Smith & Wesson S&W Model 27-3 .357 Magnum 8 3/8″ DA/SA Revolver 1982-1983
SOLD FOR: $1070
LSB#: 220422CM002
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-3, The .357 Magnum
Serial Number: N914627
Year of Manufacture: 1982-1983
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 butt is marked with the serial number “N914627”. 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 yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned on a ramped base set on 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 checkered goncalo alves with a football cut and S&W medallions. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a couple of little marks on the back of the right panel below the butt of the grip frame, hardly noticeable. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent condition.
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 98% of its metal finish. There is some faint finish wear on the edge of the muzzle and on the bottom-front edge of the frame. There are a few little marks scattered over the cylinder. There are a few scattered light marks. The center sideplate screw is a hex-head replacement. The cylinder has a thin faint turn line. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine Plus condition only due to the replacement sideplate screw.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is solid 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 cleaning kit, wood presentation case, cardboard “Revolver” box, serial matching shipping box, and paperwork including the manual. The interior lining of the presentation case has deteriorated.
Our Assessment: The .357 Magnum was the king of handgun cartridges for decades and Smith & Wesson made some of the best. This is a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver made in 1982-1983. 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 8 3/8? revolver is in Fine Plus condition and is fitted with a sharp pair of target stocks. This 27-3 revolver looks like it has seen very little use and comes with a box, presentation case, and shipping 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!