Do all 27-2 models have the same finish?

[SWBigBang]

Looking at a few 27-2 and notice that some have a nice blue finish with a nice shine.
Then there is the same model in mint condition but with what appears to be a dull or a matte blue finish.

Did the 27-2 come in different types of finish?

 

[NFrameFred]

Earlier S&W's of the stature of the 27's were polished well and the bluing process produced a deep, rich dark blue that one could describe as having "depth".

Enter the EPA and it was determined that the chemicals traditionally used in the older bluing processes were too toxic so the process was changed, resulting in more of a 'black' finish.

I have seen some 27's that did not seem to get the polishing attention others have, but perhaps you were looking at a refinished specimen or the 27's homlier cousin, the 28 ? No checkering on the top strap and the gun was designed to be offered cheaper (though you wouldn't know it these days ) and aimed at the law enforcement market, primarily.

There is no doubt, the examples of the bluing craft evident in better specimens from the 1950's is absolutely head and shoulders above what is generally available today.

But as far as I know a matte finish was never used on a 27 from the factory.

 

[LEO918]

Could be you have seen the Model 28-2. Very similar, but with a more dull duty finish.

 

[Doc44]

All 27-2 revolvers were available with a bright blue or nickel finish. Anything other than one of these would have to be a special order and that would be very rare. Some guns were polished better than others and that causes finishes between guns to appear different.

Bill

 

[fyimo]

All 27-2 revolvers were available with a bright blue or nickel finish. Anything other than one of these would have to be a special order and that would be very rare. Some guns were polished better than others and that causes finishes between guns to appear different.

Bill

+1 on what Bill said as I have both the nickel finish which all look the same and some with the blued finish and the finish varies based on the polishing done. None of them have the matt blue finish found on the Model 28-2's that own.

 

[SWBigBang]

Here is the auction in question:
S&W 27-2, .357, blue, 6 1/2" new in wooden box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Is it my eyes, the image or really a dull finish?

 

[NFrameFred]

Looks like a later "blacker" finish and the lighting in the photography. Judging from experience, I'd think a thorough cleaning and a bit of wax and it will exhibit a nice finish.

 

[aphelion]

Looks like a mid to late 70s gun. The quality of finish was very variable during that time. Besides variation from gun to gun, you will frequently see specimens with different level of polish on the barrel and cylinder compared to the frame from revolvers made during that time.

Also from the pictures, there seems to be a film on the gun, maybe from oil or a preservative. Like another poster said, it will shine up with cleaning. Otherwise, it appears to be a typical example from that time. It has a 6" barrel, by the way.

 

[fyimo]

Looks like a later "blacker" finish and the lighting in the photography. Judging from experience, I'd think a thorough cleaning and a bit of wax and it will exhibit a nice finish.

I agree with NFrame Fred that in the the picture the flash washed out the shine on the blue and that with a good cleaning and waxing the gun shuld have a beautiful high luster blue.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Appears to be smeared with some kind of goop. Not unusual to see someone put a gun on auction, where the photo is almost all you have to go by, and the first impression is bad. If you can't see detail, it only leaves a limmited number of conclusions, fitst of which is that the seller is trying to hide something, but maybe they just aren't a savy seller? I would ask to see the revolver stripped of the grease and more close up photo's. Flapjack.

 

[williamlayton]

Price is good--I am not fond of 6 inchers though.
Blessings

 

[alenworn]

I have a '75 model 27-2 and I can almost see my reflection on the gun its so polished

 

[aphelion]

I have a '75 model 27-2 and I can almost see my reflection on the gun its so polished

Almost? Look at a good one some time. You can just about use them as a shaving mirror.

 

[talpine]

Never heard of waxing high gloss Smiths. Is there a preservative b

 

[talpine]

Sorry, but was asking if the wax process has a preservative benefit, and, if so, can anyone make recommendations?
Thanks to all, always!!!!!!!!

 

[markeb]

Buy a small tin of Renaissance wax and apply a thin layer. Buff with a microfiber cloth. Great for protecting the finish and will not show finger prints.

 

[Maximumbob54]

the 27's homlier cousin, the 28 ?

Who are you calling homely there buddy...

M28-2 with BK grip adapter:


M28 with Ahrends cocobolo tactical finger groove:


And 27's don't even have their own special mystery mark...



If you want homlier then look not further than the 327:



But I still love her...

And a shout out for 5 Stars for all the six shot N frames!!!!

 

[David LaPell]

Here is a mid 1970's gun.

 

[BruceM]

Seems to me that Smith's from that time frame were covered with a preservative "grease" of some type at the factory which had to be removed with solvent and it looks to me that the preservative hasn't been removed yet. When the stocks are removed and the gun is "degreased", it will look just fine.

Looking at the presentation case liners, it looks to me like a 6" barrel and not a 6 1/2". On the 6 1/2" liners, the tip of the barrel comes just about to the edge of the lower liner.



Bruce

 

[markeb]

I love my homely 28 just as much as my purty 27.