Pre-Model 27

[Crazywader]

Newest caretaker of this Pre-Model 27 with a 3-1/2" barrel, serial no. "S 109xxx". Cylinder and stocks number to the gun. No box. Picked it up at my local shop earlier today. The pictures don't do the stocks justice - they are a nice walnut brown (really struggled to get them posted). Per SCSW 3rd ed., gun shipped between 1954 and 1955. Judging from its condition, it might have spent most of that time in the back of a safe. Will get it lettered. I'm delighted and wanted to share with folks.

 

[Gun Relics]

Great find, what a beauty. These 3 1/2 inchers just keep popping up.

 

[quinn]

I just love the the pre, pre 27s and pre 27s in the shorter barrel lengths. That one is a real beauty!

 

[mh51]

Outstanding gun, and good photos. Congrats, and thanks for sharing.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

That's beautiful! I'm partial to the 3.5" with double, proud front sight pins. Pre-model 27's in the S109*** range per SWCA data were shipping in mid-1954. PM me if you don't know how to get that info. Also, there were A LOT of .38/44 HDs in that serial range.

 

[Hawg Rider]

You found yourself a little gem with that 3-1/2" .357 Magnum. As you probably know, they are very popular here on the Forum. I have a couple of 27-2s in my modest collection, but would like to add a 3-1/2" "pre-Model 27". Yours happens to be a birth year revolver for me (manufactured 1954)! The closest s/n's that I have to yours is a first year Highway Patrolman (S114481, Aug. 1954) and a 6-1/2" .357 Magnum (S140334, 1955). Enjoy!

 

[Crazywader]

View attachment 791042

Pulled the new toy out of the safe for another peek so added the above pictures. The tight checkering atop the backstrap is really cool and one of the interesting features of this model. Not sure how many other models have that. I find S&W triggers and hammers works of art, too.

 

[Muley Gil]

The pre and post WW II .357 (N frame only) and the Model 27 are the only models with the checkered topstrap

 

[Ljoconnor]

Very nice!

 

[RKmesa]

Crazy - that is a beautiful 357 Magnum!!! Thanks for sharing.

For reference, S109122 shipped in October 1954. It is not nearly as nice as the OP's gun and it does not have the proud FS pins...

 

[AC Man]

For what it's worth I have a 1952 pre model 27 original box papers and tools. 3.5" It is like new. I just bought it and had no idea they were that collectible. It is closest to the price of my two pre mode 29"s.

 

[SgtDog0311]

For what it's worth I have a 1952 pre model 27 original box papers and tools. 3.5" It is like new. I just bought it and had no idea they were that collectible. It is closest to the price of my two pre mode 29"s.

I watched one on GB go for just under $2400 a couple weeks ago. Looked NIB. Frankly I thought it might go higher. Weeks earlier I saw a nickel go for just under $3200. Not positive that ine was a Pre-27 though. Or if they came in Nickel. But since I was watching it I think it was.