[MM]

I collect American firearms that are no longer in production (among other types).
Yesterday I was in the Franklin Gun Shop, Franklin, TN. They usually have a great selection of old and current weapons and I paused to look at a S&W model of 1950 357 magnum, in other words a pre-27. Well I've been wanting a 5 screw revolver and also have been looking for a "birth year" gun. This example was, as it turns out, both.
I did a little dickering and we agreed on a fair price. The gun has a little "characater" with some worn bluing at the muzzle and on the cylinder. There is is a small left/right loseness of the cylinder at lock-up, not enoungh to shave, and zero end shake. Lands and grooves are clean and very sharp and yoke lock-up is vault tight. Of course, being a 5 screw, it is p&R, and the diamond grips, tho on the dark side, are in very good shape. No box/docs, so it will be a shooter. There were other guns there awinkin' at me but the year of manufacture, 1953, sold me.
MM

[wnycollector]

That is a WONDERFUL addition to any ones collection. Congrats!!!

[MM]

Thanks, wny,
They sure aren't getting any cheaper or more prevalent.
MM

[Shear_stress]

Wow, what a find!

[wnycollector]

MM you have me thinking of trying to add another N frame to my collection! I have a 4" m28 and a 6" m27...but I REALLY think a 3.5" or 5" m27 would round it out nicely;)

[armoredman]

Beautiful, sir.

[MM]

Thanks, all. Wyn, for some reason the barrels over 5" just don't sing to me. By the way PM answered...
MM

[keyboard commando]

I was lucky to find one several months ago. It letters as being shipped October 4,1950.;)
:scrutiny:
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q274/pistola_photo/357Magnum.jpg
:scrutiny:

[Bailey Boat]

I don't normally do this, but I'm dying to know what the cost was???? And I'll qualify that by saying that I'm eyeballing one at a local pawn shop and he wants 650.00 and it is only about 80% NRA. It is mechanically good but cosmetically worn......

[MM]

Bailey,
Mine was "north" of that! /KC, I believe yours has less, er, ah, "character" than mine, yours looks VERY nice!
MM

[bannockburn]

MM

Very nice; certainly the Cadillac of .357 magnums. It would make for an outstanding addition to anyone's collection. A hearty well done.

[MM]

BB,
muchas-thankyas, that caddy analogy is calling it close next to one of my Python snubbies!
MM

[mossy141701]

very nice MM , congradulations on a great find. I have a six inch mod. 27 which is a tack driver. Hope yours is the same.

[MM]

Mossy,
I'm gonna Wring it out some next weekend, I'll let you know...
Since this weapon and I are the same age, I hope it shoots as well as I do, or visa-versa!
MM

[Ala Dan]

Very, very beautiful find there my friend; of a very fine firearm. Enjoy :D ;)

[MM]

Dan,
This Vandy fan 'preciates your 'preciatin'.
MM

[MM]

Well, between us 54 year old shooters (me and the pre-27) I believe it's better than me. We both enjoyed a varied diet of .38, .38 +p and some full-up 158 .357 and neither of us seemed the worse for wear. It is in my mind to possibly letter this one. I'll have to muse 'bout the price. tho...
MM