Model 27 - trying to get some information on it

[7mm]

Greetings,

I have a Model 27 S&W .357 Magnum with a 6" barrell. It was my dad's, I inherited it. It looks like he bought it in 1961 or 1962. I have the original packaging, seems to be in really good condition. I'm trying to figure out what I have and what it's worth. What other pieces of information make a difference? Gunbroker wasn't all that helpful, there's a wide range of prices on there. I'm probably going to put it up for sale at some point.

I'm a rifle guy, so I don't know a ton about handguns. I have never actually shot a revolver before, in fact the only handgun I've shot is a Sig Sauer P229 I qualified with for my concealed weapons permit.

Thanks,
7mm

[series guy]

Photos and the serial number on the butt of the gun are needed to help you with specifics of your gun.

[DGNY]

Just wanted to say Hi and Welcome to this very fine forum - where you will find helpful folks and much information.

Many of us are lucky to have received gifts or inheritances from family members/parents; and we treasure them. I hope as you learn more about your Model 27, that you will consider keeping it to enjoy as a splendid example of craftsmanship and usefulness.

With all best wishes.

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! I still do not have a 27! Do have a 28, no dash though. Always wanted 1 though. Don't think if I were in your shoes I'd let it go! Think it is time you fired a revolver. If you don't like it, then make your decision. Not trying to tell you what to do, but just makes sense. Bob

[weatherby]

Welcome first off
I'm with DGNY.

I think it's a good time to at least try it.
Ammo is not easy to find right now but putting a box of 38 special, a box of full house 357 magnum and one of 38 special 148 grain wad cutters through it won't hurt value. It will give you some experience of its versatility and maybe an appreciation of what a fine revolver you've received.

Pictures are a definite must for values.
Try to show everything with it in detail.
My father's gone too but every gun he had stayed with family.

[cmansguns]

Welcome from Virginia! You have received one of the finest guns that S & W ever made. There are several things that are needed to place a value on your gun. If you have a sales receipt, or the box that it came in, tools (cleaning rod, brush, maybe a screwdriver (SAT)) and any documents/warranty card, etc. these extras also add value, especially if the end tag on the box matches the serial number of your gun.

So......things needed to be known (cell phone pics are good for posting).

Serial number: stamped into the butt of the gun frame (see pic of my 1952 "pre-Model 27). Yours may have the S prefix like mine because the Model 27 did not change to N prefix until 1969.

Next is number of screws, counting the ones you see on the sideplate, plus the hidden one under the right grip, plus the trigger guard screw. These are known as 5 screw revolvers.

The gun was marketed as ".357 Magnum" from post WWII (1947 until 1957). In 1957 S&W started stamping Model numbers into the yoke area of the frame.

In 1960 The Model 27 was stamped Model 27-1 which indicated that the extractor rod thread was changed from right hand to left hand thread.

In 1962 another engineering change, designated Model 27-2 changed the cylinder stop and eliminated the trigger guard screw and in 1968 the diamond center grips were deleted. Finally in 1969 the serial numbers were changed to an "N" prefix.

So you see that some simple cell phone pics will help us to assist you in pinning down your gun. Since you are pretty certain you have a 1961/1962 gun.... the value can be hard to ascertain because if for example it turns out to be a Model 27 with no dash, or even a Model 27-1 (only made for a year) these may bring a substantial premium over Model 27-2 which are still quite valuable in their own right.

Also the exact condition of your gun is a main and over-riding factor when selling. If it has been treated decently over the years and only shows light bluing loss at high points that's great, but if its' rusted and/or pitted that would be a major problem.

Some examples from my collection shown below:

"Pre-Model 27", s/n S 84926, 6-1/2" bbl, diamond magna grips, shipped October 16, 1952

Model 27-2, blue, 3-1/2 bbl, shipped April 5, 1977

Model 27-2, Nickle, 6" bbl, May 8, 1980, with original blue box, tools, documents.

As to value, I have not seen any Model 27 or pre-27, go for less than $1,000 in over 3 years unless it was a worn beater. Most are bringing more than $1k, and if scarce...a lot more than $1k.

The 27-2 with 3-1/2" barrels are crazy priced right now with $2,500 to $3,000 not unheard of on the GB big auction sites.

