Model 27

[bobbyz]

I was at a gun show in Lexington, Kentucky about two weeks ago. A guy had a pristine, mint condition Smith & Wesson Model 27, blued, with the original diamond checkered walnut grips from 1966 for $1,000. (At least that was what he was asking) Is it a fair price? I didn't buy it, but I hope to see it again very soon.

 

[Lunker]

I think that his price was high. I bought a pristine Model 27 about a year ago for $700, and I thought that was fairly priced at the time (although mine was from the 70's). Take a look on GunBroker.com to see the prevailing prices. You can check GunsAmerica.com too, but I find their prices to generally be too high. Perhaps if the gun was New In Box and came with target hammer and trigger and was in the presentation box with all the tools, paperwork, etc. It still seems high though. If you're not stuck on the Model 27, you may consider a Model 28 aka Highway Patrolman. It is nearly the same gun but with a non-glossy finish. They are more "working guns" (i.e. used by Police) than the 27 and are cheaper than them.

 

[VM]

bobbyz - what barrel length was it?
Were the diamond grips magnas or Targets?

An "S" serial number N frame with diamond grips in the condition you describe continually go up in value and are getting harder to find.

 

[fyimo]

I bought an unfired Nickel 27-2 with 5 inch barrel in the presentation case with paperwork and tool kit for $725 in February. That said, I agree with Mike that if it is a mint model 27 with S serial number and diamond targets I can see it going for $1000.

 

[tbury]

I was at a gun show in Lexington, Kentucky about two weeks ago. A guy had a pristine, mint condition Smith & Wesson Model 27, blued, with the original diamond checkered walnut grips from 1966 for $1,000. (At least that was what he was asking) Is it a fair price? I didn't buy it, but I hope to see it again very soon.

If he was the seller that usually sets up along the left wall as you come in the door, I find his prices usually higher than the local gun stores. I purchased two Pre-27s "S" serial number guns for less than that in a local Lex. gun shop in the last year or two. For a '66 vintage it sounds a couple hundred high. This is the reason I have not gone to that show recently. JMHO

 

[bobbyz]

This guy was right in the middle of the room. Directly down the center as you entered. He had a number of older guns, but the Model 27 is the one that caught my eye.

It might have had an "S" serial number from what I remember, had the diamond checkered walnut grips, and from what he told me dated to 1966. He had a blue box for it, but not the one that came with the gun. Just one that fit it.

I had a Model 28 with a 6" barrel years ago, but it's hard to beat the finish on a Model 27, especially with that magical 3-1/2" barrel length. To me, it's the prettiest, if you want to call it that, revolver Smith & Wesson ever produced. I had a Model 27 with a 3-1/2" barrel, blued, dating to the 1970's several years back but sold it. I think I paid around $400 for it.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

 

[bobbyz]

It did not have the large, oversized, target grips. It had what I suspect are called "Magna grips," with the diamond centers. In fact, it more or less looked exactly like this...........

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=28360

.........only I think it came with a target trigger, target hammer and a red insert front sight.

 

[VM]

Bobbyz - with the 3.5" barrel, the grips and condition you describe....
1K would be a good deal.
I hope it is still there for you at the next show.