Please help me decide between 2 Pre M27 5 screws.

armybass · #1 08-16-2010, 08:26 PM

My local shop has two different 6" Pre M27's. The first is about a 1954 with Magnas in about what I would conservatively say 80% condition. I can get it for about $800. The other is a 1955 lettered Smith with Target grips and in probably 98% for $1200. I am really tempted to go for lettered Smith but I would never shoot that gun. I am so torn because I do like to shoot all of my guns but this would be a first real safe queen for me. Just looking for some input one way or the other. Interested in hearing any opinions. Save the $300 and have a cool shooter or spend the extra dough and have a collector?

m-1911 · #2 08-16-2010, 08:30 PM

You can never go wrong buying "condition". But I have a third option for you. buy both of them!!! Problem solved

Seriously though, $800 seems high for an 80% gun

armybass · #3 08-16-2010, 08:34 PM

Thank you, I totally agree. Maybe I am off on the condition. I will let you folks decide. Here is the link to the $800 pre M27, S&W Pre 27 5 Screw .357 6 inch Barrel 357 : Curios and Relics at GunBroker.com

armybass · #4 08-16-2010, 08:38 PM

I should point out that I can get it for $800 because I already have a store credit... They actually have it listed on GB mistakenly. I just noticed today and let them know that I already have that particular gun on layaway. So it will be pulled tomorrow unless I decide on the other pre M27.
:0)

Art Doc · #5 08-16-2010, 08:59 PM

Both are more than what I would pay. The 6" barrel length is the most common and an 80% gun isn't worth $800 to me. In my world that's a $400 shooter. The other sounds nice but again the 6" isn't all that hot and I would not pay that much.

But that's me. You do what you want. Your money and your choice.

armybass · #6 08-16-2010, 10:22 PM

Thanks but in my area, these are still pretty hard to come by. I agree they are a bit high in the prices but that doesn't concern me as much as getting the the right one. I love the magnas on an N frame but I have never had a lettered Smith that old in that good of shape either. Thanks for the input.

Nightowl · #7 08-16-2010, 10:33 PM

I have seen far harder used pre 27's with higher prices on them. Asking prices seem to keep going up. By the way, they are not making any more like them and the factory prices for new ones are higher. I once hesistated over buying a 3 1/2" pre 27 in beautiful condition for $500 when my brother asked when I thought I would find another one!! I made a great decision and that is one fine shooting gun and still in great condition. You can buy the better condition one and shoot thousands of rounds through it with little degration in finish if you don't put it in a holster very much. Good luck with your decision.

bamabiker · #8 08-16-2010, 10:59 PM

From the pictures I'd say the gun looks fine, 90% or better. The grips are a little rough but refinish them and give the gun a good cleaning and wax and I think you have a fine gun that you can shoot all you want. JMO.

armybass · #9 08-16-2010, 11:14 PM

Thanks for the input folks. I thought I might be a little off on my opinion of condition. I am sure I would be happy with either. I have no intention of holstering either. Just shooting, cleaning and admiring.

fat tom · #10 08-17-2010, 12:04 AM

Well,this one has had several thousands of rounds through it. Like you said:"Shoot it,clean it and admire it." They will still look like a safe queen.

f.t.

alaskavett · #11 08-17-2010, 03:08 AM

Here is my take on this from my small section of reality.. I would buy at least one of them and shoot at least one of them.Take care of them and clean them after each outing or handling. You will always enjoy shooting a early 27 as they are such sweet shooters. The 6 inch bbls are very accurate in my experience. Kyle

Marksman · #12 08-17-2010, 05:37 AM

If you can get the 90% gun for $800.00 I'd say go for it. It sounds as though you are more of a shooter than a collector. $1200.00 seems like a lot for the higher conditioned gun, the extra $400.00 would buy a lot of ammo. I have two Pre 27's both are 5" and they would be some of the last S&W's that I would part with. I purchased them several years ago and paid $650.00, prices have risen since then and keep on rising. I feel that Pre 27's the successor to the Registered Magnum will continue to appreciate and represent a good investment.

armybass · #13 08-17-2010, 07:16 AM

Thanks again for all the input, I have one question that I forgot to ask. Is there a big difference in perceived value between pre 27's with magna or target grips?

fat tom · #14 08-17-2010, 08:01 AM

Not really.
f.t.

Jack Flash · #15 08-17-2010, 08:10 AM

I think you know which one you want. Buy it and quit playing Lord Hamlet.

K.R._Rabbit · #16 08-17-2010, 08:19 AM

My advice, always buy the best you can afford. As far as condition, it is already used. Buy the better gun, and enjoy it. Shoot it, clean it, and have fun.

crofoot629 · #17 08-17-2010, 09:24 AM

Always buy condition.

I too think the 80% gun is a bit high.

