Collector Value of 1975 Model 27-2 in NIB Condition

[Handgunner00]

Acquired a vintage 1975 S&W 27-2 with 8 3/8” barrel in “new old stock” condition. So where had it been for nearly 50 years? It was well maintained in a couple of different gun shops over the years as shops that were closing sold their inventory to other shops. From shop to shop, it never sold retail until I bought it a couple of years ago. Other than factory test firing, this 27-2 has not been fired. Its deep blue finish is flawless/100% as are its checkered walnut stocks. Had a S&W collector attest to its condition. It comes with its mahogany presentation case, blue reinforced cardboard box, tools, and instructional manual – all in excellent condition. This 27-2 has been preserved with NRA Museum quality standards. Does this 27-2 have collector value? If so, how much?

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. gunner, a real beauty. Dont see the Target grips.

 

[22hipower]

I'd SWAG it at around $1500. Might go for more in an auction and be tagged higher but I'd expect it to sell where I shop between $1200-$1500 depending on how eager the seller was to move it. Very nice gun. The deteriorated case lining and missing target stocks don't help much with the price but the case is in the often found condition from that period. Additional thought on the grips, I bought an 8 3/8 new in 1974 which came with the standard blue box, no presentation case, and magna stocks like those. Is the right side stock panel numbered to the gun?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Handgunner00]

Collector Value of Model 27-2

Good catch! I was wrong. These are not Goncalo Alves target stocks. They are "Checkered Walnut Square Butt used about 1967 to about 2000." (Citation from page 37 of the Standard Catalogue, 4th Edition.) I edited my thread. I could not remove the stocks to check if serial numbered to the revolver without possibly damaging the stocks. Believe age has sealed them in place and only a gunsmith might be successful. Whether original stocks or not will certainly be addressed in Forum responses to this thread.

 

[cleger]

Good catch! I was wrong. These are not Goncalo Alves target stocks. They are "Checkered Walnut Square Butt used about 1967 to about 2000." (Citation from page 37 of the Standard Catalogue, 4th Edition.) I edited my thread. I could not remove the stocks to check if serial numbered to the revolver without possibly damaging the stocks. Believe age has sealed them in place and only a gunsmith might be successful. Whether original stocks or not will certainly be addressed in Forum responses to this thread.

The way to remove them is to back the screw all the way out, and then carefully center the blade of your screwdriver in the slot, and use your screwdriver to push the right-hand grip off. You might need to push fairly hard. Then you can push the left-hand grip off from inside.

There's no other way that I know of, and if a gunsmith can do it, so can you.

 

[CH4]

If you desire a long Tom, $1200 to $1500

 

[gmborkovic]

Before you push the screw to pop the right grip off, remove the screw
and tap the side of the barrel. The grips will slowly separate from the frame. I have seen that brass nut pop off the grip with the screwdriver method.

 

[22hipower]

Backing the screw out and tapping on it to loosen the right side panel almost always works for me. I guess I should say has always worked for me as I've never failed to get them off an never damaged them.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Doc44]

I would assume the Magna stocks are numbered to the revolver. If not, they are certainly period correct. If I was selling the 27-2, I would start at $1,500. This model was not upgraded to include target stocks, TT, TH, and a mahogany presentation case until September 1975 so your revolver is correct as shown (i.e. it is not missing anything). The presentation case is quite a bit newer than your 27-2 and not original to the revolver.

Bill

 

[Repeater]

If I hadn't recently bought one, I'd have offered you $1250. That's what they're going for here in New England.
Nice gun!

 

[Sevens]

This model was not upgraded to include target stocks, TT, TH, and a mahogany presentation case until September 1975 so your revolver is correct as shown (i.e. it is not missing anything).

Bill

I find this very interesting but I would like to ask to clarify…
Are you saying that S&W did not offer the Model 27 new with any of the “T” features before 1975?

Maybe I understand what said incorrectly. If I find a 27-2 that’s likely pre-1975 and it has target stocks or a target trigger or a target hammer, these were added at some point but the revolver as new was not shipped with any of them?

 

[Doc44]

The Model 27 was "standard" with Magna stocks made of American walnut and with a regular (non-target) hammer and trigger. However, it could be special ordered with target stocks, TH, and TT at extra cost and shipped from the factory with these features. In September 1975, these features and a mahogany presentation case became "standard" on the Model 27 as it was upgraded by S&W.

The All Model Circular shown below describes the ".357" Magnum which became the Model 27 in 1957. The description stayed virtually the same until the model was upgraded in 1975. Click on the photo for a closer look.

Bill

 

[Hawg Rider]

Congratulations on acquiring a very nice vintage Model 27-2, in ANIB condition. As others have mentioned, the mahogany presentation case is not original to that revolver, but it still has value in the $200+ range. The magna stocks, as Doc44 stated, are probably original to your revolver. They are most likely a little difficult to remove due to old and sticky gun oil on the grip frame, but you should be able to pop them off with a little TLC. Try spraying on some CLP (will not damage the stocks), let it sit a little while, then gently tap the frame with a rubber hammer. The long tube .357s usually don't bring as much $ as the shorter barrel versions, but there are folks out there that really like the 8-3/8" barrels and will pay up for them. I would expect that your package is worth ~ $1400.

 

[OutWest50]

I bought a NIB 27-2 from ~1973 vintage for $1150 a couple of years ago. I considered that a good deal at the time.