stumpfarmer
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a friend of mine has a 357 5 inch barrel ser# s108094 made late 1954 to early 1955.this gun has no model number on it . anyone have any info on this revolver?
stumphfarmer
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diamonback68
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It is probably a model pre-27 or pre-28. We would need more information to narrow it down. Does it have a bright or dull blue finish?
DWalt
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From the serial number, your dating is about right if it is an N-frame .357. At that time, S&W did not use model numbers. That came a few years later. Therefore the "pre-" designation is often used by collectors to identify the post-war revolvers, i.e., pre-Model 27. Depending on condition and originality, and especially what kind of grips are on it, it could be very interesting. Pictures are essential. Good pictures.
If it has a bright shiny blued finish, it would be a pre-Model 27. If it has a duller matte blued finish, it would be a pre-Model 28. It should also have four screws holding the sideplate on.
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IS the top strap checkered/serrated if so it is a pre model 27
Alk8944
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What you have is a "Named Model", before model numbers were assigned. With few exceptions the names were not marked on ts guns. If the top of the frame and barrel rib are finely checkered the model name is ".357 Magnum". If the frame and rib are smooth and matte then it is a "Highway Patrolman", and this will be roll marked on the left side of the barrel.
Model numbers were not assigned until 1957.
It's funny how so many will remark "There is no model number". S&W built firearms for 105 years before assigning model numbers, and has had model numbers for only 56 years. Is it any wonder that non number marked guns are seen so often?
Model numbers were not assigned until 1957.
It's funny how so many will remark "There is no model number". S&W built firearms for 105 years before assigning model numbers, and has had model numbers for only 56 years. Is it any wonder that non number marked guns are seen so often?
DWalt
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Actually, S&W had various models throughout its existence (such as the Model of 1905 M&P). But the nomenclature method adopted in 1957 was different from any used previously. Early ones used two digits, such as Model 10, Model 36, Model 60, Model 27, Model 29, etc. Then came three and four digit model numbers.
The Model 27 and Model 28 (and their immediate predecessors) are mechanically identical, differing only in finish. Many law enforcement agencies in the 1950s and later liked the N-frame revolvers but could not justify the high price. The Highway Patrolman (pre-Model 28) was the same as the .357 Magnum (pre-Model 27), except for a lower grade of finish, resulting in a lower manufacturing cost and a lower selling price. In effect, the Model 28 is the "economy" version of the Model 27, and sold very well to law enforcement agencies as a result.
The Model 27 and Model 28 (and their immediate predecessors) are mechanically identical, differing only in finish. Many law enforcement agencies in the 1950s and later liked the N-frame revolvers but could not justify the high price. The Highway Patrolman (pre-Model 28) was the same as the .357 Magnum (pre-Model 27), except for a lower grade of finish, resulting in a lower manufacturing cost and a lower selling price. In effect, the Model 28 is the "economy" version of the Model 27, and sold very well to law enforcement agencies as a result.
alaskavett
US Veteran
If the barrel is not cut and was measured from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel and it is a 5" it is a pre model 27 and depending on condition and the stocks it may be fairly valuable and sought after. Wish I had it.. Nice gun. Can you post photos? Kyle
I'm with Alaskavett and would like to see a picture or two. If it's a Highway Patrolman it is a pretty early one. Please see if your friend will shake loose of a photo. Pre27 or 28, I'm lovin it
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handejector
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5 inch.
Why does everyone keep talking about Pre-28?
Go with the odds- it's a Pre-27.
OP
stumpfarmer
Member
stumpfarmer
Thanks to all of you for your helpfull replys. I will get some photos . the gun is in very nice condition, almost new looking.it would be best for me to send photos by email . you could send me your address . my email asddress is [email protected] great help from this forum..Lloyd
Thanks to all of you for your helpfull replys. I will get some photos . the gun is in very nice condition, almost new looking.it would be best for me to send photos by email . you could send me your address . my email asddress is [email protected] great help from this forum..Lloyd
OP
stumpfarmer
Member
thanls all of you for your help. I could send photos via email.n send your e address to [email protected] thanks . Lloyd
diamonback68
US Veteran
5 inch.
Why does everyone keep talking about Pre-28?
Go with the odds- it's a Pre-27.
Simple Lee, I didn't read the 5" part.
5 inch.
Why does everyone keep talking about Pre-28?
Go with the odds- it's a Pre-27.
I'd say the odds are 50/50 that it's a pre-model .357 or a mis-measured barrel, in which case it could be a 6" Pre-27 or a Hwy Patrolman.
OP
stumpfarmer
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this 357 has a 5 inch barrel . factory installed i'm shure
OP
stumpfarmer
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it is a factory installed 5 inch barrel
diamonback68
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If you're sure then it's a pre-model 27. There's your answer. There are literally tens of thousands of threads here that you can read about the 27s and pre-models.
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What other frame .357 would it be in 1954 or 1955? I don't think S&W had .357s on any frame other than the N frame in those years, did they?
The Combat Magnum, eventually to become the Model 19, was introduced by then as I recall. It's a K frame.
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I think Bill Jordan's Combat Magnum, apparently the first shipped (perhaps not the first made), went out in November 1955, so most likely K frame magnums would not have been in wide enough circulation during the time period mentioned (54-55).
Alk8944
US Veteran
5 inch.
Why does everyone keep talking about Pre-28?
Go with the odds- it's a Pre-27.
Very simply, because so often posters unfamiliar with revolvers in general measure from the frame to the muzzle and would state a barrel that we know is 6" was 5". Based on the original post there is no certainty either way.
Naturally you are correct, IF it is really a 5" when measured correctly.
Shawn & Doug M. If the SN is an "S" prefix it cannot be a K-Frame. We all miss details like this at times.
Unfortunately the OP never provided photos or confirmed he was measuring the barrel from the cylinder, he merely "confirmed" it was 5". Still ambiguous.
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Alk9844, I was only responding to narrow inquiry, not addressing the actual frame. As you note, with the "S" serial #, it has to be an N frame. I do concur that this is either a pre-27, as often referred to, or a mis-measured 6" Highway Patrolman.
