Is this 4 screw uncommon?

[t4halo]

I have quite a few old rifles and a handful of old pistols. I've had this model 27 for a few years and the elderly gentleman I got it from said it was a "rare bird". Probably just telling me this to make me feel good. It wasnt an expensive pistol but quite beautiful to me. Were the 6 1/2" nickel 4 screws uncommon?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks, T4

 

[JP@AK]

The short answer is no. The 6 1/2" barrel was one of the standard lengths on the .357 Magnum, including the Model 27, until the 1970s. 6" units were also available.

My question about this one is whether it is actually a Model 27. Does it say "MOD 27" in the yoke cut? With that box, it might not. What is the serial number? I assume it begins with an S.

 

[JP@AK]

And here is something else. The box says nickel, but your pictures seem to show a blued gun. Is that just a function of the photography?

Does the serial number written on the bottom of the box match the one on the butt of the gun?

 

[t4halo]

It does say Mod-27. Serial number S1887xx

T4

 

[t4halo]

It's nickel. Just a crappy pic. Serial number on the box matches the pistol.


T4

 

[JP@AK]

Great! Thanks for the info. S188xxx would be a fairly early model-marked revolver. Maybe it isn't a "rare bird" but it definitely has the "cool factor."

Note: The four screw .357 Magnum/Model 27 was made from 1956 until c. 1961.

 

[t4halo]

Thanks for the help Sir.

T4

 

[Art Doc]

They keep saying the 6.5 barrel isn't uncommon but I never saw one after 50+ years of hanging around gun shows and gun shops. Except for the one I bought off Gunbroker a few years ago. Still the only one I have seen in person. Maybe they are only uncommon in the places where I have lived?

 

[handejector]

The 6.5" is not seen as often as the 6" in either finish or vintage.
While it is true that 4 Screws span 56 to 60 or 61, model marked 4 screws only span about 58 to 60 or 61.
I would say a nickel, 4 screw Mod 27 No Dash in the original gold box would be a VERY hard gun to replace.
If anyone has one, let's see it. I have never seen another one.

 

[The Gila Bender]

I'd be inclined to get a letter for that one. Are the relieved smooth target stocks 1960's-1970's era replacements? I'd like to think a fancy nickel 28 would ship with equally fancy stocks. it's nice, nonetheless. Thanks for sharing!

 

[LPD256]

Great gun with a great box. Looks like a keeper to me.

 

[JP@AK]

t4halo

Lee's point is well taken. First, this gun is nickel plated. That alone makes it less common.

As for the 6 1/2" barrel, it was a cataloged item, which is why I would be cautious about saying it is rare. On the other hand, I've never owned a .357 Magnum/Model 27 with that barrel length and have only seen a few in 50 years. Mine have been either 6" or 5", and I sold the last 6" example some years back.

So, perhaps "uncommon" would be the best way to describe the configuration of your revolver. In any case, I like it! I particularly like the fact that it shipped in the gold box, with no indication on the box that it is a Model 27. I own quite a few revolvers that have their original gold boxes, but none that shipped as late as yours did. I know they exist and I like seeing them show up. One of these days, maybe I'll acquire one.

Lee's point about the shorter lifespan of a model marked 27 with four screws is also an important note.

 

[krsmith58]

very seldom i log in to this site that i don't learn something. thanks, the education is greatly appreciated. thanks, kenny

 

[bill-in-texas]

T4,
How about a few more pictures of that beauty?
Might I suggest some outdoor pictures in overcast or early morning light?

You have a very desirable configuration -and, you knew the original owner!
Congratulations!

 

[1950jcb]

27, 6 1/2" Nickel

As a long time collector of 6 1/2" N frames, I can tell you that 6 1/2" blue no dashes are tough to find (especially boxed), and nickel examples are scarce. I have one, paid a premium to purchase it, and would do it again, given the opportunity.

 

[glowe]

I know that people take exception to some of the observations made in SCSW4, but it does say that early no-dash 4 screw revolvers are worth 2X and a 27-1 is worth substantial premium, about 4X. It also says a slight premium for 6 1/2" barrel. Lastly, it is stated that original nickel on 4 screw guns garners a 25% premium. Have no idea what that adds up to, but sounds like gold to me.

 

[t4halo]

Thanks for all the help Gentlemen. It sounds like it isnt as uncommon as I thought. "Rare Bird", probably not. It's still a dang cool old pistol. I'll try to get a few more pics tomorrow if it's nice out. She's 60 years young a doesnt show her age at all.


T4

 

[rct269]

I guess it's one of those things for which there ain't no reason, but does anybody besides me find it odd post-war 6 1/2" 357's are seemingly hard to find----and the pre-war 6/1/2's represent far and away the most popular barrel length---------far and away---second place isn't even close.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[t4halo]

Here are a few inside pictures.

T4

 

[WCCPHD]

I know that people take exception to some of the observations made in SCSW4, but it does say that early no-dash 4 screw revolvers are worth 2X and a 27-1 is worth substantial premium, about 4X. It also says a slight premium for 6 1/2" barrel. Lastly, it is stated that original nickel on 4 screw guns garners a 25% premium. Have no idea what that adds up to, but sounds like gold to me.

If they are worth 2X then this one is worth $1150 since I paid $575 for it, but it does have original "Special Target" stocks (cokes) so its probably worth what I paid???? It's a 6.5 inch, blue, Serial S188584 and shipped in February of 1959.