Model 27-2, yes another....

[MiketheTraveler]

See if I can get this right:
Model 27-2
S&W 357 Magnum
6.5 inch barrel
Beautiful blue!
S267505

This is in great shape - I only find some varnish under the grip up closest to the hammer, very light all most nil along each outer edge of grip backstrap. I am hoping to use something to soak on what I believe is varnish - I'll take suggestions. And then maybe a wooden dowel to the starting rust? I believe there may also be some(very little) along with the varnish I found.
My great uncle bought this new, I believe, and I'm betting its a 70s serial number. When he passed, my dad took this, and I took a shorter Colt 357M, what did I know? I thought the 4" Colt was cool, but it turned out the rifling was very poor, so I traded it off as a fixer upper. Anyway...
My dad and I love this - its so stupidly accurate. I saw a thread from Smithwesson27 and saw the response he got about his new acquisition. I've had, well, me and dad - its a family gun I think I've shot more than he has, this pistol for almost 30 years and had no idea it is regarded as highly as it is.

I am interested in knowing all there is to know about it, and I think I'll take it out next range trip. Last time I know I shot it was 2010.

 

[rbmac52]

Beautiful revolver Mike! The Model 27 is the Cadillac of the S&W revolver line and my all time favorite.

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Beautiful revolver Mike! The Model 27 is the Cadillac of the S&W revolver line and my all time favorite.

Thanks! It is sweet.
Aside from how sweet I think it is and feels, what is it that made this model "the Cadillac" of the revolver line? Is it something S&W set out to do on purpose for this model? Or did it happen after the production, because other later models are not "as Cadillac"?
I have two and a half (this one the half ) S&W revolvers, I have had two others that went the way of, well, they're gone. I've also had, and shot other revolvers. The only revolver I have shot and own that is as nice in all respects as any of my Smiths is a Kimber K6S. It's a 3" and a carry piece.

 

[oddshooter]

i've heard that the 27 is the descendent of the Registered Magnums of the 30's. That was the beginning of the "Cadillac" moniker.

prescut

 

[rbmac52]

The main reason for the Cadillac moniker is that the top strap and barrel rib are finely checkered. The Model 27 is the ONLY revolver in the S&W line to have this distinction, which was carried over from the original Registered Magnum. Several other high end revolvers in the line were just as nice in terms of fit and finish, but the Model 27 stands out above all of them for this reason.

 

[Narragansett]

Your gun probably dates late 1966 to early 67.

There are a lot of guys here that have worked on rust removal. It would be nice to see pictures the specific areas you are referring to, so the best how to suggestions can be offered. If you use any wool, use bronze wool, not steel.

You have a fine example there of desirable model. Enjoy it

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Your gun probably dates late 1966 to early 67.

There are a lot of guys here that have worked on rust removal. It would be nice to see pictures the specific areas you are referring to, so the best how to suggestions can be offered. If you use any wool, use bronze wool, not steel.

You have a fine example there of desirable model. Enjoy it

'66 or '67? Wow, older than I imagined it to be, I like that! I'll get some close up clear pics to post when I take off the stocks again, show you all what I see.

 

[Nightowl]

Before September, 1975, the model 27s shipped with standard Magna stocks. Those diamond targets were either special ordered with the gun, or added after it left the factory. I still prefer the target stocks, having no use whatsoever for standard Magnas. Nice old 27.

 

[Pine_Worker]

Always room for another 27!

 

[series guy]

Acetone is great for removing dried lubricants that resemble varnish. You can scrape the rust spots with the open edge of a brass shell case and quite often make it disappear. I like to use Ballistol when I do this.

 

[SS57]

Superb wheel gun there sir. Similar story in my family. I have a 27-1 that my uncle owned. Sadly he had to pass away for me to get it.

 

[moosedog]

Great story. Very cool that you and your father share the interest.

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Great story. Very cool that you and your father share the interest.

He loves to shoot this! We were always rifle shooters growing up, mostly 22LR target, I started hunting on my own when I was 14 or so, just small game. During my time in the Corps I discovered the joy of revolver shooting - go figure, we qualed with 1911s - and when I got out, and my mom's uncle died, my dad discovered the joy of revolver shooting. So yes, we do so enjoy going to an outdoor range, just the two of us and whatever pistols we bring.

The 27 always makes that list!

 

[27 Man]

Oh my. I have several 27-2 revolvers with all the barrel lengths but the
6 1/2” still eludes me. Congrats on a special revolver.

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Picture intense

Ok, here is the whole thing. I sat in the quiet this morning, coffee and cleaning supplies, took off the stocks and started inspecting and with my REAL glasses, saw that a lot of what I thought might be rust, was possibly varnished lubricant, and with the aid of the camera, confirmed exactly that. Todays "cameras-that-are-phones" are so excellent!
So, I got 99% of everything off, I used a fired 38spl case, no pressure, and it scraped off the varnish with no scarring of the blue. I used cotton cloth and fingers to try and buff the varnish "outline" or shadow, but it's still lightly visible. On the machine finish of the grip frame, I used oil and a bronze brush - found out that going WITH the grain, so to speak, is MUCH more successful than against at rust removal. Got rid of 99% of that too!
So here is the progression, I hope in the right order!

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Picture intense 2

Next round...

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Picture intense 3

Another string of pics...

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Picture intense 4 and out

Last few. There is the gorgeous checkering on the top, and sight alignment.

So, what are Maga grips? These grips are beautifully grained, but not matching (grain) between the halves. Coated the inside with butcher block oil - most non-destructive oil I could find. Notice the crud in the checkering of the stocks? I don't know if that is something I want to attack - gives it a certain amount of character, I think.

And, what are the 3Ts?

 

[Old cop]

Believe I noted a trigger shoe and if so a word of caution. Make sure the attachment screws are tight, otherwise it could come lose and tie up the trigger.

 

[MiketheTraveler]

Believe I noted a trigger shoe and if so a word of caution. Make sure the attachment screws are tight, otherwise it could come lose and tie up the trigger.

Yes, there is one - it is a perfectly matched addition that I bet Uncle Don had installed when he bought it. He did things like that - his chess sets were white quartz and obsidian at home, lighter weight ebony and ivory to travel with, cigars Cuban, you get the idea.

No sign of loosening yet