So show us, or tell us what you have and we will gladly assist you. Since your gun is an inheritance you may decide to keep it, and shoot it...they are very accurate guns and fun shooters.

Let us know what you have when you can.

[moosedog]

You should really consider keeping the gun in the family. You'll always come up with money but once that gun is gone you'll never see it again.

[Hair Trigger]

Originally Posted by moosedog

You should really consider keeping the gun in the family. You'll always come up with money but once that gun is gone you'll never see it again.

Agreed.

If, as you say, your Dad purchased this gun in 1960-61 and you have all the packaging, you have a very collectible firearm. As others state, the serial number is needed to accurately date it and can be found on the bottom of the butt frame. If you don't want to remove the stocks, you can swing the cylinder out and look on what is called the yoke cut, underneath the part that swings out when the cylinder is open. You'll see both the model number (which will say something like 'MOD 27,or MOD 27-1', and the serial number, which on a gun of that era will start with the letter 'S' and be 6 digits, the first most likely a '2'.

Even if you don't plan to shoot it, hang on to it, keep it clean and lightly oiled (or use a silicone cloth), and admire it as one of S&W's finest firearms ever. The Model 27 is in direct lineage to the first of the .357 Magnum revolvers. It is the Cadillac of S&W's .357 line, which included several models in their medium and large frames. The M27 is a large frame, the "N" frame, and has the best finish; it can be blue steel or nickel plated. There were several barrel lengths available depending on the production years, 3", 4", 5", 6" and 8-3/8". The 6" barrel is ideal for range use and small game hunting (up to deer) and the large frame can handle most any .357 load you care to use.

Here's where to look for the SN and model #:

[Narragansett]

A very desirable piece. I would bet that most people on this forum would love to have that gun. However, if i had something like that from my father, selling it would be the last thought that entered my mind

[Wyatt Burp]

About thirteen years before my dad died I bought him the rifle he always wanted. A Weatherby Mark V with the most beautiful wood. When he was gone this rifle just did not click with me. It didn’t have the sentimental magic of guns he used a lot that I grew up with. So after about seven years of it sitting in the darkness of the safe I sold it. The new owner loved it and it is now an heirloom for his sons. I have no guilt over it. Sometimes it’s OK to sell such a gun. It’s a personal thing only you can decide. I’m sure you have many other sentimental things of your dad’s, especially great memories which are far more important.

[7mm]

Thanks for all the help, here's the serial number:

S199890

I'll have to get it out of the safe and check it out closer.

I hear what you're saying about holding on to it. The thing about our family was we didn't spend time shooting handguns, we bonded hunting deer and big game and shooting our rifles. The money will be going towards a cabin on our hunting property. Some of my dad's mounts will go in there.

Thanks
7mm

[7mm]

Originally Posted by Wyatt Burp

About thirteen years before my dad died I bought him the rifle he always wanted. A Weatherby Mark V with the most beautiful wood. When he was gone this rifle just did not click with me. It didn’t have the sentimental magic of guns he used a lot that I grew up with. So after about seven years of it sitting in the darkness if the safe I sold it. The new owner loved it and it is now an heirloom in his family. I have no guilt over it. Sometimes it’s OK to sell such a gun. It’s a personal thing only you can decide. I’m sure you have many other sentimental things of your dad’s, especially great memories which are far more important.

The two guns that I wouldn't sell are my 7mm Rem Magnum that hunt with now (it was my dad's) and the Mark V 7mm Weatherby Magnum that he gave me back in 1986 (first rifle). Now you can see where the 7mm comes from.

Between my dad and I that 7mm Remington has taken about a dozen elk and around a hundred deer. That thing is a shooter.

7mm Weatherby took about fifty deer, 4 elk, 3 mule deer, 2 pronghorn and 2 caribou over a 20 year period of time when I used it. However, when my dad let me use the Remington back in 2005 for the first time it was hard to put it down. Ammo is a lot cheaper and easier, the gun is a tack driver.

Thanks again for all the advice,
7mm

[vinn]

if you inherit a gun, you should keep for a couple years since the prices a double and tripleing.

