Concern with new to me M27-2

[Waxster60]

So yesterday I picked up a 27-2 with 5” barrel. It passed all function testing, had a faint turn line, and flawless bluing. Came with presentation box in very good shape, all papers and tools, and factory letter to boot. Great find or so I thought. When I got home and cleaned it, only then did I catch some scratch marks around the barrel pin on the left side of the revolver. That end of the pin looks like its missing the bluing. Besides kicking myself for missing this on my inspection, the marks are tiny but really annoying to my nearsighted eyes. Photo attached. Not sure how this would occur either during or after manufacture or what this may mean for the gun. The barrel and finish look original and fit the factory letter description, so I don’t think its been swapped out. What fo you all think? It may help to know that it was always my intention to shoot this gun. Thanks and feel free to pile on. My bad and even thinking of selling this already. Ugh,

[series guy]

It looks like someone messed with the pin. It could have just backed out or wasn’t centered at some point in its life and someone rather roughly put it back in place. I totally understand the pride of ownership but if it’s not collector grade then you have to expect some flaws. You can’t see it when you’re looking down the sights. Shoot it and enjoy it.

[rincar]

Personally I would not worry about it. If it really bothers you. You could touch it up with some cold blue. That might make it look a little better. If its going to be a shooting Revolver like I said not a problem.

[murphydog]

The factory assembler may have even done that boo-boo. A touch of Oxpho-Blue, load, shoot, repeat, enjoy.

[Rpg]

This isn’t a high condition gun, as you know. It’s a shooter, as you intend.

Rust speckling is apparent on the cylinder and, I suspect, other places not included in the photo.

The condition of the pin is consistent with the other damage to the finish.

[Scharfschuetzer]

As long as the barrel is timed properly and the cylinder-barrel gap are good, I'd just shoot it.

It is possible that someone switched out an original barrel for the sought after 5" barrel, but that's just speculation and, at this point, is moot.

[Waxster60]

Originally Posted by Scharfschuetzer

As long as the barrel is timed properly and the cylinder-barrel gap are good, I'd just shoot it.

It is possible that someone switched out an original barrel for the sought after 5" barrel, but that's just speculation and, at this point, is moot.

I guess in some cases that sure could happen, but the accompanying Jinks letter confirms that this one shipped with a 5" barrel - hopefully the one that it's wearing. Regardless, timing and lockup are perfect.

Thanks for the thoughts and moral support, everyone. This revolver is just what I've been looking for for some time, so in the grand scheme of things, I know you're all right - shoot it and enjoy it-excellent advice. Can rest easier knowing that it does not affect reliability or functionality.

So, enough whining about first world problems. On the bright side, the gun offers many positives- 3T's, fantastic rainbow-like case hardening coloring on the hammer and trigger, Goncalvo Alves grips that look like they've never been touched, and the full set of accompanying accoutrements with letter. And it's a M27! Looks like I will also get to learn a new skill in touching it up- any suggestions on best approach are appreciated. I'll post a couple of additional shots to follow...Many thanks!!!

[Hair Trigger]

Either someone was OCD about the pin not being centered and buggered it trying to center it with the wrong tool, or it's like what Scharfschuetzer said, someone swapped barrels. The only way to be sure about that is to letter the gun and see how it left the factory.

With the other small defects I can see in that limited picture, I wouldn't worry about it, won't affect how it shoots.

[Waxster60]

As promised. What looked in the prior pic like rust freckles is just lint from wiping it down. BTW, figured I’d include its baby brother M 36 no dash in nickle that was part of the package…guess it actually was a good day after all.

[Pine_Worker]

Looks like you dun good to me!

[Hair Trigger]

Woooooo, nuthin' wrong with that gun (either one of them). Glad to know it was born with the 5" barrel, and I was wondering if it would have the Baughman or Patridge front sight.

What is the date on that M27-2?

[dsf]

Originally Posted by Waxster60

As promised. What looked in the prior pic like rust freckles is just lint from wiping it down. BTW, figured I’d include its baby brother M 36 no dash in nickle that was part of the package…guess it actually was a good day after all.

I was in ME last weekend and if that 27 had been at the Kittery Trading Post I'd have been happy to acquaint those guys with the CA single action exemption.

So far as the pin is concerned, I'm one of those OCD types that likes to see them centered. But my aim with a hammer & punch is pretty good.

If you'd like to touch it up be careful. A Q tip damped but not wet with cold blue should be sufficient. Dab it, then immediately wipe dry. Using too much cold blue can leave you with a sort of "oil slick" puddling around the pin.

[hemiram]

My first 28-2 had marks from the pin being hit, or missed. It didn't bother me all that much, that gun had major holster wear on it, but had an action job and was just a great shooter. I did the cold blue thing and it turned out really well. It was my only really good looking cold blue touch up, the rest could be easily noticed no matter how carefully I applied it. If marks like that were on one of my present 28-2's, I wouldn't be happy about it, but I looked the pics over several times before I bid on or bought them. No real wear on any of the three, except a turn ring and each one has some tiny nicks on the trigger guard. This is my 6" with some Altamont grips on it. I hate the magnas, both for looks and to shoot with. The barrel isn't nearly as worn as it looks, it's just the lighting.

[6string]

Nice looking 27-2!!
If you read the many interesting posts about "new to me" pre-war registered and non-registered Magnums, you may notice just how many were altered by their former owners. Yet, the current owners are nonetheless thrilled with their new babies!

Look at it this way: whatever happened in the past, at least some Bubba didn't slip with his hammer and/or punch and leave a huge scratch on the top strap!
Ha!!

