Question about S&W M27-2?

[DNA]

Well, I was wondering about the S&W M27-2 I've seen recently... it's the ~8inch model, blued, pinned and recessed, 6 shot .357... the topstrap has been stippled/checkered? and the trigger has a trigger shoe attached via 2 screws or pins? Sadly, it seems it was slightly rusted on three spots on the frame and on the cylinder on one side, the previous owner apparently took steel wool to it...
Anyone know more about the M27 (been hunting the net for info)? or whats up with the stippling/checkering and trigger shoe? or even the value of the piece?

Thinking about picking it up for a nice shooter as it is going for under 3 bills and I am in Cali.

Dan

 

[Master Blaster]

I have one in the configuration you mentioned. The topstrap is checkered, like 60 lpi. they stopped doing this in 1968.

Mine has an incredible blue job on it and was like new when I bought 4 years ago. I paid $350 you could always send it to S&W and have it reblued. call and ask what they would charge my guess is less than $120.

Its an N-frame and a fine shooter but you would need to have it drilled and tapped for a scope if you wanted a scope on it.

For hunting you may want to consider a newer used one in stainless.

 

[FPrice]

Master Blaster...

"call and ask what they would charge my guess is less than $120."

I asked S&W about re-blueing a 4" Model 10-5 about a year ago and they quoted me about $165. Never sent it to them, am looking at Robar Guns.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Buy it Quick !!!!

I'm in CA too and I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat, unless it's been beaten with a sledge hammer. That is a terrific price, don't tell anyone if you don't want it sold before you get it.

For refinishing, I'd send it back to S&W for a factory reblue. This is the premier Smith revolver (well, several others are pretty good too ..) and a true classic. I'd just phone S&W and ask about reblue & drilling/tapping if you want to scope it. Absolutely great .357, but then you'll want a 3.5" to go with it .. Buy it quick.

Then get some good wood grips, like Ahrends/ Spegels/ others.

 

[DNA]

Ok, so the top strap checkering is normal, but does it normally extend over to the barrel of the gun? This one seems to have the top part of the barrel checkered, I was told this would cut down on glare and it was probably done after the gun was originally purchased?

I can see why some see this as the apex of revolvers, the blueing that hasn't been damaged is simply beautiful, and the trigger in SA is very very nice. Was er... fondling the S&W for an hour or two... seems to want to come home with me

Dan

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

What Poohgyrr said: BUY IT!

The N-frame .357 is a sweety and the checkering you describe is factory done.

Here's the 8 3/8" close-up of the top strap right above the barrel/frame intersection-

I have three of these babys in all the weird barrel lengths: 3", 5" and the el monstro 8 3/8". They're all late '60's and early '70's vintage and just the greatest shooters.

If the lock-up is tight and the timing is good you really can't go wrong with it.

 

[DNA]

Can anyone say 10day waiting period?
And it comes with a rig, and it fits me too... feels like it was meant for me

I'll have to take some pics when it comes home, till then... am wondering when was it built? s/n # N349xx


Dan

 

[Phil in Seattle]

Welcome to the wonderful world of S&W N Frame revolvers.

You are about to embark upon the start of a wonderful addiction that there is no known cure for.

 

[Standing Wolf]

The trigger shoe is an after-market product. I've never cared for them myself, but if you've got an unusually long index finger, it may prove useful.

My model 27-2 with an 8.375-inch barrel was never much of a shooter until I had the barrel removed and replaced with a Clark barrel. Now it's as accurate as a Python.

 

[DNA]

Thanks again for all the wonderful info everyone

Now I have more questions, this time about where to get some replacement grips for the M27, was looking for wood, I am thinking somewhere along the lines of cocobolo? Any ideas would be appreciated

Dan