Winchester_73
New member
Most of the above is true. However, the model 27 at one time DID come with a standard hammer and trigger. Longer barrel guns often did have a patridge front sight, but this was optional - you could get either sight with any barrel length. Model 27-2s were most often 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 6.5 or 8 3/8 in barrels. The grip type, whether magna or target was also an option. So in other words, you could find (esp pre 1975) a model 27, with magnas, a 6in barrel, baughman aka ramp front sight, standard trigger and standard hammer, and it be completely factory original. I actually had a 1969 8 3/8 27-2 with a standard hammer and standard trigger. Perhaps you were thinking of the model 29 or the model 57, which both came standard with TG, TT, TH and a ramp front sight. For the model 27, it depends on the time frame. In 1975, they made TG TT and TH standard, so many model 27s did not have those features but were factory original. IIRC the white outline rear sight was standard on many 27s (perhaps not all) while it was an option for a model 28.
A model 28 could be ordered with a patridge front sight (rare), but they were commonly ordered with TG, TH or TT and TH. It just all depended upon what the person or dealer who ordered the gun wanted. Wood presentation cases were available as extra cost options, but since it was not necessary, this would have been rarely ordered with a model 28. The model 28 was made to be an economy model, so if someone wanted a 28, with TG, TH, TT and a wood case, they would have most likely simply ordered a 27. However, with S&W, never say never! S&W would put together anything you wanted basically, as long as you or someone paid for it. Now of course, most often, a 28 will be seen with a baughman aka ramp front sight without insert, solid black rear sight (no white outline), 4 or 6in barrel, magna grips (reveals the frame) and standard hammer with standard trigger. However, just like a car, some people wanted the optional features, and some did not.