Where do the pre-27 serial numbers begin? I recently purchased a pre-27 with serial number 77746. Most of the pre-27s I have seen have serial numbers well after this one.
Serial Numbers For Pre-27s
- Thread starter Doug627
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Does this gun have a prewar long action hammer or a post war short action hammer?
If there's a "S" in front of your serial number it probably shipped in 1950.
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Well, it depends on how pre your pre-27 is. 
It's purely a collector's term, but to me it can be as narrowly defined as "a gun without a model stamp that looks exactly like a very early model stamped gun", or as broadly as "any similar gun that was made prior to model stamping". So what your definition of the term is will determine an answer to your question.
It's purely a collector's term, but to me it can be as narrowly defined as "a gun without a model stamp that looks exactly like a very early model stamped gun", or as broadly as "any similar gun that was made prior to model stamping". So what your definition of the term is will determine an answer to your question.
The first "modern" .357 Magnums with the short action, Baughman quick draw front sight, micrometer rear sight, 3 1/2-inch barrel and bright blue finish were shipped on November 18, 1949 to Evaluators, Ltd., Quantico, VA and have serial numbers S75515, S75516, S75517, S75519, and S75520. S75514 was shipped to Evaluators on the same day, but invoiced separately.
Bill
Bill
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The short action Pre-27 serial numbers begin with S75514 which shipped on 11/18/1949. As a further reference point serial number S76095 shipped on 1/30/1950. Your gun likely (but not necessarily) shipped around March/April 1950. You could join the SWCA and ask Dr. Jinks directly on the private side via a ship date request.
OP
I'm still waiting on my SWCA membership. I made my application about a month ago. I do not have the firearm yet. So, I do not know if it is a short action or long action. I assume a short action. It has a 3/5" barrel. The seller claims it was shipped in 1950.
Alan
I've seen this before and, while I generally have sympathy with this approach, it does have one problem when you use the word "exactly." In dealing with K and N frames, all model marked guns have four or fewer frame screws. On the contrary, some postwar units will have five and some, after c. 1956, will have only four. Hence, some "pre-model" units will NOT be "exactly" the same as early model marked guns.
I know, picky, picky, picky . . .
I just think it is an interesting conundrum. A FWIW matter.
Always hard to say without pictures!
Serial number S77746 almost assuredly left the factory with the “new” (at the time) short action.
Currently the highest known serial number of a postwar long action .357 Magnum is S72019 which shipped on 12/15/1948. The last known shipment of a postwar long action .357 Magnum was serial number S71850 that shipped on 3/8/1949.
All postwar long action .357 Magnums that have surfaced and/or are documented in known factory records have serial numbers starting with S71XXX or S72XXX.
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S77743 shipped in August, 1950.
What's the barrel length and finish (blue or nickel) on yours?
What's the barrel length and finish (blue or nickel) on yours?
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Alan
I've seen this before and, while I generally have sympathy with this approach, it does have one problem when you use the word "exactly." In dealing with K and N frames, all model marked guns have four or fewer frame screws. On the contrary, some postwar units will have five and some, after c. 1956, will have only four. Hence, some "pre-model" units will NOT be "exactly" the same as early model marked guns.
I know, picky, picky, picky . . .
I just think it is an interesting conundrum. A FWIW matter.
Agreed, the more picky you get the more rules get upset.
OP
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Like that one.
Like that one.
That spin132 sure do have some purdy guns.
And wherever he's finding them, he's getting there ahead of us...I gotta step up my game...
...Ben
