New (to me) 27-2

[ColumbusJBR]

Recently received this 6" 27-2. Thank you to fellow forum member DRM50 for the easy transaction. I've wanted a 27 for a bit, but had to be one w/ the checkered top strap, which I believe ended after the -2s. To me, that level of hand attention is just sooooo cool. Anyway, got my 2nd N frame now, I'm sure more will come. I haven't decided on the knockoff stocks I put on It, time will tell. Can't wait to shoot it!

 

[22hipower]

Nice, I would try to run down the correct stocks. Probably non-diamond targets which can be found on eBay and elsewhere. At least that's what my 6 inch from 1979 with a patridge front sight has on it. Enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[RKmesa]

Congrats!!! Great gun.

 

[rct269]

UH-------checkered top strap------hand attention??

Kind'a reminds me of when the Boss Lady asked me to explain to the kids about Santa Claus. I thought about it, and then told her, "Naw---it'll keep until next year."

Ralph Tremaine

 

[rct269]

Speaking of explaining things, I've been sent off to what I call Problem Solving School on three different occasions. These are seminar type gatherings put on by the BIG name universities in exchange for BIG checks so they can keeps their tuition rates for the kids low. Somehow that never seems to work out.

At any rate, just about the very first thing you get drummed into your head is to make sure you know what the REAL problem is----lest you expend valuable resources trying to solve symptoms---or apparent problems---a BIG NO-NO!!!

So--once upon a time we had checkered top straps, and if I'm reading this right, we ain't got none no more---a sure enough problem---or is it?

NO---it isn't! What it is, is a symptom of the REAL problem. The REAL problem is we have this here company that used to do their damnedest to make the best possible product for the price---figuring that was the key to lasting success---and it sure enough looked like it was, 'cause that's what they did for better than 100 years---and they were still around. Then, somewhere around the hundred and first year they got it in their head they might could do some better if they cut their costs---a little---here and there.

That seemed to work out okay, 'cause the folks that were buying their stuff kept right on buying it. Then they decided to try cutting their costs a little bit more, and as time passed, a little bit more---and a little bit more---and a little bit more.

Now some of the folks that'd been buying their stuff stopped buying it, but some other folks coming along had heard good things about their stuff; and they started buying it---so it all evened out enough to suit them---and they kept right on cutting their costs.

Then one day, they decided to stop checkering top straps on some stuff where checkered top straps were damn near a trademark. It remains to be seen how that's going to be perceived, but they figured some more folks were coming along, and they'd never know the difference.

Well, maybe---and then again, maybe not. It ain't likely the maybe not eventuality has sunk in yet, but who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Ralph Tremaine
Problem Solving School Graduate----three times---got him a BS, then an MS (More of the same), and finally a PhD (Piled higher and deeper)

 

[diecidecimi]

Recently received this 6" 27-2. Thank you to fellow forum member DRM50 for the easy transaction. I've wanted a 27 for a bit, but had to be one w/ the checkered top strap, which I believe ended after the -2s. To me, that level of hand attention is just sooooo cool. Anyway, got my 2nd N frame now, I'm sure more will come. I haven't decided on the knockoff stocks I put on It, time will tell. Can't wait to shoot it!

Nope, the checkering of the top strap went on, even in successive series. In recent Classic series anyway it appears fake: in the web images I can see, it appears in section no more in a truncated pyramid shape , but square flat. Cuts on the to-strap seems simple orthogonal lines. Hard to me to explain in correct English, sorry, but here I'll attach the two different manufacturing styles /techniques

 

[Retired W4]

I had not noticed. But then, I don't pay much attention to the newer guns. I do like the older rendition better though.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Nice, I would try to run down the correct stocks. Probably non-diamond targets which can be found on eBay and elsewhere. At least that's what my 6 inch from 1979 with a patridge front sight has on it. Enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I've got a set of square butt targets in my parts bin that are in bad need of a refinish. They appear to have been victim of someone's poor revarnish job years back. Maybe I just found a weekend project.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Congratulations! Lots of us Model 27 fans here on the Forum. The 6" bbl. is cool, but I really like the 3-1/2" bbl. versions. Did you get the mahogany presentation case and goodies with yours, or just the revolver? Here is my modest collection, and the 6" bbl. 27-2 (ca. 1977-78) is wearing the original target stocks that would most likely have been on yours. Enjoy!

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Yep, that's the same grips I have in my parts bin (not original to my gun). I'll see if I can breathe new life into them, I do love the feel of the targets.

Mine came gun only, no wood case, box or papers. Fine with me, I don't collect cardboard, or more specifically, I don't care to pay extra for cardboard. I buy things because I want them. Resale down the road is a secondary concern.

 

[cruiserdan]

Yep, that's the same grips I have in my parts bin (not original to my gun). I'll see if I can breathe new life into them, I do love the feel of the targets.

Mine came gun only, no wood case, box or papers. Fine with me, I don't collect cardboard, or more specifically, I don't care to pay extra for cardboard. I buy things because I want them. Resale down the road is a secondary concern.

Soak them in acetone for a few minutes and then scrub the checkering with a soft toothbrush. Repeat until the old finish is gone. Let them dry out and then apply boiled linseed oil. Let the oil soak in for a few minutes then wipe off the excess. Repeat a few times. After drying for a few days hit them with furniture paste wax. You will be surprised by what you end up with.

This 29-2 has a ratty set I bought off GB and then did the above to.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

That's the exact plan! Gonna start today. I'll post before and after. Thanks for the tips!

