S&w 27-2 4" p&r

Nice 27 you got there, enjoy.

Nice gun.
The 4" is less common, although collectors seem to prefer the 3.5".
The folks over at www.smith-wessonforum.com will likely be of more help.

I'm not certain on the rarity but it looks to be in fantastic shape and looks to be an absolute keeper. I picked a 28-2 up made in 1980 in nearly the same shape recently. It too used the P&R barrel and chambers. Not sure if they did things at different times on the models or not.

I can't speak as to the rarity of this particular Model 27 but it looks nice and would be a nice addition to anyone's collection. Congrats on a fine purchase.

Not rare in my area. Lots of cops carried them 30+ years ago.

Your gun has target trigger and target hammer. If it had a red ramp front sight and white outline rear sight you would have what is called the 3 T's. It was a common setup as the Model 27 was considered a premium revolver.

You can go to the Smith & Wesson Forum where you will be told your gun is rare and worth a lot of money.

Nice revolver, congrats!

The 4" model replaced both the 3.5" and 5" versions ca. 1979. It's a "rare" model, considering the 4" model wasn't a "standard" model until then. Typically the Model 27, and its predecessor, the .357 Magnum came with 3.5", 5", 6" and 6.5", and 8 3/8" models. Orders could be placed for almost any barrel length.

After 1967, the 6.5" model was discontinued in favor of the 6" model, although the stock of 6.5" barrels was used to exhaust. Starting in 1975, Model 27's were delivered with Goncalo Alves target stocks, target hammers, target triggers, and the presentation case.

Most 4" models were offered in blue, with fewer offered in nickel. After ca. 1982, the recessed cylinder and pinned barrels were eliminated.

I have one of each, from 3.5", to 6.5", and the 5" model is probably the best balanced of all.

The 4" model replaced both the 3.5" and 5" versions ca. 1979. It's a "rare" model, considering the 4" model wasn't a "standard" model until then. Typically the Model 27, and its predecessor, the .357 Magnum came with 3.5", 5", 6" and 6.5", and 8 3/8" models. Orders could be placed for almost any barrel length.

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Wow my 4" factory nickel P&R 27-2 must be worth a mint as well as a friend that has 5 of them.

Do you have a link for your information?

The third T is the Trigger Stop, not the sights.

BSA1 said:

Wow my 4" factory nickel P&R 27-2 must be worth a mint as well as a friend that has 5 of them.

Do you have a link for your information?

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A lot of my information comes from three sources:

• The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Third Edition, by Jim Supica &Richard Nahas
• History of Smith & Wesson, by Roy G. Jinks (Smith & Wesson historian)
• Research on various fora by searching, and participating in discussions.

No single reference provides an omnibus of information. Any knowledge I've gained comes from questioning those who already know.

PS - Nickel finishes, in general, are more rare than blued counterparts. Economics says that all things considered, a nickel-finished gun will have more value. Whether that's a little, or a lot, depends on the market.

Sorry but you are incorrect. The 3 T's are Target Trigger, Target Hammer and Target Sights as the Model 27 was considered a premium grade gun. I have a couple of Model 29-2 with the same features. If you look closely the O.P. (and my gun as well) don't have a Trigger Stop. It was a feature on early Model 66's and maybe other K-Frames briefly but was d.c.d due to problems with them. I have a Model 66 that I removed the trigger stop from.

pendennis,

I don't have any of those books but I recall some 3 1/2" barrel 27's carried by Officers back then along with 4 & 5" barrel ones. Could you quote the actual figures for production numbers 27-2's in blue and nickel finish 4" barrel models. (I carried 4 & 6" model 28's at different times. Loved the 6" but had to give it up when I changed departments).

I am a bit surprised to find out for me is just common cop gun from the era is rare although I do know the plain front and sights were not common.

Not I'm really curious how many 4" Model 29-2's were made and their value.

BSA1 said:

pendennis,

I don't have any of those books but I recall some 3 1/2" barrel 27's carried by Officers back then along with 4 & 5" barrel ones. Could you quote the actual figures for production numbers 27-2's in blue and nickel finish 4" barrel models. (I carried 4 & 6" model 28's at different times. Loved the 6" but had to give it up when I changed departments).

I am a bit surprised to find out for me is just common cop gun from the era is rare although I do know the plain front and sights were not common.

Not I'm really curious how many 4" Model 29-2's were made and their value.

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There aren't any published production statistics which provide numbers by finish or barrel length. Mr. Jinks' book lists some production numbers up through 1978, mostly of discontinued models and those from the "pre-model number" days.

The SCSW doesn't have any production numbers for various models in general, either. They do have some specific numbers for special guns, and those going to certain distributors such as Lew Horton. But, I suspect those numbers have come from the distributors, and not S&W.

As to values, the SCSW is about eight years out of date, and the values they list are not accurate. For instance, they show a Model 27 (no dash), NIB, as being valued at $1000. I don't think you could touch one today for much less than three times that.

Usually, the best places to find current values, are the auction sites. Search for what has actually sold, and that becomes the market.

In 2010, I bought a Model 28, produced ca. 1964. It didn't have the orlginal magna stocks, but did have a beautiful set of Goncalo Alves target stocks. I got it for $375. Now, you'll pay in the neighborhood of $600 for most any Model 28.

Thank you for your reply. I knew prices were getting high I just didn't realize how much. My P&R's are definitely keepers.