6.5" 27-2 discontinued 1967, this pair from 1971

[ryxlyx]

Researched these post-discontinuation (post-'67) 6.5" 27-2s a few years ago and couldn't find much save for the fact that a few were known to exist, and the latest of those known was from 1971. I have the boxes from the pair I'm showing, and both labels agree w/ the serials and barrel lengths.

I've actually seen three in this N37xxx range (1971), the third serials between the pair I own. It was high-condition w/box as well, save for an unfortunate BB-sized rust blotch boldly on the cylinder. I've also seen a 99% blue N11xxx, oddly, that one had almost a matte finish. In add'n I've seen 2 nickels in the N13xxx or N14xxx range, both roughly 95%. It's possible the same gun resurfaced months after a sale but given my knowledge of (at least) 3xN37xxx guns, I think it's quite possible a small run of nickels were produced in 1970.

951 is purtinear perfect, save for the turn. Stocks are beautifully bookended. 358 comes pretty darn close, but does have a few faint snail trails, as well as a tiny dot of muzzle wear on either side. Also a couple touches on the checkers up top. Cylinder and barrel polishes match the high level of 951, but the finish on the frame itself is a bit less bright. Stocks have some marks as well, and are not bookended.


To me, the 6.5" M27 w/magnas is the most-graceful large revolver S&W has produced.

Thanks for looking-- R.

 

[RKmesa]

Beautiful pair of 6.5"ers.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[triaxle]

I have a older 27 no dash ,6.5 in with gold box ,large non relieved diamond grips , I think Oct 1958 . I love the 6.5

 

[Riccur]

I just picked one up a few months ago, I will check my serial number. I believe mine is '71 as well.

 

[sbacpa]

I have N36234. A couple of years back, I was collecting 27-2s in every barrel length, both blue and nickel. I was successful except for a nickel 6 1/2 inch. I could find no one that claimed to have evidence they existed. Perhaps I gave up too easily. Almost all of that collection has been liquidated, except for the 6 1/2 inch and a 3 1/2 inch nickel. I just shot the 6 1/2 inch today, along with my 1983 Korth. Similar results from both guns.

 

[sbacpa]

Forgot the photos-

 

[rubiranch]

Your pair are awesome!!

This is my 1959 6.5" M-27, S198211. It may just be my favorite 27. Even with its trigger shoe.

 

[S.B.]

Very nice, I've had my eye out for several decades for a 6 &1/2" model? But, didn't these come from the era of diamond grips?
Steve

 

[murphydog]

The factory never wastes parts, so “discontinued” lengths can show up after being officially declared non-existent.

 

[SS57]

Here is my 27-1 6.5". I think it is from 1960-1961 maybe. Very nice 27's you guys have.

 

[Nightowl]

I picked up a 6 1/2 27-2 serial number N47211 from a forum member in the past year or so. It had a target hammer and trigger wearing smooth Rosewood target stocks. It also had a red ramp front sight with proud pins. The ship date was listed as June 1972. I have only seen a couple other 6 1/2 guns with full target and red ramp front sights. It looks almost new so it could have been shipped this way.

Any 6 1/2 is seldom encountered.

 

[LEO918]

All I have is this one old 6 1/2" Pre 27.......

 

[ryxlyx]

I started this thread, so thought I'd post an update since I just ran across another 6.5" from '71, fits right in w/ the 2 I own and a third I've seen in the same range. Here's mine (again):

New one is N37309. Looks new, save for a tiny bit of muzzle wear and a very-faint turn. Described as a Safe Queen, sure looks like it. This makes 4 I know of in this range, just buttressing the theory that they were assembled in small batches.

Recently sold (not to me) for about $1200 shipped, no box. Given the market we're in I think someone got a pretty decent deal, tho they perhaps don't realize how unusual their new 6.5" actually is.

 

[M29since14]

I’m a bit on the thrifty side (as in “cheap,” my friends say) and even I would pay $1200 for a reasonably tidy, original 6-1/2” Model 27-2. Without hesitation! Yes, I’d say a pretty nice deal.

 

[GSP Fan]

I have a 27-2 6 inch nickel with TTT's that appears unfired, a 27-2 5 inch blued and a pre27 also blued with a 5 inch barrel. They are exceptional revolvers in every way.

 

[rubiranch]

Your pair are awesome!!

This is my 1959 6.5" M-27, S198211. It may just be my favorite 27. Even with its trigger shoe.

Since posting those pictures I have added an exceptionally nice set of Coke Bottle stocks.

This is my favorite Smith & Wesson.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I started this thread, so thought I'd post an update since I just ran across another 6.5" from '71, fits right in w/ the 2 I own and a third I've seen in the same range. Here's mine (again):

New one is N37309. .

These guns could possibly have been next to each other on the assembly line. "N" SN's aren't specific to the model, but to the frame. There may have been, say, a M29 and a couple of M28's in there between these M27's. The other thing is, these guns weren't sequentially built, the highest number of the three might have been the middle or first one built. Certainly they are close together, though, and it's pretty amazing to own two so close in SN's.

And they are gorgeous. I feel fortunate to have found my own M27-2, although it's a bit later, from 1977.

 

[ryxlyx]

Yeah I'm guessing while they were likely made as a group-- cuz they found a handful of barrels-- doesn't mean they were sequentially numbered.

Just glad they used up old barrels!

 

[Showmeshooters]

My 6 1/2" 27 is N36810 as nib, Love it
SWCA #286, SWHS #601

 

[H P Bushrod]

I sold a 3 1/2 inch M-27 I had years ago. Wish I had it back.