Smith & Wesson S&W Pre-Model 27 ‘The .357 Magnum’ 3 1/2 INCH Double Action Revolver, MFD 1952-53 C&R

SOLD FOR:$1,711.99

LSB#: 141029MD07

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: “The .357 Magnum” which later became the S&W Model 27 – 5-Screw!

Serial Number: S91289

Year of Manufacture: 1952 – 1953

Caliber: .38 Special and .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 inside of the ejector rod housing is marked “391289 R 04”. The yoke cut is marked “04 / 11505 / 7” and the yoke is marked “11505”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “S 91289”. The left side of the grip frame is marked “B”. The butt is marked “S91289”. The right side of the grip frame is marked “H 3 1” The right side of the four screw 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”.

Barrel Length: 3 ½”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade. The rear sight is an S&W micrometer click square notch adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The Magna style grips are checkered with a diamond center at the escutcheon. There are a couple of light scratches in the checkering on these grips. There are light handling marks throughout. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: We believe this to be all original although some of the markings are a bit light.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is a dragline on the cylinder. There is a bit of surface erosion on where the barrel meets the receiver in the crevice near the rib. There are two vertical scratches on the left side of the frame just to the rear of the trigger. There are also a couple of dots of pinprick surface erosion. The right side plate shows a couple of dots of pinprick surface erosion as well. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear although a bit thinned. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson double action revolver made in 1953. 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. The 3 ½” barrel length 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 revolver is in Fine condition with thinning on the front edges of the barrel and frame. The cylinder also has a light drag line. This pre-Model 27 revolver is going to be a big hit with the collectors. We don’t see many Model 27’s from the 1970s in such nice condition, let alone one from the early 1950s. If it gets past the collectors, some lucky shooter will get a chance on one of the strongest double-action .357 Magnum revolvers ever made, built on S & W’s N frame, also used for the .44 Magnum.