I have acquired a S&W 357 Magnum pre Model 27. The model number under the crane is 51191 T. What can you tell me about this pistol?

[Alan Singer]

I have acquired a S&W 357 Magnum pre Model 27. The model number under the crane is 51191 T. What can you tell me about this pistol

 

[Muley Gil]

That number is an assembly number, not a model number.

Please post a close-up picture of the engraving on the side plate.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I have acquired a S&W 357 Magnum pre Model 27. The model number under the crane is 51191 T. What can you tell me about this pistol

It's a 5 screw gun, meaning it was produced prior to 1956. The SN will be found on the bottom of the butt frame and will start with the letter "S". Model numbers were assigned starting in 1957 and would be stamped inside the yoke cut on the frame. Your Serial number is probably in that spot too, but officially is the one on the butt. You'll have to take those stocks off to see it.

What can you tell us about the engraving on the right side of the frame and side plate? Normally there would be a S&W logo on the side plate, this one probably has a replacement side plate that was plain so it could be engraved, as this one has been.

You've been a member here for over 8 years and this is your first post??

 

[mh51]

Open the OP's photo and then click in the area of the engraving - it says "Presented to high law enforcement officer, 1959,
national trophy individual pistol match."
The correct serial number should be in the ejector rod channel under the barrel, on the rear face of the cylinder, and on the bottom of the grip frame. Its also in two other places more difficult to read.
Looking at the engraving, it appears that the engraver may have worked over the S&W logo in order to create a badge or shield with 1959 in the middle of it. Just a theory, and maybe not a good one.

 

[smith17]

Possibly a club gun.

 

[Mike LaNier]

Obviously a 'Trophy Gun' issued to the winner of the Law Enforcement Division, perhaps at the National Matches? I would suggest both a factory letter as well as an inquiry to the NRA, since they ran the National Matches back in the day. Having that provenance may well add to the value of the gun. Nice addition to your collection! ML

 

[Retired W4]

I like the big smiley face on the stocks.. Interesting revolver. If it were mine I would be sending for that letter, and beyond.

 

[Valmet]

+1 for a letter. Interesting piece for sure

 

[jareds06]

The National Trophy Individual Match is the 30-shot service pistol match that was always run through DCM not the NRA. DCM/CMP always ran the service pistol matches/EICs, and NRA ran the main 270-shot event at Camp Perry. Crazy that back in the day the high shooters in those matches got cool stuff like this. Now you're lucky to win a Glock at Camp Perry

Unfortunately the Ancient Archer Trophy records, which is the award for the high law enforcement shooter in that match, only go back to 1962 on the CMPs website so you'd have to contact someone to get more info.

 

[RKmesa]

My guess is that there is a small roll mark on the left side and that this gun was engraved by the factory and will letter as such. Here is a blow up of the side plate engraving.


As noted by others above, the serial number will be on the bottom of the grip frame and most likely start with an "S". Looks like a great gun and I too would say that it warrants some historical research (Historical Letter, S&W Historical Foundation deep dive, and as noted above, a call into the folks at Camp Perry).

We would also love to see some more photos of the gun.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! As you can already see from the feedback, you have a valuable and interesting post-WWII .357 Magnum revolver. However, without the s/n it's almost impossible for us to determine it's date of manufacture (except that it is prior to 1956). The .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935, and was originally known as a Registered Magnum because each revolver had a s/n and a registration number (e.g. REG xxxx). S&W stopped registering the .357 Magnums in 1939, and later S&W changed from names (e.g. ".357 Magnum") to Model numbers (e.g. "Model 27") in 1957. There are quite a few Forum members that are collectors of LEO, trophy, and Club revolvers, and they may be able to better identify and value your revolver. Yours is wearing a very nice set of target stocks, which were an option beginning in 1954. You can purchase a research letter from S&W that provides information specific to your .357 Magnum. Would you be willing to share how you obtained this revolver and where, and its s/n? Congratulations on owning this fine handgun. My .357 Magnum (s/n S140334), wearing standard magna stocks, is from 1955 and it's an accurate and fun shooter. Take it out to the range and enjoy!

 

[jareds06]

It would appear that that handgun you have may have belonged to John Hurst of the LAPD Shooting Team. That would be the same John Hurst known for making handgun stocks.

National Rifle & Pistol Championships

 

[jareds06]

Oh wait, sorry those were the results for the 2700, not the National Trophy Match. Unfortunately the website doesn't show who the high LEO was for that match. I bet you the answer you seek would be in the American Rifleman, Vol. 107, No. 10, October 1959