I went into the FBI in 1991, so I missed my chance to get one of these when they were offered in 1984. Lee, the owner here, was kind enough to sell me this one a few years ago. It sat in my safe, unfired, until today. Guns are for shooting, right?



Its a 27-3, so it isn't pinned and recessed. Aside from that, it is a fine example of gunmaking. It is a five inch, which is an odd choice for a Bureau commemorative since no barrels over 4 inches were allowed. A 3 1/2" would have been more appropriate, but for a day at the range this is perfect.





It has a target trigger and hammer of course. The special markings are a Bureau seal on the side plate, the barrel marking, FBI in the serial number, and a personalized credential number. Whoever ordered this one was an old timer - my cred number is 11,000 numbers higher than this.





It has smooth magnas that are noticeably thicker than regular ones. I really like them - they are thick enough that I don't need a T-grip.



I put 100 rounds of my kitchen table reloads through it today - 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter over 4.7 grains of Unique. As would be expected, recoil was mild and the big gun grouped them well.



I got the gun to give to my oldest son eventually. I still will, but at least now he can say old Dad used to shoot it.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Very nice! That is a keeper for sure. Love the thick Magnas.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

That is a beauty!! Good to know that you got more enjoyment from it than just drooling on a safe queen!!

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

OMG I own a 27 and have kept it in pristine condition albeit I have fired it, but, I must admit your gun is gorgeous!

I'm not sure that was always the case. The S&W 357 serial #1 given to J. Edgar had a 8 3/4" barrel.

Anyway, it's a great looking gun, and I love the FBI logo on the side plate.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I have both a 3.5 & a 5 inch barrel Model 27. Both absorb the recoil of the magnum cartridge quite well.

Of the two, the 5 inch balances superbly and with a set of Herrett's Jordan Trooper stocks I find that pointability is enhanced. When shooting "failure drills", it is very steady and there is little difficulty shooting into the brain box.

The five inch Model 27, and a Colt Officers Model Match, are two revolvers that I will not part with.

Good luck with the Model 27.

JPJ