Help me restore this gun (pre-27)

[tom turner]

I really LIKE your trigger! Since its no safe queen it really doesn't matter as long as you like it the way it is.

My favorite Smith is a 25-2 .45ACP (former) target revolver with the barrel long ago chopped to 3 1/4". I won a lot of pin matches with that slick-as-a-goose trigger job, and its wonderful handling characteristics.

One of the things that got done was its super-wide target trigger was radically narrowed and smoothed . . . and this was the ticket for great double action fun!

I've had several forum members contact me about its details so they could duplicate it in a "shooter" N frame themselves. One guy right now is doing this to a shooter M57 he owns . . .

Yep, I'd enjoy that M27 just the way it is. I wish I had one just like it to shoot. My 27-2 3 1/2" barreled specimen is too nice to shoot!

In any event, you've got a great looking ol' gun. I like it!

Good luck,

Tom

 

[Marshal Tom]

I agree with the guys who say to leave it as is. It looks perfectly good to me. Find a safe queen if you want another but take that one out and shoot the snot out of it and enjoy it.

Tom

 

[Big Lou]

Clean out your private messages! My PM to you bounced back!

I too, have a 3.5" pre model 27 shipped to San Diego & I want to compared notes!

Thanks.

P.S.....I agree with several others ref leave it as is. If you plan on carrying it on the job (and you're a working guy not a desk jockey), you'll have it banged up in no time. Why spend the money on "good looks". Spend it on ammo, a good holster and a pair of Pachmayrs. JMHO

Have fun.

 

[n4zov]

I agree with kevh481's decision to send it back to S&W to return it to as original condition as possible especially since he has already decided that is what he wants to do! I don't care for smooth triggers at all and the lack of case hardening would bother me no end. Since the gun is 50+ years old, a trip to the factory for a thorough mechanical check is in order especially since somebody has already tinkered with it. Please post some before and after photos when you get it back!

 

[old bear]

Kevh481, advice is generally worth what you pay for it, so here is my free advice to you. You already have a great pre M-27 that you have decided to use, from time to time, the way it was meant to be used. So if the non grooved trigger bothers you that much replace it, then spend your time and money on locating some period leather for it; something like a carved or basket weave Burns and Martin holster would really be an eye catching rig. Now, horrors of horrors I would add a Tyler T-grip into the mix.
No matter what ever you chose to do just enjoy it.

 

[BSA]

I have a particular love for 4" N-Frames with a 4 x 357, 4 x 44, 4 x 45. A 3.5 x 357 is a lot of weight to pack concealed. Buy a heavy leather belt to support that weight.

The smooth trigger you find distasteful is actually the recommended choice for fast and fancy double action shooting as it allows the trigger finger to slide on the trigger. Since you intend to carry it as a duty weapon I would get it a try.

It is not necessary to send your gun back to Smith & Wesson for the work you want. Any good gunsmith can change the hammer and trigger. Just remember that you are going to lose that wonderful butter smooth your gun has now. So figure extra for having a action job done.

Like some of the others the finish of your gun doesn't look bad and I would not have it reblued yet. Remember those old S&W's have a bright blue that the factory no longer does.

I am surprised no one has suggested you polish the finish yourself. One product I have is called "Sweet Shooter". Just sit in front of the TV and rub it in with a cleaning patch. Maybe you could do this while sitting outside the courtroom. ;-) A couple of evening sessions and your gun will have a new look.