Why the rough area on the top of a 27 frame?

[dlbx2]

I have bought and sold quite a few S&Ws over the years, but have never owned a model 27.............until a few days ago. I know that there are many experts on this forum, and I would like to know why the frame has the rough area along the top on each side of the sight. A friend tells me that it may be there to cut down on reflection. Any other suggestions, or is the friend right on the money? I have attached a photo of my new family member. It is also a transition model with a recessed cylinder, but no pinned barrel.

David

 

[GLC1]

I've got a 27. The "rough" area is fine checkering. Supposed to be eye appealing and a fancy finish for a fine revolver. I guess it can also cut down on glare. It's an added embelishment. I like it on mine.

 

[dlbx2]

I like it too! It makes them unique! There always seems to be some history behind everything about S&W revolvers, and I am just curious about the checkering.

 

[Gary7]

From the first Registered Magnum right up until the original Model 27 was discontinued, the top checkering distinguished this model. No other S&W has ever had it.

I think it looks fabulous.

 

[MP1983]

you may want to post this in the 1961-1980 section for an answer, or even the 1899-1960 since the Model 27 originated around 1935...though I suspect your friend is pretty right in his belief that it's to throw off any reflection thatt could hinder a good sight picture...

plus, it added an asthetic touch to it as well...all the pre-war Colt's sported checkering of one sort or the other, to the backstrap, trigger, thumb latch, thumb safety on 1911A1, lots of stuff...and although the .357 (pre-model 27) came out as a hunting pistol it also was the premier law enforcement revolver offered in the S&W line and early models went to J. Edgar Hoover & General Patton...in part, the .357 magnum was to compete against Colt's .38 Super that I believe came out around 1929 or so...law enforcement found in the 30's there was an advantage to having a hand gun that could penetrate the thick steel cars of the day...

BTW, your Model 27 is a real beauty!!

 

[ditrina]

P.M. sent,,

Sweet looking 27..

 

[MAG-NUM]

David, that is one fine looking .357 Magnum.

Here is another shot of the famous checkered top strap. Bob

 

[ditrina]

Isn't it funny how we all have a picture of " The Roughed Up Area"... without with, the gun would just be
" Another .357"

27's.... a sickness

 

[dlbx2]

Posted more pics! Thanks for the info.

David

 

[Gary7]

I have bought and sold quite a few S&Ws over the years, but have never owned a model 27.............until a few days ago. I know that there are many experts on this forum, and I would like to know why the frame has the rough area along the top on each side of the sight. A friend tells me that it may be there to cut down on reflection. Any other suggestions, or is the friend right on the money? I have attached a photo of my new family member. It is also a transition model with a recessed cylinder, but no pinned barrel.

David

Is this a 27-3? I don't see a pin in the barrel, but the chambers look recessed.

 

[MP1983]

I can't make out if you have a pinned barrel or not? I had a Model 57 transition gun that wasn't pinned, but had the recessed chambers...

BTW, that looks unfired, please be aware if you fire it you will loose a couple hundred bucks of value instantly (if it's never been fired).

 

[dlbx2]

It is a 27-2. According to the research I have done, there was a transition period when they had stopped pinning the barrels, however they had the counterbored (recessed) cylinders and continued to use them, I guess, until they ran out of them.
David

 

[Nightowl]

That looks like a recessed cylinder to me by the way the cylinder fits into the frame. However, in the picture with the cylinder open, it looks like the charge holes have been chamfered for speed loading and I cannot see the ridges indicating a recessed cylinder. If you load some empties you can check the depth of the case heads to see if they fit flush with the back of the cylinder or rest on top of it. VERY nice looking gun. It looks like a 4 inch barrel, too. Can your provide the serial number? You can insert XX's for last few digits if you don't want the whole serial number known.

 

[dlbx2]

Thanks! I don't intend to fire it. It shows a little discoloration in every other cylinder where the factory fired it, but I have other S&W .357s, so I don't need to lower the value of this one.
Thanks Again,
David

 

[dlbx2]

Richard, serial number is N 941XXX, the frame has 29-2 stamped in it.
David

 

[maglvr]

This should make a few of you cringe
An old feller I used to hunt and fish with many years ago, about lived with his 3.5" 27 on his hip. I honestly can't remember ever seeing him without it, he even wore it to church, when he attended!
He had made a 1/4" wide x 1.5" long cut in the front of the old leather holster, that "rough area" is where he struck his wooden matches to light his pipe, at least 100 times a day.
Every now and then, when it would get to where it took 2-3 strikes to light, he would take a wire "toothbrush" and clean the carbon out of the grooves.
He said the best thing he ever did was make that "match groove" in his holster, because he could always find it, even with no light!

 

[Nightowl]

Richard, serial number is N 941XXX, the frame has 29-2 stamped in it.
David

29-2 or 27-2? That's not a .44 Magnum. That high a serial number puts it around 1980 give or take. Still looks like a recessed cylinder to me, just by the way it fits in the frame.

 

[Nightowl]

This should make a few of you cringe
An old feller I used to hunt and fish with many years ago, about lived with his 3.5" 27 on his hip. I honestly can't remember ever seeing him without it, he even wore it to church, when he attended!
He had made a 1/4" wide x 1.5" long cut in the front of the old leather holster, that "rough area" is where he struck his wooden matches to light his pipe, at least 100 times a day.
Every now and then, when it would get to where it took 2-3 strikes to light, he would take a wire "toothbrush" and clean the carbon out of the grooves.
He said the best thing he ever did was make that "match groove" in his holster, because he could always find it, even with no light!

That's a pocket full of matches!

 

[maglvr]

"That's a pocket full of matches!"
You should have seen the floor in his garage! like there was an explosion at a match factory and they all landed there

 

[Tom K]

"That's a pocket full of matches!"
You should have seen the floor in his garage! like there was an explosion at a match factory and they all landed there

I found out the hard way as a kid, not to carry nails and "strike anywhere" kitchen matches in the same pocket.