First N frame

[Frank46]

You definitely need a "N" frame in 44 special. I have 3 in that caliber and all "N" frames. Frank

 

[Sumpta]

N frames were originally designed (1905?) for .44 Special/Russian, and were also chambered in .45 Colt, .45 ACP, .455 Webley, and some others. Later on, they were also chambered in .38 Special and were the original vehicle for the .357 Magnum in the mid-30s.

K frames were originally chambered in .38 Special in 1899 and then in the 50s in .357 Magnum. The idea was to practice with .38s and then load with .357s for "business". That idea worked poorly in the real world. LEOs then started practicing with full power Magnum ammo and the revolvers started shooting loose and the forcing cone issue raised its head. That lead to the development of the L frames in the 80s, which paired the K frame's grip with a heavier frame and barrel.

 

[SuperMan]

You did very well for your first N frame .357....

I had two 5" and one 3.5" but after getting a 6" really prefer the balance and sight picture more than the shorter guns... The one that found me just happen to letter as being shipped on the day I was born, so that helped a little also...

My one .357 Magnum loading is also a 125 grain load, but most of my .38s and .357s get stoked with .38-44 loads using 6.0 grains of Unique and 155-158 grain cast bullet. Velocity from a 2" barrel is 960 and from a 6" 1150 fps. Buffalo bore loads the same rounds and get about 30 fps faster than my loads.

"LEOs then started practicing with full power Magnum ammo and the revolvers started shooting loose and the forcing cone issue raised its head. That lead to the development of the L frames in the 80s, which paired the K frame's grip with a heavier frame and barrel."...they didn't do so by choice...

After one shooting that went bad it was found that the department had never required their officers to ever qualify with the ammo they carried. They had always qualified with .38s and carried .357s...

After a hefty law suit payment the word went out and and most states required officers to qualify with what they carry. In NH we had to shoot back to back qualifying scores, one with practice ammo and one with duty...

Bob

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! NICE 27 you have there! I have not been fortunate enough to own 1 yet. My 1st N frame was a 28 no dash from 1960. Had it longer than any other gun.
Then came a 25-15, and a 29-3. All are keepers. Have era correct factory target stocks for them. Bob

 

[ColdSpring`]

Yeah, O.k.

He found that AND a Registered Magnum at the LGS. REG1, I'm sure. I've been wondering where Hoovers gun went.

LOL.

I'm sorry but I have to see it to believe it. You all know how these new posters have been starting out!

Okeydoke, here you go:

 

[ColdSpring`]

 

[ColdSpring`]

Got no stake in it. No affiliation with the shop or it's owner other than paying customer.
If it's verboten to mention items for sale by third party, be happy to edit my posts to remove.

 

[series guy]

I believe that’s a .357 Magnum (pre Model 27) from 1954. If it was an RM it would be stamped “REGXXX” in the frame cut out.

 

[ColdSpring`]

Thanks for the clarification series guy. On close inspection it does have a few spots with light wearing on the blue, but overall it's in great shape.

Back on the 27-2 front, wadcutters should arrive tomorrow. Hope to have several loads using those, the rnfp, and HP-38 ready to test before week's end. Smallest bunch of holes at 25 wins! Going to use a rest to take operator error out of the equation as much as possible.

Thanks to all for the comments, information, and photos of your own beautiful revolvers!

 

[Hair Trigger]

Never had or even shot an N-frame before, but that didn't stop me from getting the itch to have one.
Finally found this one at a lgs, & man is it a peach. Serial puts it, best I can decipher, at 77-78 (N463xxx).

Nice!! My M27-2 dates the same as yours, and they could have been on the line together, as the SN on mine is N4479xx, just a tad earlier than yours. Mine also has the Patridge sight and looks as good as yours, too, just like new. I got the wood case, tools and papers with mine. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I worked up a couple hundred 125 gr JHP .38 Spl. +P loads to put through my other .357's, so this one will get a few of them through it.

 

[StrawHat]

One that starts with a 4 ? with .41 Magnum. .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt offerings you need at least 3. Then a fourth to cover .45 ACP. And so it begins........

In reality, the ACP round is all that is needed.

Kevin

 

[luvsmiths]

I believe that’s a .357 Magnum (pre Model 27) from 1954. If it was an RM it would be stamped “REGXXX” in the frame cut out.

Yeah, surprise, surprise.

This original poster is probably associated with post 22.

I knew he was a troll....

Que sera sera.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Can't go wrong with a model 27.
I am still looking for that elusive 5'' but don't tell retailers I'm ready to pay whatever they ask for one.Worse,please don't tell my wife!!!

 

[gerhard1]

OP, your gun is a beaut!!! My 27 is a 5", made in the 1960s, with the ramp front sight.