Found my Pre-27 5" gun (Pics added)

[1blindref]

Pre Model 27's are probably my favorite S&W revolver made, and finding any barrel length pre 27 locally is not usually an easy thing to do. I've got a few pre 27's and all have come from the classifieds here, or Gun Broker.
In my experience, I see quite a few 3.5" and 5" pre 27's come up for sale on Gun Broker pretty regularly. I know that sometimes buying a gun without seeing it in person can be an uncomfortable thing to do, and taking that leap of faith isn't always easy. I try to deal with sellers that have a proven track record and excellent feedback. I bid on auctions that have a bunch of high quality and clear pictures of all the important areas of the gun that I want to see. Most reputable sellers will also offer an inspection period once the gun arrives. So far, (knock on wood) I have had very good luck with buying guns on line.

Here's my pair of sequentially numbered, 5" pre 27's. I needed a 5" blue to fill a hole in my pre 27 collection and found it on Gun Broker. About three years later, I was looking at Gun Broker auctions when I saw the second one. Thankfully the seller had a picture showing the butt of the gun with the serial number. When I saw it, I knew I had a pre 27 with a serial number that was close. I checked, and it turned out to be sequential with the 5" gun I bought three years earlier. I wasn't really looking for another 5" gun at the time, but there was no way that I was going to pass it up.
I haven't lettered either gun, but according to Roy the earlier gun shipped in January 1951, the later in February 1951.

 

[cmansguns]

another pre 27

I too really like the Model 27 guns by S & W. In fact I liked them enough to sell a Colt (actually several Colts, incl Python, 1942 1911A1, and others) just to fund my growing curiosity with S&W higher end wheel guns many years ago. I have a 27-2, 3.5" blue (1976), and a 27-2, 6" Nickel (1980), but my personal favorite is the "Pre 27", 6-1/2", blue, w/ short action, high speed hammer, diamond Magna's, Letters shipped to New York, October 16, 1952.

I have heard it said among Collectors (don't remember where or when) that the Pre-27 is second only to RM/Non-RM of earlier eras in high end desirability when talking Smith's.

The pre-27 was only manufactured 1947 to 1957 so any barrel length is desired if and when I find them.

Congrats OP on finding that one, especially when going to look over Mil-surp!

 

[rubiranch]

I too really like the Model 27 guns by S & W.

Me too.

Top to bottom,
1959 8 3/8"
1960 6.5"
1961 6"
1975 5"
1957 4"
1957 3.5"
1967 6" nickel

edit: I added my 6" nickel to the picture.

 

[SuperMan]

The 5" 27 has to be one of the most eye appealing S&Ws ever made... I have had three 27-2s in that length and just love the way they look. The last one I bought was badly pitted on the end of the barrel and most of the cylinder and was "changed" into a slim barrel .41 Magnum via reboring the barrel and replacement .41 Magnum cylinder. Would have loved to do a .41 Special with the original cylinder but was just too pitted to save...

A question as to barrel lengths... If during the 1947 to 57 period the "standard" barrel lengths were 3.5", 5", 6.5" and 8 3/8" which is more rare, a 6" or 6.5"?

Bob

 

[RKmesa]

...A question as to barrel lengths... If during the 1947 to 57 period the "standard" barrel lengths were 3.5", 5", 6.5" and 8 3/8" which is more rare, a 6" or 6.5"?

Bob:

The 6" barrel was also a standard barrel length during that era. I think that the 6.5" barrel is found less often than the 6" barrel, by a considerable margin.

 

[rubiranch]

Bob:

The 6" barrel was also a standard barrel length during that era. I think that the 6.5" barrel is found less often than the 6" barrel, by a considerable margin.

That's what I love about this place.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I really like the 5" 27s - they balance well and are a good compromise between velocity and handling ease. You don't see many of them today. I've had this one for many years, and it's one of my favorites.

John

 

[usmc2427765]

In my younger LEO days, 1975, I purchased a 5" pre-27 because that is what Skeeter Skelton carried. I found out it was really heavy and when you had to drag your butt out of a patrol car many, many times each day, you begin to understand why you started out with a 4" 19. I " lived the legend" for a few months and returned to the 19, which I still have.

 

[delcrossv]

Just got the one.

 

[rubiranch]

Just got the one.

Looks like you got a nice one too.

 

[LEO918]

Here's my old shooter grade 5" Pre 27 from 1954...

 

[El_Phantasmo]

5" is great length in the pre-27. I think you will really enjoy it.

Regards,
Bruce

Wow, very nice, the blueing on that is fantastic.

 

[Old Corp]

My 5" 27-2, c.1965 is a pure beater compared to the ones posted here, but it sure shoots great. It does see quite a bit of field carry.

 

[1blindref]

Just got the one.

Is this the one that Salt Lake Collectibles sold on Gun Broker a few weeks ago?

 

[delcrossv]

Is this the one that Salt Lake Collectibles sold on Gun Broker a few weeks ago?

Nope. I've had this a while.

Edit: Looked it up. Wow!

 

[deputydon]

It is my considered opinion (and worth exactly what you are paying for it) that 5" 27's seem more rare is that folks like me that have one aren't willing to part with it. I have a 3 1/2", 4", 5", & 6" and am not selling.

-don

 

[rubiranch]

It is my considered opinion (and worth exactly what you are paying for it) that 5" 27's seem more rare is that folks like me that have one aren't willing to part with it. I have a 3 1/2", 4", 5", & 6" and am not selling.

-don

I have a 3.5", 4", 5", two 6" (one nickle), 6.5", a 8 3/8" and I'm not willing to part with any of them.

Every time I see this thread I start thinking that I need a pre or a no dash 5" 27 to replace my -2 5". I will never ever sell my -2 5" due to its sentimental value and history.

So, stop it. LOL

 

[BAM-BAM]

In an era when lots of cops were carrying 6" 38s.... and 4 inch 27 were special order....... the 5" guns seem like the prefect compromise.

 

[mososodbob]

Congrats!

I've been keeping an eye out for my favorite hard to find Model 27's for years. In my area, you never find a 5" barrel .357 anywhere in my area.

I got a call to go check out a few military rifles from an estate and the one revolver sitting there was a lovely pre-27, matching stocks and at least 95% finish, serial number from 1954-55 range.

So I'm making arrangements for it to come home and live happily every after at my house.

It's nice enough and matching enough I was pondering getting a letter for it.
So my three questions are;

1. How hard to find are 5" guns? I've seen far more of every other barrel length than a 5" gun and no one around here seems to think they are rarer than 3.5" guns.

2. Is is worth lettering?

Guess you don't want mine anymore?

 

[vipermd]

I've been keeping an eye out for my favorite hard to find Model 27's for years. In my area, you never find a 5" barrel .357 anywhere in my area.

Very nice nice. Did you give a price? did I miss it? Be Safe,