27-2 with 3.5" barrel

[Fischer]

Hi guys. I'm heavy with gen 3 autos and own a couple of other S&W revolvers; but have always lusted after a blue model 27, the ones with the checkered topstrap and preferrably with a 4" or 3.5" barrel. IMHO, these are some of the most intimidating and beautiful revolvers ever made.

I found one for sale locally - a blue 3.5" version and almost walked away from it because it has very light freckling over the cylinder and backstrap and is wearing hogue grips. The mechanics are perfect, locking up well ahead of the hammer fall, bore is perfect and the action is unbelievable. Overall, a gorgeous revolver, so I pulled the trigger on the sale, talking the guy down to $400 - I believe a pretty fair price.

Here's the question - the freckling is very, very light and I think this gun would look new if refinished. Should I do this or just enjoy it as a shooter? How desirable a version is this particular gun? Would a reblue destroy any potential collector's value it has? I'll try to get a few photos of it and put them on here later.
Thanks!

 

[ttrotter]

Sounds like you got a great shooter at a great price! It will never be a "collector" piece, particularly if refinished, so I'd just enjoy the heck out of it for what it is.
Regards,
Tom

 

[Ga Johnny]

you're in good shape at 400 bucks.......you'll enjoy it

 

[acl864]

For $400 bucks I'd have jumped on that like a duck on a junebug. Enjoy it.

 

[jubela#4]

You got that gun at a great price. If it were me I would just shoot it and enjoy it as is. It doesn't sound like the freckling is bad so I wouldn't worry about it.
For 400.00 I'd have broken my arm going for my wallet.

 

[ENGINE18]

Like ticks a hound! Why can't that erver happen to me?

 

[ENGINE18]

...ever...!

 

[Blov]

I don't see cruddy ones at that price where I live.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the gun and a great price so you basically stole it.

 

[DRYHEAT]

I bought this (rough mechanically and cosmetically) for $450:

Refinished by S&W for $200:

It was worth it to me, I now have a cool Utah Highway Patrol M27-2 shooter…

 

[Rhind64]

I really like the "before" and "after" pics...wow, completely different gun! very nice!

Rick

 

[Fischer]

Bill, that looks awesome! Thanks for the pics - it makes me think I'd like to refinish mine too. $200 well spent!

 

[NE450No2]

I am just not a 357 kind of guy...

BUT EVERYTIME I see a 3 1/2" Mod 27, I wish I was...

For some reason, I think it is the "coolest" looking S&W Revolver.

There is just something about it...

My second favorite "looking" S&W... The 2 1/2" Mod 19...

 

[james56]

It'll be worth it to you and the next guy if well taken care of.

 

[Fischer]

Finally got some pics

Ok, I finally managed to get some pics of the model 27. I put a few rounds through it and it shoots great and I hate to say this, but shooting my 454 Casull has ruined me! After the Casull, shooting a .357 or even a .44 is just not that much fun anymore. Dang. Still, it's a beautiful revolver...

 

[.455_Hunter]

Nice 27!

I don't care if you re-finish or not, but get those hideous grips off as soon as you can.

Nothing ruins a fine gun like a pair of nasty looking Hogues...

 

[jubela#4]

Nice looking 27-2. I agree with the grip change.

 

[TheHobbyist]

With respect to my colleagues, I must disagree on the issue of hogues.

You got a great gun at an exceptional price.

If you want a shooter; you got it!

Enjoy it. If you really feel the need, run some flitz over it, oil it, and enjoy for years to come.

 

[Glock 'em down]

I'm kinda weird when it comes to grips/stocks.

On a stainless steel revolver, wood or rubber either or is fine.

On a blued gun, I prefer wood or ivory. The only exception is for a working iron, such as a 4 inch model 10/13 HB or perhaps a model 15 or 19 etc. In that case, Hogues or Pachs are acceptable.

As for classic beauties like the model 28 HP, any and all HEs and yes, the model 27, you gotta have wood...preferrably Diamond magnas.

Gorgeous Magnum, BTW.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

IMHO nothing but wood on a M27. I love pretty wood and rubber ain't pretty. Don