A Rare Bird, 27-1 3 1/2"

[Gun Relics]

I've been looking for a pre-27 3 1/2" to fill a nice gold box I have and stumbled across this. The 27-1 was only made for a short time. The extractor rod was changed from a right hand screw to to a left hand screw in 1960 and the cylinder was stamped with an "L", to show the opposite thread. The model was designated 27-1, then the following year, the trigger guard screw was eliminated and the model was then called the 27-2. This was also around the time when Smith and Wesson stopped stamping the serial number on the cylinder and the extractor shroud.

There was a little scare but the gun lettered. It is one of those rare occasions where two guns left the factory with the same serial number. (I now have two like that).

I don't normally look for dash models but this one was certainly interesting. Still on the hunt for the pre-27 3 1/2 but so is everybody else!

 

[DARE]

Very nice. Congratulations. I think the dash ones are pretty rare and valuable in most models. Like you said, they were only made for a short time.

 

[flundertaker]

If that’s S224xxx, I believe it’s the 2nd highest SN on the -1 registry. Congrats on the find.

 

[Gun Relics]

If that’s S224xxx, I believe it’s the 2nd highest SN on the -1 registry. Congrats on the find.

It's 221XXX but it didn't ship until 1962. Who has the -1 registry?

 

[Doc44]

With few exceptions, -1 model variation revolvers shipped in 1962 as it took that long to use up the old parts after the Engineering Directive was issued on December 22, 1959.

Bill

 

[Gun Relics]

With few exceptions, -1 model variation revolvers shipped in 1962 as it took that long to use up the old parts after the Engineering Directive was issued on December 22, 1959.

Bill

Than you Bill, your knowledge and contributions here are truly invaluable.

 

[flundertaker]

It's 221XXX but it didn't ship until 1962. Who has the -1 registry?

It's 221XXX but it didn't ship until 1962. Who has the -1 registry?

I am sure @jcelect will be along shortly to find out more about your -1.

 

[long colt frazier]

I have a nice 5 inch 27-1;-)

 

[Retired W4]

Nice find Gun Relic. I have managed to find a couple K frame -1's, 17-1 and 15-1, but an N frame has eluded me, so far. The no dash (ND) guns bring a little premium, but not like the -1's. Rarity counts in my book.

 

[RKmesa]

I have several 27-1's but none of them are 3.5"ers. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

 

[Truckman]

I have several 27-1's but none of them are 3.5"ers.

We could have guessed the first part, but the last part is a surprise!......Ben

 

[RKmesa]

We could have guessed the first part, but the last part is a surprise!......Ben

... and none of mine are engraved... yet

 

[Truckman]

... and none of mine are engraved... yet

Neither are any of mine, not even the 3 1/2"ers......Ben

 

[Gun Relics]

Just testing the new forum photo hosting. Wowzer!!!!! Welcome to Paradise!!!

 

[jcelect]

It's 221XXX but it didn't ship until 1962. Who has the -1 registry?

I keep a database of the 27-1 guns known to exist. The highest serial number I have is S229947. If the OP will send me his full serial number, I will include it in the database. There are 61 total serial numbers in my database!
jcelect

 

[Gun Relics]

I keep a database of the 27-1 guns known to exist. The highest serial number I have is S229947. If the OP will send me his full serial number, I will include it in the database. There are 61 total serial numbers in my database!
jcelect

Will do. This one shipped December,1962 and is a S221,4XX number.

 

[jcelect]

Gun Relic, thank you for the reply but I need ALL the numbers in your serial number to include it in my database! Please email me the number if you do not want to post it here! [email protected]
Thank you, jcelect

 

[Rusty parrot]

Would just like to add this 27-1 to the conversation.
It was special ordered by H.H. Harris with the red ramp front sight and is currently wearing Curtis Harlow grips. The number matching grips are living in the factory box.