Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: The .357 Magnum, Pre-Model 27, 5-Screw

Serial Number: S96107

Year of Manufacture: 1953-1954 / C&R

Caliber: .357 Magnum

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

Barrel Length: 3 1/2", Pinned

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with smooth diamonds and medallions. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is crisp with light peak wear. There are a few nicks on the bottoms. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition. The number inside the right grip matches the serial.

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

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The frame, barrel, cylinder, grips, and ejector star all have matching serial numbers. The balance of the finish is strong and the case color is vibrant. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some scattered draglines and a couple of faint hairline scratches. The cylinder has a turn line. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly used. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces light side-to-side play on each chamber with the 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 introduced the .357 Magnum revolver in 1935 as the Registered Magnum, pairing its large N-frame with the newly developed .357 Magnum cartridge and an exceptional level of hand fitting, polishing, and finishing. Postwar production resumed under the simpler “The .357 Magnum” designation, with the revolver retaining its finely checkered sighting plane, adjustable sights, and premium finish. Smith & Wesson did not apply the Model 27 designation until adopting numerical model names in 1957, making these earlier examples properly known to collectors as Pre-Model 27 revolvers.

This revolver has the particularly desirable 3 1/2" pinned barrel, matching-numbered frame, barrel, cylinder, stocks, and ejector star, and retains about 95% of its original blue finish. Its finely checkered topstrap and barrel rib, diamond Magna stocks, vibrant case colors, bright 9/10 bore, and smooth double-action and crisp single-action pulls reflect the quality that established this model as Smith & Wesson’s premier postwar revolver. Its compact barrel configuration, strong original condition, and matching numbers make this a compelling example of the classic pre-numbered .357 Magnum.