27

award · #1 04-01-2011, 04:16 PM

SN 191xxx model 27. Anyone have a year? The gun is really clean with very minor cylinder drag. Blueing looks immacultate but....bottom of the bore at muzzle looks like rust that is popping up. But even that area shines. Thoughts? Price is $689.00.

thedane · #2 04-01-2011, 04:57 PM

The serial number should have an "N" or "S" prefix. Is it marked just 27, 27-1 or 27-2? See if you can run a patch through the bore. Some times there is some residue from a previous cleaning. The barrel length is important. The shorter barrels tend to be more valuable. What about the grips? Condition, type, etc? Is there a box or papers? The devil is in the details as they say. $689 could be fair or it could be great...

award · #3 04-01-2011, 05:03 PM

The prefix is S. It is a model 27 with no dash. Original grips. The smith said what I seen was grease or oil as it wiped out. Blueing is just about mint. The front site is completely black with no orange on it. No box/papers. Price is down to $675.00. Thoughts on whether this is a collectible piece or a shooter. The lands look pretty square to me but it had to of been shot a little bit since the cylinder has a really light drag line. What is this worth?

mtime7 · #4 04-01-2011, 05:53 PM

its a collectible piece but a price depends on barrel length

thedane · #5 04-01-2011, 05:56 PM

Based upon your description, it should be worth a lot more than $675. It depends on the barrel length, how much more than $675. 3 1/2", 5", 6/1/2", 8 3/8"? You're looking at a '58/'59, 4 screw. Has it been reblued? That would lower the value. Sounds too good to be true. Original mint finish, all original parts and grips. I'd be all over it.

award · #6 04-01-2011, 06:07 PM

I am going to say it is a 5" barrel. The smith said it was not reblued but damn that pistol looks nice. Maybe I'll go in tomorrow and put it on layaway. What is it actually worth with the 5" barrel?

mtime7 · #7 04-01-2011, 06:13 PM

I don't know what the price would be for what you describe, 5" is a sought after barrel length, but it would be well north of $675 I would think.. I would look it over very close though..

award · #8 04-01-2011, 06:20 PM

Would the sn be on the inside flats of the grips if they were original? Any other place that would have a s.n.? The black front sight normal? Adjustable rear sight or not? I did dry fire it while catching the hammer on my thumb and I have to say that trigger is short, smooth and sweet.

Does anyone have a photo of a correct 27 in that range so that I can download it to my ipod and bring it in to compare?

Edit: Here is a link from this forum. 5" Smith & Wesson Model 27 (4-screw) ~ 1959

The smith I am looking at is identical and in as good or better shape.

mtime7 · #9 04-01-2011, 06:32 PM

Not real familar with early 27s but I think front sight could be either, adjustable rear, diamond magnas, with serial # on inside right grip,I think was standard ..Look at the S&W trade mark for raised edges, for over polishing to see about refinish

If I am wrong Please correct me, I am not an expert ,and my wallet will only allow for 27-2s

Nightowl · #10 04-01-2011, 09:27 PM

Standard build was with a black rear sight blade, black front sight and standard trigger, hammer and grips. Ramp sights on 3 1/2 and 5 inchers, patridge on 6, 6 1/2 and 8 3/8 lengths. They are great guns, and worth every penny!

award · #11 04-01-2011, 09:51 PM

What is a patridge sight? Excuse my ignorance.

fyimo · #12 04-01-2011, 09:59 PM

Looks like the one on this 6 inch nickel 27-2

award · #13 04-01-2011, 10:18 PM

Nice pistol there. The front sight is not a patridge then as it is ramped. Then I would assume I was right that it was a 5" barrel.

How the hell am I going to pay for this????

Whats bottom dollar I should offer?

fyimo · #14 04-01-2011, 10:33 PM

If the bluing is indeed mint and it only has a turn line and it has not been refinished then the price is a steal and I'd been racing there to buy it and throw my shoulder out it's of socket getting my money out. I have two 5 inch S&W model 27-2 with 5 inch barrels and I paid more then $675 for both of them in the same condition and a no dash is worth a lot more.

Snowbandit · #15 04-01-2011, 10:47 PM

Lots of folks think the 5-inch barrel length is the best. Like others have said, for that price I would be all over it.

award · #16 04-02-2011, 05:09 PM

Looked at the pistol again today. It does indeed have a patridge front sight. Has the football shape relief in the grip also. I just can't afford it right now. Definately a 27 and beautiful.

Nightowl · #17 04-02-2011, 09:21 PM

A Patridge front sight on a 5 inch barrel is a bit unusual. I believe that it could have been ordered that way, but only a letter would tell for sure.

4-Screw · #18 04-02-2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by award

Looked at the pistol again today. It does indeed have a patridge front sight. Has the football shape relief in the grip also. I just can't afford it right now. Definately a 27 and beautiful.

PM me the info on where it is if you are not interested...I have a close friend looking for one. Thanks.

MKT · #19 04-03-2011, 12:41 AM

Model 28, serial S195097, shipped Novemver 1959. The Model 27 could have shipped earlier or later depnding on sales and/or where they grabbed from on the rack. Guns didn't ship in numerical order.

award · #20 04-03-2011, 02:38 PM

So shipping doesn't determine build year, understandable. But I found a site that mentioned s191xxx for late '57 and someone else confirmed it, unless that info is up in the air also.

Question: What makes these old revolvers collectible then? Is it condition? How much it was shot? I know about k98 nazi rifles but what is the difference with these pistols?