The Ultimate Model 27 Thread!

[younggun22]

Originally Posted by Leatherhead23

Thank you...I've wanted a set of Ivory targets for a while. Right place, right time for these to join my collection.

Holy Moly! Thats a fantastic collection!

[Bullseye 2620]

[Bullseye 2620]

Originally Posted by 1blindref

3.5" nickel pre 27, shipped to Evaluator's May 19, 1953 (still looking for a gold box)



6.5" nickel pre 27

IMO the two most beautiful box stock 27s ever made.

[CajunBass]

I should have added this one a while back.

27-2, 4" from about 1980.





It came with a presentation case that needed reflocking, with the cleaning rod, brush, etc.

[Blind Boy]

This is a 5", RR, W/O, with Keith Brown stocks. It's an S s/n, came new in box to me several years ago, plus exhibition display box and diamond target stocks. It isn't NIB any more.

[Bacon]

[BigBill]

I’m hooked on model 27-2 but mainly 6” in nickel.

[runscott]

My searches are total fails. What kind of front sights are these?

[muddocktor]

Originally Posted by runscott

My searches are total fails. What kind of front sights are these?

That is a patridge sight, runscott.

[runscott]

Originally Posted by muddocktor

That is a patridge sight, runscott.

Thanks so much. For some reason that's what I thought, but it's late and I'm trying to get the paperwork submitted to get a letter for this gun...so my brain has stopped working.

[Jraym12]

I'm new to smith revolvers. Just bought this from gunbroker and the prices seem pretty high. I'm not sure if this 27-2 looks reblued or not.

[runscott]

Originally Posted by Jraym12

I'm new to smith revolvers. Just bought this from gunbroker and the prices seem pretty high. I'm not sure if this 27-2 looks reblued or not.

Find some of Richard's very clear photos of the S&W logos on the right side of the frame. Compare those to yours. If it's been re-blued there's a good chance the details will be smoother and more washed out in yours. Also look for wear on the inside of the screw holes - original blueing will have very sharp edges to the holes.

I am very paranoid about re-bluing and re-nickling. I recently passed up on a legitimate nickle Model 19 because I thought it had been refinished. I lost a great deal and could have just asked for a clearer photo of the s&w logo. But another one is just around the corner. As cool as these guns are, there are still lots of them around in nice condition.

[rubiranch]

What's up with photobucket???



Here's my 27 no-dash.















And my unfired 27-7. The only pre-lock 8-shot .357. This is probably my favorite of all my guns.

I have not yet taken possession of my 3 1/2" Pre-27.

[daddio202]

Had to post a pic of my Pre-27. The S serial indicates a late 1954 or early 1955. I have some new old stock target grips being shipped to me now. I will need to get them on and post additional pictures when they come.

[runscott]

What a beauty! Mine is a 1955 and came with 1950s non-diamond targets. I picked up some 1956-ish service grips that look great but are too small. Now I'm waiting on a pair of age-appropriate targets - my girl insisted on diamonds.

How does it shoot?

[CH4]

My 27/627 family is still very small, but have plans to grow it; a 3.5” -2 or earlier is next on my list, but won’t turn away longer examples. To my mind the 27 is the flagship of Smith revolvers, particularly those with the waffle top.

[runscott]

Originally Posted by CH4

My 27/627 family is still very small, but have plans to grow it; a 3.5” -2 or earlier is next on my list, but won’t turn away longer examples. To my mind the 27 is the flagship of Smith revolvers, particularly those with the waffle top.

I'm not seeing that they changed much from the 1930's registered magnum days.

Yesterday, after shooting the 686 and .357 magnum alternatingly, I had a hard time deciding if I liked one more than the other - the power of the .357 round itself kind of rattled my thinking ability while firing - but when I shot a cylinder of .38 special through each, I felt like the .357 was easier to handle and I expected to hit the bullseye with single-action. Perhaps the 686 trigger could be worked to be as good - it only has had about 300 rounds put through it.

When I got home, after cleaning them I compared the various features. The first thing that stood out was how much thicker the forcing cone is on the .357, yet the barrel is much thinner. Since the frame is bigger, the cylinder was of course bigger, making the chamber walls much thicker as well, given that the .357 hold 6 rounds and the smaller-cylinder 686+ holds 7. Another interesting point (to me) was the flat hammer on the 686 vs the pinned hammer on the .357. I'm sure there is terminology for these things, but I haven't learned it yet. Other than those things, most of the features from 1955 look surprisingly the same. I'm not feeling any less weight in the 686, but I guess it must be lighter.

