Smith & Wesson S&W Model 27-3 .357 Magnum 8 3/8″ DA/SA Revolver, 1987
SOLD FOR: $1166
LSB#: 220430SG020
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-3, The .357 Magnum
Serial Number: AVA5533
Year of Manufacture: 1987
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 butt is marked with the serial number “AVA5533”. The sideplate is marked with the S&W logo. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The right side of the barrel is marked “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “2”.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned on a ramped base set on 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 checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered goncalo alves target stocks with medallions and a football cut. There are a few marks and spots of finish loss, the most noticeable are on the football cut and on the bottom edges. There are a couple tiny chip losses on the bottom edge of the right panel at the front. There is a small loss on the right panel on the rear edge a the very top. There is some wear on the right panel at the corner where the backstrap widens into the frame. The grips are proud to the backstrap. There are a few little scratches and draglines. The checkering is sharp. There are no cracks. The grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are a few spots of oxidation on the barrel and on the backstrap. There are a few little marks that have thinned the finish on the cylinder and there is a faint turn line on the cylinder. There is light handling wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces light side-to-side play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. 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 .357 Magnum was the king of handgun cartridges for decades and Smith & Wesson made some of the best. 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 the Model 27. It was noted for its durability and reliability and has been a favorite of shooters since its inception. The 3 ½” barrel length version of this revolver was extremely popular with FBI agents from the 1940s to the 1960s. 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 8 3/8″ revolver is in Fine Plus condition with little wear to speak of. This 27-3 revolver looks great and should be a hit with the collectors, especially with its accessories. If it gets past the collectors, some lucky shooter will get a chance at one of the strongest double-action .357 Magnum revolvers ever made, built on S&W’s N frame, also used for the .44 Magnum. Please see our photos and good luck!