Smith & Wesson S&W The .357 Magnum Pre-Model 27 6″ DA/SA Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 210927MB10
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: The .357 Magnum, Pre-Model 27
Serial Number: S162314
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1957
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “S 162314”, the rear face of the crane is marked “162314”, the butt is marked “S 162314”, the underside of the ejector star is marked “162314”, and the underlug cut of the barrel is marked “S 162314”. The sideplate is marked with the S&W logo. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The right side of the barrel is marked “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”. The crane cut is marked “22709 / 7 4” and the crane is marked “22709”. The sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “170220” and the interior of both panels are marked “R”.
Barrel Length: 6”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a patridge blade integral to a ramped base pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a S&W micrometer click square notch adjustable for windage and elevation. The barrel rib, ramp, rear sight tang, and the topstrap are finely checkered to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered magna stocks. There are some scuffs that have caused finish loss and also thinned the finish. There is a thin faint scratch on the left panel up at the top. There are one or two little dings. The checkering is mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine Plus condition as not original to the revolver.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some thinning and finish loss on the edges, some of the most noticeable is on the bottom of the frame and on the cylinder. There are patches of finish loss and thinning on the trigger guard. There is finish loss on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle. There is some erosion on the sides of the front sight base. There are some scattered scuffs and a few hairline scratches on the cylinder. The cylinder also has a turn line through the finish. There are some spots of finish loss and a few small spots of oxidation on the sides of the frame and sideplate by the grips. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces light side-to-side play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth, the single action crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a non-factory box and a pair of checkered wood target stocks with football cuts on either side. The grips rate in about Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver made in 1956-1957. When first introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1935 it was known as the Registered Magnum and in 1939 Smith & Wesson changed the name to “The .357 Magnum”, and later the Model 27. It was noted for its durability and reliability and has been a favorite of shooters since its inception. The 3 ½” barrel length version of this revolver was extremely popular with FBI agents from the 1940s to the 1960s. General George Patton carried an ivory handled Registered Magnum with a 3 ½” barrel (along with his ivory handled Colt Peacemaker) Patton called the Model 27 his “killing gun”. This 6″ revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition with some scattered light wear. This Pre-Model 27 revolver looks good and should be a hit with the collectors. If it gets past the collectors, some lucky shooter will get a chance at one of the strongest double-action .357 Magnum revolvers ever made, built on S&W’s N frame, also used for the .44 Magnum. Please see our photos and good luck!