Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-2, The .357 Magnum
Serial Number: S267830
Year of Manufacture: 1966 / C&R
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with 6-Shot Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Barrel Length: 3 1/2", Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to a base pinned to the solid rib. The rear sight is a white outline squarer micro-click adjustable sight screwed to the top strap. The top of the rib, top strap, and rear sight base are checkered for glare reduction. The rear sight has been replaced.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with extractor relief cut and S&W medallions. There is light handling wear. There are some nicks on the bottom edges. There are a few compressions and minor scratches. There are no cracks. The checkering is crisp. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color hammer.
Finish Originality: Refinished
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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The trigger has been replaced. The balance of the finish shows light operational and handling wear. There are a few scattered light scratches. There is a small dent on the frame's edge, left of the forcing cone. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. The case colors and bluing are strong. There is minor erosion in the cylinder release. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. There is light intermittent oxidation. 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: This revolver comes with a Smith & Wesson soft case.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 27 traces its lineage directly to the .357 Magnum revolver introduced in 1935, the first production handgun built for the new .357 Magnum cartridge and initially offered as the prestigious Registered Magnum. After Smith & Wesson adopted numerical model designations, the premium N-frame .357 became the Model 27, retaining the finely polished finish, checkered topstrap and barrel rib, adjustable sights, and deluxe appointments that distinguished it from the utilitarian Model 28 Highway Patrolman. The 27-2 engineering change appeared in 1961, and the 3 1/2" barrel is one of the model's most recognizable configurations - a direct continuation of the short-barreled Magnum form famously associated with early .357s, including General George S. Patton's well-known revolver.
This 1966 Model 27-2 retains about 97% of its refinished blue finish and presents attractively with its 3 1/2" pinned barrel and Goncalo Alves target stocks. The bore rates 9/10, the action functions correctly, and the revolver shows only light handling and operational wear, though the rear sight and trigger have been replaced and there is a small frame dent, minor oxidation, and other scattered age-related marks. While the refinish and replacement components reduce originality for the advanced Smith & Wesson collector, the desirable short-barreled 27-2 configuration and excellent bore still give this revolver considerable appeal as an example of Smith & Wesson's classic premium N-frame Magnum.