All this is making me think that the 686 was brought out entirely in response to the Python, and wasn't really necessary in terms of functionality. I suppose I'm a .357 magnum/model 27 bigot. But I guess that's okay, since this is the 'Ultimate 27' thread.

The other advantage the .357 magnum/model 27 has over the 686 is Richard's photographic documentation. Stainless steel just isn't going to win any beauty pageants when one of his 27's is involved.

[ncpapaul]

ex police service, been shot, handled rough, shoots good.

[ls6sbc]

my small smith collection 27-2 6in,27-2 5in, 19-4 6in , 19-4 4in, 19-3 21/2in 34-1 4in second photo includes a 422, mp 9, 4506 and a 1911

[muddocktor]

Nice collection you got started there, ls6sbc. Watch out though, as model 27's are extremely addictive.

[smith17]

6" tube from June of '63. With rosewood.

[runscott]

This does not compare with what you guys have shown, but I love it nonetheless - Here is my 1955. It arrived looking kind of nasty, with 1968+ targets. I obtained some 1955 service grips that looked great but are too small for my hands. Got these correct targets today. They are smaller than the 1968 ones and feel great in my hands. I think they probably had some broken ears and chipped back bottom corners sanded and re-worked.
The bottom halves are not close to even - is that common? Regardless, the end result is a great match for my hands. This is the first official member of my vintage .357 collection and is a helluva shooter. I'm already thinking of it as my oldest grandson's inheritance.

Edited to add - grain seems to match halves. Haven't seen that before.

[GRT3031]

Originally Posted by ncpapaul

ex police service, been shot, handled rough, shoots good.

Jim Cirillo's NYPD Model 10 Heavy Barrel had a wide target hammer and the .265 trigger like your 27.

Great set up for DA work, and when pinpoint accuracy's needed, SA.

[Leatherhead23]

Originally Posted by runscott

This does not compare with what you guys have shown, but I love it nonetheless - Here is my 1955. It arrived looking kind of nasty, with 1968+ targets. I obtained some 1955 service grips that looked great but are too small for my hands. Got these correct targets today. They are smaller than the 1968 ones and feel great in my hands. I think they probably had some broken ears and chipped back bottom corners sanded and re-worked.

The bottom halves are not close to even - is that common? Regardless, the end result is a great match for my hands. This is the first official member of my vintage .357 collection and is a helluva shooter. I'm already thinking of it as my oldest grandson's inheritance.



Edited to add - grain seems to match halves. Haven't seen that before.

It sorta looks like the right half of your stocks is a K frame stock....

[runscott]

Originally Posted by Leatherhead23

It sorta looks like the right half of your stocks is a K frame stock....

There is evidence that part of the ear at the top of the right side had broken off - left side probably as well, but not as bad - and someone sanded and refinished the grips. I was a little upset at first, but the grips fit my hands so perfectly - much better than other N-frame targets - and I shoot the gun, so I chose the 'glass half full' attitude that I got lucky. Also, I liked dealing with the seller and will probably deal more with him in the future.

[helmsp]

Got my fifth 27-2 yesterday, a 5"


S&W love by swaficionado, on Flickr

[Muley Gil]

"Mine is a 1955 and came with 1950s non-diamond targets."

Checkered Magnas and targets all had the diamond around the escutcheons from the late '40s to about 1968.

[rubiranch]

Originally Posted by helmsp

Got my fifth 27-2 yesterday, a 5"

Congratulations. That's really really nice.

I have two M27s, both 6 1/2". A M27 no-dash and a M27-7 and I'm waiting for my 3rd, a 3 1/2" pre-27 to arrive and that will be all for me.

What's funny is up until I posted this I always thought my 27 no-dash had a 6" barrel but thought before I posted I'd measure just to make sure and sure enough - I've been wrong all along. Its 6 1/2". : LMAO!!!

