S&W Model 17 and Model 27

[Ky Larry]

My gunshop just took in trade a S&W Model 17 blued .22 revolver. It's 98% condition. The blueing looks perfect, not even any holster wear and the bore looks like a new dime. Timing appears to be perfect. Also has the box with the original price sticker on it ($229.00). They want $300 otd.
Also they have a Model 27 nickel .357 mag. It's in almost new condition,tight, and is timed perfect. They want $450 for it but I can get it for $415 otd. I have the name of the person who traded them in so I called him. He said the only reason he got rid of them was becaue he just had to have a new 20 gauge Beretta double.
Could anyone tell me if these are good prices? Thank you.

 

[Old Fuff]

To answer your question more information is needed. What are the serial numbers of these two revolvers? Are they a model 17 & 27 or are the models followed by a dash number, as in: 17-2 or 27-1? Do either have any extra accessories, such as oversized target grips, target hammer or wide trigger?

I don't see the quoted prices to be exceptionally good, but the above information might make them look a lot better - or worse.

 

[Maddock]

Around here, those are mediocre prices.
Old Fluff brings up a good point – the accessories, the dash number and serial numbers could add to the value.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've seen model 17s with higher asking prices in very good condition. If it had a really good trigger and a six-inch or longer barrel, I'd pay $300 for it.

 

[jar]

if the box has the tool kit, manual and screw drivers you may have a real find.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Opinion.
17 looks a little high.
27 looks waaayy high.

As previously noted....more detailed descriptions needed.

Sam

 

[makarov]

The 27 price is high, but minty model 17's are getting harder and harder to find. I would give $300 out the door for one. In the long run $30 one way or the other isn't a big deal.

 

[RON in PA]

Prices on used revolvers vary from region to region. The price on the M17 is ok for where I am, the M27 a tad high, but not by much.

 

[dinosaur]

Edited because of brain fart.

Arghh! Must learn to differentiate between Model 27 & Model 57!:banghead:

Now that I`ve cleared that up, I`ve seen 27`s for around $350-$375

 

[BigG]

No offense, old buddy, but CR Sam reminds me of the ace mechanic who drives a rat trap himself. $415 is not outrageous for any mint condition S&W Mod 27, imho. I would pay $300 for a K-22 (Mod 17) also. Like they said, prices vary widely across the USA but I think Sam tries to steal em.

Remember, he's the guy who jumps up at the bump in the night with a gun in each hand and nekkid as a jay bird!

 

[Old Fuff]

I'd say that Sam's no fool. He want's to know exactly what he's bidding on before he lays his money down. Model 17's and 27's (as well as most other guns) were not created equal. Over the years many companies, including Smith & Wesson, have had quality that runs all over the map.

 

[BigG]

Fuff, I am talking about prices for guns I am holding in my hand. Sight unseen is a whole nother matter. Let the buyer beware is always good to remember.

 

[DennisE]

If they are in as good a condition as you say, and if the n-frame fit my hand, and if I had the money to spend, they'd both be in my bag and in my car on the way to the range. Dennis

 

[Ky Larry]

S&W Models 17 and 27

Please educate me. What should I look for in these revolvers?

 

[Old Fuff]

BigG:

I agree. but that's why I'd like to get some more information before rushing to judgment about value vs. prices. In any case a buyer should take a good look at Jim March's "Check-Out List" before buying anything.

Over 50 years of experience has taught me that things are not always what they seem at first look.

 

[Old Fuff]

Ky Larry:

As I previously pointed out:

The model number: Are they a just a model (17 and 27) or does a dash number follow, such as (17-3 or 27-1)? You will find this stamped on the frame, under the barrel, when you swing out the cylinder.

The serial number: Will be stamped on the bottom of the butt or in the same place where the model number is.

Extra accessories, such as oversized target grips, long wide-spur target hammers and wide triggers. If these were not standard equipment in the first place they slightly increase the revolvers value.

An original box, numbered to the gun, that’s in good shape, always adds to the value. Boxed accessories (literature, cleaning rod and brushes, etc.) do too.

