Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 27-5, SKU 100998

Serial Number: BHF3755

Year of Manufacture: 1991

Caliber: .357 Magnum

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

Barrel Length: 3 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade pinned 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 checkered for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood Magna-profile panels with S&W medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear including a thin, incomplete turn line on the cylinder. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. 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: Included is a serial matching box, cleaning rod with brush and mop, and factory paperwork including manual.

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 and 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”.

Both the 3 1/2" and 5" barrel lengths were discontinued in 1979, but there was a small production run in 1991 with a total of 1,500 revolvers. This example is a 3 1/2" barrel from that 1991 Reintroduction. This desirable revolver is in Excellent condition with little in the way of wear. This 27-5 revolver 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, in one of the handiest configurations available. Please see our photos and good luck!