I posted previously that I’d spent a small fortune buying a 3 ½” model 27-2 (S/N N393839) with what turned out to be Ajax Ivory Polymer magna grips. There was no original box, papers or tools, but after the paper work was complete I was given the gun in a nice padded Plano 13.5” Gun Guard pistol case with a half sheet of S&W vapor paper. I’d dreamed of finding one of these for some time and had never seen one in person. I quickly decided to take it for $2000.00! Driving home, I had mixed feelings about what I’d done.

When I got home, I searched Gunbroker and found a comparable 3 ½” M27-2. It was perhaps more desirable because of its S serial # and period correct (but wrong numbered) wood magna stocks. The current bid was $1600.00 with 3 days to go.

Watching the end of the auction last night was interesting. The 15 minute rule was applied numerous times. The winning bid was $3100.00! I needed no more rationalization. I’m very happy, feeling like I got a real bargain.

Attached pics are a screen shot of the ended auction and another pic of the gun I bought.

Attached Images

	27-2 w-case.jpg (198.9 KB, 1098 views)
	Auction Screen.jpg (61.8 KB, 859 views)

That is a beauty, but dang I'd be hard pressed to spend that much...

The main thing is that you have no buyer's remorse... but when you compare a S serial gun with original grips to a N serial gun with fake ivory grips, the S will always come out ahead. Enjoy your 27 as it should be a fun shooter!

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Ya Know... Value is in the eye of the Beholder. I Know of 2 people living in NYC the past 5 years that were Robed 1 on the street 1 in home. Both said they would have given a Rolex or a Gold Bar to have a weapon to defend themself..... a $400.00 442 is worth its weight in Gold if you need it. I say well done.

Winning bidder hasn't bought anything in 8 years..

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

A little high for me but I can't count the times I've paid way over what a handgun was worth because I had to have it. Can't do that anymore at this time of my life. If you are happy with it, that is all that matters. Enjoy.

I think I know what it's like to have a pent up urge to buy a gun.

George

Personally I like yours better than the auction one. The red ramp front sight and smooth 'ivory' grips just makes yours stand out in the aesthetics department. Very very cool. S or N prefix? meh.

Congrats on a fine purchase. There have been times I've had that pit in my stomach after the purchase of a gun that cost more than I was comfortable spending. It usually went away rather quickly. On the few occasions where it didn't, I sold for a profit. I can explain that by reason of buying quality. When you buy that way there is most often times another collector willing to step up and take it off your hands for a bit more. Oh well, I'm rambling. Best to you OP.

I have a 27-2 3.5 inch, but with a N382XX S/N. Not as classy as the S Prefix 27-2's, but it only cost me $600 a few years ago.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

ahh yes,we see once again the auction is not always the place to look for a bargain... Theres a nickeled S prefix 3 1/2 incher just sold on G.I. for $2250

I got one with the original grips for $750.00 last year!

A seller had a pair of blue 3.5s at the gun show I attended this weekend. One was a 27-2 without box (offered at $2400) and the other was a pre-27 also without box offered at $3500. A bit optimistic I thought but apparently there is a lot of money chasing not too many S&W N frames. Makes me feel better about the pre-27 factory re-finished 3.5 I overpaid for a couple years ago at $1200. Enjoy it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I wouldn't use GB to value anything. You obviously knew what you were doing though because those are like chickens teeth. A better yard stick would be this forum and what gets bought and sold here. A very nice nickel 3.5" 27 just sold on GI for $2250. I'd link it but I don't think that's allowed.

Anyway, congratulations. I've been looking for a 27 or 28 myself.

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That's just somebody talkin.

You never spend too much on a good gun.
Sometimes, you buy a little early...

I am wary about on line auctions after reading suspicions of "shill bidding". I have had no problems with any of my purchases but may not risk again unless cred card only from someone with large amount or A+ recent feedback.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

George, your mail box is full. Message sent

I like your hammer and trigger better than the S-prefix example.

Congratulations on the new gun, it's a beauty!

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

Gave 1900.00 plus the tax for this N prefix nickel two weeks ago. May have been too much, but I have wanted one for years, watched this one in the bottom.of the case at the store for six months that is VERY heavily traffiked, and I simply haven't seen one in ANY kind of shape in my area in years. I reached my peace, now I want a NICE lh holster indicative of a Texas bbq, lol.

