Model 27 restoration?

[traub]

I'm planning to send a Model 27 back to the factory for rebluing and some gunsmithing.

I bought this gun used, and someone installed a target hammer and a 1/2" wide target trigger. This gun is a 4 screw Model 27 with a 6 1/2 barrel made in 1961.

Did model 27's come with those target options during that period of time, or did they come with the standard hammer and trigger?

 

[fyimo]

Those items weren't put on the gun until 1975.

 

[pownal55]

Those items could be installed by S&W at the request of the gun owner after the gun was purchased, Art is probably right they came later in production.

 

[Ga Johnny]

I have a 6-1/2" 27 that dates to 1971, it has the TT and TH.

I have no reason to believe they were installed anywhere other than the factory. The gun is nearly flawless, shows no signs of tampering.

I also have an all models circular from the late 50's or so that show target hammers/triggers as options.

IMO they were always available way back when, but you had to ask for them when you ordered the gun. They became more commonplace in the mid-late 70's, by then nearly every 27 came from the factory with TT/TH, even the 3.5's and the 5's which doesn't make a lotta sense to me.

 

[moosedog]

Ditto, Target Triggers, Target Hammers, Red Ramps, Red Posts , were options all the way back to the early 1950s.
A factory letter will tell. The Target Triggers of the 50s were actually wider than the later ones. .500 inch I believe.

 

[semperfi71]

Ga Johnny,

If my memory is correct by the 70's the acronym, "TT, TH, and RRWO" had become a cachet that meant the particular S & W being bought was "deluxe" and a lot of folks thought they had to have that. So I suspect the S & W marketers were playing to the crowd.

On a so-called "serious, fighting gun" the TT was not an asset and neither perhaps was the TH...as I have read since I have never had a need for a "serious, fighting gun".

 

[Dennis The B]

A few weeks ago, I purchased a Model 27-2, made in 1969, and the box clearly shows a target trigger and a target hammer. It also came with standard Magna service stocks.

I believe the change to the Model 27-2, ca. 1975, was the changeover to Goncalo Alves target stocks.

 

[BUFF]

The standard configuration of the post-war .357 Magnum/Model 27 before 1975 was standard hammmer and trigger and Magna stocks in a cardboard box. One could order the target hammer, trigger and/or stocks from the factory, as well as a wood presentation case, once the wood cases became available. So, to know if your gun was originally so equipped, you need a Jinks letter.

In 1975, S&W made the target hammer, trigger and stocks standard for the M-27-2 and began shipping all of them with the wood presentation case. So, one shipped after 1975 that has standard features may have been special ordered, sat around at the factory for a while or had the target goodies 'dog-robbed' from it later.

As others mentioned, adding a target hammer and trigger set and target stocks to a S&W has never been difficult and the parts have been available outside the factory since just about forever.

Model 27's are lovely guns, both to look at and as shooters, but they are not rare. I would set yours up any way that makes you happy. I usually go for the wide, smooth "combat" trigger and smooth target stocks on mine.

 

[505Gibbs]

The other thing that the initial post mentioned that has gone unmentioned beyond the trigger/hammer debate is the re-blue and S&W changed their process awhile back for OSHA reasons I think.
Don't think it'll be as rich and deep a bluing as the 60's and early 70's.

 

[oldRoger]

I have a 27-2 5” with TT-TH which I bought new in 66, it was part of a special order of 1000, ordered by HH Harris for members of the Chicago PD.

 

[borntoraisehogs]

505Gibbs is thinking like me . Sorry bout that

Part of my problem with rebluing is the psychic trauma I suffered when a model 17 was over polished and in my opinion ruined , when it should have been left alone .When ever someone talks reblue , even from the factory i get curious as to how the gun looks now , and how the owner intends to use it . If the gun looks like it has been carried and fired some , with the natural experienced look , and you intend to keep using it normally , I would keep it as is . I don't think even a factory reblue will increase the market value . If it was a shooter and just had to much white for my liking I might use a bit of Birchwood Casey Super Blue . I had remarkable result with Blue Wonder on a friends mod 57 . I actually thought we had a deal for me to buy it , and I was cleaning it up and told him I had the new product I was going to try . It looked so good afterwards he did not want to sell it . Yes , I am that dumb .

 

[Art Doc]

3Ts became standard equipment in 1975 (even on the 3.5" guns which is silly) but were optional way back to the very early 1950s.

 

[doublesharp]

3Ts became standard equipment in 1975 (even on the 3.5" guns which is silly) but were optional way back to the very early 1950s.

I agree. I've got a 27-2, 3 1/2" barrel with target trigger and I don't like it at all. The hammer doesn't matter and I've got service grips on it.

 

[nightshade2x]

My "N" series 1974 8 3/8" 27-2 NIB wears standard Magna service stocks (non numbered to the gun) with the standard trigger, standard hammer and fully adjustable target style sights. It is with the original two piece blue box with matching end label that matches the guns serial number & specifics exactly. This a relatively early "N" series for a -2 in 1974.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

As to the re-blue

As someone who recently had the factory reblue one of my guns, I can highly recommend them! It looks ten times better than it did when new. They didn't over-polish anything, and in fact polishing is so impressive they should be doing it like this one right from the get go. It is well worth the cost of a couple hundred bucks, if that is what you want and it will make you happy to look at.

Far too much is made out of ruining collector value these days. They aren't all collectables! I personally like them with wear, and like new. Both ways are nice to look at to me, but for different reasons.

 

[borntoraisehogs]

Gun 4 Fun , I am very happy to hear of your experience . Some of my faith is restored and I feel like going out and finding a sound but holster worn old favorite like a 17 or a 19 . Next gun show can't come soon enough . And I agree totally with the "collector" stuff . I ain't no invester or museum curator , I have no room for a gun not willing to earn its keep .

 

[Kevin G]

Re-Blue

I agree w/Gun 4 Fun completely. Have had a 24-3 and a 57-2 reblued. They look beautiful in my eyes, only ones I need to please.
As far as the value, this is my hobby not my retirement fund.
Kevin