Stopped in this morning at the local P&G. Counter buddy tells me there's a 27 in the case. Turns out it's a 5 screw 357 magnum (sn: S984XX)in good shape. Mechanically sound-wrong grips. I have some concern as the barrel blue wear seems much less than the rest of the gun. The front sight pins are polished flush. I am wondering if it has been rebarreled. It was priced as a shooter so either way it's good.

These pics are with no cleanup on my desk at work

S98xxx should be from 1953. No serial number in the barrel shroud? The blue on the barrel and shroud does look suspiciously different.
Still a good find.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

You guys are so lucky to find pistols at pawn shops. Here in Michigan, pawn shops are not allowed to buy/sell handguns, only long guns.

S95,000 – S102,999….…..Late 1953 – Early 1954 (manufacture). My guess is it probably shipped toward the end of 1953, but very possibly in the early months of 1954. I list SN S990xx as shipping in 4/54. There should be a matching number stamped inside the barrel extractor rod shroud. If replaced at the factory, there will probably be a date stamp on the grip frame, on the left side under the grips, may also be a star or asterisk next to the SN. If the barrel were replaced at the factory, the SN on the barrel would be stamped to match that on the frame. If SNs don't match, the re-barreling was done elsewhere. Also, if S&W did the re-barreling, the whole gun would have been re-blued.

How in the devil can you see the blue on the barrel and frame to make a statement. I need to learn what you Eagle eyes see. Pls. help me to see the differences. Not being critical. Best.

__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Stocks/grips are not a 1953 style!!!!!

Hey Mike!
I realize we have to account for lighting problems, but to my eyes the blue on the barrel appears to be noticeably darker than that on the frame. I did blow up the pictures. I concede that my perception could be wrong. But that is what I was going on, stimulated by the OP's comment. My "statement" was not intended to be definitive, just an observation.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Here's an additional data point: The first Highway Patrolman shipped in April, 1954, and bore serial number S103500.

But if you want to note an oddity, S97799 (a .38/44) shipped in November, 1959!

Agreed. That was the point of my question in post #3.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Jack, didnt mean to jump on you. I just have trouble with these small pics, and yes lighting and angels are a great factor. It sounds like a great shooter if the price was according. I now see the glare on the frame and none on the barrel. Thanks. Best

__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

The barrel blue is darker than the remainder of the revolver.

No serial number in the barrel shroud but it is a checkered top strap barrel.

The only marking on the left side of the grip frame is B

The right side of the grip frame has a 5 and a 6 around the grip guide pin and a 1 stamped nearby.

Dave

The stocks are late model factory supplied by Altamont. Pawn shops in my area rarely have anything good. Based on that, I hardly ever go. Congrats on the pre 27! Someday 1 will come my way. Bob

No problem. I wasn't offended.

Cheers!

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Shot 18 rounds @ 25 yds this evening. Very accurate.

As the barrel is not original to the gun, how difficult (and expensive)is it to find a 3 1/2" barrel appropriate to this revolver?

Thanks for all the insight on this
Dave

A couple of years ago I stopped in one of our local pawn shops. I walked out with a pre model 27 3 1/2 inch in 96 percent shape. Grips were numbered to the gun. 600.00 out the door. serial no. 108313. You have to visit often and pay attention. I am waiting for a Rem Model 25 in 25-20 to come out. Good shape, probably 70%. Great shooter I hope.
I have made some great buys in pawn shops, and have walked by some guns I really wanted because they were priced way over their value. That is where you find neat old stuff though.

I think the right thing to do is send this to Fords for re-blue. I know the barrel is replaced so I'll keep it and shoot it without worry.

I'll find the correct stocks and have a beauty that can be used.

Thanks for alll the input.

Dave

I like your thought on the 3.5" bbl.

I'd shoot it as is while looking for a 3.5" bbl.

Nice find.

before I'd sent it to Ford's for their re-blue.. I'd letter it for the correct barrel length , then get a nice example of the correct length & if they are able to, have Ford replace the barrel and then re-blue it. A 3 1/2" mod 27 ought to make a super CCW. When I for see serious social work, I upgrade to carrying a S&W mod 29, 4" CCW under a loose shirt, light sweater or jacket in a cross draw OWB.. Your model 27 ought to be even handier.

__________________
be safe,enjoylife,journey well