Help with the value??

[BigBill]

I'm looking at a 1950's s&w pre model 27 in 357mag with the king sight upgrades. It's a 5 screw and a 6" barrel. Does it still hold its value with the king sight upgrade or is it worth less? It's priced near a brand new m27. To me it seems over priced but what do you guys think? Bill

Btw, I have so far,

S&W K22 Target Masterpiece 6" revolver in 22lr
S&W K38 Target Masterpiece 6" revolver in 38 special
S&W K38 Combat Masterpiece 4" revolver in 38 special

Being a noobie to s&w revolvers I been lucky so far finding the good ones to collect. I think the 3 I have are works of s&w art. I figure by adding an early original S&W revolver in 357mag my early little collection would be complete.

 

[DWalt]

Without some good pictures to assess condition and other factors such as grip type, not many will attempt valuation. You haven't provided much information to go on.

 

[BigBill]

It's at JoeSalter.com in the c&r section. I'm just looking for knowledge so if someone purchases it shame on me.

 

[Göring's S&W]

I don't think King sights will lower the value, assuming they were professionally installed. Many people like the King upgrades. S&Ws have been known to letter with King sights, fyl.

Blue vs nickel is a big consideration here, with nickel being fairly scarce in those 5 screw 357 mags.

 

[Göring's S&W]

Just saw the link and pics...

The gun was likely refinished when sent back. Joe Salter seems to know his stuff about S&Ws, but I can guarantee you, NO ONE sent a revolver back to S&W to get target grips! That was only for mechanical repairs, parts replacement, or for refinishing, most commonly. Sometimes customizing was done too, but you can bet your collection that it was something much more involved than a grip change. I suppose they could have done whatever work, and added target grips, but the simple fact is, the gun did not ship with them, regardless.

I for one do NOT think it is worth his asking price due to the two rework marks. I think its at least $300 if not $400+ too high.

 

[BigBill]

Thanks I thought it was a tad too high but I wanted an opinion. I don't know the prices on the older s&w' s yet. I was ready to push the buy button until I read about the king rework. But your right why would it go back to the factory for such a small rework. I try to purchase all my new s&w revolvers in nickel finish too figuring someday s&w may follow the other manufacturers and discontinue it too. Plus the nickel is no maintenance if we keep the finish polished. Thanks for your help. Bill

 

[DWalt]

I'd also be a little suspicious about the reworks. Late last year, I passed on a 90% (original finish) 1955 pre-27 with a 3-1/2" bbl and cokes at $1200, as I couldn't get the seller to $1000. I reconsidered and went back a little later, but it was gone by that time. I don't think the King sight is an issue.

 

[Göring's S&W]

Yes I agree, the King sight alone may actually add to the gun to most people. However, *two* rebuild marks in such a short time are troubling.

I wonder what he means by this statement:

Additionally, there is a small "KING" stamp at the heel which has an added lanyard loop as well with a pinned front sight ramp

Lanyard loop at the heel? The target grips conceal the lanyard loop? That would mean they were modified !?!?

 

[BigBill]

You can see the cutout for the lanyard lop on the rear of the heel on the of the frame in one of the pics. I figure this was someone's service revolver.

 

[red9]

I wonder about the basis for Salter's statement that the frame and barrel are original finish and the cylinder is an off-color factory re-finish. The extractor should be numbered. Re-finish the cylinder and replace the extractor?

Bob

 

[Göring's S&W]

you can see the cutout for the lanyard lop on the rear of the heel on the of the frame in one of the pics. I figure this was someone's service revolver

Oh I missed that. Is that from the factory? It looks like a nice job either way.