Picked Up My S&W Pre-27 Revolver

Finally picked up my Pre-27 revolver. It has a 6 1/2" barrel, and is as smooth as butter. Unfortunately the bluing is starting to come off near the trigger guard as you can easily tell from the last photo. It seems as though someone didn't clean the gun for some time after handling and the salt in their sweat ate at the metal. Although you can see the bluing is wearing off you cannot feel it, and the photo over exaggerates how deep and large it is. I cannot express how crisp the trigger is, and gun fires very well. Now I just need to get familier with her by shooting a lot.

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I've already put 50 rounds through her yesterday, and I love how the weight of the gun feels in my hand. I'm wondering if I can fix the bluing without destroying the value of the gun.

Anyone have recommendations for a leather belt holster?

I guess it does add character, but it is sad that the bluing had to be worn from neglect and not use. Anyway I have to admit I'm fascinated with this gun right now and the craftsmanship that went into it. I'm tempted to open her up and see how she works but I won't because in the back of my mind I don't want to damage her, even if it's only an accidental screw driver mark.

I know people mention cylinder movement as a sign of quality in a revolver and the gap between the cylinder and breach is so small you can almost not see through it. The cylinder also locks up nicely and has very little play in it, either forwards and back or side to side.

It was made in 1953, I've already purchased the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition. I understand your point and it's just me expecting perfection, partially because I hold this gun in a very high regard. I know I'm new to the whole gun scene, although I plan to become very knowledgeable. I eventually want to become like the man down the street with that sweet classic car and can tell you anything you want to know about any classic car made in the past 100 years, and can work on any car with just a screw driver and a crescent wrench, but instead with guns. The problem is I also want to be that car guy, so I'm going to need a damn good job.

Although if all works out the job won't be a problem.

I should ask is $1070.68 out the door a fair price?

I just shot it today and 12 rounds went through her without a problem, reloaded and put her on SA. First shot and the gun locked up, and it took a moderate amount of force to open the cylinder. Now it gets caught up while spinning when open about where the serial number is. When closed I can freely spin the cylinder until it locks up on one cylinder only. Only one cylinder will now lock up.

I suspect I bent the cylinder rod, and since I can't visually see it wobble the bend must be very small. Either way I'm pissed at myself and I'm wondering if the gun was out of time a little and that is what caused it. No matter what I'm gonna get it fixed.

They're very good guns, and don't take my one bad experience with it as how these gun's perform. I purchased it used and should have known it was going to need some work. Now once my California refund comes in ( California is so damn broke, it may take a while) I'm going to have a gun smith go through it and make sure it's 100% mechanically. Does anyone have an idea on how much it will cost a mechanic to make these repairs and inspect the gun?

Edit: Where is the left side plate screw?

I took it back to where I bought it, they said they will look at the gun and as long as I didn't damage anything when opening the cylinder they will warranty it.

I just got her and she's already my baby, and I will always take care of her. Tomorrow I get to pick up another gun, a Marlin 336 .30-30 with a wood stock and blued finish.

Part of the appeal to the gun was the fact it was made in an era where purchasing a gun was more of an investment. Guns from what I have heard were made with more pride and quality than they are today. That's why I chose a Pre-27, and it came in the caliber I wanted.