 

[cruiserdan]

That's the exact plan! Gonna start today. I'll post before and after. Thanks for the tips!

Nice!

I do not wax the checkering, only the smooth surfaces.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Nice!

I do not wax the checkering, only the smooth surfaces.

Noted. I've made that mistake before

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Here's some before pics. Using CitriStrip, have had good luck w/ that before. Am on round 2 right now. I think it's removing more dirt and gunk than anything else! All kinds of nasty falling off these. But the medallions are cleaning up nice! More pics to come.

 

[Retired W4]

Nope, the checkering of the top strap went on, even in successive series. In recent Classic series anyway it appears fake: in the web images I can see, it appears in section no more in a truncated pyramid shape , but square flat. Cuts on the to-strap seems simple orthogonal lines. Hard to me to explain in correct English, sorry, but here I'll attach the two different manufacturing styles /techniques

Nickel 27-2 top strap. Classy.

 

[cruiserdan]

Nickel 27-2 top strap. Classy.

With a ramp sight, no less.

 

[rct269]

Nope, the checkering of the top strap went on, even in successive series. In recent Classic series anyway it appears fake: in the web images I can see, it appears in section no more in a truncated pyramid shape , but square flat. Cuts on the to-strap seems simple orthogonal lines. Hard to me to explain in correct English, sorry, but here I'll attach the two different manufacturing styles /techniques

You did just fine in correct English---a damn sight better than I'd have done in Italian----and never mind I had to look up orthogonal----that's my problem.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Well, the grips stripped and sanded just fine (pictured). Pretty dark hue to the wood but not bad. BUT when I put oil on them, they darn near turned black! I won't even bother with the post oil pic… imagine black spray paint . The quality of the finish was great, color not so much. I used this danish oil I had laying around that claimed it was "natural" color, but it must've had a bit of stain in it.

Anyway restripping now, will try again with tung oil like I should have in the 1st place. Gotta love when laziness is rewarded with poor results. I'll never learn!

 

[Warren Sear]

Nice!

I do not wax the checkering, only the smooth surfaces.

Wax should be avoided, IMHO.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Well, the grips stripped and sanded just fine (pictured). Pretty dark hue to the wood but not bad. BUT when I put oil on them, they darn near turned black! I won't even bother with the post oil pic… imagine black spray paint . The quality of the finish was great, color not so much. I used this danish oil I had laying around that claimed it was "natural" color, but it must've had a bit of stain in it.

Anyway restripping now, will try again with tung oil like I should have in the 1st place. Gotta love when laziness is rewarded with poor results. I'll never learn!

I almost always use Formby's Tung Oil Finish (low gloss) on my revolver stocks. I prefer the matte oil finish rather than the high gloss finish. I also always put Renaissance Wax on my stocks...it's designed to be used by museums for protecting their valuable wood objects as well as metal. Good luck...I'm sure your stocks will turn out great!

 

[Bayou52]

My triple-T, p & r'd Model 27-2, nickel, is one of my dearest treasures and an unqualified outstanding target shooter.

You will undoubtedly enjoy yours no less…

Bayou52

 

[local_dirt]

Congratulations, Columbus. You're going to enjoy the heck out of that gun. Wishing you the best.

 

[muddocktor]

Watch out Columbus. Model 27s are addicting as heck. I own at least 1 of each common barrel lengths myself. BTW, I have a 27-5 with a 6 1/2" barrel that still has the old style checkering on the barrel rib. So S&W was still doing the old style barrel checkering up to at least the 1990-1991 time frame.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Got the grips refinished. I'll certainly keep my day job but I thought they turned out OK after 3 tries. They kept turning super dark, almost black, so I applied a little wood bleach to lighten up, then a few coats of low sheen oil. They're definitely different… I dunno, can't say I love them, but they weren't doing any good in the parts bin and needed refinished anyway. I'm afraid to try again, partly because I don't want to, more because I can only sand so much off.

I've gotta decide now (once they're fully dry) if they'll go on the 27, or my nickel 29-2, or anything. I'll post pics later mocked up on each one.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

1st 2 photos are on the 27. 2nd 2 on the 29 nickel. Obviously I'm not a photographer by trade. I like both but am kind of leaning towards leaving them on the nickel 29, I like the contrast. Those are the stocks that came on the 29 when I bought it, but no idea if they're original to that gun. I guess I'll marinade on it a few days, certainly not a bad problem to have lol.

 

[Dave.357]

Model 27's are among my favorites.

 

[oneeyedpete]

The best and most durable finish would be lacquer. Very easy to do with a rattle can of Watco spray lacquer you can pick up at Walmart in your choice of satin, semi-gloss or gloss. Start with 3 light passes at about 1 foot away. Let dry and repeat. Nice model 27 by the way!

 

[muddocktor]

Columbus, if you want to treat yourself and that pretty 27-2 to something special, get yourself a nice set of John Culina's grips for it. They aren't cheap, but then true quality never is. And they are much more comfortable than the target stocks that came on S&W N frames from the 70's and 80's. And the workmanship is just gorgeous too. Here's a few pics of some on the ones I have bought for my N frame guns.

Italian Olive that I have on my 629-3 Classic:


Jatoba wood with a speedloader cutout on my nickel 29-2:


Bubinga wood which is on my 29-6 Classic:


Claro Walnut which is presently not in use:


Cocobolo grips, which are on my nickel 5" 27-2:

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Those Culina grips are stunning. The cocobolo set OMG…