Pre27 3.5" value?

[BillD]

I've got a chance to make a trade for the above. I haven't seen pics yet but he says the only wear is a turn line. He did say it had a scope on it when he got it but he removed it and replaced it with period correct sights to match the checkering.

This is a new foray for me. I've got a M28 and M36 that are older and wonderful but pre27's are out of my realm.
Can anyone give me a ballpark value?
No box or papers, not sure on the grips.

thanks, it's nice to have experts to rely on.
Bill

 

[DCWilson]

I'm almost afraid to say anything because the reported prior configuration -- scope, 3.5" barrel -- is so unusual I wonder what kind of life the gun had and whether there are other unreported adjustments. I would also want to know how the scope base was attached, because there may be additional screw holes under the replacement rear sight.

Regardless of surface preservation, it's not in original condition. If original and high 90s, it could bring $800 or more. As you describe, I think I would keep looking if I couldn't get it for $500. And if there was something I didn't quite trust when I finally got to see it, I think I'd just keep looking.

I woke up suspicious this morning, so I may be overreacting.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

must be some earth rumblings out in Orange County disturbing David's sleep. I'd say, if it was an original pre-27 3-1/2", it would be worth a lot more than $800 around here. But, like David, I'm skeptical because S&W did not drill and tap the early guns for scope mounts. Also, finding a period correct rear sight is quite difficult. So, I would look at that closely to make sure it didn't come from a K frame or a Model 28. If the barrel hasn't been cut, the rear sight is correct, the finish is good, and it has only been drilled and tapped for a scope, it might be worth $800. YMMV

 

[BillD]

When is the last time anyone bought a pre27 in 3.5" in any condition for $500?

How do I tell if the rear sight is correct?
thanks, I do appreciate the input.

 

[dotdsd334]

When is the last time anyone bought a pre27 in 3.5" in any condition for $500?



How do I tell if the rear sight is correct?

thanks, I do appreciate the input.

1980....maybe

If you can get it for $800 and you dont want it I'd pay that and cover the shipping. 3.5" Pre27s are bringing well in excess of both numbers. While I agree extra holes,etc would affect the value I don't think they bring it down to $500 if the only wear otherwise is a turn line. Maybe I'm the crazy one here....but that's my .02


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[weatherby]

Maybe I'm the crazy one here.

I don't think so........for what it's worth....LOL

 

[dotdsd334]

Maybe I'm the crazy one here.



I don't think so........for what it's worth....LOL

Thanks Paul! I knew at least 1 person would agree and if we could get Brewster out of the hospital he would probably agree with is as well


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[05CarbonDRZ]

Add me to the list too Dan

 

[old bear]

When is the last time anyone bought a pre27 in 3.5" in any condition for $500?

When was the last time anyone say a 85 -90% + 3 1/2" M-27 for $500.00?

 

[tlay]

Is it blue or nickel? The nickel guns bring a slight premium. Do you know the serial number? An earlier example in the same condition around here brings more.
I agree, if it has the correct rear sight and base and has been drilled, but done correctly, it will bring $800.
Now if everything was original you would pay $1200 to $2500 depending on condition, box, nickel, etc.

 

[DCWilson]

I'm willing to play the designated lunatic here if that's a role that needs to be filled, but I still have a bad vibe about this gun based on absolutely no information but a heck of a lot of doubt. If the OP is interested in acquiring or trading for it, I hope he checks to make sure there hasn't been a barrel swap, or cylinder/barrel both. How many times have you seen a scoped gun with a four-inch barrel or shorter? I would wonder if the gun didn't have a 6, 6-1/2 or 8-3/8 barrel in some earlier incarnation. When there is an opportunity to inspect, make sure the secondary numbers match the serial number on the butt. Check to see if the barrel retaining pin looks as if it has ever been driven out and reinserted. If everything matches, so much the better. If it's a put-together gun -- even if it has come to resemble a 3-1/2 inch Pre-27 -- it should be valued just as an unoriginal shooter in my view. Under those circumstances, $500 is reasonable. Or even generous.

Not trying to talk anyone out of anything. Just saying, "Keep your eyes open."

 

[JSW]

I'm almost afraid to say anything because the reported prior configuration -- scope, 3.5" barrel -- is so unusual I wonder what kind of life the gun had

Years ago I had a 3.5 27-2 set up with a low power scope. The previous owner said he set it up for hog hunting in brush.

 

[loeman]

I would be hesitant to pay more than $600 to $700 for a Pre Md 27 that has been altered and didn't have the original stocks. However, if the numbers, sights and stocks are correct then I'd probably pay more and learn to live with the extra holes. I saw a Pre 27 with 3.5 inch barrel in a LGS recently with a price of $900. I got real excited until I saw the non matching barrel number.

I bought this one about 6 months ago. No box etc. It has all matching numbers including the stocks. The condition is superb except for some abrasion on two places on the cylinder as if it rode in a glove box or under a seat. It shipped ca 1956. The LGS where I bought it had a hang tag of $1200. I got it for $1K plus tax and I think I got it for a fair price.

Good luck! A nice pre 27 with 3.5 inch barrel would be a wonderful addition but BE CAUTIOUS and BE SUSPICIOUS.

 

[BillD]

I've seen the pics now and it looks pretty good. The guy showed me a pic of it with scope mounted. The frame was drilled and tapped under the rear sight. He replaced the rear sight and it seems to match the checkering on the top strap. He says the only issue is the drill/tap and it's under the rear sight so if I can't see it, I'm not going to worry about it. I'm not trying to get a complete correct model with box, papers and original grips but the original grips would be nice. It's blued. Nickle doesn't do much for me, I want that blue. And it will be a shooter. Not a lot but it's going to get shot.

And it will need a nice set of new grips to set it off.

How could I tell if it has been rebarreled? I'm sorry, not much of a maven on these, that's why I'm asking here.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[weatherby]

The barrel frame and cylinder at that time will all have the serial number stamped on them.

 

[fat tom]

So,the burning question remains,"How much is the seller asking?"
f.t.

 

[Art Doc]

Pay what you want.

I would not buy any 27 variant with holes drilled in it at any price. I wouldn't take it as a gift. That's me.

Who would put a scope on any 27? Who the hell would put a scope on a 3.5" 27?

I paid $400 for a nickel 3.5" pre-27 about 5-6 years ago. Saw a very nice blued 3.5" pre-27 with diamond targets last weekend for $850 that didn't have holes drilled in it.

If the holes don't bother you then pay what you want. I'm going to try to get the image of a scoped 3.5" 27 out of head.

 

[BillD]

He's willing to trade straight up, including a "bunch" of .357 ammo. He wants my FN SLP and I want his gun.
I can go buy another SLP tomorrow, not so much with a Pre 27.
I put a value of $900 on the shotgun.

 

[BillD]

Pay what you want.

I would not buy any 27 variant with holes drilled in it at any price. I wouldn't take it as a gift. That's me.

.

I'm not that fanatical about collecting.

 

[H Richard]

How much is a "bunch" of .357 ammo, and what kind of ammo is it? If reloads, forget it, worth price of brass only. If factory and something you would use, price it out at dealer cost and if it amounts to about $300 - $400 worth you might be in the ball park with the value of the Pr 27 vs. your $900 shotgun.