Pre Model 27 3 1/2 purchase-now with photos

[snipershot1944]

Hi folks. I could use a bit of help. The local gun shop has a very nice 3 1/2 inch pre 27 for sale, dating to the mid 50's. About 95%-96% condition, a bit grungy, nice and tight crane, smooth action, original diamond grips. I primarily collect military and police weapons, but I really think this one is neat. I plan to check it out later in my S&W books. It has almost checkering along the top strap. Kind of unusual.

What is a good price range? Shop is asking a grand.

TIA
David
[email protected]

 

[murphydog]

This is about the market price at present as described, especially if it is really a 97% gun. The topstrap is checkered, a feature unique to the N frame pre/model 27. Please post photos if you buy it.

 

[snipershot1944]

Thanks It is an s-prefix too.

 

[ladder13]

Never let a good Smith get away.

 

[kennyb]

that is a VERY sought after gun...we would love to see pics if you get it...the price sounds good to me

 

[Timberpigeon]

pre 27 description

To say it is 95-96% yet also "a bit grungy" to me is a contradiction of terms which simply validates the fact that everyones rating definitions are different.

My definition of "a bit grungy" is a 75-80% condition at best.

If it is truly a 95-96% pre-27 in 3.5 inch, it is easily worth the $1,000 they are asking. If it is a 75-80% gun it is worth $700-$800 tops.

 

[DGT]

Grunge can be cleaned off. Bluing wear and scratches cannot. The gun and price you describe is a decent deal here. If the seller is willing to deal a little on the price, it could become a good deal quickly.

 

[old bear]

It has almost checkering along the top strap. Kind of unusual.

The M-27 and its' assorted forerunners is the only revolver that S&W produced with the checkering on the top strap.

 

[snipershot1944]

Grunge as in dried grease and gunk. It will clean off, hopefully by me tomorrow evening. Thanks all.

 

[snipershot1944]

Well, I went by and made a deal for the pistol today. $950 plus sales tax. I looked at it again and it's a pretty nice pistol. I can't pick it up till Tuesday. Virginia's instant background check isn't instant anymore since they are understaffed and give priority to gun shows on the weekends. And the shop is closed on Sunday and Monday.

My first thought when I saw the pistol was that is was ex-FBI. But the owner said that he got the pistol from an ex-CIA agent which is almost as good. We get a good bit of that here in Northern Virginia and the story didn't add anything to the price.

It's born on date was 1955 so it is a year older than me, but in a lot better condition than I am. I'm afraid the older Smiths will be kind of addictive. I'm already thinking about an older Model 20.

Thanks to all for your help. I'll post some photos next week.

David

 

[Big Chief]

Nice find. Please post pics after you pic it up. I inherited a pre-model 27 with 8 3/8" bbl from my FIL. I got a letter on it from the S&W historian. I could have swore it was a model 19 the first time he let me handle it because it felt lighter than the 27 I owned and others I've handled. It does balance beautifully for such a long barreled revolver.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Congrats! I hardly ever see them in that condition. Definately a keeper!

 

[ElToro]

i picked this one up for 600 2 years ago and was thrilled to pay that price in california. pre 27 with muzzle wear. i added the grips. i think the 3.5 inch 27 is the one of the best looking smiths ever

 

[Sportsterguy]

Beautiful revolver and a great price ElToro! Paid almost that much for mine with holster wear, but it still looks beautiful and shoots great. I too think it's the classiest revolver of all times. Even over a Python. My 586 looks just as good as one and has a trigger to die for, plus gobbles down heavy .357's with outstanding accuracy. It too is high on the looks scale IMO. The cylinder turns the correct way and the cylinder latch release works properly, unlike the Pythons.

 

[snipershot1944]

Hi all. I finally brought home the pre-27, 3 1/2 inch barrel Smith. After cleaning it up a bit, I'm very happy with the condition of the pistol. It has a bit of muzzle wear from being carried, and a light ring on the cylinder. The finish is still nice and bright, and the action is like that of a custom pistol. My initial thought was that it was ex-FBI but it seems that the pistol once belonged to an ex-CIA agent named Harry Mustakos. Apparently he was assigned to the India, Laos, Thailand, Tibet area in the 1960's. I wish this pistol could talk. For now, it guards my entry foyer to the house, replacing a 1970's Model 42 that was new in the box. That 42 will be a cornerstone of a new J frame collection I've been thinking about building for the past 40 years. Thanks to all who gave me such great advice. Now I think it needs a blued Model 29-2 6 1/2 to keep it company. Comments are welcome. David

 

[Iggy]

Looks like you got a winner. It's got some honest wear, but that makes it one you won't hesitate to shoot because it's too pretty.

Sounds like you are on the edge of the "old S&W slide" Once you have shot that 27, you will be on your way down hill in a hurry.

Shoot it and enjoy it.

Range report is required here.

 

[DGT]

Congratulations! That's a great buy. I have two pre 27s in 3.5 inch and would buy another in a heart-beat if the right deal came along. Enjoy!

 

[ditrina]

Looks like you got a winner. It's got some honest wear, but that makes it one you won't hesitate to shoot because it's too pretty.

Sounds like you are on the edge of the "old S&W slide" Once you have shot that 27, you will be on your way down hill in a hurry.

Shoot it and enjoy it.

Range report is required here.

Pay attention, this man know of what he speaks!!!

 

[perrazi]

nice gun. just enough wear so you can shoot it and not worry about it too much. i had one about that era that shot terrific.

 

[JayCeeNC]

snipershot, if you Google the name "Harry Mustakos" you'll find his obituary and quite a bit on info on his CIA work.
Seeing as you're in northern Virginia there's a good chance that gun shipped to Evaluators, Ltd., a gunshop in Quantico, VA, which sold quit a few guns to federal agents and officers.