[muddocktor]

rubiranch, back in the no dash days, they made both the 6" and 6 1/2" barrel models of the 27. They dropped the 6 1/2" barrel option some time in the 60's, IIRC. And a nickel 6 1/2" is still on my want list to complete my 27 collection. I have a blue 27-5 6 1/2" right now, but all the rest of my 27's are nickel.

[rubiranch]

Originally Posted by muddocktor

rubiranch, back in the no dash days, they made both the 6" and 6 1/2" barrel models of the 27. They dropped the 6 1/2" barrel option some time in the 60's, IIRC. And a nickel 6 1/2" is still on my want list to complete my 27 collection. I have a blue 27-5 6 1/2" right now, but all the rest of my 27's are nickel.

Here's my M27. It a 1959. And I can't wait to shoot it.

I think its funny I didn't even know how long the barrel is and its my gun.

I must be pretty impressive to all you "real" gun people.

I don't have a nickle gun. At least I don't think I do. LMAO!!!!!!

on edit: I guess I already posted this picture not too long ago. Sorry for the duplicate.

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by rubiranch

...I have two M27s, both 6 1/2". A M27 no-dash and a M27-7 and I'm waiting for my 3rd, a 3 1/2" pre-27 to arrive and that will be all for me...

Yup - I have expressed similar resolutions before... and then another 27 or pre comes along that I "have to have". At which point, I eat my words, send off my dealer's FFL with a check, and a week or so later the number of 27's in my collection grows by one...

[muddocktor]

Originally Posted by RKmesa

Yup - I have expressed similar resolutions before... and then another 27 or pre comes along that I "have to have". At which point, I eat my words, send off my dealer's FFL with a check, and a week or so later the number of 27's in my collection grows by one...

Yeah Richard, I definitely know that tune myself. I keep telling myself that I only need a 6 1/2" nickel model 27, but if another old one in fine shape and a decent price comes up I know the willpower will break and the money will flow.

[Mblhopo]

You know....As hard as it is for vintage 27s to come up for sell, at least around here when one does show up It's hard to walk away, because you know if you blink it will be gone. I have about 8 LGSs in my area I visit every week, they all know me and know what I am looking for...It's like looking for a unicorn to show up!!!!……….let's see maybe all find one at the gun show this weekend...…………………………………………..M*

[cowboy4evr]

Yesterday I finally was able to buy my 27 . I have longed for one in a 5" barrel for many many years . They were always around but beyond my " pay grade " . I walked into a local gun store yesterday and there it was . A model 27 . It is not pinned and recessed though . The finish was great , stocks looked brand new ( target grips) and the price was affordable so I bought it . I gave $800 . That's not a great price , but good for the model , condition and barrel length . There was a glitch though , when I checked the action , it had " push off " on the hammer . He told me he had a top notch gun smith in town and would pay for the fix himself . Mikes been in business a long time . I trust his word . Regards, Paul

[keithherrington]

This is the most accurate Model 27 I've ever owned. It helped me make Distinguished Revolver in 2006. Grips are Hemphill by Nill.
Keith

[ls6sbc]

took a picture of my 27-2 5inch with puma deadwood knife.


grips are plastic

[BubbaShakers]

My first P&R Smith (I have a couple of "Classics"), probably 1978 based on serial.

[Chubbo]

Originally Posted by KSCowboy

I've only got one and it was shipped to Fairbanks, AK March 16, 1979. How it got down here to Kansas in as new condition I'll never know. I bought it about 4 years ago. It has a concave shaped white dot front patridge sight. I asked about that in my factory letter request but Roy didn't make any comment one way or the other. I put a set of Keith Brown magnas on it as the factory targets are too big for my hands. It's in my old George Lawrence rig. Think I'll take it on a mountain lion hunt next year.

KSCowboy;

I,ve been reviewing old, interesting posts, in these threads. in your post #71 of 2/12/2010, you posted a picture of a S&W mod 27, 6" revolver with a Geo. Lawrence Rig. You stated that you intended to take it on a mountain lion hunt the next year. I was curious, as to whether you made that mountain lion hunt? A life ambition of mine, was to obtain a Geo. Lawrence holster of the style, and quality of the one that you showed in your post. Do you still have that one? Thanks.

