I have quite a few old rifles and a handful of old pistols. I’ve had this model 27 for a few years and the elderly gentleman I got it from said it was a “rare bird”. Probably just telling me this to make me feel good. It wasnt an expensive pistol but quite beautiful to me. Were the 6 1/2” nickel 4 screws uncommon?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks, T4

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10th & 7th SF retired

The short answer is no. The 6 1/2" barrel was one of the standard lengths on the .357 Magnum, including the Model 27, until the 1970s. 6" units were also available.

My question about this one is whether it is actually a Model 27. Does it say "MOD 27" in the yoke cut? With that box, it might not. What is the serial number? I assume it begins with an S.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

And here is something else. The box says nickel, but your pictures seem to show a blued gun. Is that just a function of the photography?

Does the serial number written on the bottom of the box match the one on the butt of the gun?

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

It does say Mod-27. Serial number S1887xx

T4

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10th & 7th SF retired

It’s nickel. Just a ****** pic. Serial number on the box matches the pistol.


T4

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10th & 7th SF retired

Great! Thanks for the info. S188xxx would be a fairly early model-marked revolver. Maybe it isn't a "rare bird" but it definitely has the "cool factor."

Note: The four screw .357 Magnum/Model 27 was made from 1956 until c. 1961.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks for the help Sir.

T4

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10th & 7th SF retired

They keep saying the 6.5 barrel isn't uncommon but I never saw one after 50+ years of hanging around gun shows and gun shops. Except for the one I bought off Gunbroker a few years ago. Still the only one I have seen in person. Maybe they are only uncommon in the places where I have lived?

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No life story has happy end.

The 6.5" is not seen as often as the 6" in either finish or vintage.
While it is true that 4 Screws span 56 to 60 or 61, model marked 4 screws only span about 58 to 60 or 61.
I would say a nickel, 4 screw Mod 27 No Dash in the original gold box would be a VERY hard gun to replace.
If anyone has one, let's see it. I have never seen another one.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I'd be inclined to get a letter for that one. Are the relieved smooth target stocks 1960's-1970's era replacements? I'd like to think a fancy nickel 28 would ship with equally fancy stocks. it's nice, nonetheless. Thanks for sharing!

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

Great gun with a great box. Looks like a keeper to me.

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

t4halo

Lee's point is well taken. First, this gun is nickel plated. That alone makes it less common.

As for the 6 1/2" barrel, it was a cataloged item, which is why I would be cautious about saying it is rare. On the other hand, I've never owned a .357 Magnum/Model 27 with that barrel length and have only seen a few in 50 years. Mine have been either 6" or 5", and I sold the last 6" example some years back.

So, perhaps "uncommon" would be the best way to describe the configuration of your revolver. In any case, I like it! I particularly like the fact that it shipped in the gold box, with no indication on the box that it is a Model 27. I own quite a few revolvers that have their original gold boxes, but none that shipped as late as yours did. I know they exist and I like seeing them show up. One of these days, maybe I'll acquire one.

Lee's point about the shorter lifespan of a model marked 27 with four screws is also an important note.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

very seldom i log in to this site that i don't learn something. thanks, the education is greatly appreciated. thanks, kenny

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Too good

T4,
How about a few more pictures of that beauty?
Might I suggest some outdoor pictures in overcast or early morning light?

You have a very desirable configuration -and, you knew the original owner!
Congratulations!

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

As a long time collector of 6 1/2" N frames, I can tell you that 6 1/2" blue no dashes are tough to find (especially boxed), and nickel examples are scarce. I have one, paid a premium to purchase it, and would do it again, given the opportunity.

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CST 147

I know that people take exception to some of the observations made in SCSW4, but it does say that early no-dash 4 screw revolvers are worth 2X and a 27-1 is worth substantial premium, about 4X. It also says a slight premium for 6 1/2" barrel. Lastly, it is stated that original nickel on 4 screw guns garners a 25% premium. Have no idea what that adds up to, but sounds like gold to me.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks for all the help Gentlemen. It sounds like it isnt as uncommon as I thought. “Rare Bird”, probably not. It’s still a dang cool old pistol. I’ll try to get a few more pics tomorrow if it’s nice out. She’s 60 years young a doesnt show her age at all.


T4

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10th & 7th SF retired

I guess it's one of those things for which there ain't no reason, but does anybody besides me find it odd post-war 6 1/2" 357's are seemingly hard to find----and the pre-war 6/1/2's represent far and away the most popular barrel length---------far and away---second place isn't even close.

Ralph Tremaine

Here are a few inside pictures.

T4

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10th & 7th SF retired

If they are worth 2X then this one is worth $1150 since I paid $575 for it, but it does have original "Special Target" stocks (cokes) so its probably worth what I paid???? It's a 6.5 inch, blue, Serial S188584 and shipped in February of 1959.

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Bill

That’s beautiful Bill.

T4

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10th & 7th SF retired

In my opinion, it’s a rare gun in this configuration. I know of only 5 total Model 27 Marked Nickel finished 6-1/2” barreled guns including the ones mentioned in this thread and mine. My gun S/N S188681 shipped 6/25/63 to Gil Hebard Guns.

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KSK interesting that your 6 incher does not have patridge front sight.
All are nice samples!
Thanks

Sorry, but those values are based on standard Model 27 valuations listed in the book. A standard Model 27 (no-dash) ANIB was listed at $900, so 2X is around $2000 value. Model 27-1 states value is $3500. The Model 27 (no dash) was manufactured from 1957 to 1960. The Model 27-1 was only made one year, 1960. The difference between Model 27 and 27-1 was stated as a change in the extractor rod, right hand to left hand thread. Nothing here is set in stone, but interesting assessment of early Model 27 revolvers values.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

As we all know, manufacture dates and ship dates vary. My 27-1 with 6" barrel shipped 08/1962.
T4's gun may not qualify as "rare", but many of us would be proud to own it.

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Mike H

I'll tell you what!! If I'd have known Gil and Mary Elizabeth Hebard had a store in Knoxville, Tennessee, I'd have been camped out there pretty much full time---just wasn't paying attention I guess.

Ralph Tremaine