[Waxster60]

Originally Posted by Hair Trigger

Woooooo, nuthin' wrong with that gun (either one of them). Glad to know it was born with the 5" barrel, and I was wondering if it would have the Baughman or Patridge front sight.

What is the date on that M27-2?

The 27-2 was shipped in March 1976 per the factory letter. Looks like a Baughman front sight.

[Ruger 1,3]

I’d just get another pin and replace it!

[Babysitr]

I have one that the pin looks similar! mine are shooters, so a little Vans cold blue, hundred rounds of reloads, and off to the farm! beautiful revolver you have there! you will grow to love it

[bananaman]

Originally Posted by Waxster60

As promised. What looked in the prior pic like rust freckles is just lint from wiping it down. BTW, figured I’d include its baby brother M 36 no dash in nickle that was part of the package…guess it actually was a good day after all.

I sure would not be ashamed it own it myself! Enjoy it! Bob

[chief38]

I doubt there is a production gun in existence that doesn't have a small flaw somewhere. At least I have not found one yet. If that is the biggest problem with your Revolver - consider yourself lucky - lol. As most have said, shoot it and enjoy it!

[bruce381]

I picked up a 100% mint Model 28 a few weeks back and the only thing buggered up was someone tried to tighten i guess the sight mounting screw and slipped. The head had a shiney 'slipped" spot I cleaned with alcohol and lightly dabbed cold blue and wiped it right off it dulled the spot enough that it you did not know it would be hard to see happy happy.

[gmborkovic]

Bruce, that little screw on the rear sight is a little bugger.
They made the slot so wide.

[Hair Trigger]

Originally Posted by Waxster60

The 27-2 was shipped in March 1976 per the factory letter. Looks like a Baughman front sight.

Yes, a Baughman ramp. The 6" barrel M27's generally have a Patridge front, like my 1977 M27-2. I didn't know from your first picture (which didn't show the front sight), whether S&W would follow usual 4" or usual 6" 'protocol' for the 5" barrel.

[Narragansett]

I would dampen the end of a toothpick with cold blue, and rub the pin till I got the color I want.

Wipe pin with alcohol first

[The Gila Bender]

Wouldn't bother me. Touch it up if you wish but don't mess with removing or replacing the pin unless you have experience and proper tools.

I have a 1950 Model .44 Military with a messed-with barrel pin, too. Otherwise it's pristine and may be unfired since leaving the factory. A few knowledgable folks here speculated that this occured at the factory. Apologies for the not-so-great pics.

S142950 profile left.jpg S142950 profile right.jpg S142950 cylinder face.jpg S142950 recoil shield.jpg S142950 pin close up.jpg

[Waxster60]

Originally Posted by The Gila Bender

Wouldn't bother me. Touch it up if you wish but don't mess with removing or replacing the pin unless you have experience and proper tools.

I have a 1950 Model .44 Military with a messed-with barrel pin, too. Otherwise it's pristine and may be unfired since leaving the factory. A few knowledgable folks here speculated that this occured at the factory. Apologies for the not-so-great pics.

Attachment 534292 Attachment 534288 Attachment 534289 Attachment 534290 Attachment 534291

Now that sound like a very similar situation to what I've got going on here. This 27-2 was billed as unfired by its 2 prior owners-who really knows-might be true, might not. No powder or burn marks on the cylinder front which doesn't look like its been scrubbed, either. Chambers and bore are spotless and shiny- not a speck of debris. Faint turn ring still with deep bluing and little bluing gone from the frame behind the cylinder.

Regardless, its in otherwise perfect condition, so at least for now I will probably leave well enough alone as long as I can get past these dings, a path I'm already on. None of us gets through life without a few scars and blemishes-I've certainly collected my share and like to believe that I'm the stronger for them

[jc2721]

I hate the smell of cold blue and if a gun has been cold blued I won't buy it. I've gotten some strange looks when I sniff at a gun, but I don't care what others may think--I buy guns to please me and no one else.

[ameridaddy]

Originally Posted by Waxster60

As promised. What looked in the prior pic like rust freckles is just lint from wiping it down. BTW, figured I’d include its baby brother M 36 no dash in nickle that was part of the package…guess it actually was a good day after all.

Nice pic - it helps remind us what a big hunk of iron an N-frame is.

[Dave.357]

It is very hard for me to take a perfect gun out
And shoot it and would not even think
about putting it in a holster.
A 99% gun is a lot more fun you
Can shoot them!

[gerhard1]

OP, yours is almost the same thing as what I have.

Mine has a 5" barrel, mid-1960's manufacture, Baughman sights.

Mine has the Magna stocks, was exported to Germany, and then brought back to the USA, presumably by a serviceman.

You have a great-looking gun there. Give it a good home.

[dogdoc]

Trivial issue. OCD like me! I Have to work hard to control it.

[Muley Gil]

Waxster60, if that buggered up pin bothers you too much, I'll send you a yaller tomcat and a hunnard dollars in trade. I'll even split the shipping with you!

[M29since14]

Exactly. These guns were not produced to be objects d’ art, or museum pieces. Touch up with cold blue if that will ease your mind and then shoot it. As one of the posters above said, probably best not to mess with the pin without proper tools. Solid pins can be tricky if they’re tight. If loose, someone might have Loctited it. Just do the touch up and enjoy shooting it. It’s a great looking 27.

[M29since14]

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Waxster60, if that buggered up pin bothers you too much, I'll send you a yaller tomcat and a hunnard dollars in trade. I'll even split the shipping with you!

Shipping of yaller tomcat could be pricey!