Model 27 5" Nickel

Bubbsw · #1 09-23-2017, 04:06 PM

New here. I inherited a beautiful .357 revolver and have been lurking here for a few weeks learning all I can about it. A lot of great stuff on this site. I have upgraded the grips with a set from Grashorn Gunworks. The Fitz grips on it were cracking, ugly, and didn't fit my hand. I have sent off for a letter. It's my understanding my father (CIA) bought it new. No one is sure if it was issued to him or if he bought it himself for work.
I've included some photos. Please let me know of you see any numbers that could help tell the history of the gun. ex: there is 566 on the star and the cylinder, I have no clue what that means.
S210179

Bubbsw · #2 09-23-2017, 04:37 PM

Sorry, I added photos via URL and they did not take. I edited the original post and will place more here.

apollo99 · #3 09-23-2017, 05:14 PM

I just picked up a 27-2 5" in blue, A great revolver quickly became my favorite. While I love blued revolvers, the nickel ones are starting to grow on me.

bwade · #4 09-23-2017, 05:36 PM

Nice gun Bubbsw, I have the same gun that is serial numbered 32 past yours S210211. Probably a few made in that range. Please share your letter when you get it.

bwade

JP@AK · #5 09-23-2017, 06:53 PM

Very nice, Bubbsw, and welcome to the forum.

The serial number (S210179) points to c. 1960.

I'm one who favors the 5" barrel on most revolvers, including the Model 27. I have one a bit younger than yours, but it is blued. A nickel example to go with it would be the cat's meow. Congrats.

The Grashorn stocks are nice. Original walnut would also have been nice. Any chance they are around somewhere in your dad's stuff? If they were the Magna style, they'd have been numbered to the gun.

In any case, that is a revolver to be prized by you, especially since it belonged to your father.

Just an opinion: I rather doubt this was CIA-issued. But I suppose it is possible.

old bear · #6 09-23-2017, 07:26 PM

Bubbsw, welcome to the forum. The model 27's are some of the finest if not the finest revolver produced my Smith and Wesson. You'll love your new grips.

LEO918 · #7 09-23-2017, 10:39 PM

Welcome to the Smith & Wesson Forum from Arizona. I really like your .357.

muzzleblast · #8 09-23-2017, 11:39 PM

I agree with Skeet Skelton. The 5" M-27 is my favorite.

Bubbsw · #9 09-24-2017, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Very nice, Bubbsw, and welcome to the forum.

The serial number (S210179) points to c. 1960.

I'm one who favors the 5" barrel on most revolvers, including the Model 27. I have one a bit younger than yours, but it is blued. A nickel example to go with it would be the cat's meow. Congrats.

The Grashorn stocks are nice. Original walnut would also have been nice. Any chance they are around somewhere in your dad's stuff? If they were the Magna style, they'd have been numbered to the gun.

In any case, that is a revolver to be prized by you, especially since it belonged to your father.

Just an opinion: I rather doubt this was CIA-issued. But I suppose it is possible.

Thanks you guys. I'm in love with this gun. It will never leave me. It is such a bonus inheriting a model with so much provenance.
The originals grips I'm sure are long gone. He passed nearly 30 years ago. The Grashorns with the TylerT feel perfect in my hand. Unfortunately I have expensive taste and can't stand anything plastic or imitation.
It was kind of neat that I inherited it at the same age he was when he purchased it 36. Can't wait to put some rounds through it.

Kingspoke · #10 09-24-2017, 10:24 PM

A real beauty, and very special!

Shark Bait · #11 09-24-2017, 11:09 PM

Looks a little flashy and large for a CIA work gun, but great anyway. He probably bought it for the joy of owning and shooting one of S&W's finest revolvers. I need to get back out to the range with mine soon. Thanks for sharing.

Bubbsw · #12 09-26-2017, 06:43 PM

Looks like I'm gonna have to switch forums. I got the letter in the mail today.
It states that my S210179 shipped May 15, 1963 to Olympic Wholesale Co., Los Angeles, CA. The location actually makes sense as Los Angeles was my father's birth place.
Revolver was shipped with a 5 inch barrel equipped with a ramp front site, target hammer, target trigger, nickel finish, and smooth rosewood target grips.

glenncal1 · #13 09-27-2017, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old bear

Bubbsw, welcome to the forum. The model 27's are some of the finest if not the finest revolver produced my Smith and Wesson. You'll love your new grips.

I would add that the 27-2's are not just the finest from S&W but as good as any revolver produced period. Great gun, great history. Protect that nickel finish and keep that one passing down through the family.

S&WsRsweet · #14 09-27-2017, 09:12 AM

Oh my goodness your dad knew his guns he couldn't have left you anything better in my opinion . Those Grashorns look fantastic on that revolver ,isn't Parick great to do business with . Take it to the range and report back to us on how it shoots and what you think about it. Enjoy it .

Bubbsw · #15 09-27-2017, 05:02 PM

Any idea why they were still shipping model 27's 1963 when they have already been producing model 27-1's and 2's for several years?

bwade · #16 09-27-2017, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubbsw

Any idea why they were still shipping model 27's 1963 when they have already been producing model 27-1's and 2's for several years?

That's a good question, I am not sure when mine was shipped and I haven't lettered it. Also, other than yours and mine, I have not seen another 5" nickel model 27 four screw. My guess is they are scarce. Any other forum members have one?

Bubbsw · #17 09-29-2017, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&WsRsweet

Oh my goodness your dad knew his guns he couldn't have left you anything better in my opinion . Those Grashorns look fantastic on that revolver ,isn't Parick great to do business with . Take it to the range and report back to us on how it shoots and what you think about it. Enjoy it .

You asked for it, here it is. I'll adjust the sites next time.

Wiregrassguy · #18 09-30-2017, 10:07 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Very nice nickel M27!