My question, as the title says, is a pre-model 27 three screw possible? The serial # is S224XXX...my SW catalog places the manufacture date to approx 1960-1962. No serial number or model number on the crane/yoke...just assembly numbers.

Some pictures may help to answer your question. Does not seem right as model numbers began in 1957 before the 4th screw started disappearing.

Sounds like someone simply forgot to stamp the model number.

Jim

It definitely "doesn't" have a screw in the front area of the trigger guard ?

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

Only three screws...no forth or fifth screw...I have not seen the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame but I was shown a photo of the crane/yoke...no model number.

I'm confident this a simple case of failing to stamp the gun during production. Unfortunately mis-marked guns don't command high prices like stamps and coins seem to.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

Definitely a 27-2 from 1962 from that SN. As such it would be a three screw (all three screws are in the sideplate). MOD. 27-2 should be stamped in the yoke area of the frame. If it's not there, it's simply an assembly oversight.

Here's how it's stamped! The seller is probably misinformed.

Attached Images

pre 27.jpg (67.3 KB, 184 views)

Someone has swapped out the yoke on a mismatched gun? Kyle

That won't make any difference, it's still a 3 screw frame with no Mod # on the frame.

Not an unusual anomaly. The frame took a circuitous route to final assembly.

It's the model that the features indicate it is, regardless of lack of model stamping.

It's a 27-2 with no trigger guard screw regardless of missing model #.

And it should have a left hand threaded extractor rod (the 27-1 engineering change). If it's right hand thread it's a rare anomaly.

There's nothing anyone could have done to this gun to cause the anomalies, only the factory.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Learned something again ,thanks guys again.

It ended up selling for $920 to Chuck7 on gunbroker. Anyone here know Chuck7? I'd be interested to know his perspective on the 27.

If anyone is interested, here's the link...

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/682995677

Seller added an additional photo of the crane/yoke. Only the top half of the serial number made an imprint and I'd guess it was because the stamp and yoke were not properly aligned at the time of stamping. If the mod 27 part of the stamp is below the serial, that would explain why the mod 27 didn't make it onto the gun.

Really not a bad lookin gun. I like the brass insert in front ramp. I don't know if it a thousand dollars nice but nice nonetheless.

I don't think they're stamped together, but if they are, you've solved the mystery!!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Looks like that gun went back to the factory. Isn't the boxed R-Bi stamp a refinish in blue? First time I've seen Bi...refinish in blue with insert?

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629