shroud and if so does it match the one on the heel ?

Engine49guy

Thanks for the education on the original grips. I didn't know there were different styles of N frame magnas. You are correct that the medallions are made out of plastic. And yes, the serial number is stamped on the inside of the ejector rod shroud. It matches the one on the cylinder, heel, and grips. Would the serial be stamped anywhere else?

Also, what about the holster? I've seen some really nice Lawrence holsters with patterns and special features. This holster is rather basic and could use some love. I've attached a few more pics along with a pic of the pre 27 next to its older brother my triple lock target.

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