1961 Model 27-1 4 Screw in 3.5"

gizamo

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Most my Amigo's know that I'm a Model 28 guy. I put together a pretty good collection of the variants of that model. But the one that has eluded me has always been a 28-1....

So this is as close as I will ever get....:D

Model 27-1 4-Screw with 3.5" Barrel....

NFrames001.jpg




Doc44 and I have had emails in past years discussing the rarity of the various dash one N-Frames.

Here is what I've gleaned from that research over the years. Almost all of this is from Doc44's hard work and I am quoting and paraphrasing him a good deal here...

Bill is an exceptional gentleman, willing to share his knowledge and help many a budding S&W collector ~ including yours truly ;)


All -1 models have a 4-screw frame EXCEPT for the Model 29-1 where all but one reported (S220004) have a 3-screw frame and an extractor rod with a right-hand (old style) thread. In reality, only S220004 is a true Model 29-1. The other ones are stamped 29-1 in the yoke cut, but are not configured correctly.

Based on what I have observed over the years, the -1 model variation would best be described: 4-screw frame, extractor rod with a left-hand thread as evidenced by a small relief cut behind the knurled tip, "L" stamped on the rear surface of the cylinder, stamped MOD.XX-1 in the yoke cut.

I am only talking about models of revolvers that were stamped -1 when the extractor rod threads were changed from right-hand to left-hand as directed by the engineering change dated December 22, 1959.


The engineering change to implement the extractor rod with the left-hand thread was issued by S&W on December 22, 1959 and resulted in revolvers with the -1 model variation. The engineering change to implement the improved cylinder stop with the elimination of the cylinder stop plunger screw was issued on November 28, 1961 and resulted in revolvers with the -2 model variation. The time it took to implement these changes was substantial as the -1 models were shipped throughout 1962 and the -2 models began in late 1962.

The change to the extractor rod with a left-hand thread was authorized in late 1959, but -1 models did not begin to be shipped until 1962 and most were shipped in that year with a few carrying over to 1963. The -2 models also appeared in late 1962, so the the -1s were really only shipped for a year plus.

The engineering directive to change the thread direction on the extractor rod (RH to LH) was issued on December 22, 1959 and took approximately two years to implement (based on what we know today...and it may change when more revolvers are discovered and documented). The engineering directive to implement the improved cylinder stop that resulted in the elimination of the cylinder stop plunger screw (i.e. 4-screw frame to 3-screw frame) was issued on November 28, 1961 and was implemented much more quickly as revolvers with a 3-screw frame began to be shipped in early 1962. That is why (some believe) Model 29-1s have a 3-screw frame as S&W had old style extractor rods and cylinders, but had made the switch to the 3-screw frame and used up the old cylinders and extractor rods on the "new" frames. I am not sure why these guns were actually stamped MOD. 29-1 in the yoke cut, but they were.


giz
 
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Great info, thanks for sharing! Also that is one beautiful gun, one of my all time favorites. I agree be carefull on the rocks!!!
 
Gordy,

It's a Giz thang...

I'm careful as hell when I place something like that on the rocks. The Rugers just tend to ding up the rocks. :D

giz
 
-1s

Giz, actually there are 2 documented "true" 29-1s in the 4 screw variation. S220004 which turned up in Arizona about 5 years ago and S219982 which came out of Connecticut last year. It is pictured here.
Great looking 27-1 you have there.:)
Chuck
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Giz,

Great looking -1 you have there! AND in a 3 1/2" barrel!

I think both Doc44 and 29-1 have put me on the quest for
-1's :)
 
Giz,

Maybe we could overstamp the 7 with and 8 so you can have your 28-1! Maybe?

Beautiful Model 27.

BTW: I finally snagged an NYSP 28-2, found here in CA too.
 
Mike,

Good for you, finding a NYSP 28 is no easy task..:)

Guess the elusive 28 dash one will forever be a grail gun. Can't believe that none have turned up. But perhaps it was never made... Would you believe that I still look over every Highway Patrolman that I find for sale.

Like I said in the OP, this may be as close as I get. Rare gun in a short barrel length. You guys will get a chuckle out of this...I was so proud of myself finding a 27-1 in this barrel length that I called Drew on the ride home. Figured I finally outdid him on something... Dang, he's got one already...I shoulda' known..:D

I'd love to find a 29-1, some day like the beauty posted above by Chuck.....;)

giz
 
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fantasic looking firearms!!! i have a couple -1 guns k frame(17-1) and a j frame(34-1), are they as hard to find as the N frame?
 
gjamison,

Generally speaking, the answer is no ~ with exceptions.
You just listed one of those exceptions in the 17-1. If you have a pic or two, you should post it in a new thread. That's a verrrry interesting gun, Amigo.:)

giz
 
Quality post, giz, thanks. We need more of these kind of posts, in my humble opinion.

OK, the revolver is like, pretty nice if you're into that kind of thing....:D
 
Great post, Giz!

I'm starting to pick up and handle every N frame I come across, looking for the elusive -1 !

I bought my first N frame a couple of months ago, a model 29 with the left hand thread, but no dash. It's in the S221,xxx range and shipped in December of 1963.
 
-1 on J frame

Hey gjamison
The -1 on the J frames is the engineering change of switching to the J frame from the I frame. There are a boat load of -1 J frames out there!
jcelect SWCA#723
 
Non gratum anus rodentum.

Your absence was ...felt. How the heck is it going? I see your compulsion for fine firearms has not subsided.

I just have this old 27-1 5" Finish challenged but all original.

Would you consider trading your 3'5" 27-1 for that non model marked 4 screw Highway Patrolman?
Just a thought.

Maybe I can git an invite to the redneck shoot someday.

Regards ,,,Allen Frame.





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271002.jpg
 
Setting that gun on the rocks makes no sense to me. Nothing to gain; lots to lose. Sooner or later.......
 
Setting that gun on the rocks makes no sense to me. Nothing to gain; lots to lose. Sooner or later.......

Kinda like running while holding scissors in one hand and a sharp pencil in the other ?....

I on the other hand applaude your use of colour and texture as a contrasting background......Did I just say that?
Man...My grade school art teacher would be so proud.
 
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