Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 .357 Magnum 3 1/2″ SA/DA Nickel Revolver 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,636.00
LSB#: LSB251009DC031.1
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-2, the .357 Magnum
Serial Number: N175646
Year of Manufacture: 1973 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson)
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 “N175646 / MOD 27-2”. The crane is marked “46850” with inspection marks. The frame butt is marked with the serial number “N175646”. The sides of the grip frame are marked “46850”, and has inspector marks. There is no serial number inside of the stocks.
Barrel Length: 3 1/2″, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp 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 U-notch on the rear sight appears slightly bent, dinged and discolored. The barrel rib, ramp, rear sight tang, and the top strap 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. There is significant loss of finish and handling marks present throughout. There are large chips out of the front and rear corners of the right grip and smaller chips out of the bottom of the left grip panel. The checkering is worn. The grips rate in about Fair condition. Please see the photos.
Type of Finish: Nickeled with 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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are minor drag marks on the rear of the frame from the cylinder. There are minor carbon rings around the front cylinder chambers. The cylinder release button is loose. There is some finish loss on the edges of the frame and the top strap and under the grips. There is a light turn line through the finish on the cylinder and there is wear in the cylinder stops. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good to condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces minor side-to-side play on each chamber. The cylinder release button is loose. 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: None
Our Assessment:The Smith & Wesson Model 27 traces its lineage directly to the legendary Registered Magnum of 1935, the revolver that introduced the .357 Magnum cartridge and set a new benchmark for power, precision, and craftsmanship in double-action revolvers. Built on Smith & Wesson’s large N-frame, the Model 27 was always positioned as the company’s premier .357 Magnum offering, distinguished by its high-polish finish, extensive checkering on the topstrap and barrel rib, and meticulous fitting. By the time the Model 27-2 variant was produced in the early 1970s, the design had reached a mature and highly refined state, representing one of the finest revolvers ever offered by Smith & Wesson.
The 3 1/2-inch barrel configuration is among the most sought-after within the Model 27 family. Originally favored by law enforcement officers and federal agents, this barrel length offers excellent balance and handling while retaining the full strength and shootability of the N-frame. The pinned barrel, finely checkered rib and topstrap, and micrometer-adjustable rear sight all reflect the premium features that defined the Model 27 line. Manufactured in 1973, this revolver represents the classic pre-cost-cutting era of Smith & Wesson production, when cosmetic and mechanical details were given priority.
Condition reflects honest use consistent with a working but well-cared-for revolver. Approximately 90 percent of the original nickel finish remains, with visible wear including a light cylinder turn line, minor drag marks at the rear of the frame, finish loss along edges and under the grips, and some carbon rings at the front of the chambers. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a strong 9 out of 10. The Goncalo Alves target stocks show significant finish loss, worn checkering, and notable chips, placing them in Fair condition. Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull and crisp single-action break, though minor side-to-side cylinder play and a loose cylinder release button are noted. Overall, this Model 27-2 remains a desirable example of Smith & Wesson’s flagship .357 Magnum, combining an iconic barrel length, strong bore condition, and classic N-frame craftsmanship. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!
-L.S.