And if it’s 98% or less shoot it.
I’ve go so far as to holster a 98%, 3 ½” pre 27 upon occasion and carry it. It’s not made of gold.

I understand taking care of, and just being the guns steward for safe keeping as it passes through my hands, but treat these 98%- 95% guns with care and shoot them.

Did I mention always buy condition. Well $175.oo pre model 10’s have there place, but buy condition!

Emory

armybass · #18 08-17-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Flash

I think you know which one you want. Buy it and quit playing Lord Hamlet.

Oh I wish it were that simple. I want BOTH of them. But I have purchased three guns in the past two months and I also have a M19-3 and a M686 no dash on layaway at the same shop. I think I will go with the cheaper of the two and save the big money for what I really want which is a short barrel pre M27.

DCWilson · #19 08-17-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

Oh I wish it were that simple. I want BOTH of them. But I have purchased three guns in the past two months and I also have a M19-3 and a M686 no dash on layaway at the same shop. I think I will go with the cheaper of the two and save the big money for what I really want which is a short barrel pre M27.

Can't argue with that thought process. Hope it all works out. Let us know as events unfold.

Hammerdown · #20 08-18-2010, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

Oh I wish it were that simple. I want BOTH of them. But I have purchased three guns in the past two months and I also have a M19-3 and a M686 no dash on layaway at the same shop. I think I will go with the cheaper of the two and save the big money for what I really want which is a short barrel pre M27.

Hello
Nothing wrong with wanting a short barrel pre-27. They are Scarse and Heavily sought after. In my Humble Opion, I would Pull The Two you have on lay-away being that 19-3 and that 686 and put the down money on the pair of Pre-27's.

The Prices you mention for them are average in todays market and if you Pass on them, You may never see any that nice again. I am partial to the Pre-27's with short barrels myself, Here is one in Nickel from 1955 and the One that started it all a First year Registered Magnum from 1935. This should make your decission a little easier...

kennyb · #21 08-18-2010, 06:25 PM

well...it's a 6.5",beautiful condition.....i spotted it today as i was looking around...shipped 1-20-55 to watkins/cottrell&co.richmond,va.happens to be within 10 days of my wifes birthday!!yes,that was my reasoning....and...best of all, they reduced the prices by 10%....sooooo...had to take the plunge!

boykinlp · #22 08-18-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyb

well...it's a 6.5",beautiful condition.....i spotted it today as i was looking around...shipped 1-20-55 to watkins/cottrell&co.richmond,va.happens to be within 10 days of my wifes birthday!!yes,that was my reasoning....and...best of all, they reduced the prices by 10%....sooooo...had to take the plunge!

Now I am confused, is this one of the guns that the OP was looking at or another gun?

armybass · #23 08-18-2010, 07:49 PM

drool...... I can't let the other two go. The 19-3 is in fantastic shape and I got a killer deal on it and the 686 which is a no dash and also a 8 3/8th incher. But I do wish I could get them both but it is just not practical. I am a single dad and school is starting in a few weeks. Got school supplies, clothes and band uniforms to buy.... :0/ When my boys grow up maybe I can go S&W crazy... more than I already have.

armybass · #24 08-18-2010, 07:53 PM

Kenny if you got it from Dances...congrats and thanks for saving me the continued heartache!

armybass · #25 08-18-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyb

well...it's a 6.5",beautiful condition.....i spotted it today as i was looking around...shipped 1-20-55 to watkins/cottrell&co.richmond,va.happens to be within 10 days of my wifes birthday!!yes,that was my reasoning....and...best of all, they reduced the prices by 10%....sooooo...had to take the plunge!

Yeah that is the one. Kenny I almost grabbed it Saturday...they were offering 20% off of used guns but I pulled the trigger on the 686 instead. Congrats to a local Smith fan!

armybass · #26 08-18-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

Now I am confused, is this one of the guns that the OP was looking at or another gun?

Yup, sure is!

kennyb · #27 08-19-2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

Yup, sure is!

yes...apparently the same one...spotted it today...beautiful condition.....had to grab it

lonegunman762x51 · #28 08-23-2010, 02:23 AM

I picked up a 6.5 inch 1956 gun in about 95% condition about a month ago for far less money than you got into yours. My FFL had a 3.5 inch pre-27 as well for a bit more money so I bought that as well.

As a buddy of mine always says, "You never pay too much, you might pay to early, but you never pay to much for the right gun." His meaning is that when it is collectable, desireable and in the right condition it will eventually make your price.

Jimmymac46 · #29 08-23-2010, 03:15 AM

Sounds like you gave it too much thought.......or you really didn't desire them as much as you imagined. The 686 8 inch will be every bit as good a shooter as either of the 27's. I have several 27's (granted, not pre-models, just -2's) and an 8 inch 686. I shoot the 686 far more often that my 27's. It is the most accurate 357 I own. And, it appears to me you really wanted a shooter in the first place.