Hi folks. I could use a bit of help. The local gun shop has a very nice 3 1/2 inch pre 27 for sale, dating to the mid 50's. About 95%-96% condition, a bit grungy, nice and tight crane, smooth action, original diamond grips. I primarily collect military and police weapons, but I really think this one is neat. I plan to check it out later in my S&W books. It has almost checkering along the top strap. Kind of unusual.

What is a good price range? Shop is asking a grand.

TIA
David
[email protected]

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This is about the market price at present as described, especially if it is really a 97% gun. The topstrap is checkered, a feature unique to the N frame pre/model 27. Please post photos if you buy it.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks It is an s-prefix too.

Never let a good Smith get away.

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Sure you did

that is a VERY sought after gun...we would love to see pics if you get it...the price sounds good to me

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

To say it is 95-96% yet also "a bit grungy" to me is a contradiction of terms which simply validates the fact that everyones rating definitions are different.

My definition of "a bit grungy" is a 75-80% condition at best.

If it is truly a 95-96% pre-27 in 3.5 inch, it is easily worth the $1,000 they are asking. If it is a 75-80% gun it is worth $700-$800 tops.

Grunge can be cleaned off. Bluing wear and scratches cannot. The gun and price you describe is a decent deal here. If the seller is willing to deal a little on the price, it could become a good deal quickly.

The M-27 and its' assorted forerunners is the only revolver that S&W produced with the checkering on the top strap.

Grunge as in dried grease and gunk. It will clean off, hopefully by me tomorrow evening. Thanks all.

Well, I went by and made a deal for the pistol today. $950 plus sales tax. I looked at it again and it's a pretty nice pistol. I can't pick it up till Tuesday. Virginia's instant background check isn't instant anymore since they are understaffed and give priority to gun shows on the weekends. And the shop is closed on Sunday and Monday.

My first thought when I saw the pistol was that is was ex-FBI. But the owner said that he got the pistol from an ex-CIA agent which is almost as good. We get a good bit of that here in Northern Virginia and the story didn't add anything to the price.

It's born on date was 1955 so it is a year older than me, but in a lot better condition than I am. I'm afraid the older Smiths will be kind of addictive. I'm already thinking about an older Model 20.

Thanks to all for your help. I'll post some photos next week.

David

Nice find. Please post pics after you pic it up. I inherited a pre-model 27 with 8 3/8" bbl from my FIL. I got a letter on it from the S&W historian. I could have swore it was a model 19 the first time he let me handle it because it felt lighter than the 27 I owned and others I've handled. It does balance beautifully for such a long barreled revolver.

Congrats! I hardly ever see them in that condition. Definately a keeper!

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V/R
Roger / SG

i picked this one up for 600 2 years ago and was thrilled to pay that price in california. pre 27 with muzzle wear. i added the grips. i think the 3.5 inch 27 is the one of the best looking smiths ever

Beautiful revolver and a great price ElToro! Paid almost that much for mine with holster wear, but it still looks beautiful and shoots great. I too think it's the classiest revolver of all times. Even over a Python. My 586 looks just as good as one and has a trigger to die for, plus gobbles down heavy .357's with outstanding accuracy. It too is high on the looks scale IMO. The cylinder turns the correct way and the cylinder latch release works properly, unlike the Pythons.

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V/R
Roger / SG

Hi all. I finally brought home the pre-27, 3 1/2 inch barrel Smith. After cleaning it up a bit, I'm very happy with the condition of the pistol. It has a bit of muzzle wear from being carried, and a light ring on the cylinder. The finish is still nice and bright, and the action is like that of a custom pistol. My initial thought was that it was ex-FBI but it seems that the pistol once belonged to an ex-CIA agent named Harry Mustakos. Apparently he was assigned to the India, Laos, Thailand, Tibet area in the 1960's. I wish this pistol could talk. For now, it guards my entry foyer to the house, replacing a 1970's Model 42 that was new in the box. That 42 will be a cornerstone of a new J frame collection I've been thinking about building for the past 40 years. Thanks to all who gave me such great advice. Now I think it needs a blued Model 29-2 6 1/2 to keep it company. Comments are welcome. David

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Looks like you got a winner. It's got some honest wear, but that makes it one you won't hesitate to shoot because it's too pretty.

Sounds like you are on the edge of the "old S&W slide" Once you have shot that 27, you will be on your way down hill in a hurry.

Shoot it and enjoy it.

Range report is required here.

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Eccentric old coot

Congratulations! That's a great buy. I have two pre 27s in 3.5 inch and would buy another in a heart-beat if the right deal came along. Enjoy!

Pay attention, this man know of what he speaks!!!

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

nice gun. just enough wear so you can shoot it and not worry about it too much. i had one about that era that shot terrific.

snipershot, if you Google the name "Harry Mustakos" you'll find his obituary and quite a bit on info on his CIA work.
Seeing as you're in northern Virginia there's a good chance that gun shipped to Evaluators, Ltd., a gunshop in Quantico, VA, which sold quit a few guns to federal agents and officers.

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John

Jay Cee, my thoughts exactly. Mrs Van Orden actually named the Model 28 the Highway Patrolman, I understand. She and Col. Van Orden ran Evaluators Ltd.

Yes, the Van Ordens ran that business. I have a pre-Model 15 sold to an Air Force investigator complete with box, tools, and the receipt signed by Florence van Orden.
If you want, for $50 you can get a letter from the S&W Historian which will tell when and where your gun was shipped.

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John

Hi All. Thanks for the information on the Pre-27. Mine is also 3-1/2" "S" prefix and 5 digit serial #. Purchased used in 1972. Was told it was an Alabama State Trooper's gun. Will the value be affected by refinishing the original rosewood target grips? They have taken some abuse and wear over the years. And yes, I plan to get the S&W letter. Thanks for your input. You guys know a lot more than I do about S&W.

Very nice buy. The best part is the light wear. Now you can go to the range. I have one safe queen,only factory fired. I can't bring my self to shoot it, I don't know what it is good for.

jhde69: I know what you mean. I have a 99-98% that I will probably never shoot, it's just too nice. Fortunately, I have a duplicate that is about 95% which I shoot on a regular basis. I get a lot more enjoyment out of the 95% gun.

nealinbama: I think the answer to your question is dependent on how bad your grips are and how good you are at refinishing. Can you post pics?

I'm through with safe queens.
I have an opportunity to buy a 27-2 3.5" nickel gun that would rate high 90's but I'd be afraid to shoot it.

Thanks for responding. As they are now, they detract from the gun. Have two small gouges that are too deep to sand out. Would have to be filled. Am pretty fair at wood finishing. Think I'll give it a try. Will post before and after pics.

Greetings-

Good price. Interesting history too. Well done!


Respectfully,
Mike Q.

Thanks to Charlie. Yes,the stocks do now appear to be GA after light sanding. Did manage to work out the lighter dings with paper and a Dremel tool used sparingly on the deeper one. Also used the Dremel to remove the burr holding the escutcheons on. Different cutter of course. Have 3 coats of Tru-0il on so far. Expect to do 6 or 8 more, sanding between coats. Will rub out with 0000 steel wool and then use stock wax. Thanks to all, Neal

You will love it. I have one like it, great for any collector or shooter.

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Buckeye Fan
Wheel Guns Rock

Well, he's had it for five years now..........

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

IF he still has it? hardcase60

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You want me to do what?

Ha! I think that would cost a little more today, and some say S&W are not a good investment.

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Vietnam 1969-1971

He has easily made 4 bills on that one.....

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Even older, even crankier....