My first N-Frame - Model 27-2, S Pre-fix

[Vtgw938]

My introduction to Smith's was shortly after 1970 by an older gentleman who had among others a beautiful Model 27 from the 50's or 60's. This is the gun I judge all others by. Fast forward to a month ago when I finally decided to look for a Model 27 of my own and I even had a mint set of diamond walnut N-frame target grips ready for it. A timely e-mail to a gun shop owner I had known 40 years ago turned up the one pictured.

A 27-2 that was built in 1964-65, in the presentation case. We wondered if it had been fired by the owner. Notice the stocks that are on the gun! Looks just like the Model 29 and 57 listed in the 1965 Shooter's Bible that I had as a kid and still have. Don't know if the owner ever fired it, but it is being used now. And the price was less than just a good shooter!

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice !
Those stocks are aka "Cokes", usually found on .44 Magnums they have a larger checkered area and fetch around $500 in high condition by themselves IIRC.
Also like the Baughman front site.

 

[TCB3544]

Just picked up my M27 today, born in 1960-61,no dash.
Most beautiful pistol I’ve ever had.

 

[Vtgw938]

They are a beautiful gun, only thing better for me would have a five inch barrel or even a four but the longer barrel does seem to shoot better for me and my eyes. It has red ramp front sight, while outline rear, target trigger and target hammer. I like a thin smooth trigger for fast double-action work but I wasn't going to pass it up. Yes, "cokes", or as they were called in my Shooter's Bible "Stocks - Special Oversized Target Type".

 

[jeffrefrig]

Both beautiful guns; yinz both should be proud to own them! What's different from no dash to -2? Seems to me it's usually something to do with the forcing cone (?) & cylinder? Very nice revolvers, both look brand spankin' new!

 

[Vtgw938]

According to Standard Catalog 4th:

27 -1 1960 change to left hand thread on extractor rod
27-2 -1961 cylinder stop change and eliminating of triggerguard screw

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

Now I want one!

 

[M29since14]

That's really nice! Happy to know you're shooting it. Guns should be used! Congratulations on your new to you and long awaited .357. Looks like you found a good one.

 

[RKmesa]

...A 27-2 that was built in 1964-65, in the presentation case. We wondered if it had been fired by the owner. Notice the stocks that are on the gun!

Beautiful 27-2 with beautiful grips, and a red ramp that is not commonly found on the 6" barreled 27s (most of the 6"ers have the Patridge front sight). Let us know how it does at the range.

Congrats and thanks for sharing,

 

[oysterer]

wow...what an entrance. Took you 51 years to find out you need such a gun? Finally...

 

[Pine_Worker]

Model 27s are the best!

 

[WCCPHD]

Mine is a no dash, 6.5 inch that also came with "Coke" grips.

 

[LPD256]

Vtgw938-That is a beautiful first N-Frame. I’m pretty certain it won’t be your last. I bought a 6 inch 27-2 based only on the serial number that included 256. My old badge number. Now I have a 3 1/2 inch, a 5 inch, and a 6 1/2 inch. Enjoy. And welcome to the Forum from Kansas.

 

[Hair Trigger]

What's different from no dash to -2?

Aside from the engineering changes already mentioned, about 50-75% greater collector value for ANIB or Exc condition guns, according to SCSW. Would love to have a no-dash M27, but my ANIB dash-2 (1977) will have to do.

 

[Vtgw938]

It shoots like a dream. I literally just shot it in between posts. The six inch barrel, red ramp and white outline rear sight really help. I shot my 4" 19-3 (purchased 1972 at the age of 16) and it was much more difficult.

 

[Vtgw938]

Years of carrying a Smith and than a Glock chasing bag guys and life took priority and quite frankly my interest.

 

[Vtgw938]

Guys, they are all beautiful guns. I thought for a moment of not shooting it, but only a brief one. I wasn't going to touch a screw, but already had the side plate off. Wasn't going to put it in a holster but I am going to and I might try to take one last deer with it. I shoot and use my guns, it isn't an investment. Guns have been a tool for me my whole life.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I thought for a moment of not shooting it, but only a brief one. I wasn't going to touch a screw, but already had the side plate off. Wasn't going to put it in a holster but I am going to and I might try to take one last deer with it. I shoot and use my guns, it isn't an investment. Guns have been a tool for me my whole life.

Good for you, owning a fine, classic revolver and not shooting it is like owning a Ferrari Daytona and not driving it. You just use a bit more caution than you would with your daily driver Jetta.

 

[RKmesa]

Guys, they are all beautiful guns. I thought for a moment of not shooting it, but only a brief one. I wasn't going to touch a screw, but already had the side plate off. Wasn't going to put it in a holster but I am going to and I might try to take one last deer with it. I shoot and use my guns, it isn't an investment. Guns have been a tool for me my whole life.

Make sure it is always waxed or oiled. Always put it away dry. Use a good quality leather holster that protects the gun... And it will always look nice... even if it gets a little wear on the high places.

Once again, very nice gun. We expect to see some photos of the deer you take with it.

All the best,

 

[Doc44]

Nice looking Model 27, particularly with the red ramp. The case is also unusual in that cases for 4, 6, and 6 1/2-inch revolvers usually only have one latch in the front. I see yours has two. What does the interior look like?

Bill