Attached Images

20210406_190232.jpg (106.9 KB, 190 views)

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MARK

I like yours better, too, and if you really want to make it sexy you can have those stocks scrimshawed. That would be stunning and I can send you to a guy in Massachusetts to do it. There aren't many scrimshanders left.

Examples:



My knife (lost in my 2018 fire and this artist is gone, now - she also did the lower revolver with the star):

https://www.leverguns.com/scrimshaw/mvc-020s.jpg

https://www.leverguns.com/scrimshaw/mvc-019s.jpg

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Come and take it!!

[QUOTE=Ruger 1,3;141130670]I got one with the original grips for $750.00 last year![/QUOTE
With the presentation case, cleaning kit and all the papers!

While it is nice, comforting even, to have acquired something for less than the object might be found elsewhere, in the end, the only thing that matters is the actual acquisition of the long desired firearm. Or other object. Sometimes in life, there is no need to justify to others our acquisitions. The OP's pistol is just beautiful. In life, a cost/ benefit ratio may have no relevance at all.

SF VET

whenever I begin to question a purchase decision, I remind myself it just won't matter 50 years from now, and let it go...life is short, have some fun

Well golly, you have the twin to mine. Maybe they’re related?
Mine with my custom .44 Special built on the same platform.

Attached Images

27C77978-3FC4-496F-BB69-523A646BAEB6.jpg (48.0 KB, 88 views)

@jframe -- you just can't put a price on "want" and "desire"...

Buyers remorse? It’s only paper money. The real deal is steel. We only pass this way once. Go for the gusto.

I wonder if the longer barrel prices will increase too? Or is it just the p&r short barrels?

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Plant garlic in the fall

Sometimes you gotta jump on those deals. I felt the same way after I won the auction for 66-1. Well, a little bit, because I knew that these guns are only going UP in price and value. When I received mine from my ffl, I knew I made the right choice! I went home floating on air and lovingly cleaned and lubed her up.
OP your new buy is a stunner!! You did well!

What is the significance of the "s" serial number?

I must be the exception rather than the rule. I have bought maybe 6 or 7 guns on GB over the years. None in recent years, however I received pieces that were at least as good, condition wise, as advertised. The prices were never what I considered too high. Things have gotten a little crazy in the past year or 3 though. One thing for sure. Patience is required. Enjoy.

Take up shooting Skeet. Wont be long before your looking at a 10,000 dollar shotgun thinking that it's a bit of a bargain.

I paid $20,000 for a silver dollar Saturday.

Where're the pics??!!

I'll second that, where are the pictures? I collected coins at one time.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Looks good. Haven't seen a Redbook or a Gray Sheet in a while.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

That was very generous of him on a $2,000 sale

I just have to say that the members of this forum are amongst the most tactful (and kind-hearted) that I have ever encountered.

J.

I agree. I like the OP's gun better, too.

Enjoy and be well.

Awesome! Incredible condition, I'd keep that in the safe instead my pocket!
Thank you for the pic.

Wow, 1799! That was definitely quite a few years ago!!😀 It is in really nice condition.
Larry

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Nice gun.

I almost never say how much I actually paid for a gun (or anything else, really). There is always someone out there who could have gotten it for half what I paid, and the seller would have tossed in a pizza and a six pack to seal the deal.

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John 3:16 .

Nice ..... very NICE..... and a great price these day... color me envious!

Was just in the safe and happened to pull out my +90% 27-2; 4 inch, recessed but not pinned, three Ts. I added Spegel Checkered extended Boot Grips.....

I've got a 6 1/2 inch Reg Mag with no bark elk grips...... in the same condition as yours. May have never been shot outside the factory.

I look at my RM 3 or 4 times a year while wearing white cotton gloves..... the 4" 27 is nice enough to be proud of but not so nice I don't take in out of the house and shoot it !!!!

Enjoy your .357....... if you don't have one; find yourself a 'shooter grade" to really get the full enjoyment out of of a Model 27 !!!!!

I wish I had the scratch to add to my 19-3 perfect shooter in good condition. I've noticed that revolvers like mine are selling for 4-5 times what I paid for mine. I'm going to the range this morning with my nephew.

I have a pinned and recessed 6in nickel Model 27 that I purchased new in 1973. I still have the original box with the price tag showing $175.

The 27 is a beautiful piece . Enjoy yours.