Smith and Wesson Model 27-2 .357 Magnum 6″ SA/DA Revolver MFD 1977-78

SOLD FOR: $1,801.76

LSB#: LSB250825JP142

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 27-2, the .357 Magnum

Serial Number: N461076

Year of Manufacture: 1977-1978 / Modern  (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 right is marked “S&W .357 MAGNUM”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo and the right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas address.  The crane cut is marked with the serial number and model number “ N461076 / MOD 27-2”. The crane is marked “X1879” with inspection marks.  The frame butt is marked with the serial number “N461076”. The sides of the grip frame are marked  “X1879”, “5459” and have inspector marks.

Barrel Length: 6”, 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 checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with medallions and a football cut and a nice striped grain. There are no significant handling marks or scratches. The grips rate in about Excellent condition. Please see the photos.

Type of Finish: Blued/case colored hammer and trigger

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 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 minor drag marks on the rear of the frame from the cylinder. There are minor carbon rings around the front cylinder chambers. There is no finish loss on the edges of the frame. There is a light turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The case coloring on the hammer and trigger are vivid.  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, felting is still mostly intact and still soft. The case itself has very few handling marks. The case is fully equipped with factory issued Factory screwdriver, sponge, and cleaning rod. The factory issued paper work such as the manual are in the base of the case.

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 revolver is in excellent condition with very limited visible wear. This 27-2 revolver looks great and 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 high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and and good luck with your bids!!!

BF