I looked at a s&w m27-2/8 3/8" 357. The seller says it's a factory mistake, the barrel pin protrudes out of the barrels surface quite a bit. The finish is nickel but the pin isn't. I can see a tiny space between the pin and the reamed hole. To me it appears the barrel was changed, repaired and it's for sale.

If the barrel isn't over/under clocked and the gap is good,I'd try for a discount and have the pin replaced.

Don't seem right to me. I'd try to negotiate. I don't think you could ever prove it was factory.

I have seen some strange factory errors, but that seems more egregious than most. I would not buy it except at a significant discount. Sounds like a half-assed barrel swap to me.

There are tons of model 27s out there.

A real good one easy to find.

Wait for a good one, not one with an issue like that.

Someone has been messing with the Barrel.

The pin itself may have been changed out, not the barrel. No way to tell if the barrel is original since the 27-2 didn't have numbered barrels/cylinders. If it is mechanically sound (and at a good price) the pin would be easily replaced with a nickel one. Good luck in your decision.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have the exact same revolver but blued. The entire area on a Model 27 across the top strap is checked and the match up between the checking of the barrel and top strap is nicely matched up. You may want to look closely since S&W paid a lot of attention to the fit and finish of the Model 27. I would look closely at that particular area. The barrel pin on mine protrudes approximately 1mm to the right side of the frame. It is not noticeable but you can catch your fingernail on it if you try. There is no doubt in my mind it came from S&W like it is since the revolver is in excellent condition on the verge of As New in the Box.