I admit I don’t know much about a Model 27-1 however one just kind of fell into my lap and I’m getting asked several questions I would like to answer correctly.
Any clue as to how many were made with a 3.5” barrel in blue?
What the heck is so special about this configuration anyway.
What the heck I’d the (L) stamped on the cylinder and why do people care about if it has it or not.
Any other information about what makes this so sought after would help a great deal.
I’ll attach a picture of what I’m asking about.
Thanks!

Attached Images

E08950E5-4C4F-4518-A2EC-8CE7272D8DE4.jpg (56.4 KB, 224 views)

L means the extractor rod is left hand threaded...not sure about the other questions.

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aka "Mooncat"

Are you planning on keeping that or selling it? I've seen at least 2 or 3 like that asking a lot of questions lately.

I recommend a "Standard Guide of the Smith & Wesson". Maybe all issues, too. People here are glad to help, but I'd keep that gun.

The 27-1 was made for a very short period of time and collectors who want all the dash numbers snap them up for really good money.

Just asking for your opinion but when you say really good money for one what should I expect for one in 90%ish all original condition?

Several people are aware of it and are making quite a fuss about it so I’m try to figure out why.

I really don't know but would guess easily $1500++. There have been other threads about them here. Gun poker solds would be another place where I would search if I were looking/buying one.

Good luck!

Around 1957 S&W gave their revolvers model numbers. In and around 1962, they changed the ejector rod threads to left hand, and to differentiate they changed the models to -1. The model 27 became the model 27-1, etc. 9 months or so later they dropped the 4th screw in 4 screw models, the one in front of the trigger guard, and changed the model to 27-2. So just by the timing of the engineering changes, not many 27-1 were made. Same with all the N and K frame models of the time, and this is true only for those being made then. ie, the 41 mag model 57 came on in 1964, so the dash 1 for the model 57 is not a scarce gun. The -1's are not better or worse than the earlier no dash guns, or the next years batch of -2s. Just not that many made. Given the popularity of model 27's and the 3 1/2" bbls, the 3 1/2" 27-1 is high on the collectors list.

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Charlie

It's tough to get info on specific revisions. GB "interprets" and shows you loads of 27-2s.

There was a guy on AR15.com I quoted $1500+ for his 6" 27-1 with targets and felt pretty good about it. Others were saying it was worth $800

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Psalm 27:2

Oh I get it just put in Model 27-1 3.5” and then completed auctions and I should get the current market value according to gun poker.

“They” are telling me that based on all the numbers (that happen to match everywhere by the way) it was 1962

I guess before it is either up for grabs or a lifetime keeper I would like to learn as much about it.
I have been told by several collectors that I will most likely never hold one like it again if I sell it.

Unless, someone has been keeping track of the 27-1s reported by barrel length, it is not known how many were produced with the 3 1/2-inch barrel, or in total for that matter. However, they do surface on the Forum from time to time and for sale also. The majority of the -1 variation for all models shipped in 1962 with a few in 1963. I assume your 27-1 has a 4-screw frame and a small relieved area machined behind the knurled tip on the extractor rod indicating it has a left hand thread.

The collector appeal of the -1s is they were shipped for approximately a year or less and are necessary if a collector wants all of the variations in his or her collection. The Model 29-1 is probably the most sought after with less than forty known by collectors.

Bill

That lines up with my 14-1, which is also a 4 screw gun.

I think it was very early in 62 when the -2 changes were implemented on the 14s and the 27s, deleting the 4th screw in front of the trigger guard.

Interesting, I have a 629-1

Not the same gun, the M629 didn't start production until 1979, and the M629-1 was produced for 6 years. M29 is much older, and it's dash one is a one year (less actually) production with many fewer examples. That said, for the collectors of P&R Magnums, it's a desirable gun if it is pre 1982. I'd like to have a pre-1982 example.

As to OP's M27-1, the Standard Catalog mentions a 20% premium for 3-1/2" barrel on all dashes, and the As New In Box value of $3500. Consider that the present edition Catalog was printed in 2016.

My father had an early M29 8 3/8” it was in a stunning wood presentation case with all the accessories and although I held it many times it was never fired that I recall.
It left quite an impression on me.

It’s a very desirable barrel length besides being a -1.Dont give it away lol

You, like everyone of us, want to get the most can. So put it on gunbroker with a 99cent starting price and see where it goes. Then you will know.

Roy Jinks doesn't know how many 3.5" 27-1's were made. We only know from the sum total of our experiences that not many are seen.

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Charlie

I guess that will be the true test as nobody is going to steal anything these days.

Last week or so, a gun I would love to have sold for about $2350. It was a nickel Pre Model 27 with the 3 1/2" barrel. Had it been my gun, I wouldn't have sold it for that. The double-pinned front sight on that gun is pure Smith & Wesson art, and nickel wasn't made as much as the blued ones to my knowledge. Tale away plus or minus 15% for someone selling it for you, and you get $2197.50. I would not let go of mine if the market, which can fluctuate wildly, was paying me $2200. I'd be filled with seller's remorse.
At least it went to someone who wanted it, maybe. Maybe it will be flipped later? Who knows?

Now, if two or more people were bidding against each other for that one gun, it may and most likely would have brought more to the table. Only time I sell one of my collectibles is when I'm strapped for money. Insurance, alarms, cameras, climate control, safes or vaults, and the likes are expensive. Maybe the seller didn't really "make" a dime? Who knows?

To me, Your info doesn't say if that gun cost you anything or not. Doesn't matter. The value will never go down, so why sell it or even think about it unless you "need" the money enough to deal with seller's remorse? You most likely may never be able to replace a gun like that.

Sold one a few years ago to someone that collected and cared for the guns like the one I sold. It is in better hands and a fine collection now. Another I sold by calling a friend and asking him to find a person that collected them. It took him a few weeks, but he sold it to a collector and got top dollar. He honestly told me what he got for it and asked if I had a problem if he kept a specific amount of it. He was fair. I never gnawed on my teeth watching it for sale to the highest bidder. There are folk out there can place that gun with the right collector without seller's remorse for getting "too little" for it at auction.

I like the auctions, but mainly as a viewer and possible buyer. I check them all the time, just to keep track of what they are getting. The pictures some of these sellers take help sell the gun at a better price than with bad pictures. A somewhat rare gun like yours would be in my will.