Model 27-3 FBI 50th Anniversary Commemorative comes home with me.
I have to share my new acquisition with all of you. Yesterday I brought home a Model 27-3 Blue 5" barrel. This is an FBI commemorative edition for the 50th anniversary of the FBI being granted pemission to carry guns. I got it from a friend of mine who is a retired agent. They were manufactured in 1983, and went on sale to the Bureau agents in 1984. They even come with their own serial number sequence. This one is FBIxxxx. It is in the original wooden display box with tools and paperwork. It also comes with a provenance explaining the purpose of the commemorative edition. The gun is in the condition it came from the factory in, and has never been fired. An added plus is knowing the history of the gun, and who had it before me. Another great part of this deal is that he sold it to me for less than you can buy a used and fired 27. So, I polished it up, and put it in the safe with the other safe queens. I would really love to shoot this one, but it is too nice to mess it up. I guess I'll still take my 28 to the range.
Damn....you are killing me with all these new purchases since I joined the forum.....but can you ever have too many guns?
Stu1205, i would get a signed letter by the agent who sold you the gun briefly stating his carrer with the bureau and when he aquired the gun. This can only make it more valuable to collectors. Not that you would ever sell a beautiful gun like this.
Stu1205, i would get a signed letter by the agent who sold you the gun briefly stating his carrer with the bureau and when he aquired the gun. This can only make it more valuable to collectors. Not that you would ever sell a beautiful gun like this.
That is a good idea. I will ask him tomorrow. Like you said though, it's not likely that I would ever sell it.
I usually ignore commemorative guns. I'm thinking I might have traded a kidney for this one. I don't even know why. I have nothing to do with the FBI, it's not a pre-1980's gun, and I wouldn't be shooting it either. So I can't really list my attraction to it. Dang it. It just looks amazing and has a rational reason for it being a commemoration gun. Like any of us really NEED a reason to buy a gun...
In 2005 I had the opportunity to purchase one of these editions and put it away in the safe... my interests have since changed and I am willing to part with mine should anyone have a serious interest.
Mine is serial number FBI1119. This revolver is NIB. What I do not have is the cardboard factory shipping box. Ask any questions you may have.
Stu1205, beautiful revolver and being a current agent, I wish we still could get S&W commemoratives instead of Glocks. The Bureaus 100th Anniversary gun was a Glock that can't begin to hold a candle to the 27-3 you have. I own a couple of the 50th 27-3s that I acquired from cell mates in the bureau and they are very special to me because only former FBI agents could purchase them from the FBIAA. Like someone suggested, please have your retired agent friend write you up a short letter covering his service and put it away with the revolver. It will have more meaning to you some day because with a known history, these guns take on a new meaning.
regards
Eliza
I retired from the Bu two years ago after 30 years. I purchased two of the commemorative revolvers when they were first offered and have kept them unfired in VCI bags ever since. They are beautiful pieces of work.
As has already been stated..keep all documentation related to this item. If you paid your friend by check..keep the cancelled check.
At the time that these guns came out, there was a minor debate as to which barrel length should be offered. While the 5" is historically accurate, I sure wish they had decided on the 3 1/2".
At the time that these guns came out, there was a minor debate as to which barrel length should be offered. While the 5" is historically accurate, I sure wish they had decided on the 3 1/2".
Steve
Steve you nailed my exact thoughts on the head... the 3.5" S&W Model 27 in my opinion is one of the most handsome revolvers ever manufactured... I am still looking for one...
Steve you nailed my exact thoughts on the head... the 3.5" S&W Model 27 in my opinion is one of the most handsome revolvers ever manufactured... I am still looking for one...
Pete
I agree, Pete. Even including the Colt Python, which is nice revolver in it's own right. There is just something about the 3 1/2" model 27 that epitomizes the .357 magnum revolver.
Hi all. I know this is an old thread, but maybe someone will still read this.
I am a current agent with the FBI have the FBI's 100th anniversary Glock pistol, which was only sold to agents. I entered on duty in 1999, so I never had the opportunity to purchase one of the S&W models. I have been searching for one of the FBI Commemorative S&W model 27 revolvers to make a set, but haven't been able to find one. If anyone has a lead on one or wants to sell theirs to an active FBI agent please contact me. I know the guns mean more to agents than other people and it would be great add to my 100th anniversary Glock to one day pass them both on to my son.
I am the original owner of FBI1165 acquired from agent D.M. Sparks
If you are serious about acquiring this model, contact me at my email on file.
Update: FBI1665, not FBI1165 is SN.
I have the original box that everything shipped in, including the pen written agent name, D. M. Sparks. This is in mint condition and stored with care.
Let me know....
Frank
Quote:
Originally Posted by GMan324
Hi all. I know this is an old thread, but maybe someone will still read this.
