N-Frames
- Thread starter SS57
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Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
OK, one more time for the new folks.
All other factors being equal, generally older is worth more.
Shorter barrel is worth more.
All other factors being equal, generally older is worth more.
Shorter barrel is worth more.
Texas Star
US Veteran
Many feel that the older guns were better made, but there's some overlap. Buy the individual gun.
Some like the 3.5 inch barrels, but I feel the ideal length is six inches or 6.5 inches, where available in a particular model. (Modal 57, e.g., was never made in 6.5 inch.)
The gun balances better, has a longer sighting radius and less muzzle blast than with shorter barrels. Velocity is higher with longer barrels.
Holster maker Chic Gaylord said that the 3.5-inch M-27 was among the hardest guns to holster well, as the big frame and the weight distribution worked against getting the gun to stay in the holster and hug the body right.
He also said this of the snub K-frame guns, but members here rave when they find one. I won't buy one with less than a three-inch bbl.
What do you want: relative scarcity and collector value or a viable working firearm?
Some like the 3.5 inch barrels, but I feel the ideal length is six inches or 6.5 inches, where available in a particular model. (Modal 57, e.g., was never made in 6.5 inch.)
The gun balances better, has a longer sighting radius and less muzzle blast than with shorter barrels. Velocity is higher with longer barrels.
Holster maker Chic Gaylord said that the 3.5-inch M-27 was among the hardest guns to holster well, as the big frame and the weight distribution worked against getting the gun to stay in the holster and hug the body right.
He also said this of the snub K-frame guns, but members here rave when they find one. I won't buy one with less than a three-inch bbl.
What do you want: relative scarcity and collector value or a viable working firearm?
The "N" serial numbers came about because the Gun Control Act of 1968 required manufacturers to not repeat serial numbers.
S prefix are worth more, generally. Engineering changes were not designated or indicated by the serial prefix letter. Engineering changes are designated by the model dash "suffix".
Everything else is BS, misinterpretation or most importantly- personal preferences.
Edit: I too, have N prefix 27's and 57s. My 27s are both 3 1/2" ( and I have no holster issues, because I have good holsters) my 57s are 4" and 8 7/8". ( the long one is a deer and pig slayer, the other is "as new in presentation box")
You got nice handguns.
Everything else is BS, misinterpretation or most importantly- personal preferences.
Edit: I too, have N prefix 27's and 57s. My 27s are both 3 1/2" ( and I have no holster issues, because I have good holsters) my 57s are 4" and 8 7/8". ( the long one is a deer and pig slayer, the other is "as new in presentation box")
You got nice handguns.
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Thx. As do you. My 57 is a 6 inch that I bought about 1980. It came with the presentation box. I have used it on deer hunts. The 57 I just bought is a 4 inch. I know no one will be able to relate to this, but several years I had a weak moment and sold a beautiful 4 incher. What a dumb+++. This one is its replacement. I wasn't looking for an S, just happened that way.
Update-M57
I am glad to say it arrived a couple of days ago. It is not a safe queen and I am fine with that. It is in very nice condition. The action is tight and trigger is sweet. S/N is S298946. Maybe from the late 60's. Hopefully someone can nail down a year. There are only slight differences compared to my "N" 57 six inch. It is nice to have a M57 4" back in the mix. I tried to add pics but the downloads kept failing. Maybe I will try later.
I am glad to say it arrived a couple of days ago. It is not a safe queen and I am fine with that. It is in very nice condition. The action is tight and trigger is sweet. S/N is S298946. Maybe from the late 60's. Hopefully someone can nail down a year. There are only slight differences compared to my "N" 57 six inch. It is nice to have a M57 4" back in the mix. I tried to add pics but the downloads kept failing. Maybe I will try later.
george_lehr
Member
The SCSW shows S/N S290000 - S304999 for 1967 - 1968.
George
George
