Need help identifying grandad’s handgun

[Ghostdog2041]

I have been gifted my late grandfather’s revolver. It is a Smith and Wesson N frame .357 magnum. I’m think it is a model 27 by the checkering. Can anyone tell me any info on it? The serial number on the butt is S 137949. The numbers in the cylinder swing out look like S 50625 with a 3 underneath the numbers. The cylinder arm numbers are 60626. Thank you.

 

[moosedog]

That is a very nice, early 1950s, pre 27. The serial numbers should be stamped on the butt, the rear of the cylinder, and in the underlug of the barrel. Grandpa had good taste in guns.

 

[Vtgw938]

Beauty. It was called the 357 Magnum.

 

[max503]

I hope you shoot it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

My condolences on your lost.

That fine revolver is from early 1955. But it could have sat in the Gun Shop for a few years. It appears to be in great shape so was grandpa the original owner?

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

What a beautiful old 357. Your grandfather had great taste.

 

[MikeR90S]

The other numbers you see are assembly numbers

 

[Ghostdog2041]

Count on it! Next weekend, I hope.

 

[Ghostdog2041]

My condolences on your lost.

That fine revolver is from early 1955. But it could have sat in the Gun Shop for a few years. It appears to be in great shape so was grandpa the original owner?

Thank you so much! As far as the story goes, he was the sole owner. Bought it, and carried it as his vehicle gun. He passed a few years ago, and my dad handed it down to me this year.

 

[Ghostdog2041]

What a beautiful old 357. Your grandfather had great taste.

Thank you! She’s a beaut. Anyone I’ve shown pictures to tell me how much they like it. I’m 40, so I think we’re mostly a plastic, boxy gun generation. Something like this really catches their eyes.

 

[Nightowl]

Beautiful .357 Magnum from the time of great guns!! A lot of folks here like them too and can answer just about any question you might have.

Welcome to the forum! Just in case you are not aware..you can also shoot .38 Smith & Wesson Special ammunition in .357 Magnum chambered guns.

Less recoil

 

[Gun Relics]

I have been gifted my late grandfather’s revolver. It is a Smith and Wesson N frame .357 magnum. I’m think it is a model 27 by the checkering. Can anyone tell me any info on it? The serial number on the butt is S 137949. The numbers in the cylinder swing out look like S 50625 with a 3 underneath the numbers. The cylinder arm numbers are 60626. Thank you.

It is highly collectible and valuable being 3 1/2", especially in this pristine condition.

Most of us would not consider selling a family heirloom. I just want to convey that what you were gifted is very special. I know the quality blued versions auction for $2000 - $2500. I expect these rarer nickel versions command a premium. Any of us here would love to own one and if we did, it would be a standout in our collection.

I suggest investing $100 and getting a letter from the S&WHF which you can find here. Since you know the provenance, you can supplement that information with a letter. You will not regret it.

Letters – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

 

[raljr1]

It is highly collectible and valuable being 3 1/2", especially in this pristine condition.



Most of us would not consider selling a family heirloom. I just want to convey that what you were gifted is very special. I know the quality blued versions auction for $2000 - $2500. I expect these rarer nickel versions command a premium.

I have a 6-1/2” nickel 357 from 1955. I have been told by a gorilla that it is probably a $3000 gun. The 3-1/2 inchers may be even more desirable.


Robert

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

You hit the gun lottery for certain. The 3.5” .357 Magnum is the most badass fighting revolver of all time. Nickel in pristine shape is just extra icing on the cake. Plus it’s a family gun.

My Grandfather’s only gun was a single shot 12 gauge, but he had many other admirable qualities.

 

[gmborkovic]

hey Slim, my G-dads only gun was a Rem-31. Not pretty, but put a lot of game on the tablle during the Depression.

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

hey Slim, my G-dads only gun was a Rem-31. Not pretty, but put a lot of game on the tablle during the Depression.

The 31 was/is an exceptionally smooth cycling gun, I’d love to find a clean one in 16 gauge.

 

[.455_Hunter]

You have become the custodian of a fine piece of family history and a great example of American manufacturing. Shoot it, carry it, enjoy it, but remember that it stays in the family. Don't let the salivating hyenas (we know who they are) offering "real cash money" lure it away from you.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You inherited a fine revolver and a great family heirloom. Grandpa had good taste! Lots of .357 Magnum (and Model 27) fans here on the Forum, so you're in fine company. As others have informed you, your beautiful nickel .357 Magnum was manufactured a couple of years before S&W changed to model numbers and these became the Model 27 (1957). Except for the s/n stamped on the butt of the grip frame (S137949) you can ignore all of the other numbers stamped on the revolver...they are simply assembly and inspection stamps. Enjoy!

 

[mchom]

Very fine revolver. If possible try to gather the original box and items normally included with every revolver. Sight tool, cleaning rod and brush.

 

[RKmesa]

That is a Beauty!!! For reference, S137180 shipped in Sept 1955 and S138564 shipped in May 1957. So I would expect that your grandfather’s gun shipped somewhere in that date range. Only a letter can give you an exact date.