[Wyatt Burp]

Originally Posted by 7mm

The two guns that I wouldn't sell are my 7mm Rem Magnum that hunt with now (it was my dad's) and the Mark V 7mm Weatherby Magnum that he gave me back in 1986 (first rifle). Now you can see where the 7mm comes from.

Between my dad and I that 7mm Remington has taken about a dozen elk and around a hundred deer. That thing is a shooter.

7mm Weatherby took about fifty deer, 4 elk, 3 mule deer, 2 pronghorn and 2 caribou over a 20 year period of time when I used it. However, when my dad let me use the Remington back in 2005 for the first time it was hard to put it down. Ammo is a lot cheaper and easier, the gun is a tack driver.

Thanks again for all the advice,
7mm

My Dad was a 7MM fan, too and the Weatherby I got him was a 7MM Weatherby Magnum. But his favorite which I'll keep forever was his pre 64 Winchester Model 88 in .284. Here's a picture of the Weatherby. The new owner had sons and said they were going to shoot the...out of it. So it is really appreciated properly now.

[ME94]

7mm congrats on inheriting a awsome revolver. My advice is to get some pictures and post them here and you will get some great advice about value. Sell it a nd fund your projects. Enjoy the rifles that has the most meaning for you. Not like my opinion matters. Good luck on your decision and think you will be pleased at the value of your 27.

[Doc44]

The serial number of your Model 27 (MOD-27 should be stamped in the yoke cut along with the serial number...visible when you open the revolver) indicates your Magnum was shipped in 1960. It should have a 4-screw frame, 3-screws in the side plate (one is under the stocks) and one in front of the trigger guard. Price depends on originality and condition. High quality photos will help those who know about Model 27 estimate its value.

Note: When you determine barrel length, measure it from the face of the cylinder to the muzzle.

My first hunting rifle was Browning BAR in 7mm Magnum. I have used it since the late 70s to take several elk, mule deer and a couple of black bear in the Scapegoat Wilderness in Montana and quite a few Whitetail deer in southern Missouri. It is a great caliber that I still use on occasion.

Bill

[Hair Trigger]

Originally Posted by 7mm

Thanks for all the help, here's the serial number:

S199890

The SN range S194500-S206999 is 1959-1960 manufacture. I would guess yours is late 1959 or very early 1960. To be more specific, you'd need a letter from the S&W Historical Foundation. It's not all that cheap to get the letter, but if you sell the gun with an accompanying letter and the original box and papers, it will command a higher price. You can get the letter through this forum, go to the SWHF sub-forum.

I'm one of the many here who would love to own that gun. I have a Model 28-2, which was a plain-jane version of the M27; it was offered with less options and a plainer finish at a lower price to appeal to law enforcement use. (the dash numbers, BTW, are indicative of engineering changes to the models; some dash numbers, a dash-one, for instance, are very rare and command higher prices).

[Grayfox]

I agree that pictures are needed to fairly estimate value. Lots of pics from many different angles. Pics of the box, end label and all accessories.

The Model 27 was S&Ws flagship revolver. Their top of the line, very best product. To sell or not is up to you. But at the very least, shoot it some and experience this masterpiece for yourself. You might just decide to keep it.

[mh51]

7mm....Without pics, I'll guess that a low-end starting price will be $1500. If you have the matching box, tools, factory paperwork, the price just climbed from there. Depending on type of stocks it has, the price may climb even further.
Since prices primarily depend on condition, pics would help enormously.

[7mm]

Originally Posted by mh51

7mm....Without pics, I'll guess that a low-end starting price will be $1500. If you have the matching box, tools, factory paperwork, the price just climbed from there. Depending on type of stocks it has, the price may climb even further.
Since prices primarily depend on condition, pics would help enormously.

Thanks for the information. I will get it out of the safe and take some pictures this week.

[7mm]

I have a few pictures on my phone from 2 weeks ago, not necessarily great light. I'll take some more and include the box.

[7mm]

Here's the 6th picture for now.

[Doc44]

7mm...Nice example of a Model 27. If you measure the barrel from the cylinder face, I believe you will find it measures 6 1/2 inches.

Bill

[diecidecimi]

Maybe i miss some posts, but an important detail of this model : it is unique, the only one that has the checkered top strap . A candy for the eyes. The new ones, of the Classic series, make the effort to SIMULATE this checkering. No way.