Smith and Wesson S&W Model 27-2 .357 Magnum 3.5″ SA/DA Revolver 1975-76

SOLD FOR: $1,825.00

LSB#:  LSB251203SO001

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  27-2, The .357 Magnum

Serial Number:  N395540

Year of Manufacture: 1975-1976 (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 “N395540”.  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 left side of the barrel is marked with “SMITH & WESSON”.  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:  3 ½”

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a Baughman 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 two piece diamond-centered checkered walnut Magna stocks.  There are tiny scratches throughout.  There are no chips or cracks.   The grips rate a Very Good to Excellent condition.  

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.  In the opinion of the writer the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish.  There is blueing loss at the muzzle and on the edges of the cylinder, consistent with light holster wear.  There are tiny scratches throughout the frame.  There is a pronounced turn line through the finish on the cylinder.  There is no evident corrosion.  The screw heads are sharp.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this revolver is in Excellent 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:  Original Box, owner’s manual.

Our Assessment:   Created in 1935 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 between 1975 and 1976.  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 Model 27 is a 27-2.  The “-2” variant saw the cylinder stop changed and the trigger guard screw removed.

This 3 ½” revolver is in Excellent condition with little visible wear.  While about 50 years old, it still looks and feels like Smith & Wesson intended a new gun to look and feel.  It should be a hit with collectors or those interested in a carry piece that delivers simplicity under stress.  

Please see our photos. -C.B.