I am a current agent with the FBI have the FBI's 100th anniversary Glock pistol, which was only sold to agents. I entered on duty in 1999, so I never had the opportunity to purchase one of the S&W models. I have been searching for one of the FBI Commemorative S&W model 27 revolvers to make a set, but haven't been able to find one. If anyone has a lead on one or wants to sell theirs to an active FBI agent please contact me. I know the guns mean more to agents than other people and it would be great add to my 100th anniversary Glock to one day pass them both on to my son.
Hi all. I know this is an old thread, but maybe someone will still read this.
I am a current agent with the FBI have the FBI's 100th anniversary Glock pistol, which was only sold to agents. I entered on duty in 1999, so I never had the opportunity to purchase one of the S&W models. I have been searching for one of the FBI Commemorative S&W model 27 revolvers to make a set, but haven't been able to find one. If anyone has a lead on one or wants to sell theirs to an active FBI agent please contact me. I know the guns mean more to agents than other people and it would be great add to my 100th anniversary Glock to one day pass them both on to my son.
Last edited by frank2014; 09-18-2014 at 10:03 AM.
Reason: added posting of gun for sale
I know this thread is pretty old, but if anyone is still looking for one of these, I know a recently retired agent who would sell his. He has two adult-disabled children, and no other heirs, so there really isn't anyone he's keeping this gun for....that part is sad, but he's a great guy with a wonderful outlook on life.
I have one: ordered the day the flyer arrived. When delivered to my local FFL dealer, he offered to buy it on the spot: told him he wouldn't want it, as I had my credential number engraved on it(an option when ordered): he offered me $1,000 for it; said the credential number made it more collectable, not less.
I have no idea, but this gun is going to one of my daughter's; only one who really likes to shoot, and really understands its significance.
I was involved in a shoot out with a bank robber, which took place over the hood of a car, as a very young agent.
Hello All,
I found this gun in a gun shop and immediately fell in love with it and am beginning the search of its history.
I have the gun,the wooden box and key, all paper work, the badge of the previous agent and a letter to the Agent (Assistant Director in Charge) from Gerard T DeLuca. I can’t see how it could be parted with. Does anyone know where I could start?
Hello All,
I found this gun in a gun shop and immediately fell in love with it and am beginning the search of its history.
I have the gun,the wooden box and key, all paper work, the badge of the previous agent and a letter to the Agent (Assistant Director in Charge) from Gerard T DeLuca. I can’t see how it could be parted with. Does anyone know where I could start?
Hello, I know this thread is old but hoping someone still follows it. I have always wanted to collect some of the older Smith & Wesson .357 Magnums and I just found a Model 27-3 and it is the FBI 50th Anniversary one. It has the original presentation box and tools but no letter or owners manual. It has never been fired and is in like new condition, not sure it ever left the box. I was not really sure of the value and I'm hoping I didn't get taken. I paid just under $1,000 for it, does that seem like a good price for this piece? I thank you all in advance for any information you may be able to offer.
Just under $1,000 for that magnificent handgun in the condition you described and you only bought one!!?? Of course, that's just me, but I think you did OK. BTW, welcome to the Forum. Always great to have new members... and especially those who like handguns such as this one!
I agree, Pete. Even including the Colt Python, which is nice revolver in it's own right. There is just something about the 3 1/2" model 27 that epitomizes the .357 magnum revolver.
My M27-2 in 3.5" is a great gun. It will be one of the last pieces I let go of before my dirt nap. The other being an original Series 70 Gold Cup in .45 ACP. I like the 3.5" way more than my 6" M27-2.
I have to share my new acquisition with all of you. Yesterday I brought home a Model 27-3 Blue 5" barrel. This is an FBI commemorative edition for the 50th anniversary of the FBI being granted pemission to carry guns. I got it from a friend of mine who is a retired agent. They were manufactured in 1983, and went on sale to the Bureau agents in 1984. They even come with their own serial number sequence. This one is FBIxxxx. It is in the original wooden display box with tools and paperwork. It also comes with a provenance explaining the purpose of the commemorative edition. The gun is in the condition it came from the factory in, and has never been fired. An added plus is knowing the history of the gun, and who had it before me. Another great part of this deal is that he sold it to me for less than you can buy a used and fired 27. So, I polished it up, and put it in the safe with the other safe queens. I would really love to shoot this one, but it is too nice to mess it up. I guess I'll still take my 28 to the range.
Damn....you are killing me with all these new purchases since I joined the forum.....but can you ever have too many guns?
Stu
CONGRATULATIONS---THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL REVOLVER, AND QUITE A SCORE ! ! !
__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.
Last edited by one eye joe; 12-12-2018 at 02:11 PM.