Pre-27

[crappie cowboy]

I have a 357 magnum, 5 screw, 5'' barrel, blued, number 102*** with the magna grips. I think the guns date would be some where around 1953 or 1954. The grips are looking faded and dry looking, and was wondering if it would hurt the value of the gun to sand and refinish the grips? I'm afraid the grips may crack?
The gun is in excellent condition 98% to 99%, but no papers, or box. I bough the gun at a pawn shop 30 years ago for about $270 dollars...I think, and I have never fired it.

 

[BCDWYO]

Maybe you could post a picture of the gun and grips for a better answer. I'd like to see a picture cause it sounds like a beauty! Without seeing how bad the faded grips really are, my inclination would be to say do not refinish them. Nice investment 30 yrs ago!

 

[crappie cowboy]

Pre-27 Grips

Thanks for your suggestion...I'm not up to snuff on posting pics, but I'll work on that, cause I'm really proud of the gun, and would like to show it...lol
Getting back to the grips, if the grips crack, then I would think that would de-appreciate the guns value? I dun know I'm no gun collector. I thought maybe some linseed oil would help keep the grips from getting faded, and dry?
My plan was, after I die, if my wife falls on hard times she could get a little money for gun to help.

 

[Muley Gil]

There should be an "S" prefix on the butt. That is also part of the serial number.

 

[Art Doc]

Many S&Ws have letters in the serials and they are important. As noted your gun should have an S prefix.

Why are you afraid the stocks will crack? That's a fairly unusual occurrence. Sanding the stocks will ruin them and reduce the value of the gun. Refinishing them will reduce the value of the gun. Get some moisturizing treatment for fine wood.

 

[JSR III]

Buy a can of Renaisance Wax and apply a light coat of wax. Again without seeing the gun it is hard to imagine the stocks being so dry that they would crack as SP stated. The wax will also help to keep the gun in top shape for your future widow.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

From earlier thread

It is S102***

 

[crappie cowboy]

Yes Sir, The number on the butt handle is S102***. Thanks for your suggestions guys. I have some of that wax for guns, so I'll take your advice, and use that.
Thanks for all the help....

 

[wetdog]

If your 5" inch Pre 27 is in that good shape , I think you will do a bit better than a "little money". I only say this because I know what it would take to let mine go. I also have the numbered box.

 

[crappie cowboy]

Pre 27

If your 5" inch Pre 27 is in that good shape , I think you will do a bit better than a "little money". I only say this because I know what it would take to let mine go. I also have the numbered box.

wetdog...Yea I've had some bad times before needing money, but I just can't bare the thought selling it. Heck I've had this baby for 30 years now without firing a single round thru it, I'm afraid if I did shoot a few, I might scratch it, so I'll just fondle it now and then...lol.

 

[wetdog]

Seems these guns are in similar condition. I've had mine for a couple years and though tempted, have not fired it.
Here's a couple pics.

 

[redwood0_7]

You might just remove the grips and buy a pair like them to put on the gun when you shoot.. Then you won't have to worry about them cracking and if you sell the gun put original grips back on.

 

[Art Doc]

I shoot my 5" N frames as much as I can...

 

[crappie cowboy]

Beautiful guns guys, just perfection....smith & wesson set the bar very high with the pre 28.

 

[Dave T]

Beautiful guns guys, just perfection....smith & wesson set the bar very high with the pre 28.

I think you meant "pre 27". (smile)

Dave

 

[crappie cowboy]

Pre 27

I think you meant "pre 27". (smile)

Dave

OOPS....my real bad...

 

[wetdog]

^^^^^^ Not the end of the world. I've been there . I'm sure we all knew what you meant.