I have a 6" blued M27-2 (serial 611xxx - circa 1979/1980). It has the TT,TH, WOL rear sight, and Partridge front sight. I see other M27-2 firearms listed on various websites, but mostly they have the more typical ramped red front sight. My M27-2 also seems to have a tapered barrel. What is the history behind the two variations of this firearms. Which is the more collectible?
My M27-2 has some slight signs of typical holster wear, but the factory stocks show no visible signs of distress. They appear to be "show room" new. Maybe a previous owner removed the factory stocks and replaced them with an aftermarket set of stocks when he carried/used the firearm.

I am thinking of selling this firearm. If I do put it up for sale I was hoping to get $800. Is this too high/too low?

I know photos would be helpful, but since the firearm is not actually for sale, I am looking for "ballpark" estimates.
Thanks,
JD

Does that bird sitting out there on the end of the barrel help dampen muzzle jump? I am sorry...I just couldn't stop myself. (The front sight is named after E. E. Patridge, its inventor.)

Even though the gun isn't for sale yet, without photos it's really hard to guesstimate on a sale price.

My main inquiry was why some M27-2s I see have ramped front sights and some have the Patridge (spell check got me on the previous entry) front sight like mine does.

As is frequently stated, "condition is everything." My un-expert opinion but based on recent observation is that your $800 figure might be a little optimistic unless your gun is in very good/above average condition. But then again, 27s are a hot commodity, although the 6" is not the premium desired barrel length (that seems to be the 3 1/2, 4, and 5 inch variations, in about that order). Again, JMO.

BTW, I think all the 27s have a tapered barrel, or at least a slimmer profile barrel as opposed to the heavy barrel as seen on M-29s and M-57s. Others more knowledgeable may correct me on this.

Nearly all 357s and 27s with barrels 6" or longer came with Patridge blades. The ones with barrels 5" and shorter came with ramps. You got me as to why. The lone exception is the rarely seen 6.5" guns. Some have Patridge and some have ramps and I have no idea what the percentages are.

As always, special orders or the oddball do occur. I have seen one 6" 27-2 with a factory original ramp blade. Box was so marked.

5"...ramp...





Longer...Patridge...





The elusive 6.5"...either way...in this case ramped...(including red insert front and white outline rear which letter as original)...

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Thanks for the help.
I am not sure I know any more than when we started, but at least I had to ask. Maybe I will just hang on this this firearm.

I've seen a couple of 5" M27s (do not recall any specific dash #s) with Patridge sights posted here. I think one was nickel.

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Collects, you explanation sounds about right. One of the guys I work with has a 6" blued M29-2. I have a 6" blued M29-2. The serial numbers of the two firearms are fairly close in sequence. My 29-2 is pinned and recessed. His is not. Luck of the draw.

IIRC the Baughman ramp FS was an option on 5" lengths and above and standard on the 3.5" and 4" guns.

This six inch Model 27-2 (top) shipped in 1966 with a Baughman ramp, the 4" Model 19-2 below it is from the same year.
Both have 3 "T's", W/O rear site , "Proud" FS pins and yellow ramp inserts.

As I said, I have seen exactly one 27-2 that did not conform to the 6" and above is Patridge and below 6" is ramp rule. I don't recall seeing 5" 27s posted with Patridge blades. Now, it was common to see the Patridge on short barrel Registered Magnums, but not on 27s.

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Saxon Pig, now you have seen two Model 27-2's that don't conform to your rules.

I stand corrected as the the older 5" apparently did come standard with the Baughman ramp,
Funny thing is I dont own any 5"ers (SHOCK) and the last two dash 2 five inchers I saw for sale locally had Patridge Front sites
(Double shock) but I didnt know it was uncommon !


Apparently the newer production 5"ers have Patridge FS's adding to the confusion.

You could specific the type of sight for a model 27. It was offered with the most options of any S&W .... more bbl lengths, sights, and with or without the 3 T's.

Charlie

How about your or anyone's expert opinion on 27-2, 8 3/4 barrel, patridge front site with original blue box? I didn't see below.

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The shorter barreled M27 were considered holster guns for law enforcement, I guess. The Patridge front sight can tear up a holster with its sharp edges. Needs a holster made for that front sight. The longer, six inches and over, are uncommon with any other front sight but the Patridge IME. You could order any of the available front sights if you wanted to wait for it. I have seen a number of M27 revolvers with the red ramp, but very few.

The Patridge sights have a slight undercut to the back. This helps keep the "post" picture black for a six o'clock target hold. Typically, revolvers with six inch, and longer barrels are target or hunting revolvers (not an ironclad rule). As mentioned, revolvers with five inch, and shorter barrels, are typically "service" revolvers, and the sights would have a ramp type to keep from snagging in the holster. The red insert does help some in lower light conditions, and typically goes black when bright light hits it.

And since S&W built just about anything the customer desired, I'm not surprised at the number of "non-standard" sight, trigger, and hammer combinations out there. As an example, General George S. Patton's .357 Magnum has a 3.5" barrel, and an Ed McGivern front sight with a gold bead.