S&W 27-2 3.5"

[hammerwrought1979]

Just found a mint S&W 27-2 3.5" barrel with box & owner's manual. Diamond stock are numbered to gun.

Ser# S282XXX

Can anyone provide a DOB?

Poor photos attached. Does not do it justice. Polished to a mirror surface.

[Doc44]

Most likely shipped in 1968.

Bill

[model70hunter]

Sweet. It does look new. I have a 27-2 in 3.5 inch, it's a great shooter.

[fyimo]

Great looking 27-2 and the 3.5 inch barrel is an excellent shooter.

[hammerwrought1979]

This revolver has just the lightest line on the cylinder and does not appear to have been shot.

Should I put this one up and not shot it myself?

[sigp220.45]

That's a beauty. It would be a shame not to shoot it. Congrats on a great find.

[MP1983]

if it truly has never been shot, you'll loose money the instant you do, it will never be as collectible, and it will be one less perfect example of one of the finest handguns ever made (pinned barrel & recessed cylynder N-frame Smith)...but that's just me...

I keep guns to shoot & others that are safe queens...I know lots of guys on the forum believe in shoot first, think later...well, to each his own...

there are plenty of shooter grade N-frames out there to perform range duty...but the truly collectible ones grow fewer every day...

just my thoughts on the subject...

[MP1983]

P.S. Hammerwrought1979, either way, that's a beautiful find! congrats!

[hammerwrought1979]

A S&W screw driver was also in the box.

I thought they were only included in the wooden presentation boxes.

[gr8smiles]

Just bought the nickel one....thanks for the heads up

[MP1983]

the screw driver would be included for the adjustible sights, even in the standard cardboard box...

that beauty was top of the line, they wouldn't be chincy about the tools required to maintain it...

[old bear]

I know lots of guys on the forum believe in shoot first, think later...well, to each his own...

I think first then I shoot, I think about how much enjoyment I get shooting a fine handgun. I think about how much I enjoy the recoil of a full house .357 Magnum, the sound, a sheet of flame 3 feet long coming from the muzzle. I think about how lucky I am to be able to own and enjoy using a tool that was made by craftsmen who took pride in their work. I can’t but help but think that the same craftsmen would be disappointed if I chose to honor their talents by hiding the fruits of their labor in a safe never to be used and enjoyed the way they were meant to be used.

I think that not shooting a quality revolver is like not having that special dance with a pretty girl.

Oh well "each to his own"

[SpectrePilot]

My 2 cents, guns were made for shooting and the M27 3 1/2" is the finest combination of size, balance, caliber, fit and finish of any revolver S&W ever made...bar none. To have one and not shoot it is, well, why have it then. Since you said it has a faint turn line on the cylinder it is not provable to be unfired...so you might as well enjoy the creme de la creme. Just take very good care of it.

[Cocked & Locked]

Sounds good to me...shoot'em or sell'em works for me.

[hammerwrought1979]

Maybe I should sell mine to someone who does not mind having a gun they do not shoot?

[01shm]

Maybe, I have his brothers in 6" and 8 3/8" in Pres Cases never been shot. I'll make room....also have a 3 1/2 shooter if I just gotta shoot something

[hammerwrought1979]

I am in full agreement with SpectrePilot:

"M27 3 1/2" is the finest combination of size, balance, caliber, fit and finish of any revolver S&W ever made...bar none."

Decide to keep it every time I handle it.

Thanks for all the responses.

[David LaPell]

I just shot my 27-2 the other day. I couldn't imagine looking at this gun in the safe and never shooting it. I had to break out the reloads!

[tom turner]

Hi,

Beautiful revolver, and like others have said, I also believe the 3 1/2" N frames are the most perfect handling and looking N frames of all.

Like you, I picked up your gun's nickle brother back in January, and had the same question: "To Shoot, or Not To Shoot?"

Lots of folks weighed in both ways, and I decided I MIGHT shoot it one day. The result? It is still pristine. I guess that's still my view . . . I MIGHT shoot it someday . . . but I doubt I will. I've got other guns that I do shoot a lot, so I can stroke my trigger finger anytime I want.

Here's mine, followed by a "similar-looking profile, custom chopped barrel 25-2 (3 1/4") that gets shot a lot . . .

NO SHOOT . . .


SHOOT . . .

[MP1983]

Quote:
I know lots of guys on the forum believe in shoot first, think later...well, to each his own... (MP1983)

(REPLY - Old Bear) I think first then I shoot, I think about how much enjoyment I get shooting a fine handgun. I think about how much I enjoy the recoil of a full house .357 Magnum, the sound, a sheet of flame 3 feet long coming from the muzzle. I think about how lucky I am to be able to own and enjoy using a tool that was made by craftsmen who took pride in their work. I can’t but help but think that the same craftsmen would be disappointed if I chose to honor their talents by hiding the fruits of their labor in a safe n ever to be used and enjoyed the was they were meant to be used.

Old Bear, I don't doubt that you think before you shoot. Furthermore, a man is free to do as he likes with his own property. The statement I made was directed at the guys who say, "you might as well shoot it because when you're gone whoever gets it next will shoot it anyway and they'll be the one to get all the fun out of it."

As for me, I know how to read and write and can make plans ahead of time before I check out, and am fortunate enough to have people with character and integrity around me that I can trust to carry out my wishes.

Now, as for people who want to shoot an unfired diamand grip N-frame they just acquired, and they get great pleasure out of it...I got only one word to share...Enjoy!

Have fun fellas.

[firearmsunlimited]

Originally Posted by hammerwrought1979

This revolver has just the lightest line on the cylinder and does not appear to have been shot.

Should I put this one up and not shot it myself?

You can ascertain as to if it was factory test fired only by inspecting the inside of the cylinder flash plate. During that time period S&W only fired (3) test rounds. Consequently if it were only test fired at the factory there will be only (2) shell head shadows on the flash plate. You may need magnification to inspect it as they are often very faint.

[hammerwrought1979]

I cannot see any shell head shadows. Will have to try magnification.

The more I examine it under better light the less minty it appears.

[j38]

That's a very nice gun - but not so nice that it will be worth a LOT more if you don't shoot it.

I would enjoy shooting that gun, keep it clean, and it will be worth most of the same value "unfired" - which you can't prove anyway.

Thanks for the post & pics,

Jerry

[ladder13]

I was looking for a blue 27-2 but this one showed up

[Marshall 357]

Beautiful! I would say you have a great 357 there! The 3.5'' BBL really gives it a look all of its own.

[jimmyj]

If you don't shoot it, the next owner will.

[gr8smiles]

Here's the other one the shop had....thanks
Got her home and put the Flitz to her....man, I love that stuff

[ENGINE18]

Geeze, those 3-1/2" 27s are sweet!

[roaddog28]

Great looking 27. I buy revolvers to shoot not to sit in a safe. To go through life not enjoying a fine shooting revolver would not be right.

roaddog28