SP45
Member
I just bought a pre 27 with a 4" barrel. The standard catalog and the blue book do not list this barrel length. The barrel is correctly serial numbered to the gun. Special order??
Pre 27 Barrel Length Question
- Thread starter SP45
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Only a very few made. Congratulations.
Sent from my SM-G930VL using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G930VL using Tapatalk
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 27,669
- Reaction score
- 21,356
Does it have a date code (mm.yy) stamped on the left lower side of the grip frame?
A letter of authenticity would confirm it is an original 4" gun, rare if so.
http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/Letter_request_form.pdf
A letter of authenticity would confirm it is an original 4" gun, rare if so.
http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/Letter_request_form.pdf
The serial number on the ejector rod cut out would indicate that it is factory original. With no date code I would think it was not returned although I don't know how thorough they were with keeping track. The serial number shows a 1956-1957 manufacture date so maybe just before the serial numbered guns? Just my rambling thoughts. Is there any way to verify without getting a letter. Also is there any way to determine how many were made.
Last edited:
I presume you mean just before model numbered guns.
Not w/o seeing it. With good photos of the front sight, the muzzle, and barrel roll marks, the experts here can probably tell with a 99% certainty factor.
Not w/o seeing it. With good photos of the front sight, the muzzle, and barrel roll marks, the experts here can probably tell with a 99% certainty factor.
I have seen it stated that there were only fifteen Pre Model 27's ever built with a 4" barrel, all of which were special ordered by and delivered solely to H.H. Harris in April of 1957. One I have seen a picture of is serial# S1682XX.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Special order. Not an expert so no idea how rare but only 15 would surprise me. But anything is possible. I saw a pre 27 with a 4" barrel recently in very poor condition. If cut I could not tell looking at it in my hands.
They are rare. There are several threads on this topic. Here is one that I started a few years ago.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-photo-info-thread.html?466938=#post138985600
... and a photo of my lettered 4"er (SN S164155)...
SP:
I would love to learn more about your 4" pre-27 and photos are always appreciated.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-photo-info-thread.html?466938=#post138985600
... and a photo of my lettered 4"er (SN S164155)...
SP:
I would love to learn more about your 4" pre-27 and photos are always appreciated.
Last edited:
Just amazes me that people find a nice (maybe rare) S&W, but don't want to spend $75.00 to letter it! If the gun is correct, the letter only adds to the value, and is worth far more than the cost.
Mike
Mike
Not always. The factory would stamp the serial number on a replacement barrel.
Marshal Tom
Member
I have one of the I believe 12 of that configuration shipped to H H Harris Co.
special ordered with the 4" barrel. Mine was shipped April 22, 1957 ser# S164758. I found it in one of my local shops mismarked as a 3.5" and my friend who worked there at the time argued with me when I told him it was a 4 inch gun because they didn't make one in 4 inch. Guess they didn't own a ruler!!!
special ordered with the 4" barrel. Mine was shipped April 22, 1957 ser# S164758. I found it in one of my local shops mismarked as a 3.5" and my friend who worked there at the time argued with me when I told him it was a 4 inch gun because they didn't make one in 4 inch. Guess they didn't own a ruler!!!
After reviewing RKmesa's earlier thread I would agree that only 15 is too low; a lesson for me to not reference production numbers unless coming from Mr. Jinks.[emoji851]
The problem with referencing a specific number of guns made or shipped is new information is being discovered as more guns are lettered. Fifteen may be the number today, but tomorrow an invoice with fifteen more will be found and the new number is now thirty.
Bill
Bill
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
"SP:
I would love to learn more about your 4" pre-27 and photos are always appreciated."
Not mine. On a table at a local show about 4 months ago. Looked well used with a lot of holster wear. Priced at $750 IIRC. I tool a long look at it because of the 4" barrel. Seller was not real knowledgeable on S&Ws. I remember thinking that the serial likely put it in the 1954 time period. Serial was on barrel. If it was cut it fooled me.
I would love to learn more about your 4" pre-27 and photos are always appreciated."
Not mine. On a table at a local show about 4 months ago. Looked well used with a lot of holster wear. Priced at $750 IIRC. I tool a long look at it because of the 4" barrel. Seller was not real knowledgeable on S&Ws. I remember thinking that the serial likely put it in the 1954 time period. Serial was on barrel. If it was cut it fooled me.
Similar threads
