S&W 357Mag Model 27-2 8.75" Value and Date?

[gadgetwiz]

Greetings friends!!

I'm amazed at the knowledge of the members on this site.

Around 10 years ago, I purchased a 357mag from a friend for $500 and I was wondering what it is worth today. With the economy bad, I need the money more than I need the gun.

Here are the numbers on the gun and I'm not sure what they all mean.

Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum 8.75" Barrel
N 3959 40
mod 27-2
24699

Here's a few pictures..

It's in the original wooded box, It has some new grips on it but I have the originals and it comes with a custom holster.

As far as I can tell, it has been rarely used. I've only shot it a couple of time and it's the most accurate pistol I've ever owned.

I was hoping someone could give me a little more information on it, such as the current value and the date of mfg.

Thanks!!

 

[Art Doc]

The long barrel doesn't sell as well or for as much as the shorter ones. The box adds about $100. I would guess somewhere around $700 total.

 

[gadgetwiz]

Thanks so much for your response. I guess I didn't get that great of a deal back then. I figured it would be worth closer to $1000.

I assume this model has a 8.75" barrel. How does one properly measure barrel length?

Any ideas on when it was manufactured?

Thanks again!!

 

[fyimo]

You measure the barrel from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. S&W stanard barrel lengths close to what you have is an 8 3/8 barrel.

DOB late 1975 to early 1976.

I think with the presentation case if you gun is mint with no flaws in the nickel finish you might get $750 as 27-2's are very popular guns. However I bought a Mint Nickel 5 inch 27-2 in a pristine presentation box with a pristine tool kit for $725 3 months ago. The 5 inch is a much more popular gun then the 8 3/8 gun.

No one cares for the rubber grips or the holster dutring the sale as most consider them a throw in to sweeten the deal. You would be better off selling them seperate on Ebay.

 

[Art Doc]

In 1999 $500 was about retail price on that gun. So, no, you didn't get a bargain. Like I said, the long barrel models don't fetch as much.

I have an 8.3/8 27-2 in nickel that I bought off Gunbroker about 5 years ago. It was in unfired condition in the presentation box and even had the original cardboard shipping wrapper. Got it with a high bid of $321. That was an excellent deal.

 

[gadgetwiz]

Thanks so much for the information fyimo & SaxonPig!!

That is one sweet piece you have there fyimo and a great deal you got Saxonpig!!

I can understand the shorter barrel being in higher demand. Probably not as accurate, but it would be much easier to carry.

So, my plan is to list the 27-2 in the local trading post and ask $800 but I'll take $700. I think I'll just keep it if I can't get $700 for everything. I have other things I can sell for now.

I have several other S&Ws that I want to get an idea of their value so I'll post some pics and info on those when I get a chance.

Thanks again for everyone's help!!

 

[GLL]

Before you advertise your gun put the factory target grips on and shine it up a little. Post a bunch of really nice photos in the ad with a few close-ups as well! If you still have the tools put them in the box for photography !

Good presentation in your ad can be worth extra $$$$ ! fyimo's photo is the perfect example of what sells ! Buyers would jump on that one !

I agree with him that you should not include the rubber grips and holster in your presentation ! They are a distraction !

Jerry

 

[fyimo]

Originally posted by GLL:
Before you advertise your gun put the factory target grips on and shine it up a little. Post a bunch of really nice photos in the ad with a few close-ups as well! If you still have the tools put them in the box for photography !

Good presentation in your ad can be worth extra $$$$ ! fyimo's photo is the perfect example of what sells ! Buyers would jump on that one !

I agree with him that you should not include the rubber grips and holster in your presentation ! They are a distraction !

Jerry

If you shine up the gun do not use anything too abrasive as it could scratch the surface. I use Flitz or Renaissance wax. If you don't have those Mothers mag cleaner used gently would do a great job on the gun as well.

If you have even the S&W cleaning rod and screw driver that came with it helps sell the gun.

 

[gadgetwiz]

Alright!! That's good advice that I'll be sure to follow. Getting her cleaned and shined up now.

 

[peyton]

List it here first, we like shiny revolvers!