N frame 357 magnum early 50s

[Tmnguuyen]

Happy Thanksgiving,
Well gents, I fell off the wagon. Told myself to not adding any more to the pile but that didn't last too long. Sitting at home recovering from shoulder surgery looking at gun videos and ended up with a new python combat elite. I was actually looking for a new MR73 but here in CA it is exceedingly ridiculous to purchase new guns. There is now an additional 11% tax on top of sales tax. Anyway, I need to be talked out of selling these two to fund a new MR73. What do yo think of these? If I was to sell them I don't know whether I can cover 1/2 the cost of the MR73. BTW, the new 5" python is a very compelling pistol too.

3.5 " sn 756xx 5" sn 1235xx.
Thanks in advance for your inputs

 

[T44spl]

All I know is those model 27's are no longer made and they are guns that will appreciate in value But the Manurhin is a limited market with a limited audience. If you tried to sell the Manurhin down the road at some point it would Not be an easy task despite being a great gun.
Maybe you need other things to occupy your time while recuperating. If I were in your situation I would not consider the Manurhin if I had to sell those two S&W model 27's. But that's me, someone else may have a different perspective that's why there are ten horses in a race.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

If I'm you I'm keeping the S&Ws and being happy.

 

[Model19man]

I would move now before gun confiscation begins.

 

[RKmesa]

I could not do it... 3.5" 357 Magnums have a one way ticket into the RKmesa residence... I know nothing about the other guns you are looking at, but those two magnums really make me smile. Value estimate:

3.5" - $1,200 - $1,800 without the box
5" - $1,000 - $1,700 without the box

Depending on how and where you sell them it may be higher or lower than my estimate.

They both have a pretty noticeable turn line and appear to have high edge and barrel end holster wear, along with the minor marks associated with a used gun that was well cared for. With that, I would pay on the lower end of the scale, but then again I have multiple examples of each in my collection.

All the best,

 

[Hair Trigger]

No way would I part with a 5-screw, 3-1/2" barrel .357M S&W to buy a Manure-hin.

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

S&W forever! Especially the pre-27's. Until the French have a cinema hero named "Sale Henri" toting a Manhurin, it's a strange niche revolver.

 

[DV0]

I wish you were closer, besides that it would be easy.

 

[Tmnguuyen]

Thanks for the comments gents, particularly @RKMesa. I'm in agreement with you. Should have known better coming here to get opinion on parting with vintage SWs…. I sold my 3.5" and 5" 27-2 after I got these. The 5" 27-2 was unfired complete with presentation case, tools and papers. I prefer my guns with characters and the pre are better with the soft edges , triple stamped SNs etc…. These two are in excellent mechanical condition, timing is perfect, solid lock up and very minimal barrel to cylinder gap.

 

[Retired W4]

You came to the right place for counseling. Having said that, are you nuts?!? BTW, the serial numbers will have an S for the post war sliding hammer safety.

 

[Nightowl]

The 3 1/2 with serial number beginning with 756xx is very early 1950 made gun. It is generally accepted that the beginning serial numbers for the post WWll .357 Magnum began around 75500. Early ones shipped with the service style hammer, meaning it was all the same width. Yours has either the semi target or full target hammer, so it may have been replaced or ordered that way. Either way, for me that would be special. I believe I would letter this one!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Gentlemen...I believe it's time for an intervention. Obviously Tmnguuyen is not thinking clearly (perhaps he's in a Thanksgiving food fog) and is about to make a major mistake by selling his S&W 3-1/2" and 5" .357s. As concerned Forum members, we need to support him and help him through this difficult time.

Just joking, of course. Seriously though, it is his decision if he wants to sell a couple of his vintage and valuable S&Ws to finance an MR73 revolver. Most of us would not make that choice. Is the MR73 revolver a great handgun? Yes. Is it really worth $3k+? Maybe to the right buyers (those that also like pricey Korth and SPOHR handguns). Personally, I would put the MR73 on my Bucket List and wait until I had sufficient funds available to buy one and not sacrifice my S&Ws. Let us know what you decide, Tmnguuyen.

 

[Grayfox]

I wouldn't do it. I just don't see where you'd be gaining anything.

 

[Tmnguuyen]

The 3 1/2 with serial number beginning with 756xx is very early 1950 made gun. It is generally accepted that the beginning serial numbers for the post WWll .357 Magnum began around 75500. Early ones shipped with the service style hammer, meaning it was all the same width. Yours has either the semi target or full target hammer, so it may have been replaced or ordered that way. Either way, for me that would be special. I believe I would letter this one!

Thanks for the info. Both guns have the same hammer, I guess they call them semi target. I was also thinking of getting letter for the 3.5. You guys are right, I don't think I can part with these, particularly the 3.5. I'll figure out how to get a MR73 down the road since they're still making them although I would like to get the first gen made in Mulhouse not the Chapuis version.

 

[Model29-26.5]

You don't need an MR73
You need a 27 and you have it.
What are you even thinking??

 

[AC Man]

I'm old and never heard of a MR73 and have zero interest in owning one even after I Googled it. FWIW I just bought a 1952 pre model 27 357 3.5" magnum in gold box with tools, and papers in mint condition for $3,000 and glad I got it. They don't come around like this ne very often. The only revolvers I paid more for was two pre model 29 44 magnums box and tools. I would pass, but that's just me.

 

[Tmnguuyen]

How about these pre 28 HP? Keep or raise funds for MR73. Both have stocks numbered to the guns. The 6" SN = S1288xx the 4" SN is S1148xx. I know what the answer is but just want to rile you guys up.
They're not beauty queens but I wish I look like them when I'm their age.

 

[Truckman]

I wish I look like them when I'm their age.

Blue in the face, and hard as steel?...I think I see your point......Ben

 

[Retired W4]

How about these pre 28 HP? Keep or raise funds for MR73. Both have stocks numbered to the guns. The 6" SN = S1288xx the 4" SN is S1148xx. I know what the answer is but just want to rile you guys up.
They're not beauty queens but I wish I look like them when I'm their age.

As long as you are asking for advice, here it is, and this is worth exactly what it will cost you. Your 4" S1148xx is a first year HP and should be retained. I have S111760 (4") and it's not going anywhere, but that's just me. Oh, and hang on to that 6" too. You saw that one coming, didn't you.

 

[handejector]

Thanks for the comments gents, particularly @RKMesa. I'm in agreement with you. Should have known better coming here to get opinion on parting with vintage SWs….

WAIT!
STOP!----------
You should do what YOU want to. Be true to yourself!
Do NOT let us influence you.
You have wanted that Manurhin so long you should get it. That's an itch you just have to scratch.
Let me help you out. What's your bottom dollar for the Pre 27s?