I was asked to post pictures so here they are. 27 no dash 4-screw 6 1/2" with cylinder and star numbered to the gun. Barrel is unnumbered. No rework marks on the grip frame. No box. I believe the red ramp was added, possibly by S&W as a special order when the gun was first shipped new or possibly added later on a return for upgrade. Workmanship looks factory quality to me but is certainly questionable. The grips are non-relieved and unnumbered so they are questionable as well. I can add relieved diamond grips so that is easy to fix if needed, but I do not like to "correct" something until I am certain of it.

I am sure the factory put on the red ramp. The only question to be answered is was it done before the gun was shipped or when it was returned.

Bill

The blued finish on that gun is just stunning, and the grips are superb as well.
Very nice gun, thanks for sharing it.

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John

I think your gun is all factory. It is unusual to see red ramp front sight on a 6 1/2" barrel rather than Patridge. S&W generally put ramps on 5" and shorter 27s. However, that doesn't mean yours aren't original. The target stocks are generally not numbered to the gun...only magnas.

Are there any rework stamps on the grip frame? If not, you can be comfortable the gun is original. A letter from Roy might confirm that.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

I'm waiting for the letter on this 6.5" pre-model 357 to see if the ramp is original.

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No life story has happy end.

Look forward to seeing your results. How long ago did you send off for the letter?

CJS57,
Your gun looks great and the grip's grain is fantastic.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I have a 1965 6.5" 27-2 it also has a red ramp. As I recall, most of the 6.5" 27's/pre-27's that I have seen have a red ramp front sight.

BTW: My 6.5" is a shooter that almost always makes it into my bag each time I go to the range.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I had the original partridge front sight replaced with a ramp for holster use on my 6 1/2" M25-2 at the service center. I had no idea the original sight was pinned as it was polished before blueing... just about invisible. The Tech neatly sheared the pin... the piece is still stuck in the partridge sight which was returned to me. The new sight now has a visible pin as does yours. The new sight is held in place while the pin is drilled.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

My 27 no dash 6 1/2 " Bbl also has the red ramp on it. It appears original form factory, comparing it to other red ramps I have.

It's Patridge not Partridge. Patridge was the name of the man who designed the sight. Partridge is a bird in a pear tree.

I didn't realize so many 6.5" 357/27s had red inserts. I suspect mine is indeed original with so many examples out there.

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No life story has happy end.

Exceptionally nice grips !
The gun is not "half-bad" either !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Beautiful gun CJS57. Love the grips also.

Thanks everyone! My friend offered it to me last year for $700 so I jumped on it! I was concerned the grips are the early variation without the speed loader cut out. But it appears everyone thinks they are ok for this serial number?

I have 4, no-dash 4-screw 27's....
3-1/2", S208K , Baughman ramp
5", S220K , red ramp
6", S208K, patridge
6-1/2", S185K, patridge
Just goes to show ya nothing is always as it seems...
JIM......................

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SWCA # L-1911

CJS57 your model 27 is outstanding. I have 6.5 s186xxx with red ramp identical to yours. Now for the question for those more knowledgeable than-me, should it be accompanied by a white outline rear sight? Wallace

Mine is......

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No life story has happy end.