pre 27 grip question

[Jack Flash]

The beautiful stocks that your revolver came with are valuable in their own right. I would probably keep them, but if you want to sell them then buy some period correct magnas, I bet you would come out money ahead.

Some may be tired of hearing this from me but ---
I think way too much is made of getting the "correct" stocks for a revolver. I like target stocks or magnas with a Tyler T-Grip. My attitude is that if it fits my hand nicely and helps me shoot the gun well, then the stocks are correct enough for me!

 

[Frailer]

If the gun were mine, think I’d probably keep those on it. They’re a part of the gun’s story.

 

[AC Man]

Hey guys,

New to the forum here, thanks for having me. I recently stumbled into a beautiful 3.5 inch pre-27 revolver that I think is in great shape. It was advertised being "pre-lock" Model 27 and that was enough to draw my interest. After getting it in my hands and looking up the serial number, I came to find out that it was more than just a pre lock but it was in fact a pre-27 from late '52 to early '53. It was a very pleasant surprise.

I knew that this gun was coming without the original grips. To be honest, I am not crazy about the ones that came on it and I am looking for swamp them out. My question for all you experts is, do I gain any value by trying to find a set of grips that would match what should have been on the gun? Or since the grips aren't original and won't be numbered to match the gun, does it matter if I have proper time period grips? I have come across a few newer N frame grips that have nice S&W inlays that I think would look awesome with the case hardened hammer and trigger on this pistol. I just didn't know if it would be considered blasphemy to do such a thing and really hurt the value of the gun.

I appreciate everyone's input and opinion.

Ironic, I just bought a 1952/1953 pre model 27 3.5 inch barrel. Mine is unfired condition box, papers tools. original stocks.

They are magnas which I don't like because they are too small for my hands.

This is a safe queen, so I will not be adding the larger target stocks that are on my 27 - 2 and 29 - 2 The guns that are more rare in my collection I want original stocks.

 

[RKmesa]

...I attached a picture because who doesn't like looking at a 3.5 inch pre-27. The bluing is on great shape, picture doesn't really do it justice.

I always love seeing photos of 3.5" Magnums, and that right there is a beauty!!! Congratulations and thank you for sharing!

I like factory grips (magnas, targets, presentation targets, Cokes...) and I love custom grips - stag, elk, ivory, exotic woods, carved, Ropers.... Yup, I too am a grip junkie...

There are lots of different grip options.

 

[kconjack]

Ironic, I just bought a 1952/1953 pre model 27 3.5 inch barrel. Mine is unfired condition box, papers tools. original stocks.

They are magnas which I don't like because they are too small for my hands.

This is a safe queen, so I will not be adding the larger target stocks that are on my 27 - 2 and 29 - 2 The guns that are more rare in my collection I want original stocks.

It sure is a pretty gun isn't it? I had the choice between a 6 inch and 3.5 inch barrel and it wasn't a tough decision at all. Wonder how close ours were in production? My serial number is S914xx.

 

[Gun Relics]

Keeping the stocks it came with are still on the table. Especially if they are period correct. I just thought that they covered up a lot of that gorgeous bluing, it even covers half of the S&W stamp. Here is what it looks like with the stock on it. Let me know what you guys think.

You did really well on that gun. The 3.5" have been auctioning at around $2K + in that shape if the finish is original.

 

[kconjack]

You did really well on that gun. The 3.5" have been auctioning at around $2K + in that shape if the finish is original.

Yes, it is the original finish. I am guessing this thing was a safe queen most of it's life. Very few marks on it and almost no holster wear. There are a few very small imperfections under the grip but overall the finish is in great shape. I'm very excited about this one, it jumped up my list of wheel guns I own. The only one that is ahead of it is a 1970's nickel Colt Python that I inherited when my grandfather passed. That will always be my #1 gun.

 

[Vtgw938]

OP:

Someone more knowledgeable than me will weigh in on the stocks hopefully but I would say probably not pre-war Ropers though influenced by them at a minimum. I didn't see and jig marks or pencil markings or scratches. Sometimes we get these mystery stocks that could be, but without some of the tell tale signs will always be a maybe. Roper prices don't go with maybe.

 

[MarkHayden]

3 1/2” pre-Model 27s are currently the rage with Smith & Wesson collectors. Target stocks are not (usually) numbered on the right half. Find a pair of diamond stocks with black washers and you’ve got more than a winner.

Welcome to this forum. You will, like I have, learned an incredible amount of information about your revolver as well as many others.

Mark

 

[BC38]

Thanks for the replies guys. I was thinking period correct is the direction I should go but just a quick look on eBay for a decent set of Magnas and you aren't kidding they won't be cheap. I just got this gun in my hands yesterday so I haven't been looking too hard, but I have a feeling it won't be easy getting a good deal on some.

In reality, I won't ever be selling this gun so I am not too concerned with overall value. But there is something to be said to having anything period correct.

Based on your stated intentions to keep (not sell) this one, you are in a great position to "shop around" for a set of period-correct stocks until you find a set at a reasonable price that matches the overall condition of the gun.

FWIW, a set of period-correct un-numbered target stocks might be the best compromise.

Just a thought...

 

[rct269]

Bottom Line: The use of the gun determines the correct grips. If its use is to hold down a shelf as most of mine were, period correct is as close as you're going to get. If its use is to shoot, grips that fit your hand (PERFECTLY) are the choice. They'll cost some extra---and are worth it!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[H Richard]

Those stocks that came on it are very very nice. I'd leave them on it.


These are the stocks that came on my (former) 3.5" Pre 27.



But some custom grips look good also.

 

[Moo Moo]

I’ve got a Hogue Monogrip on my Pre-27 3.5” barrel. Not too big and not too small.

 

[kconjack]

Thanks for all the info and opinions guys, it really helps a lot. This is my first pre-lock revolver and apparently it's a pretty desirable one so I'm just trying to learn as much as I can so thank you.

I have a performance center model 627 that I have an extra set of grips for that I might put on just to see how it looks, but I think I'm going to take a lot of your advice and just keep the grips it came with on it. I might try to find a set of Magnas for a good deal just to keep in the safe but I'm in no rush. I'll spend the money on the kiddos for Christmas and figure it out after the holidays.

Also thanks for sharing all the pics of the 3.5 pre-27's. It really is a gorgeous gun.