Just Inherited this S&W 357!!! Instant addiction!

[PTM76]

Hi! I'm new here.
I posted this on another site, and was told that I have a very sought after model. I want some info on it so I'm reposting here.

I just inherited this .357. It has no model number, but it is a .357. The bluing is beautiful, and it has nice checkering on the top. Its basically NIB. Unfortunately, the key is lost, so I don't get to check the trigger until my grandma finds the key and sends it to me. Can't wait! Anyone have any info on what model it is? It has an "S" before the serial number. I'm not trying to sell it, so please don't make any offers.

Thanks for any info!

 

[PTM76]

Hi! I'm new here.
I posted this on another site, and was told that I have a very sought after model. I want some info on it so I'm reposting here.

I just inherited this .357. It has no model number, but it is a .357. The bluing is beautiful, and it has nice checkering on the top. Its basically NIB. Unfortunately, the key is lost, so I don't get to check the trigger until my grandma finds the key and sends it to me. Can't wait! Anyone have any info on what model it is? It has an "S" before the serial number. I'm not trying to sell it, so please don't make any offers.

Thanks for any info!

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum!

With an "S" serial number prefix and chambered in .357 Magnum, it sounds like a postwar (WWII) .357 Magnum, which later became the Model 27.
edit: With the checkered top strap, it's definitely a .357 Magnum. I need to read more carefully!

Here's some info it looks like you could use!
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/590103904/m/3011047303

If the key is for a trigger lock, cram a screwdriver in the keyhole and give it a good twist (don't scratch the gun). The lock should just about fall apart.

 

[qballwill]

definately a jewel.... I cant get your pictures to open... Pre-27...

 

[PTM76]

Originally posted by qballwill:
definately a jewel.... I cant get your pictures to open... Pre-27...

I got it. I cut and paste from another thread and it messed with the IMG tags.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Holy Crapola, Batman!

That is a SWEET score of luck!

Beautiful, beautiful. One of the holy grails. The only thing better is a Registered Magnum, I think.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Welcome.
That is pretty much the top of the line for S&W. As has been said a post war .357 Magnum, which would become the M27 in 1957 when S&W designated model numbers.
I'd get to work picking that silly trigger lock.

 

[Sgt Neutron]

WOW! A 3½" barrel to boot! Very nice indeed!

 

[Marshal Tom]

Looks like a pre-27 3.5". What a great gun to inherit. Wish someone would leave me one just like it. Beautiful! It is the top of my must have list.

T

 

[boneman]

Man welcome to the forum and what a wonderful revolver you brought with you, really good pictures also.Sit back and enjoy the ride, this is a great forum with really knowing people. Again congrats, and welcome. Larry

 

[feralmerril]

Get a letter on it from S&W. Its only $30! And will tell you when and where it was shipped.
Someone loves you!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by PTM76:
Hi! I'm new here.
I posted this on another site, and was told that I have a very sought after model. I want some info on it so I'm reposting here.

I just inherited this .357. It has no model number, but it is a .357. The bluing is beautiful, and it has nice checkering on the top. Its basically NIB. Unfortunately, the key is lost, so I don't get to check the trigger until my grandma finds the key and sends it to me. Can't wait! Anyone have any info on what model it is? It has an "S" before the serial number. I'm not trying to sell it, so please don't make any offers.

Thanks for any info!

Beautiful. One of S&Ws best guns ever. The S is part of the serial number, not just a random letter before the serial number. If that MasterLock is one of the S&W ones, they were all keyed with one of a dozen or so keys, and you should be able to get a replacement key from parts. I know I got the whole set back when S&W was using MasterLock. The easiest way, however, is to just get a locksmith to "pick" the lock for you. As easy as a standard Master Lock pad lock.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Absolutely gorgeous! You should treasure it like the fine jewel it is.

 

[Mickey D]

Wow-wee! What a beautiful gun.
Welcome to the forum. You will be a much poorer man (cash wise) if you hang out here.

Thanks for sharing,
Mike

 

[Spotteddog]

YES!
Someone REALLY did love you!

 

[j38]

Welcome to the Forum! Thanks for the pictures of that beautiful old Pre-27. Congratulations, enjoy that gun, and be safe,

Jerry

 

[Snapping Twig]

Might as well start at the top!

Welcome to the forum, nice roscoe.

 

[Jack Flash]

That is a nice one!

A little cautionary advice, if you want it:

1. Don't let some fumble-fingered bozo muck with the lock. One scratch in the finish will diminish it's value dramatically. Either wait to get a key or have an expert remove the lock. Whatever you do, take your time. No need to rush anything.

2. Please keep the stocks (grips) with the revolver. A lot of people take the stocks off and misplace them. Or they sell them on e-bay. You may be able to get more if you "part out" the gun, but that is just so wrong!

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[NFrameFred]

Personally, I drop a few coins in the offering plate as a thankful gesture for God smiling on you . . . .

 

[pbslinger]

That is a really nice high condition gun. When you get the lock off and if you find it is unfired I would consider keeping it that way. If it is just in great condition fire it little and enjoy the experience.

You might even want to get another S&W to shoot to learn about them so you don't make mistakes with this one.

Keep everything that goes with the gun, don't get rid of anything. Take good care of the box since it is worth several hundred dollars.

What a great heirloom, treasure it!