Smith and Wesson Model 27-2 357 Magnum SA/DA Revolver MFD 1977-78

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00

WOA#: WY240414KF038

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 27-2, The .357 Magnum

Serial Number: N449375

Year of Manufacture: 1977-1978 (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson; Section three, Appendix 2,)

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 “N495663”. The side-plate 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 and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The crane cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped “2”.

Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, Pinned

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 two-piece smooth goncalo alves target stocks with medallions and a football cut.. There are no  handling marks. The grips rate in about Excellent condition. The grain in this set of grips is very select. Please see the photos.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.10/10

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no finish loss on the frame under the grips. There are some little nicks and marks around the sideplate screws. There are slight scratches on the face of the cylinder from vigorous cleaning. There is no finish loss on the edges of the frame. There is a light and intermittent turn line through the finish on the cylinder. There is no thinning on the controls. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces minor side-to-side play on each chamber with the serrated  target 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: The Revolver comes with its Wooden Presentation case, felching is still intact and still soft. The case itself has one bit of damage done when opening the shipping container; it seems as if a knife or razor blade has carved a thin line into the top of the lid. The case is fully equipped with factory issued moisture barrier paper, Factory screwdriver, sponge, and cleaning rod. The factory issued paper work such as the manual, and holster chart are in the base of the case along with the previous owners receipts which help us as historians follow the gun through its life.The revolver has the shipping container with it.

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 1977-1978. 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” revolver is in excellent condition with no visible wear. This 27-2 revolver looks great and should be a hit with the collectors, especially with its accessories. 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 in the auction.-K.F.