Have a question about this Smith and Wesson

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slicksleeve

slicksleeve

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A co-worker of mine told me her pistol was not working, so I told her to bring it to work and let me take a look at it. It turned out to be a beautiful Smith and Wesson, nickle finish, 8 3/8" barrel, .357 Magnum. It has a checkered top strap, and barrel. It had the common problem of the ejector rod having backed out. I fixed that easily enough, and told her how to keep it from happening again. Now for the part that confused me:
When I got the cylinder open, expecting to see a model number, there wasn't one. I assume this is a 27-2, but it wasn't labeled that way, or as anything else. It has a serial number stamped there, with the same one stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. The serial number is N35367x. (Last number replaced on here with an x). The yoke has the number D20 stamped on it, and so does the frame under the grips. So is this a a 27, or something I haven't heard of? Did Smith and Wesson make a run of them this way, or all of them, or what? Any help with my inexperience is much appreciated. I own a few old Smiths, and have handled plenty, but I've never been close to a 27, or whatever this is.
 

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It would be a pre model 27. Still the same gun, but the model 27 designation didn't come out until 1957.
 
Thanks 56hawk, that thought crossed my mind, but I just wasn't sure. It's a beauty, in 100% condition. I offered to trade her a Glock for it, what do think her answer was?
 
The Glock thing was a joke. I knew she wouldn't get rid of it at all, and I've got three pinned and recessed Smiths of my own sitting here in front of me now, and I wouldn't trade any of them for a Glock either!
 
Hi Slick,

That serial number places the date of manufacture in the 1975-77 range, well AFTER model numbering began and in the 27-2 range (1961-1982) as you correctly noted. S&W is not known for perfection in stamping stuff on their guns...or leaving something off. Mistakes are not uncommon so this may be just a matter of omission. My Supica catalog doesn't mention anything about any model 27 stamping omissions.

I'm not aware of any market for "error" guns like there is in the numismatic world so I don't whether or not a stamping "error" would enhance its value.

Try posting your question on the S&W forum and maybe someone more knowledgeable than I will have a better answer.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/

I had a model 681 that was stamped 68-1...no such gun. There was a 68-2 but no official 68-1...figure that one out :).

Nice gun!
Jack
 
I'm no expert, but if it's a pre-27 it will be at least a 4 screw, if not 5 screw gun. If there is a screw in front of the trigger guard underneath, it's a pre-27. If not, then it's probably a mis-stamped 27-2.

Also, assuming those are original stocks, shouldn't they be diamond stocks if it's a pre-27? I'm not super good with identifying S&W grips, but they look like later target stocks that would be common on a 27-2.

As pointed out, the N-serial numbers were later production dates.
 
As mentioned...Smith seemed to let anyone stamp their revolvers. Homeless people, janitors, mimes.

It is so common that unlike with many objects, where a misprint is coveted, it does not affect the value.
 
If there is a screw in front of the trigger guard underneath, it's a pre-27.
Click to expand...

I have had M-27s,, 29s and now own M-28 with the screw in front of the trigger guard. They did not phase that out until the early-mid 1960s.
 
I have had M-27s,, 29s and now own M-28 with the screw in front of the trigger guard. They did not phase that out until the early-mid 1960s
Click to expand...

True, 1961 from what I understand, but I was trying to address the question of whether it was a 27-2 or a pre-27, since those were the two options being floated around. Serial number indicated a 27-2, but it wasn't stamped that, and it was suggested it might be a pre-27.

I should have worded my answer more carefully. If it was a 4 or 5 screw, it's not a 27-2.
 
forindooruseonly said:
Also, assuming those are original stocks, shouldn't they be diamond stocks if it's a pre-27? I'm not super good with identifying S&W grips, but they look like later target stocks that would be common on a 27-2.
Click to expand...

The diamond went away in '68. S&W generally didn't number target stocks to the gun so no real way of telling if they are originals that shipped with the gun.

According to my SCSW the 8 3/8" barrel with Patridge front sight wasn't introduced til '75. IIRC the football target stocks would be correct for that year.
 
Model number mistakes are fairly common on S&W revolvers. Either the incorrect number gets stamped or it is omitted. Not rare, and does not add or detract from value. Like I said, it happens quite frequently. Some sellers will try to jack the price on such a gun claiming it's unusual but S&W fans know what's up and don't go for it.
 
Arlie has already accurately dated it to be a mid 70's model, controversy solved. My S&W book agrees completely with what Arlie already posted above.
 
I offered to trade her a Glock for it, what do think her answer was?
Click to expand...
Hmmm...probably somewhere on this continuum, depending on her breeding, her personality, her self-control and her regard for your physical and mental health.

a. A demure half smile, a softly shaken head, a polite "no, thank you".
b....
c...
d...


k...
l...
m. A reference to having been born at night...but not last night.
n...
o...
p...


x...
y..
z. A good swift kick in the nuts.

So, how are ya walkin' today? :)
 
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