Custom Smith and Wesson Model 27-1 .357 Magnum 3.5″ SA/DA Revolver 1960-61

SOLD FOR: $2,382.00

LSB#:  LSB251003GL019

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  27-1, The .357 Magnum

Serial Number:  S218979

Year of Manufacture: 1960-1961 (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson)

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder 

Markings:  The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “S218979”.  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 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 “L”.

Barrel Length:  3.5″

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a blade affixed to a ramped base integral to the barrel rib.  The rear sight is a square notched micrometer sight attached to the top strap. The rib, top strap, and rear sight base are finely checkered for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grips are single piece smooth wooden aftermarket stocks with finger grooves and extractor relief.  There are tiny scratches and very small areas of finish loss.   The grips rate an Excellent condition.  Please see the photos.

Type of Finish:  Blued with case hardened hammer and trigger

Finish Originality:  Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, though there is a bit of fouling.  In the opinion of the writer the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish.  There is a light turn line through the finish on the cylinder.  There are small scratches on the cylinder and very few elsewhere.  There is no evident corrosion.  The screw heads are sharp.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions as designed.  The single action is light and crisp.  The double action is smooth.  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:  OD Green canvas case.

Our Assessment:   Created in 1935 by by Elmer Keith, Phillip B. Sharpe, and Douglas B. Wesson, the .357 Magnum was the king of handgun cartridges for decades.   Improving on the .38 Special cartridge was seen as necessary to shoot through the vehicle cover of the day.  Smith & Wesson made some of the best .357s in order to reassert their dominance in the Law Enforcement sector..

This is a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver made in 1960-61.  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 (in 1957) the Model 27.  It was noted for its durability and reliability and has been a favorite of shooters since its inception.  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 3.5” revolver is in Excellent condition with little visible wear.  It is a 27-1 revolver — an early variant that commands a premium with collectors over later models.  It still looks great and should be a hit with collectors.  

Please see our photos.-C.B.