Pre Model 27 ID

[mcralph]

This is a 3 1/2" .357 # S830XX (1951-52?). The grips seem to be original but don't look like others I have seen.

I would appreciate comments/info on date of manufacture and grips (BTW, those are cat hairs on the grips).

Thanks.

 

[DWalt]

1952 is a good date, but I can't comment on the grips.

 

[arjay]

I believe the grips are early 50s presentations (unrelieved).Are the washers on the back black?

 

[murphydog]

You have the gun ID correct, the Target stocks are the earliest version without the relief on the left upper panel, made in the early 1950s. Most of these would have been added after purchase, but look for the gun's SN stamped on the inside right panel.

You will probably receive several offers to buy it, and for a hair removal brush . Hope this is helpful.

 

[OldDominion]

In my searches for models in the 1952 Centennial Catalog I compiled serial numbers of models that shipped that year. From what I have on 3 1/2" Pre27s yours probably shipped in January-February 1952. But as has been said so many times, anything is possible with S&W so don't bet the rent on that. Only a factory letter would give you a confirmed ship date. The un-relieved target stocks are often seen on early Model 1955 .45 Target guns. Again the factory letter would confirm if your Pre27 shipped with these stocks. Either or, it makes a nice package. Lee

 

[DWalt]

Back in the old days, Magnas were factory standard, and targets were an extra-cost option. I remember maybe $10 or less extra.

 

[mcralph]

Thanks much for the info.

No black washers and no numbers inside the grips. An old (now deceased) friend gave me this revolver back in the 70's so I don't know any more history.

 

[JayCeeNC]

The gun looks very nice!
As to the grips, a photo of the inside would help.
They may be made of Rosewood. Rosewood non-relieved grips (without the football-shaped cut out on the left side) are seldom seen and more valuable than other styles and other woods.

 

[Retired W4]

Your old friend was a good man, and I don't even know him. Those target stocks probably were not numbered, even if original to the gun. If it were mine I would invest in a letter from Roy Jinks. You will only have $50 invested in the whole package (gun and letter), and it would bring a little more to the emotional attachment you must have. Nice gun with good friend history.

I thought it was cat hair on my computer screen.

 

[fat tom]

No black washers

What color are they? Should be black on non-relieved targets.
f.t.

 

[H Richard]

Early Target grips were not relieved for cartridge clearance or speed loaders, most were checkered such as in the picture, but the "presentation" grips were usually the best figured wood and smooth to show it off.