Looking at a 27-2... anything to watch out for regarding fakery, refinishing, etc?

SWOH

Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2019
Messages
86
Reaction score
95
Location
RINO Country
I'm probably going to go look at one on the other side of the state, a 5" model, pinned and recessed. One thing I notice is the non-diamond target grips w/ medallions are heavily varnished. I just picked up a mid-60s model 28-2 with diamond grips that are much less shiny, albeit more used. The polish and finish of the bluing looks good in the pictures, but cameras can hide things depending on lighting unless one gets a couple dozen pics from a variety of angles. Guessing it had to have been made after 68 - what was the last production date for the 5"?
 
Register to hide this ad
P&R 5" Model 27-2s are some of the most coveted by S&W Forum members. Both the 3-1/2" and 5" barrels were discontinued in 1979 (per SCSW 5th Ed.). I believe that the 5" 27-2 that you're planning to look at probably shipped wearing Magna stocks, although target stocks could have been a special order (target stocks became standard in 1980). If you're basing the manufacture date of 1968 on just the stocks, it may not be correct. That revolver could have been manufactured as early as 1961 when the -2 was introduced...only the s/n can tell you for sure. Good luck!
 
Guessing it had to have been made after 68 - what was the last production date for the 5"?
The letter I received yesterday for my only 5" 27-2 arrived yesterday...Read through both sides for Don's answer to your question...The Goncalo Alves target stocks were apparently added by a previous caretaker, but they'll stay on it for my tenure as curator...:unsure: ...Ben

139-1 Redacted.jpg
139-2.jpg
139-2289.JPG
 
Last edited:
More likely than not the five inch is a N pre-fix, one of the latter ones. Correct era target stocks would not have the diamond and would have a lacquer finish, originals can even have a plastic finish look but those could easily have finish added or have been refinished. If it is a S pre-fix gun, many/most would consider it more desirable even with incorrect era stocks. Research both unless you have info telling you which it is.
 
What would be a fair price for this gun, assuming 98%+, maybe better. I'm in OH and so is the gun, albeit at the other side of the state. If certain variations of production date or serial number affect it, please include that in the guesstimate. Asking is over $2500.
 
What would be a fair price for this gun, assuming 98%+, maybe better. I'm in OH and so is the gun, albeit at the other side of the state. If certain variations of production date or serial number affect it, please include that in the guesstimate. Asking is over $2500.
That seems pretty high to me. Does it come with the original box papers, tools, etc? I paid a lot less for mine, but I think I got an exceptional deal.
 
He says he has the box and MIGHT have papers.
You could probably pick up tools and papers for $125 to $150 on eBay.

The most that I've paid for a nice 27-2 recently was $1600 for a blued 4 inch gun with presentation case, tools, and papers. I paid less for a 5 inch blued gun and a 5 inch nickel gun. All with boxes, tools, and papers.

Assuming that I got awesome deals, I still don't think your gun should go for more than $2k. Just my two cents.
 
$2500 too high from what I’ve been seeing.
$1750 tops…, maybe stretch to 2k ANIB with everything depending on how badly you want it.
Or wait for a really nice one with all the stuff and maybe a couple of very light handing marks for $1500
Although I’m still a relative newbie, I’ve been on Gunsinternational, Gunbroker and this classifieds forum looking at prices for the last 18 months thrice daily.
Gunsinternational usually has prices that, from what I can tell are about 25% or more above market.
I’ve bought a few things from folks I’ve seen selling there when the prices were sensible.
 
$2500 too high from what I’ve been seeing.
$1750 tops…, maybe stretch to 2k ANIB with everything depending on how badly you want it.
Or wait for a really nice one with all the stuff and maybe a couple of very light handing marks for $1500
Although I’m still a relative newbie, I’ve been on Gunsinternational, Gunbroker and this classifieds forum looking at prices for the last 18 months thrice daily.
Gunsinternational usually has prices that, from what I can tell are about 25% or more above market.
I’ve bought a few things from folks I’ve seen selling there when the prices were sensible.

I would agree with that. I paid well below $1500 for a cherry 5 inch S prefix 27-2 with original box, papers and tools.
 
I would agree with that. I paid well below $1500 for a cherry 5 inch S prefix 27-2 with original box, papers and tools.
That’s a good price for an S prefix in great condition with everything. A rare price but still if you look hard enough for long enough, I’m sure there are others in that range.
They are out there.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top