Obtaining date of manufacture on newly-obtained Model 27-2

[Jboogie]

Hi all,

I was perusing the ammo selection at my local gun store this weekend and stumbled across the a S&W Model 27-2 sitting in the back of the used gun case. The sticker said $930.00. After some deliberation about how long I'll spend in the dog-house for it, I went ahead and took the gun home.

I'm not exactly sure how to post pics but here goes:

Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 - Album on Imgur

I wasn't looking to buy but for the price it seemed like too good of a deal to pass up. I have a few questions I'm hoping folks here can assist with:

1) How do I go about finding out when this revolver was manufactured, or are least as best as can be estimated? The serial number is N217279. It says 27-2 inside. I believe based on eyeballing it (I'm not a revolver expert at all) that it has the "Three T's", target trigger, hammer, and sights, plus the Goncalo wood stocks, which based on some info I read online seems to date it to around 1975-1978 or so.

2) I don't plan on shooting this one TOO much, it seems in such nice condition that I'd like to preserve it as best as I can. I know these Model 27s were basically the first S&W "model" of 357 magnum which I think is super interesting and I love the top-strap checkering throughout the length of the gun. Will CLP on a cotton flannel cloth work well to clean/preserve the gun and its bluing? Do I need to do anything special when putting it in the gun-safe? Someone told me that it shouldn't be put inside of like a foam case because it can trap moisture or otherwise damage the finish of the gun. Would it be okay in the original box, or should I use a hanger/metal rod through the barrel-type stand? The long barrel (I believe 6 inches) makes it a little difficult to store easily in my safe.

Any insight/tips would be highly-appreciated. Thanks all in advance!

- JJ

 

[Greyman50]

Good price and very good condition!

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Looks to be a 1974 or 1975 produced gun, and correct on the 6" barrel length.

CLP will do fine to keep it protected. Storing it in a breathable case or Bore Store/Sack-Up is best. Some store their guns in the original boxes but often the box will break down from the weight over time.

If you want more history and specifics on your gun, a letter of authenticity will give you this (first link on this page):

swhistoricalfoundation.com/letter-process/

 

[OutWest50]

Welcome to the forum! Very nice 27-2; I believe you will enjoy it very much. I bought one in similar condition a few years ago.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Hi all,

I was perusing the ammo selection at my local gun store this weekend and stumbled across the a S&W Model 27-2 sitting in the back of the used gun case. The sticker said $930.00. After some deliberation about how long I'll spend in the dog-house for it, I went ahead and took the gun home.

I'm not exactly sure how to post pics but here goes:

Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 - Album on Imgur

I wasn't looking to buy but for the price it seemed like too good of a deal to pass up. I have a few questions I'm hoping folks here can assist with:

1) How do I go about finding out when this revolver was manufactured, or are least as best as can be estimated? The serial number is N217279. It says 27-2 inside. I believe based on eyeballing it (I'm not a revolver expert at all) that it has the "Three T's", target trigger, hammer, and sights, plus the Goncalo wood stocks, which based on some info I read online seems to date it to around 1975-1978 or so.

2) I don't plan on shooting this one TOO much, it seems in such nice condition that I'd like to preserve it as best as I can. I know these Model 27s were basically the first S&W "model" of 357 magnum which I think is super interesting and I love the top-strap checkering throughout the length of the gun. Will CLP on a cotton flannel cloth work well to clean/preserve the gun and its bluing? Do I need to do anything special when putting it in the gun-safe? Someone told me that it shouldn't be put inside of like a foam case because it can trap moisture or otherwise damage the finish of the gun. Would it be okay in the original box, or should I use a hanger/metal rod through the barrel-type stand? The long barrel (I believe 6 inches) makes it a little difficult to store easily in my safe.

Any insight/tips would be highly-appreciated. Thanks all in advance!

- JJ

Beautiful revolver and for that price and condition you sort of stole it. Once you get it nice and clean, wax it. Renaissance Wax is a clear carnauba wax used by museums all over to preserve metalwork, and it will really make your gun shine, plus it won't fingerprint from handling. As for storage, hanging it on a barrel rod would be a good way, or you can wrap it in the paper it came in and keep it in the box, or better, buy a silicone gun cloth or gin sock and store it in that. Did you get a presentation case with the gun?

Best way to prevent rust or moisture collection is to frequently take it out and wipe it down. I do that to all my guns, even though I have a humidity-controlled safe to keep them in. Sticking it in a corner and forgetting about it is a sure way for it to go to seed.

I have a M27-2 from 1977 (shipped 2/78) that is in equal condition to yours. I don't shoot it much, but I admire it often.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum, Jboogie. Lots of .357 Magnum and Model 27 fans here, and you made a nice entrance to the Forum with your new 6" 27-2. You got a very nice and desirable revolver for a great price, and the original box is a plus. Many Model 27-2s were shipped with a mahogany presentation case along with the cardboard box, did you get a wooden case with yours? You'll find that your revolver is an excellent and accurate shooter as well as a beautiful piece. This will probably not be your last S&W .357 Magnum...they're addictive! My 6" Model 27-2 (479553, ca. 1977-78) is just a little younger than yours. Give it a good cleaning with a quality CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant), wipe it dry, then apply a good wax (Renaissance Wax or Johnson's Paste Wax). Buff by hand and you'll have a handsome piece. I never store any of my handguns in their boxes (cardboard or wooden)...I keep them on wire shelf hangers (Gun Safe Solutions) or on wire pistol racks (Versatile and SnapSafe 4-gun and 6-gun). Others may disagree, but I think it's best to allow air to circulate around them while they're in the safe. Take that 27-2 out and shoot it. Enjoy!

 

[Mattand27]

My 27-2's say hi. They were among my dad's favorite guns and I am so proud to be their new caretaker.

M27-2 6" from 1973 and M27-2 5" from 1978

 

[RKmesa]

1) How do I go about finding out when this revolver was manufactured, or are least as best as can be estimated? The serial number is N217279. It says 27-2 inside. I believe based on eyeballing it (I'm not a revolver expert at all) that it has the "Three T's", target trigger, hammer, and sights, plus the Goncalo wood stocks, which based on some info I read online seems to date it to around 1975-1978 or so.

JJ:

I linked a couple of your photos - hope that is okay. That 6"er is a beauty!!! For reference N216960 shipped in March 1975. I would expect that yours shipped somewhere near that. However, S&W did not ship in SN order, so only an Historical letter will give you the exact date.

Congrats,

 

[Jboogie]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies. I have since ordered some Renaissance Wax at the recommendation of some in this thread. My hope is to take this new (to me) wheelgun to the range this coming weekend and shooting some 357 and 38spl through it. Very excited. I'll then hit the gun with some cloth and CLP'd swabs until it's free or lead/carbon, then I'll try rubbing in some of the wax and see how it looks.

I've also figured out that unless I undertake a pretty massive rearrange of my gun-safe, I'm not going to have room to put it on a standing rack without it coming veeeery close to the entrance of the safe and thus makes me nervous closing the door will push the gun into the end of my safe/other items in my safe and potentially ding it up. So, I've also ordered some Bore Store cases and a gun-sock to experiment with. I might end up putting the gun into the Bore Store/sock and having it against the wall of my safe that way with plenty of clearance. That six inch barrel is no joke!