What does "RE" in a circle on the grip frame and other questions

[oldblue]

I'm so thankful to each of you for your help!

I will post another update when I receive the refund to close the loop. I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

[Peak53]

Great to know that the seller seems honest and that he offered just compensation for a mistake. Since you shoot it well (your disclaimer notwithstanding) I think its a keeper. After another outing or two you could raise the rear sight a couple clicks if it still hits low.

 

[squidsix]

I would pay $1200 for that, and be pretty happy with it. Sell the box and get another $75 bringing the total to $1125. Sounds like a good deal to me.

 

[CCHGN]

This has been an interesting thread and I appreciate the value of wanting everything to match (after restoring several old vehicles- '52 Ford F-1 PU; '69 GTO; '63, 2 toned red/white, Mercury Comet convertible; '63 Ford Galaxy 500; '67 Ford Galaxy 500 Convertible, I know). IMO, at the end of the day, I had to decide, actually strike a balance, between "matching numbers originality" and the pure joy of owning and driving a very cool piece of history. I decided if I was going to show it and try to get premium price, the numbers need to match (and the buying price reflects that as well), but if I'm going to keep it and drive it every day, nope. WHEW! That's a relief! Now, I can kick back and enjoy the whole experience( Oh I still require the parts to be OEM and I still go off the color code to paint{altho I DID put white rag tops on the Convertibles, when originally , they were black, but hey, I live in the South, it gets real hot} . Now, the most important thing is that it runs as good as it looks and looks as good as it runs. With a revolver, the timing and cycling and space between the cylinder and forcing cone would be my top priority. Then if it makes my heart go pitter patter, it's a keeper. YMMV

 

[apollo99]

That's a nice 27-2 and I think the price is more than fair. Sell the box on e-bay and knock it down another $100. As far as the shooting goes, I just started shooting revolvers again after more than a few years of the plastics fantastics, and more recently 1911s. I've been spending more time with my 5" 27-2 and my groups have improved to the point I am shooting at 25 yards what I was doing at 7 yards. Good luck with the 27-2 if you decide to keep it.

 

[CH4]

For $1200 I'd definitely keep it!

 

[oldblue]

Success: case closed

Called a few times to follow-up (just because). Got the actual refund today.

Anybody want to buy a box? ;-)

 

[muddocktor]

That's great to hear, oldblue. You got a great gun at a great price.

 

[oldblue]

That's great to hear, oldblue. You got a great gun at a great price.

Only -- and I mean only -- because of everyone here. You gave the information, ideas and confidence to call and negotiate the problem. Thank you!

 

[oldblue]

I would not say that the box is worthless and if the label can be gently removed you have a pre Bangor Punta S&W blue box. That box on fleabay would probably fetch $100 or more.

It is also possible that the ink serial number could be removed assuming that the label is original and worth saving.

OP, is there any indication of a serial number written on the bottom of the box? S&W typically wrote the serial number in grease pencil across the end of the underside of the box.

Sorry for the tardy reply - no evidence that there was ever anything written in grease pencil anywhere on any surface of the box. Just smells like boxes in my grandparent's attic.

 

[diecidecimi]

My opinion: the guy demonstrated to be a gentleman, indeed.
If you were satisfied paying 1600, now you will be happier being lighter of 1200 only.... All that, owning the same gun .
Keep it and enjoy

 

[Hondo44]

Keep the gun. Now every time you pick it up you'll have a good gun, a good price, and a good feeling about the deal/seller as well!

I was going to give you another arrow for your quiver, the box was described as excellent condition, but looks a little ragged in your photo. But a moot point now. You could sell it on eBay cheap and 'pass it forward'.

The rear side plate flat head screw under the grip is correct after WW II so the grip fits flat, pre-war Magnas had a dimple in the back of the grip so it would sit flat over the domed head screw. But then the flat head screw was used and is to this day.

The number in the yoke matches the one on the left side of grip frame (and inside of the side plate) which is correct.

I agree with James, the circled RE means it went to the service dept before sale most usually for a flawed finish and reblued.

So all in all, it's a righteous gun.