On the revolver forum you will find an excellent “check-out list†written by Jim March that explains how to check out any revolver - new or used. Use it. It may save a lot of grief later.

The revolvers you are looking at have both a shooter’s and collector’s value. If they are everything you suggest, and you keep them in the kind of shape they are now, they represent a good investment as well as “shooting guns.†I’m not trying to discredit what you’re looking at, but to know what you’re looking at I need to know a lot more.

Recently another individual posted a message telling how he’d picked up an old S&W .38 for under $200.00. The dealer sold it “as is†as a shooter. While the gun would not be a good choice for that purpose it turned out to have a collector’s value substantially more then what the individual had paid. But to find this out I had to drag the necessary information out of him. Frankly, that’s what I’m doing now.

 

[Mike Irwin]

A 17 in that condition with box and goodies would bring closer to $350 to $375 in Northern Virginia.

I agree, though, that the 27 IS high.

Just not as high as CR Sam seems to think... Get with it, Sam... A shiny nickle no longer buys you a handgun, 200 rounds of ammo, and admission to the latest RKO "Rocket Man and Poodleboy" serial...

Prices are very, very regional on many models across the country.

I'd probably snap up the 17 and pass on the 27 in Virginia.

 

[BigG]

I think we Smith aficionados agree that doing a lot of window shopping and learning the various models and conditions is time well spent. I handled, owned, and observed a scatload of various Smiths and can tell a good one from a dog. I think everyone should learn to do the same if they don't want to get taken by some fast buck artiste.

One little idea I keep in the back of my head is the prices for S&W revos for the most part are very favorable for getting nice condition examples as compared to a Colt or Winchester. You can assemble a pretty nice collection of vintage Smiths on a budget. Don't know how long that will last, though...

 

[P95Carry]

As Mike points out .. prices do for sure vary from place to place. The 27 does sound on high side .... I would not choose a nickel myself either at that price.

Good blued however ... well, found my M27-2 (in box, wide trigger, large spur) ..... on consignment at one of the shops I frequent ..... It was a $400 tag ... but due to ''must have'' syndrome I didn't want to wait and argue with the original owner over perhaps $20 - $25 ..... so took it. $375 would have sounded better .... but ...... weak will did the rest!!

Oh - and ..... it's a 5" tube too ... that 's what really did it!

 

[Randy63]

Ky Larry,
What is the barrel length on the Model 27? If by chance it's a 3.5 incher $415 is a very fair price, it would also be a good price for a 5 incher.

A 27, 27-1 (scarce) or a 27-2 would be more desirable than a 27-3 because the earlier guns are pinned and recessed. P&R guns are more sought after than non P&R S&W's.

I just bought this like new 6" nickel 27-2 a couple of weeks ago. I gave $450 for it which is on the high side for sure but the gun came with its original wooden presentation case, tools and paper work. I've read somewhere that you can't pay too much for a quality S&W, you can only buy it too soon, so I guess I bought this one a little early.

Nickel guns just never did anything for me in the past but for some reason this one called to me. I can understand why SP likes the shiney ones.

If the 17 has a pinned barrel the price is right IMO.

Randy

 

[Bullet Bob]

Forget the money - the prices are okay, and you'd have the the best two handguns ever made - really, all you need (don't tell that to my wife).

 

[C.R.Sam]

BigG...
No offence taken.
I DO try to steal em...legally.

Lots of patience and carry cash.
I pass on a lot.
Get a few.

In the last year I have picked up two 95 percent plus 27s for 250 and 225. Out the door. The 225 one came with cherry condition box, tools and literature.

Got a 5 screw K-38 Combat Masterpiece (pre 15) in 98 percent for 200. OTD.

Just picked up a minty 1940 Colt Woodsman Match Target slabside with original mag way under book.

Like I said...
Patience and carry cash.

Sam

 

[Mike Irwin]

I WOULD pay $400 for a boxed 5".

In a heartbeat.

 

[C.R.Sam]

And...
In my opinion of the 27 and 17, my first post above, I stated that more information re the guns was needed.

Sam, again

 

[Mike Irwin]

Here's a quarter, Sam...

Go buy a new car...


P.S. -- I want my change back...