Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 27-3, The .357 Magnum

Serial Number: N930676

Year of Manufacture: 1982-1986 / Modern

Caliber: .357 Magnum

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

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with red insert, pinned to a raised checkered solid rib. The rear sight is an S&W micrometer click square notch adjustable for windage and elevation. The barrel rib, ramp, rear sight base, and the topstrap are finely checkered to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth laminated rosewood with medallions and finger grooves. There is little to no handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

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

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 98% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The case colors on the hammer and trigger are fading with light oxidation on the sides. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces minor side-to-side play on each chamber with the serrated target trigger depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth, the single action crisp. 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: Smith & Wesson’s Model 27 was the direct descendant of the revolver introduced with the .357 Magnum cartridge in 1935, retaining its position as the company’s premium large-frame .357 long after less costly service models entered the catalog. Built on the N-frame, the Model 27 was distinguished by its finely checkered topstrap and barrel rib, adjustable sights, high-polish blue finish, and carefully fitted single- and double-action mechanism. The 27-3 engineering change was introduced during the early 1980s and formally marked the transition away from the earlier pinned-barrel and recessed-cylinder configuration.

This 6" Model 27-3 retains approximately 98% of its current blue finish, with only a light cylinder turn line, mild oxidation on the hammer and trigger, and minimal evidence of handling. Its bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9/10, while the action functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull and crisp single-action release. The smooth laminated rosewood finger-groove stocks give the revolver a handsome presentation. Combining the Model 27’s premier N-frame construction, desirable 6" barrel, and classic .357 Magnum chambering, this is an attractive shooter-grade example of Smith & Wesson’s flagship magnum revolver.