357 Mag identification help

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I'm trying to identify the model number of a S&W 357 mag that doesn't appear to have it stamped anywhere on the gun. I believe I have all the information requested....
Hand ejector, S/N S79973, .357 Magnum, 6 1/2" barrel, post war adjustable sights, 5 screws.
Thank you in advance
 

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From your basic description it sounds like you have an early postwar Pre model 27. But some good pictures of your gun will help to better identify exactly what you have. Also measure your barrel from the front of the cylinder to the tip of the barrel. These guns were made in 6" and 6 1/2" length.
 
A little clarification. S&W firearms were not assigned model numbers until i957 when the numbers were added to models. The model number did not replace the model name. Up until that time all S&W revolvers were simply "Named models". Your gun is properly referred to as a Post WWII Model .357 Magnum, just that simple. It was named that by Colonel Wesson in 1935 when the revolver was originally issued by S&W, along with it's new cartridge the .357 Magnum.
 
A little clarification. S&W firearms were not assigned model numbers until i957 when the numbers were added to models. The model number did not replace the model name. Up until that time all S&W revolvers were simply "Named models". Your gun is properly referred to as a Post WWII Model .357 Magnum, just that simple. It was named that by Colonel Wesson in 1935 when the revolver was originally issued by S&W, along with it's new cartridge the .357 Magnum.

Any issues shooting full power commercial. 357 loads through this pistol?
 
Welcome to the forum.
As long as your gun has no mechanical issues the big "N" frame .357 Magnum is a very robust revolver and should handle any commercial. 38 special or .357 on the market.
As others have stated when your revolver was made the Model numbering system wasn't invented yet.
When it was started the factory designated it as the Model 27.
Some simply refer to your gun as a 5 screw pre Model 27.
FYI while some purists scoff at calling anything a "Pre" model it is the easiest way to describe your revolver since there were two other .357 Magnum revolvers introduced after your gun was made but prior to model marking.
The Model 27 was a premium model and had the unique feature of a checkered topstrap found on no other S&W
They were also offered in several barrel lengths such as 3.5", 4", 5", 6", 6.5" and 8,3/8".
 
You have a pre-Model 27, made before S&W introduced the model number system. It is an N-frame 357 and is overbuilt for the cartridge. Any commercially made 357 Magnum load will be safe in it. I will say that the full power 125 grain loads (advertised as 1400 fps or more as measured from a 4 inch barrel) will cause accelerated forcing cone erosion.
 
...
The Model 27 was a premium model and had the unique feature of a checkered topstrap found on no other S&W...

Mostly correct... Some of the very early post war "transitional" .38/44 Outdoorsman" models were fitted and shipped from the factory with .357 Magnum barrels. Certainly not standard, but we all know that S&W wasted nothing and used everything. :)
 
Welcome to the Forum! As you can see by now, there is a wealth of information to be found here. You have a very nice 5-screw nickel .357 Magnum, and based on the s/n it was manufactured sometime between late 1950 to early 1951. I have a similar blued version (S140334, ca. 1955) that is just a little younger than yours. Mine is a blast to shoot, and these big N-frame revolvers will safely handle most .357 Magnum factory loads. Enjoy!
 

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