Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-2, The .357 Magnum
Serial Number: N640132
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980 / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5", Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade pinned on a ramped base integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notched micrometer sight screwed 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 extractor relief cut and S&W medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is crisp. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Case Color target hammer and target trigger. Blued ejector star and rear sight.
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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very light operational and handling wear. There are a few scattered light scratches. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. The case colors and bluing are strong. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent 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 its serial matching factory box.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 27 descends directly from the original .357 Magnum of 1935, the revolver that introduced the .357 Magnum cartridge and later became the Model 27 when Smith & Wesson adopted numerical model designations in 1957. Built on the large N-frame, the Model 27 remained the company's premium .357, distinguished by its high-polish finish, finely checkered topstrap and barrel rib, adjustable sights, and exceptional fitting. The 27-2 engineering change appeared in 1962, and by 1975 Smith & Wesson was supplying the Model 27 with target hammer, target trigger, oversized Goncalo Alves target stocks, and presentation case as part of its premium treatment. The desirable 5" barrel is a particularly handsome and collector-favored configuration, offering the balance and classic proportions strongly associated with Smith & Wesson's prewar and postwar N-frame Magnums.
This nickel 27-2 is exceptionally well preserved, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish with only scattered light scratches, very light operational wear, and a thin cylinder turn line. The Goncalo Alves target stocks remain Excellent with crisp checkering and no chips or cracks, while the bright bore has sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9/10. The strong case colors on the hammer and trigger, deep blue on the contrasting small parts, pinned 5" barrel, and serial-matching factory box further enhance its presentation. Combining the premium Model 27 finish and appointments with a 5" barrel, factory nickel, outstanding condition, and matching box, this is an especially attractive example from the final years of the classic pinned-barrel Model 27-2 era.
