Smith & Wesson S&W The .357 Magnum Pre-Model 27 3.5″ DA/SA Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $3211
LSB#: 230719JL004
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: The .357 Magnum, Pre-Model 27
Serial Number: S105206
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 3 1/2”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped serrated blade integral to a ramped base pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is an 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 walnut magna stocks with smooth diamonds and medallions. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a couple thin shallow scratches on the right panel, most noticeable on the front and back borders. There are a few scattered light marks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few areas of light surface erosion, mostly at the midsection. In my opinion, this bore is a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The frame, barrel, cylinder, yoke, ejector and grips all have matching serial numbers. The initals “EJG” are stamped in the butt of the grip frame. There is finish wear on the edges. There are a few spots of oxidation, most noticeable on the left side of the front sight base. There are some scattered little marks through the finish and scuffs which have lightly thinned the finish. There are some scattered draglines and a couple of faint hairline scratches. The cylinder has a turn line. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly used. Overall, this revolver is in about 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 Smith & Wesson letter and a two-piece gold S&W box. The box has a non-matching serial number on the bottom but has the correct configuration on the end. The interior of the base portion of the box has hand writing from a previous owner.
Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson double action revolver made in 1954. 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 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 3 1/2″ Pre-27 revolver is in Fine condition with some scattered light wear. This Pre-Model 27 revolver looks good and comes with a configuration correct gold box, it 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!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
