In the attached photo is the S&W Model 27-2 purchased at the MACC show.

I posted the photo on another forum, and got some questions in regard to the features on the blue one.

Most of the questions arose as to the fact that it doesn't have target stocks. As mentioned in earlier threads, the box denotes service stocks, with target trigger, target hammer, and 6 1/2" barrel.

However, the S&W Catalog, 3rd edition, states that the 6.5" barrel was discontinued in 1967 (Page 195). The manufacture date of my revolver is ca. 1969. Since the serial number is Nxxxxx, this piece wouldn't have been produced earlier than 1969. Some of the responders thought the revolver should have a 6" barrel.

On the box, there is also the notation under "Special Features" - "P383" and "#4308"

Anyone have any guesses as to why the revolver has a 6.5" barrel?

I can't answer your questions, but I can tell you those are a couple of really nice guns! The grips on the nickel gun are fabulous. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing from the experts.

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Dave

Although "officially" discontinued in the early 60s, the Model 27 continued to be produced with a 6 1/2-inch barrel through at least 1974 (S&W was using up the barrels). Your 27-2 also has the type of ampersand on the left side of the barrel that indicates it was roll marked in the 1970-1972 timeframe (I don't think it dates earlier than 1970). The Magna stocks are correct on your 27-2 as target stocks did not become standard on this model until September 1975.

The special features may be the target hammer and trigger as they were options on this model until 1975 when they became standard.

Bill

Hello Dennis,
Those are two lovely guns. You gotta quit grabbing them up before I get a chance to see 'em.

At the April show, it's dog eat dog!

Chad

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i have a 27-2 with 6 1/2 in bbl. in the 5 digit serial range. have seen 2 others with 5 digit numbers. must have made several during that time. would love to know how many were actually made during that time period. yours is very nice, wish i had the box for mine.

Bill, in response, here are two close-ups of S&W revolvers. The one on the left is a Model 28-2, manufactured in 1964. The second is the Model 27-2 manufactured in 1969. As you can see, the "&" roll mark is identical on both.

Dennis-
the ampersands are close, but not identical. The bottom loop on the one on the left is definately different than the one on the right, the one o the left being noticably longer, and the little loop at the top on the one on the left is more rounded and slightly smaller than the one on the right. The lettering is also slightly different too.

Dennis,

Nice guns and VERY nice photography! I also think the ampersands differ slightly - but it could be wear on the die(s) they were using at the time.

Thanks,

Jerry

Greeting looking Smiths! Can you add me to your will?

early 70's 27's with the 6.5" barrel are not uncommon, as I learned last fall when I found one dated to about 1971and started asking the same questions

Dennis...G4F is correct, the ampersands are similar, but are not quite the same. The difference is subtle, but there. S&W was still shipping N-frame revolvers in 1969 with serial numbers beginning with the letter S. Revolvers with serial numbers beginning with the letter N did not ship until 1970. N925, a 28-2, did not ship until May 1970. The first run of revolvers with N prefix serial numbers were Model 28-2s.

Below is a photo of the barrel of a 29-2, N20388, that was shipped in July 1971. The ampersand on the barrel is nearly identical to the one on your 27-2.

Bill

Geez that's a well done photo. You can almost see the grain in the steel...

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