Need help identifying.
- Thread starter scout1999
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VA27
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If the top strap around the rear sight is checkered and the barrel is three and a half inches or so, I'd say a Model 27.
Driftwood Johnson
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Howdy
Sorry, but if you want a positive ID you are going to have to supply better photos. I can't tell looking at it if it is a K frame or an N frame. Give us a photo looking directly down at both sides of the revolver, not up at an angle from under the trigger guard as in your first photo. The perspective makes identifying it difficult. The only thing I can tell for sure from that photo is it is either a Five Screw or a Four Screw because of the screw in front of the trigger guard. I can't even tell what we're looking at in the photo where you are holding it in your fist. Is that the bottom of the butt?
It is not a Model 27, if it were it would say so right on the frame under the cylinder yoke. In 1957 S&W changed over to model numbers and that is when they started stamping model numbers on the frame. No model #, so it is sometime pre-1957. I am trying to make out the five digit number stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke. If this is a pre-1957 gun that will be the Serial Number, which should agree with the SN of record, which is always stamped on the bottom of the butt.
If there is checkering on the top strap, it is a 357 Magnum. That is the name that S&W gave to the large frame 357 Magnum revolvers before changing over to the model numbering system. If no checkering on top of the top strap it could be several different models, only better photos will determine exactly what it is.
Crisp, well lit, well focused photos.
Sorry, but if you want a positive ID you are going to have to supply better photos. I can't tell looking at it if it is a K frame or an N frame. Give us a photo looking directly down at both sides of the revolver, not up at an angle from under the trigger guard as in your first photo. The perspective makes identifying it difficult. The only thing I can tell for sure from that photo is it is either a Five Screw or a Four Screw because of the screw in front of the trigger guard. I can't even tell what we're looking at in the photo where you are holding it in your fist. Is that the bottom of the butt?
It is not a Model 27, if it were it would say so right on the frame under the cylinder yoke. In 1957 S&W changed over to model numbers and that is when they started stamping model numbers on the frame. No model #, so it is sometime pre-1957. I am trying to make out the five digit number stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke. If this is a pre-1957 gun that will be the Serial Number, which should agree with the SN of record, which is always stamped on the bottom of the butt.
If there is checkering on the top strap, it is a 357 Magnum. That is the name that S&W gave to the large frame 357 Magnum revolvers before changing over to the model numbering system. If no checkering on top of the top strap it could be several different models, only better photos will determine exactly what it is.
Crisp, well lit, well focused photos.
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bannockburn
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Sort of looks like a pre-Model 27, or Registered Magnum, with a 3.5" barrel to me. Can't be sure without better photos and more information.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
It is not a Registered Magnum. Registered Magnums had their registration number stamped on the frame under the yoke. This was done by stamping REG, then the registration number.
It is a common misconception that all 'pre-Model 27' 357 Magnum revolvers were Registered Magnums. The Registered Magnum program was relatively short lived, only about 5,224 were manufactured from 1935 until 1939. The Registered Magnums were custom guns, each one built to the specifications of the order. S&W never expected them to be high volume sellers. Despite the fact that they were produced during the height of the Depression, and were more expensive than anything else in the catalog at the time, S&W was swamped with orders. In 1939 the Registered Magnum program was discontinued and a registration number was no longer stamped onto the frame. "non-Regisered' 357 Magnums continued to be produced until 1941 when production ceased for war production contracts. The Post War 357 Magnum was reintroduced in 1946 with the modern micrometer click rear sight. In 1950 there were design changes to The 357 Magnum including the short throw hammer. None of these variants is a Registered Magnum. In 1957 the 357 Magnum was renamed the Model 27.
I have noticed a couple of things with the existing photos. The gun appears to be refinished outside of the factory because as near as I can make out the trigger and hammer are nickel plated. S&W never nickel plated hammers or triggers, they were always color case hardened, even on nickel plated guns.
The other thing I noticed is the small screw on the left side of the rear sight. This is indicative of an older gun with a small adjustment screw on either side of the rear sight. Modern micrometer sights have one large screw on the right side of the rear sight.
However, without clearer photos of both sides of the gun, taken straight on, it is impossible for me to determine the frame size, which is very important to determine exactly what model it is. The Serial Number stamped on the bottom of the butt would also be useful in determining what model it is.
Zaydok Allen
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I thought the same but because of the S&W emblem that should be pretty distinct on the left side of the frame in the first picture. You can barely make out the circle that should be around the emblem. Sure looks aftermarket to me.
Radagast
Member
No model number stamped in the cylinder yoke cut, so a pre-1957 gun. If the serial number has a K prefix, then its a .357 Combat Magnum with 2.5 inch barrel, built on the medium K frame. After 1957 these were designated the Model 19.
If the serial number has a S prefix, then it is a .357 Magnum with 3.5 inch barrel, built on the large N frame. After 1957 these were designated the Model 27.
If the serial number has a S prefix, then it is a .357 Magnum with 3.5 inch barrel, built on the large N frame. After 1957 these were designated the Model 27.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
All of this explanation does not mean squat if the OP does not check back on the thread.
He has been asked for more information, has not come forward with any.
He has been asked for more information, has not come forward with any.
I am out of the country, thus no pictures and slow response. However with everyones help and speaking with Smith and Wesson, I have verified this is a Pre 27 that has been refinished with a S prefix in the serial number. Overall the gun is in decent shape (except for the poor finish), tight and shoots well. Now, I need to decide if I want to send back to S&W for a proper finish.
You are correct sir. Verified it is a Pre 27 with a S prefix. Thanks for your assistance.
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