My local gun store has a 90-95% Pre-14 6" barrel on sale for $850 with correct stocks. Also there is a 98%+ Pre-27 6" barrel, with incorrect stocks (some ugly rubber ones) for $1350. The Pre-27 looks in great shape, but that price seems high. No box, docs, etc though for either. Don't have photos, sorry. Cannot buy both at this time, so need to prioritize.

I don't yet have any 4-screw models yet and very much like these older hand-ejectors. The price can probably come down 10%. What do you more experienced members think? I would definitely use these on the range, but unlikely carry them in a holster.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

I would probably get the pre-27, but offer a few hundred less for the gun. I love my pre-27. Then again I don't have a 14 so maybe a pre-14.

If neither would be carried, I would definitely go for the N-Frame. Except for the missing original stocks, it's in higher condition and come on, it's the primo S&W of its era! Price does seem a little high given the pretty common 6" barrel length.

By the way, it will be a 5 screw.

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You're shy a few manners.

I'm an N frame person so that would be my vote. Correct grips are around and not horribly expensive.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I think both guns are priced a bit high but for a few hundred dollars more the pre 27 is in a whole other category. I have only been collecting for a few years and as a result I have far fewer N frames due to prices just being too high for me to get the money past the wife. A pristine pre 27 is tough to find for under $1500 where as model 14's and pre model 14's are plentiful in the $650 to $850 price range. If I were you, I would try to get the pre 27 as cheap as you can, then save up and buy some target grips for it's appropriate age. Good luck!

Does this happen to be at Vienna Arsenal?

The K38 is a wonderful gun, but that one for the condition is too high by a couple hundred or so. I would rather have the pre M27, although I think that is still a couple hundred too high and it is going to cost 100+ for grips. I would make my offer with cash in hand for the N frame

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I'd go for the M-27. They are my favorite.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

For whatever reason, collector popularity or simple production numbers perhaps, higher condition 14's are more common. These one days should be able to find a really nice 14 in the $500-600 range, with original grips. The harder to find 27 in similar condition will run something around double that or more. I think I'd take a small stack of Benjamin's and try to negotiate in your case.

I would negotiate for the per-27. If, for some reason it is gone, then go after the pre-14. Love my 27-2.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

Handle both as much as you can. I knew before I even started reading posts nearly everyone would say go for the N frame.
Great advice if you like N frames or are wanting to sit on it and try to make a little money down the road with it.
You may find you like the Masterpiece better, or you will gain an understanding of why the N frame 357 is so popular.

The 14 sounds like a nice shooter grade gun, the 27 sounds like a colletacable that would be a nice shooter as well. I have a 27-2 that I shoot all the time but if your going to shoot offhand it is a bit on the heavy side. Both are nice revolvers.

N frame .357's are the bee's knees. Pre 27.

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

Another vote for the pre 27. 14s ain’t got no cool, checkered top strap!

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213th FBINA

Another factor to consider if you actually plan to shoot it, use it for home defense, etc., is that the .357 Magnum is more versatile, as it can fire any .38 Special load as well.

That may not mean much to some people, but it does seem like we experience ammo panics / shortages fairly frequently.
Like right now, for instance.

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You're shy a few manners.

The pre 14 should be closer to $600 (or less) and the pre 27 in 6 in $1000. It is the least favored bbl length by collectors.

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Charlie

They are both desirable guns. If you want a "collector" I'd go with the Pre-27. If I was looking for a "shooter", I'd go for the Pre-14. Both are getting very hard to find anymore. When you do find one in 98-100% condition, expect to pay for it.

The pre-27 would be the one to get. The premier S&W!

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SWCA 2082

Both very high IMO. The 357 is clearly the more desirable of the two. But way over priced. 8-9 hundred I think. Lack of original stocks is a $100 deduction. The 6" is most common and brings the least money.

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No life story has happy end.