Not Sure About This .357 Magnum?

[AZBonecrusher]

I have an opportunity to purchase this S & W .357 Magnum Revolver. It has no model number on the box, no model number on the revolver. There are numbers inside the Barrel lug and on the butt of the grip. I think the serial number is on the yoke "73023" and the number "7" under it. I was only able to take a few photos as the shop was closing. The box was gold with blue lettering. This is my first purchase of a S & W revolver, as I have been hoping for a "special one ". BTW, price $1k OTD....firm.

Thanks for any comments and advice.

 

[DWalt]

The SN will not be on the yoke. That is an assembly number. The SN will be on the butt. Yours is likely to be from the mid-late 1950s if it is not model numbered in the yoke. With the box and with the 3.5" barrel, $1K is a good price. BTW, that wood block in the box is a nice plus.

 

[AZBonecrusher]

Thanks for the quick responses.

The previous owner told the shop it was a "pre-model 27" and it was shot a few times. Yes, the wood in the box was in great condition...nice bonus.

BTW, the number on the butt was different from the numbers on the yoke. In addition, there were numbers under the Barrel lug?

I will try to stop by the shop tomorrow and take more photos. I have a couple of days to make a decision....starting to get excited.

 

[M29since14]

If you don't buy it it will soon be long gone at that price.

 

[usm1rifle]

The model is "357 Magnum" as stated on the box top. The serial number begins with an"S" and will have 5 or 6 digits after it. It should be marked on the butt, inside the barrel and the back of the cylinder at a minimum. If the stocks are original, one of them will be stamped inside. They look age appropriate. The box may have a faint grease pencil written serial number on the outside bottom part.

I am excited for you!

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

"BTW, the number on the butt was different from the numbers on the yoke. In addition, there were numbers under the Barrel lug?"

The assembly numbers aren't supposed to match the serial number. The number inside of the ejector rod shroud should match the serial number stamped on the butt. That SN should also be stamped on the inside of the right grip.

 

[AZBonecrusher]

Thanks everyone for the clarifications.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I don't have a 3.5 inch 357.
This is a nice one!
I would be a buyer at $1k!

 

[AZBonecrusher]

Okay, apparently based on my cell phones photos; the serial number is "158701" with the mark of S & W before it.If I recall correctly that was the same number on the butt.

Oh, boy ....is my wallet in trouble, now?

Question, what exactly make this model more desirable than many other
S & W models? Frankly, I was intrigued by it's condition, age and the box.

 

[Ranger514]

The craftsmanship and detail on that model make it a treasure to own.

 

[Muley Gil]

The .357 Magnum, starting with its introduction in the mid 1930s, was the flagship of the S&W line. You probably noticed the checkered top strap and barrel. No other S&W revolver, not even the .44 Magnum, received that treatment.

The pre WW II .357s were first offered with any barrel length, from 3 1/2" to 8 3/4", in 1/4" increments. It was sighted in at the factory with your choice of ammo and distance. It was a special order handgun and it could be "registered" in your name. It also cost more than any other revolver in the S&W line up, $60.00, which was a ton of money during the Depression.

 

[series guy]

You answered your own question. Condition, age , and box. Oh and the barrel length. It would have never left my hand. Hope it's there for you Monday.

 

[steelslaver]

I would have brought it home. Unless, it has a bunch goobers or cold bluing on it that's a buy it now.

 

[AZBonecrusher]

Thanks for the history and education. I was aware Smith & Wesson made a lot of excellent revolvers. I was not aware of the lineage of this specific model.

I also, love revolvers that are 4" or less.

 

[cadmike]

Nice gun. We are all looking forward to more pictures and a range report.

 

[JSR III]

If you could post the name and address of the gun shop, I'll run over first thing Monday morning and put it on hold for you.

 

[JP@AK]

If you could post the name and address of the gun shop, I'll run over first thing Monday morning and put it on hold for you.

Watch out Bonecutter! James' "hold" would be permanent. Then you'd have to go to Massachusetts to visit "your" gun.

I agree with the others. That is a very good deal at $1,000.

 

[alaskavett]

I would have not walked out of the shop without that gun! I hope it is still there when you go back Monday morning. Kyle

 

[epj]

Yes, I'd grab that one in a heartbeat. BTW, not trying to be the forum police here, but it's against the rules to post a link to a live auction. Completed auctions are ok, but not ones that are still active.
Hope it's still there tomorrow at the same price.

 

[AZBonecrusher]

Found Couple More Photos...

Here are a couple of photos from my phone I found, sorry, I am not tech savvy. There was a photo of the grip butt, however it was too blurry.