Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 4″ DA/SA Revolver .357 Magnum Nickel 1979-1980

SOLD FOR: $1,313.00

LSB#: LSB250809GS003

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Model 27-2

Serial Number: N692917

Year of Manufacture: 1979–1980 (N-prefix production range, per Supica & Nahas, Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) Modern

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver, 6-shot, swing-out cylinder

Barrel Length: 4″ (pinned)

Sights: Red-ramp front; micro-click adjustable rear sight with white outline

Grips: One-piece, football-cut with S&W medallion — Very Good to Excellent condition

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson.” The right side is marked “S.&W. .357 MAGNUM.” The right sideplate bears the S&W monogram. The butt and crane cut are stamped to the serial number.

Barrel / Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. In this writer’s opinion, it rates 9.5/10.

Type of Finish / Finish Originality: Bright nickel finish, factory original. The revolver retains approximately 92%+ of its finish, with light handling wear, a faint cylinder line, and minor discoloration at the forcing cone. The finish remains highly reflective and uniform.

Overall Condition: This revolver is in Very Good+ to Excellent condition. It shows minor signs of careful use while preserving its factory character. The pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, and sharp rollmarks attest to its originality. The wide target hammer and trigger are period correct, and the checkered grips show minimal handling wear. Mechanically sound and aesthetically pleasing, this Model 27-2 exemplifies Smith & Wesson’s late-1970s craftsmanship.

Mechanics: The action functions smoothly in both double and single action. The cylinder locks securely, and the timing appears proper. The barrel is pinned, and the chambers are recessed. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a factory Smith & Wesson cardboard box (unlabeled exterior) with original brown wax paper. Period-correct factory materials are present — a Model 27 instruction manual, warranty registration card, parts list, and a Smith & Wesson ammunition advertisement brochure.

References: Serial number verification and production period per Supica & Nahas, Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

Our Assessment:
This Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 represents the last of an era when every revolver was hand-polished and fit by craftsmen in Springfield, Massachusetts. Built during the waning years of the pinned-and-recessed era, this N-frame magnum combines enduring mechanical integrity with the gleam of a nickel finish meant to last. Its short 4-inch barrel made it a favorite among lawmen and detectives who wanted the power of a .357 Magnum in a manageable package—firepower balanced with elegance.

One can easily picture this revolver holstered on the hip of a state trooper cruising through the late 1970s in a Plymouth Fury, its nickel gleam catching the dashboard lights during a night stop on Route 66. The Model 27 was the evolution of the legendary Registered Magnum, and by the time this example left the factory, it had become both a service legend and a prized target revolver. The fit, finish, and target features reflect the pinnacle of S&W’s pre-1980 craftsmanship—before cost-cutting simplified the line forever.

For the collector, this example offers both nostalgia and quality: an original nickel Model 27-2, complete with factory paperwork and boxed presentation. A revolver built for the American patrolman and treasured today as a timeless piece of revolver history.

KF