Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 27-2, The .357 Magnum

Serial Number: N381853

Year of Manufacture: 1975-1976 / Modern

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 patridge blade pinned to a rise in the solid rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable 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.There is no number under the grips. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks including a few scratches on the bottoms. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is crisp. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color target hammer and target trigger.

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 a blue velvet lined wooden display case with cleaning tools and a flat head screwdriver.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 27 occupies an important place in American revolver history, descending directly from the .357 Magnum introduced in 1935 and later designated the Model 27 when Smith & Wesson adopted model numbers in 1957. By the mid-1970s, the Model 27-2 had evolved into a particularly refined N-frame package, with the 1975 configuration incorporating a target hammer, target trigger, Patridge front sight on the 6" and 8 3/8" versions, Goncalo Alves target stocks, and a presentation case. Those features closely correspond with the configuration of this revolver and make it representative of the classic late-production 27-2.

This example is exceptionally well preserved, retaining about 99% of its original blue and case-colored finish with only light handling and operational wear. The Goncalo Alves target stocks remain Excellent, the bore rates 9/10, and the action functions correctly. Its 8 3/8" barrel, target equipment, and blue-lined wooden display case with tools make this a particularly attractive package for the collector of traditional Smith & Wesson N-frame revolvers. The combination of high original condition, desirable long-barrel configuration, and period-correct target appointments gives this Model 27-2 strong collector appeal.