Chubbo

[Joe Land]

I'll start by saying that if this has been addressed please point me in the direction of the thread. I have a brand new model 27 and I cleaned it before taking it to the range. I removed the crane to avoid and marks while cleaning. I reassembled it after cleaning as I would with any other pistol. I fired 6 rounds through it and when I dumped and reloaded it wouldn't close cleanly. The trigger feels like it's not flowing smoothly either. Any advice is much appreciated.

[shamrocker]

This is my only one, shoots fantastic, is cosmetically challenged.
Somebody left it in a rug in a drawer for a couple decades, then decided to rub the surface rust off with steel wool.

They also rubbed off the blueing.

[R61414]

I am considering buying a S&W Model 27-2 8 3/8" barrel. The seller has two, a 6" and the 8 3/8" that I am considering. Both look like new in box (wood presentation box). Similar to what is listed in the Standard Catalog of S&W both have "-1975 Target trigger, target hammer Patridge front sight, introduced with Goncalo Alves stocks and case". Both include all the tools and paperwork. However, neither guns stocks have the guns serial number stamped on them. Everything makes these guns look like "New In Box" but there are no serial numbers stamped on the inside of the stocks. Is this unusual?

[boykinlp]

Originally Posted by R61414

I am considering buying a S&W Model 27-2 8 3/8" barrel. The seller has two, a 6" and the 8 3/8" that I am considering. Both look like new in box (wood presentation box). Similar to what is listed in the Standard Catalog of S&W both have "-1975 Target trigger, target hammer Patridge front sight, introduced with Goncalo Alves stocks and case". Both include all the tools and paperwork. However, neither guns stocks have the guns serial number stamped on them. Everything makes these guns look like "New In Box" but there are no serial numbers stamped on the inside of the stocks. Is this unusual?

By the time those guns were manufactured, the target grips did not have the serial number stamped on the inside of them. You are good to go. Buy one and then post the pictures here.
Larry

[R61414]

Do you have any idea what year the factory stopped putting the serial numbers on the inside of the stocks or was it just the Target Stocks they stopped putting the serial numbers on?
I have a Model 65 with PC Magna stocks with matching serial number. This gun was made in 1976 or 1977.
The Model 27-2 that I am looking at with no serial number on the Target stocks was made in 1979 or 1980?
Did S&W stop putting the serial numbers on the stocks in this 3 to 4 year time period?

[Patrick L]

OK I'll play!

After lusting for a Model 27 for years, I nailed TWO about 9 months apart!

I got this blue 6" in March 2019


And then, I found this beauty three days before Christmas. Despite Christmas bills, and having just sunk $1200 into car repairs, the wife said "oh just get it."


She's a keeper. (You decide which I'm talking about)

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by R61414

Do you have any idea what year the factory stopped putting the serial numbers on the inside of the stocks or was it just the Target Stocks they stopped putting the serial numbers on?
I have a Model 65 with PC Magna stocks with matching serial number. This gun was made in 1976 or 1977.
The Model 27-2 that I am looking at with no serial number on the Target stocks was made in 1979 or 1980?
Did S&W stop putting the serial numbers on the stocks in this 3 to 4 year time period?

Very few target stocks were ever stamped with Serial Numbers. Some early (1955-56) K-Frame Target Stocks for the Combat Magnum were stamped, but rarely do those stocks appear on the guns they number to. Target stocks did not require the precise fitting for a specific gun - more tolerance for error. The target stocks on the 27-2 that you refer to should not have a serial number stamped on them.

[rubiranch]

I've posted lots of pictures of my "Ultimate Model 27".
Shipped March 11, 1960, my 6.5" is my favorite M27 and my favorite revolver.
Since posting pictures back in Jan 2019 I have added a set of perfect Coke Bottle grips.
Thank you George with Salt Lake Collectibles for finding them for me.





Yep, I even like the trigger shoe.



Within the last year I sold my 2000 6.5" Banger's M27-7, a 1982 nickel 8 3/8" M27-2, 1955 3.5" pre-27,
1957 4" pre-27, 1959 8 3/8 M-27, 1961 6" M27 and a 1998 5" M627-2.

I still have a 1975 5" M27-2 and a 1968 6" nickel M27-2.

But out of all of them I like my 6.5" M27 the most.

[greenmachine]

Not sure how I have missed this thread, better late then never I guess. Anyway these are mine: two 5 inch, two 6 inch, one 6 1/2 and one 8 3/8.