Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 27-2, The .357 Magnum

Serial Number: N220171

Year of Manufacture: 1974-1977

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned on a ramped base integral to the barrel rib. There is red paint on the rear of the blade. The rear sight is a square notched micrometer sight attached to the top strap. The rib, top strap, and rear sight base are finely checkered for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Pachmayr Presentation two-piece checkered rubber that enclose the grip frame. The grips have minor handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. There is a little minor oxidation under the grips, mostly in the backstrap serrations. The action shows light operational wear including an incomplete turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The .357 Magnum was the king of handgun cartridges for decades and Smith & Wesson made some of the best. When first introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1935 it was known as the Registered Magnum, in 1939 Smith & Wesson changed the name to “The .357 Magnum”, and later the Model 27. It was noted for its durability and reliability and has been a favorite of shooters since its inception. The 3 1/2” barrel length version of this revolver was extremely popular with FBI agents from the 1940s to the 1960s. General George Patton carried an ivory handled Registered Magnum with a 3 1/2” barrel (along with his ivory handled Colt Peacemaker). Patton called the Model 27 his “killing gun”.

This example is a 27-2 made between 1974 and 1977. This desirable 8 3/8" revolver is in Fine condition with little in the way of wear. It looks great and should be a hit with the collectors. If it gets past the collectors, some lucky shooter will get a chance at one of the strongest double-action .357 Magnum revolvers ever made, built on S&W’s N frame. Please see our photos and good luck!