I went to my local Bass Pro today to pick up a couple of things and decided to checkout the guns. I rarely look at them figuring they mainly have a bunch of overpriced plastic. Well, to my surprise they had 2 Smith model 17-2’s and 2 Smith 27-2’s. Actually I was a bit stunned when I saw them shining in a sea of black polymer.

I didn’t ask to look at the 17’s since I have a beautiful 1955 K22 but after 15 minutes of trying to get a clerks attention I asked to look at the 2 model 27’s.

Both guns were priced at $1050. The first was a 3-1/2” with 3T’s in the wooden presentation case but I’m not certain if the tools were there. I was more interested in the condition of the gun. Overall I’d say it had 85% or slightly better finish with a heavy turn mine. The stocks looked nice. I was unable to work the action because of a trigger lock but there was no end shake and lockup seemed tight within the limits of how I could check it.

I did notice the finish was worn off of the area of the crane that swivels when the cylinder is swung out. This was concerning as I’ve never seen wear in this spot and wear to this degree almost looked as though that area had been rubbing or binding on the frame when the cylinder is opened but opening the cylinder was as smooth as glass.

Also the bore looked very good but dirty and there was no evidence of holster wear. The barrel was not pinned so it’s after 82.

Number 2 was a 6” with holster wear on the barrel and slight wear on the edges of the cylinder and There were some scuffs on the finish. Being critical I’d call it an 85% gun also. I had non target trigger and hammer with magmas. The bore looked excellent and there was no end shape and lockup seemed tight.

I thought seriously about buying one but wound up walking away without one. I have a nearly new 27-2 4” that I bought new in 78 so I was hoping for a little nicer example than what I saw.

I don’t keep up with pricing unless I’m looking to buy something but I was curious about whether these were reasonably priced or what they should be priced at. Yes I know without pix it’s hard to estimate but I’d call these very average.

Interesting observation, the 6” had a much higher gloss / deeper sheen to the finish. Both were nice but the 6” nice.

I would have studied the 3.5 inch pretty hard. If it had an S serial number it probably would have gone home with me. Pretty hard to give you useful input without pictures but the 3.5s are very much in demand and I don't see them very often with a presentation case. It would have had to show unusual wear and lots of it assuming it was otherwise original for me not to have made an effort to take it home.

Traded my last 3.5 inch S SN 27-2 to a member here for a 4 inch 16-4 and don't regret it but would surely like to find another.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I’d say both were good solid shooters but neither anywhere collector condition. Neither had been mechanically abused as far as I could tell.

I would have bought the 3-1/2”!

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

I'd say the 3 1/2" Model 27 with wooden case is well worth $1050 these days. Right now, it is hard to find an N-frame S&W in any caliber for much under $1000. Even the lowly Model 28 is fetching $800 to $1000.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I have not seen ANY used guns at the local Bass Pro. They don't do trades or consignments and I thought that was corporate policy but have not ever investigated it.

On the other hand...there is a Cabela's in the same area here within 15 miles of each other and Cabela's of course has the gun library (with very little, and highly overpriced) with used hand guns and long guns.

Does anyone know if the choice is local to the Bass Pro store to carry used guns?

Don't mean to drift the OP's thread, but a 3-1/2" M27 at that price would sure be gone the same day it came out around here..if not bought by an employee before it even had a chance to see the case.

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

If one of them had been in a little better shape I’d probably jumped pon it but I just bought a new 3” King Cobra and 4.25” Python plus having a 66 2.5” and 4” 28-2, I’m pretty well outfitted with 357’s for now. Anyway my safes are overflowing with toys. Also recently I’ve gotten interested in snub nose revolvers and added 4 in the past few weeks.

I’ll be at my brothers tomorrow for thanksgiving and he’s been looking for a 357. He has a Detective Special I want so I think I’ll offer to buy his DS and he can get a 27. Anyway he lives 20 minutes from the Bass Pro so it’s easy for him to run up and take a look.

Thanks all for the info!