Smith and Wesson S&W Model 27 .357 Magnum 6″ SA/DA Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB260117DS026
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27
Serial Number: S137238
Year of Manufacture: 1954-1955 C&R (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 “S137238”. 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 “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 assembly numbers. The barrel and frame serial numbers match. The frame and yoke assembly numbers match.
Barrel Length: 6″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade inserted and soldered to the checkered rib on the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch screwed to the top strap of the frame. The sight, top strap, and solid rib are all checkered to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a replacement set, two piece diamond-centered checkered walnut stocks. There are just a few handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The grips rate in 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. There is very minor fouling in the bore. In the opinion of the writer the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its original finish. There are scratches scattered throughout. There is light thinning bluing and holster wear along the barrel and cylinder leading edges. The color case is lightly muted but still shows strong color. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Good To Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is good. The cylinder stop has minimal play at lockup. The crane has minimal movement. The cylinder has no endshake. 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: None
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 27 is one of the most iconic American magnum revolvers, tracing its lineage directly to the original Registered Magnum of the 1930s. By the mid-1950s, the Model 27 represented the refined standard of Smith & Wesson’s N-frame .357 platform, combining hand-fitted craftsmanship with premium finishes and features such as a checkered top strap and rib to reduce glare. Chambered in .357 Magnum, a cartridge developed to deliver significantly greater velocity and energy than earlier revolver rounds, the Model 27 became synonymous with performance and prestige, widely carried by law enforcement officers and favored by skilled shooters during a period when revolvers dominated the American handgun landscape.
This 1954 to 1955 production example remains in strong overall condition, retaining approximately 95 percent of its original blued finish with visible but honest wear. There is light thinning along the barrel and cylinder edges consistent with holster carry, along with scattered handling marks, while the case colors on the hammer and trigger remain present though slightly muted. The markings are clear and well defined, and the screw heads remain sharp, indicating careful maintenance. The bore is a notable highlight, rating 9.5 out of 10 with bright surfaces, sharp rifling, and only minimal fouling. Mechanically, the revolver performs as expected with good timing, minimal play at lockup, and no endshake, reflecting the durability and precision associated with these early N-frame magnums.
The revolver is fitted with a replacement set of diamond-centered checkered walnut stocks, which remain in excellent condition with sharp checkering and only minor handling marks. While not original to the revolver, they complement the period-correct appearance and handling characteristics. The 6 inch barrel, paired with the Patridge front sight and adjustable rear sight, provides a classic target-oriented configuration that balances sight radius and handling. This Model 27 stands as a strong representative of Smith & Wesson’s early magnum revolvers, preserving the craftsmanship, design refinement, and historical significance that have made the model a cornerstone of American handgun development. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF