Recommendations for an "old school" .357 magnum?

Gonzo_308 · May 13, 2005

As close as you're gonna get to an "OLd school" stainless gun would be either the model 66 (stainless model 19)
or the 65 (model 13).

Many people consider the 3" model 65 to be just about the best carry revolver around. Something to consider and I'm surprised I was the first to mention it.

XavierBreath · May 13, 2005

FWIW CDNN has two inch S&W Model 64's for $249. They are round butt, stainless, come with both wood and rubber grips and are marked CDC on the frame. The catalog pic shows a pinned barrel, but ask for it specifically.

Only problem is they are .38spl and you want a .357magnum. So, if you are willing to drop to a less expensive round, slap on a Tyler T along with the wood grips, there's your gun.

The Geologist · May 14, 2005

A model 27 it is then, stainless steel be damned. Thanks guys. I'll post up when I get one.

Blue Heeler · May 14, 2005

I'm glad you have made a decision. Right or wrong it is better to do something than to do nothing. Some time this week I'll be posting about underlugged barrels vs non underlugged. You have chosen one of the pencil - thin (non underlugged) varieties. Keep an eye out for my post - it may be of interest.

XavierBreath · May 14, 2005

Geo........
You have chosen wisely. I'm not sure if a M27 was ever made that was not pinned and recessed, but if so, you want a P&R gun. Here's a few pics for you.

G56 · May 14, 2005

My favorite was the S&W Model 66 in stainless, I carried one of those for years as a duty weapon, the blued model was the Model 19, both those models are in the medium size K frame, I've always found the K frames to be the easiest to shoot. Another alternative is the Model 65 in stainless or Model 13 in blue, same frame as the Model 19 & 66 but without the adjustable sights.

I had a 6" Model 28 Highway Patrolman back in the 70's, I didn't care for the matte finish of that model compared to the glossy blue that was on most S&Ws, and the larger frame didn't fit my hand well, I sold it to get something else.

Peter M. Eick · May 14, 2005

Yes the 27 and 28 were Pinned and Recessed. You can even get the pre-27 and pre-28's (called the 357 magnum and highway patrolman) respectively. If you really want an "old school" 357 magnum. Get the original. A Registered Magnum! I love mine.

All of my guns are pre-numbered, and although this picture is out of date, here are some old school 357's and 38's.

The pre-27 is at the 6oclock position.
The Registered Magnum is at 9 oclock.
The pre-28 is at 2 oclock.

I will shoot a new picture tomorrow. I have to add it 2 more heavy duties, another outdoorsman and a pre-27 8 3/8"!

Bullrock · May 14, 2005

S.e.r.t.sgt

First revolver I ever had was a Blued Colt Python. Wish I had never gotten rid of it...still regret it to this day.

Here, Here !!!!!!!!!!!! Or, is it Hear, Hear!!!!

What is 'old school'

RWK · May 14, 2005

Smith 27-2, P&R'ed, N Frame with a four or five inch barrel. "Old School", but as good as (or better than) ANY .357 magnum marketed today.

Peter M. Eick · May 14, 2005

To me "old school" means a name on the gun, not a number.

"Old School" means Pre-WW2.

"Old School" = "Registered Magnum"

1939 Registered Magnum. "Stout" loads, 15 yards, 50 shots, single action.

There is Old School quality and class!

Blue Heeler · May 15, 2005

Please ignore this post. I'm just trying to get the hang of posting pix.

Blue Heeler · May 15, 2005

Ditto

Blue Heeler · May 15, 2005

Eureka! Now how quickly can I forget this procedure? Or stuff it up some other way?

XavierBreath · May 15, 2005

Allright BH!!!!

Blue Heeler · May 15, 2005

Thanks XB - Your advice was good.

The Geologist · Sep 25, 2005

I finally found one!!

Went to my first gun show this morning and found a Smith Model 27.

Serial number is S31XXXX - can anyone tell me when this gun was manufactured?

Six inches of pinned and recessed N-frame goodness for $415. The trigger is so good that you see God in single action. The blueing is gorgeous - really deep and dark. There's enough wear on the gun that I won't hesitate to shoot it often - no safe queens for me. But it's still in very, very good condition. I'm really happy with this purchase.

Thanks for your advice. Now this thread can have a happy ending.

XavierBreath · Sep 25, 2005

Very sweet gun and a deal too Geo! I paid about the same for mine.

Webleymkv · Sep 25, 2005

I'll also say a Highway Patrolman 4" or if money is no object you can get one of the finest revolvers ever made: 3.5" S&W Model 27.

Bullrock · Sep 25, 2005

The M66, 2 1/2" 'K' frame doesn't feel like a snubby to me. It feels like a whole lotta gun!!! This one is staying with me for the duration. The 2 1/2" models are selling for $400 to $550.