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03-18-2017, 01:17 AM
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Any way for me to de-screw this screwed-up model 27?
Be easy on me guys. I know that this was a blasphemous thing to have done to a beautiful mod27. But back in 1976 it was my first handgun, and not knowing better at age 21 I paid a smith to install that orange colored piece of toothbrush plastic. (a very common procedure in the day) My question is can that sight be changed back as close as possible to the original stock condition without it looking worse then if I just left it alone as it is? I figure the gun will never be in its original condition for collector's value either way, as the damage has already been done. But it would be for my own satisfaction if I can get rid of the ugly orange piece of toothbrush plastic. I just don't want the repair looking like still another kind of botch-up of just a different kind. LOL I'm not sure what the procedure might be and how much damage to the metal or bluing the attempted repair might show. (I would send it in to be professionally repaired and not attempt it myself.)
Last edited by VaniB; 03-18-2017 at 01:20 AM.
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03-18-2017, 01:45 AM
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Not an expert here but your photo shows a single pin that holds the front sight in place. I see a replacement sight at one of the popular gun parts sights for $12 but it does look like you would have to drill the hole in the sight to fit. I would think any competent gun smith could replace it.
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03-18-2017, 01:46 AM
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A good gun smith can change it to a ramp site.
Me? Had a 8 3/8" M27. Just to long for what I wanted it seems.
Sold it long ago. My M27 now is a 5".
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03-18-2017, 01:58 AM
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well that should be able to get it back to 100%...looks like a beautiful gun..
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03-18-2017, 02:26 AM
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That almost looks like an S serial numbered 6 1/2" 27-2. If not, please correct my dreams. If that is what it is, I would try to buy it from you and leave it as is. Gives a little history to it. Would be an upgrade for me.
"Collector value" can be looked at so many different ways. What you did was fine. I may put a sight with a gold bead there if it were mine. If you are thinking of selling it, ask what you want: you might only just sell it.
One never knows these days. Want it restored? I'd pay extra and send it to the best I could find.
Nice gun, by the way. Easy enough?
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03-18-2017, 03:58 AM
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It's a 6" N serial numbered 27-2.
Not interested in selling it. Thanks though. What I really wanted to know was if I could have it restored with the same exact type of front sight it has. I don't know if S&W would do this kind of work these days????? And if they could do it, I don't know if knocking that blade and the pin out will cause enough damage to the surfaces to look boogered up requiring polishing and a full gun reblue.
I assume when the gun was built, all that work gets done first; The new blade front sight and pin is installed, polished smooth with the surface, and then the bluing is applied. I'm guessing to bring it back to like new condition, they would have to replace those parts, polish the metal smooth so you can't see the pin ends, and then reblue the entire gun. I'm not a smith, and just guessing. Correct?
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03-18-2017, 06:49 AM
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Full gun reblue would do more harm to guns value than a well fit pin. But, if you wanted the pin polished a good smith could mask of the rest of the gun, Carefully sand and polish the sides of the ramp at the pin. Then use a quality cold blue where finish is effected. Another option would be to mask of the gun with duct tape. Tig weld the blade tip and then file it close, sand it smooth and only refinish the blade. He could even dunk the sight in a hot blue tank with the barrel and ramp taped off.
Once the orginal finish is messed witth it is gone.
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03-18-2017, 08:08 AM
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Simple solution: paint the orange plastic piece black.
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03-18-2017, 08:20 AM
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Welcome to the forum.
Personally, I don't see that the sight modification is all that bad. Many guns were shooter modified and some folks enjoy collecting guns with such modifications. Remember, there are thousands of untouched plain Jane original guns out there but only a handful of guns that have been personally modified according to a shooters individual taste.
I am sure that a good gun restoration shop likes Fords in Florida could bring your gun back to original configuration if it really bothers you. No personal experience but I have seen much of their work and it is exceptional. Turn around time however may be an issue as I hear that they are very busy.
One other option might be to remove the red insert, square off the angled part of the sight and either leave it like that or you could add a Call bead to the riser. Bead front sights were very popular and don't jump out at you like the red plastic.
Your gun, your choice. Please let us know the end result and we will need photos or it never happened.
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03-18-2017, 08:37 AM
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I think it looks fine the way it is. A red insert in the Patridge front sight gives the 27-2 a little more class. The Patridge blade is pinned to the ramp base with a single pin that is polished flush to it. The pin can be removed and a new Patridge blade installed, but the pin will be evident and probably not look as good as the way things do now.
Bill
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03-18-2017, 10:23 AM
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A model 27-2 with an "N" prefix serial number is a very common gun. It is also a very nice one. They are valued more as shooters than collectibles. I don't think the value would vary much if you restored it or left it alone. Good luck with the restoration if you decide to do it.
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03-18-2017, 10:23 AM
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If it was my 27-2 it would be left alone and enjoyed as is.
If the red insert was done poorly (it isnt) and tripped my OCD I would be thinking about carefully reshaping the Patridge into a serrated Baughman blade to look OEM without removing the FS pin.
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03-18-2017, 10:38 AM
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Personally with my tired old eyes, I like the red part of the sight. I believe it would be easier to pick up the sight. Whomever did the work did an excellent job. I would keep it as is and shoot the snot out of it! Just my .02 cents worth!
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03-18-2017, 10:41 AM
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Since you aren't planning on selling it, resale value is irrelevant. I think it looks fine as-is. I've seen some really botched up front sights. Yours is tasteful and is an actual improvement in shootability. If you ever do have to sell it, just find a University of TN fan that loves orange. :-)
Another option would be to knock the orange plastic out and replace it with a piece of real ivory. I could send you a little scrap from some of the knife scales I've made. Another option would be to have a jeweler put silver or gold there. None of these options would be original but they wouldn't be 'toothbrush'.
