Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 27-2, The .357 Magnum

Serial Number: N887421

Year of Manufacture: 1980-1983

Caliber: .357 Magnum

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

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned on a ramped base integral to the barrel rib. 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 two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions and "football" extractor cut. The left panel has a ding on the bottom edge toward the front. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear with a faint turn-line on the cylinder, not through the finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus 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: This revolver comes in a cardboard S&W box with an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, cleaning rod, brush, mop, and screwdriver. The box label is incomplete, what is present matches the revolver.

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 1980 and 1983. With a 6" barrel, the revolver is in Fine-plus condition, showing signs of limited and responsible use. 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!