S&W Model 27

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Webleymkv

New member
Well, I just spent two hours at the gun counter in Gander Mountain. I stopped in on my way home from the Indy 1500 Gun Show and what did I see sitting in the used case but a very lightly used S&W Model 27-2 with the uncommon 5" barrel for the (what seemed to me) good price of $599.

After deciding that it merited further inspection, I had to take a number in order to even look at it. It took nearly an hour before I was even able to handle the gun, but upon closer inspection, I decided that it was lonely and needed to come home with me. Unfortunately, it took another hour to get the paperwork done in order to buy it (no delays with NICS, just Gander Mountain's various policies and paperwork).

Anyhoo, how do the esteemed members of TFL think I did? While the gun doesn't have any box or papers, the condition is nearly perfect with a turn line on the cylinder that has to be looked at in the right light to be seen. The gun also wears what appears to be a period-correct set of S&W Magna stocks. Also the serial number is N1672xx if anyone with a copy of The Standard Catalog of S&W could be so kind as to give me an approximate date of birth.
 
A model 27 for $600? That's a great deal on a fantastic revolver.

I feel terrible to admit I paid significantly more for mine last year.

Enjoy, its one of the finest Smiths out there.
 
Also the serial number is N1672xx if anyone with a copy of The Standard Catalog of S&W could be so kind as to give me an approximate date of birth.
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1973.

Oh, and the lack of pictures for your new weapon earns you a demerit, young man :)

You did great on price.
 
Ya buddy! I'da been on that like a duck on a june bug!
Awesome deal.
I can't even find one in my neck of the woods.
 
Anyhoo, how do the esteemed members of TFL think I did?
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I know that requirement precludes my post below, but I will post anyways!

I too think you did very well. I guess you paid taxes, at least 6% I'd guess, for total of $36, and they probably did the NICS for another $5 or $10, so give or take $650. You got a pinned a recessed 27, with the desirable 5in barrel. I would say that at the least, that is also an uncommon barrel length BUT regardless, it is a favorite of many. The grip type plays a role in the value, as the gun would have originally come stock with magnas but of course target stocks were an option. By 1973 the diamond stocks were long gone. If the gun has smooth presentation stocks, you did better yet!

If I were selling the gun, as a S&W collector, I would want $800+ for said gun, in said condition, assuming it has correct grips.

Does the gun have a patridge (target) front sight or a baughman (ramp) front sight? I would guess it has a patridge?
 
I too think you did very well. I guess you paid taxes, at least 6% I'd guess, for total of $36, and they probably did the NICS for another $5 or $10, so give or take $650.
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Indiana has 7% sales tax, but there was no fee for the NICS check so your estimate was pretty close as the OTD price was $641.98.

The grip type plays a role in the value, as the gun would have originally come stock with magnas but of course target stocks were an option. By 1973 the diamond stocks were long gone. If the gun has smooth presentation stocks, you did better yet!
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The stocks are Magnas. Once I got home, I swapped the stocks between it and my M28 so that the M27 now wears smooth rosewood Herrett target stocks which improve both the look and feel of the gun IMHO.

Does the gun have a patridge (target) front sight or a baughman (ramp) front sight? I would guess it has a patridge?
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It has the baughman ramp. I did think it was slightly unusual that it's the solid black ramp rather than the red insert which seemed popular on S&W's of the era. Also, the rear sight is also solid black rather than the white outline style.
 
If I had known that 27 was down in Indy I would have left smoke trails on the way out of town to get down there! From Gander Mountain that is a great deal! Congrats!
 
I think you made out like a bandit!

Folks don't believe me but you can sometimes find good deals at Gander Mt. Most their stuff is overpriced but every once in a while you can find a real gem.
 
The 5" M27 is a classic and one of the best 357s Smith ever made. The plain ramp front sight was standard on that barrel length, although you occasionally run into one with an insert. I've never seen a 5" with a patridge front sight but that doesn't mean there isn't one out there.

Congratulations on your new acquisition. From what I've seen lately and from your description that was a very fair price.

Dave
 
The plain ramp front sight was standard on that barrel length, although you occasionally run into one with an insert. I've never seen a 5" with a patridge front sight but that doesn't mean there isn't one out there.
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Yea, come to think of it, that is right...
 
Dang! You rubbed the scab right off the wound. In my youth a friend was selling his NIB Model 27 and I said 'I'd think about it.' I was moving away and on the way out of town the next day I stopped by to tell him I'd take it but he was out of town and we never connected until someone else had bought it. Sigh.

Without a doubt you've got one of the premier handguns out there.
 
Problem with the Model 27, with LSWC 357 rounds they tear up bowling pins. They take them off the table and leave them in the next county in splinters.
 
That is by far the stupidest Gander Mountain story I have ever heard of. The few times I’ve looked at guns at GM I have been shocked at the lack of knowledge behind the counter but that my friend takes the cake.
The shape you’re talking about I would have paid twice that and not batted an eye. The 5 inch is that rare in my opinion.
You have done yourself a favor you will be happy with the remainder of your days. Great find.
 
As promised, here's a picture (sorry about the cell phone camera quality)



As is probably obvious, I took the Herrett Target Stocks off my M28 and put them on the M27 as they improve both the look and balance of the revolver IMHO.

Also, I managed to make it to the range today and I've got to say it shoots like a dream. Both Winchester .38 Spl 158gr LSWC and my .357 Magnum handloads (158gr LSWC over 14gr Alliant 2400) shot very slightly low at 15 yards but my handloads were dead on at 30 yards (I didn't try the .38's at the longer range). Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try it at 50 yards as the range was too crowded.

Recoil even with .357 ammo is very mild and the 5" tapered barrel makes the gun balance extremely well in spite of its weight and length. The combination of the gun's weight, relatively long sight radius, and excellent trigger make accurate DA shooting no challenge at all and SA shooting ridiculously easy. While I didn't shoot for groups, I had no trouble bouncing an empty 20oz soda bottle around at 15 yards nor busting fragments of clay pidgeons at 30 yards (I've always found reactive targets to be more fun to shoot).
 
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