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03-18-2017, 10:51 AM
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Hello Vani, so what if it is a little altered to suit your needs.
I would say it is un-debuggerable. A buggered up pin would irritate the poop out of me. Shoot and enjoy. Best
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03-18-2017, 10:54 AM
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Agree it's just fine as-is.
Shoot and enjoy.
Then shoot it some more.
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03-18-2017, 11:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TAROMAN
Agree it's just fine as-is.
Shoot and enjoy.
Then shoot it some more.
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I also agree that it looks good and well-done. I'd keep it just the way it is.
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03-18-2017, 04:37 PM
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VaniB, the modified front sight seems to be nicely done job
But if you decide to make the change back to original I'd be very interested in your rejected front sight.
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03-18-2017, 08:35 PM
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I think it looks great as is.
It went through life with a very useful modification that probably helped you shoot it better.
Again, I think it looks great.
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03-18-2017, 08:51 PM
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I agree with those who'd leave it alone. You had it done that way for a reason, and that reason is still very good: to see the front sight easily in varied lighting conditions.
If it was my gun, I'd be more concerned with getting those big, thick target stocks off and replacing them with something that'd fit my hand better.
FWIW, I use orange fingernail polish on front sights. I'm not as concerned with having a "collector original" gun as I am with having one that'll let me kill someone or something before it kills me.
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03-18-2017, 09:03 PM
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...I vote leave it alone...I like the Patridge...and that little bit of red plastic wouldn't bother me...
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03-18-2017, 09:07 PM
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well i think the idea of putting silver or gold or ivory might be exactly what u were thinking but not a bad idea...otherwise a new sight and new pin....either way u have a great gun...please let us know how u decide...God Bless,John
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03-18-2017, 09:26 PM
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I'd leave that modified front sight alone. In 5 more years you'll be grateful for the orange dot because you will be able to see it as the front sight.
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03-18-2017, 09:33 PM
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I've seen gold bead and red sight attachments done at the factory that looked like they were just glued to the back of the regular sight. Very poor appearance, and it looked like the sights might abrade a holster well or get dislodged in there.
This sight looks much neater and more rugged.
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03-18-2017, 10:18 PM
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My first old Smith & Wesson was a model 27-2 with a factory red post that looks much like what you have there.
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03-18-2017, 11:31 PM
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You want to get rid of something I have to steal my wife's red nail polish to accomplish?
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03-19-2017, 10:35 PM
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I'd kill to have the mod you have. Wanna trade M27-7-2's?
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03-20-2017, 01:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apollo99
You want to get rid of something I have to steal my wife's red nail polish to accomplish?
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Well guys, after reading all the input I've discovered that I've signed into a new websight with a swell lot of guys. I much appreciate the compliments and support. Thanks. Back in 1976 when I was 21, none of us could have ever imagined how these high polished blue guns would eventually come to be a collectible and beautiful relic of the past. The gun hasn't been fired in over 30 years. I have the original display case and brochure, and I'm now sorry that I hadn't chose the removable nail polish method instead!! That and my 6.5" nickle 29 from 1977 are my original pet guns (also unfired in 30 years) and I plan to die with them before I ever sell them.
If I had to choose a method, I'd guess that tig welding that gap closed, and filing/sanding it to the same contour as the partridge radius, and then bluing it would give the best results. But, I'd bet that the texture and bluing of that small patch would be noticeable. A smooth looking red plastic insert looks better then a bad patch job that tried to hide it. Worse yet, the smith could scratch or scuff up the gun while he has it in his possession, and really give me something to be sorry about. SOoooo..... I guess I'll just leave it the way it is. I really don't feel as bad about it now, after reading the compliments you guys provided and realizing not everyone sees everything from a purists standpoint. Thanks again.
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03-20-2017, 09:15 PM
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If anything, I would have the existing sight converted to an undercut Patridge, which I generally prefer. Otherwise, I'd leave it as is, I think it looks fine.
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03-21-2017, 08:08 AM
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sight....
I agree with the others, LEAVE it be, it can and it WILL "snowball" into a worse situation, it will NOT "blend" in, and if done in ANY sort of fashion, it will NOT be "original",thus, leave it be, totally functional, and yes done that way , back in the day...........
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03-21-2017, 09:27 AM
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And get out there and shoot those beauties. No rounds down range in 30 years?! You say you aren't going to ever sell them, but your heirs probably will. I understand the enjoyment you get from looking at them in such nice shape, but I would be getting much more enjoyment from looking and shooting and cleaning and shooting some more. Load em up and live a little.
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03-21-2017, 09:48 AM
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Guys use to spend big bucks ($5-10 +postage) and send their guns to King's in Calf to get that kind of front sight......
My advice is you will love that sight some day.
or make it a ramp front.
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03-21-2017, 10:33 AM
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I have to agree with some of the other posters. Looks fine as is. If you absolutely can't stand the red plastic, make it into a gold bead or ivory bead. Might even prefer a gold square{my preference}.This was quite the rage in the day. S&W even offered it on the guns at the time.
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03-21-2017, 12:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj
Simple solution: paint the orange plastic piece black.
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That was my first thought , but if that red plastic was gold, not painted gold but gold metal , it would look real elegant.
Why can't the entire blade be replaced ?
You have a real pretty girl there , girls like to go dancing....take her out, keeps them young !
Gary
Last edited by gwpercle; 03-21-2017 at 12:28 PM.
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