Smith and Wesson S&W Model 27-2 .357 Magnum 5″ SA/DA Revolver 1975-76
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB260621JF046
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-2 .357 Magnum
Serial Number: N326938
Year of Manufacture: 1975-1976 (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson)
Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”. The right side plate is marked with the S&W monogram, and the right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 27-2”. The crane arm and the interior grip strap are marked with assembly numbers. The butt is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp atop a ramped rib fixed at the muzzle. The rear sight is a square notch leach set in a micrometer click base and is adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the rib and the topstrap are finely checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at the top, and an extractor relief. There are scattered minor handling scratches and compressions. The checkering remains sharp with minor peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate about Fine 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 minor copper fouling in the grooves. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are faint handling and storage scratches throughout. The overall finish is strong. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. The case-color remains vibrant. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. 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. The lockup is tight with little to no play at each chamber. 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: Display case w/cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 27 represents the direct descendant of the revolver that ushered in the magnum handgun era. Introduced in 1935 as the “.357 Magnum,” the original revolvers were premium N-frame guns built around the newly developed .357 Magnum cartridge and featured highly polished finishes, adjustable sights, and finely checkered topstraps and barrel ribs. The first production example was presented to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and the revolver quickly developed a following among law-enforcement officers, outdoorsmen, and serious handgun shooters. When Smith & Wesson adopted numerical model designations in 1957, the .357 Magnum became the Model 27. The 27-2 engineering variation appeared in 1961-1962 and became one of the longest-lived versions of the model. Of particular relevance to this revolver, Smith & Wesson upgraded the Model 27’s standard appointments in 1975 to include a target hammer, target trigger, oversized checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks, and a presentation case. The 5″ barrel was a long-established and particularly well-balanced Model 27 configuration, combining the N-frame’s weight with an excellent compromise of sight radius, velocity, and portability.
This Model 27-2 is an exceptionally attractive example, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish with only faint handling and storage marks and a thin cylinder turn line. The finely checkered topstrap and barrel rib, adjustable sights, case-colored hammer and trigger, and Goncalo Alves target stocks retain the deluxe character that distinguished the Model 27 from the more utilitarian Model 28 Highway Patrolman. The stocks remain in Fine condition with sharp checkering and no structural damage, while the bright 9/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion. Mechanically, the revolver is equally strong, with tight lockup, a smooth double-action pull, and a light, crisp single-action release. The included display case and cleaning kit complement the revolver’s premium configuration and presentation. Overall, this is a particularly clean example of Smith & Wesson’s flagship .357 Magnum from the desirable pinned-and-recessed Model 27-2 era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY