Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Pre-M27?

Today I came across an 8 3/8" "M-27" Smith that left me curious. Diamond target grips and just the SN stamped where the 27-2, for example, would be stamped. A bit of muzzle wear otherwise spot on. I am thinking it is a pre M27? I did not write the SN down unfortunately. Any info would be appreciated.

I don’t see why it wouldn’t be a “pre-27” except in that case it would have the serial number where the “27” would be.

Your example is apparently a “pre-27-2”

You need to go back and get the serial number . The earliest ones are registered magnums which are very collectible. The serial number will be on the butt . The number in the crane may not be the serial number.

I crack myself up

Seriously, I have a pre-27. All I can add is the polish is very high & the bluing dark compared to later examples. My grips are smooth.

The serial number will begin with an "S" prefix and is also stamped on the butt...

If it is a pre-war there will be just numbers..

If it has no Model number it is a pre-1958...

Re-measure the barrel. The earliest "pre-27" guns were 8-3/4, not 8-3/8. The originals were beyond the dimensional limits for one of the NRA shooting disciplines. I had one of those.

Just looked at my 1952...the number on the frame inside the crane is an assembly number not the serial number.

The serial number is on the butt and inside the ejector rod housing recess on the barrel.

Probably the rear cylinder face as well.

This. Plus on the yoke if you open the cylinder and look through an empty chamber.

A "Registered Magnum."

A registered magnum will have Reg XXX stamped inside the crane.

It would also have a slightly different style of crown and muzzle from later “Magnums”. Could also have any of a dazzling array of sights.

Was it a long or short action? Long action guns were never offered with wider than the frame slot hammer spurs so a hammer spur any wider would indicate a post 1950 gun. Wide triggers weren’t available on the older guns either. If, and it’s an if since they’re often swapped, the Target stocks are original it would be from the 1950’s as that’s when they debuted.

Registered Magnums are quite scarce. The postwar but pre 1950 “357 Magnum” is possibly even less common but may not demand the money of the Registered guns, especially one with documentation. The post 1950 pre27 is the most likely explanation, they’re more common. Any of the above would be a fine example of S&W craftsmanship on what was their flagship model at the time.

Patton called his Registered Magnum his killing gun.

Appreciate the comments. I will give it another look.

And the back of the hammer.

Nobody wants those long barrels anymore. I'd offer the guy $200....

Older grips will fit newer guns and vice-versa, and are remarkably easy to replace.

Great pistols Ed, i have the same, mine came with the small walnut grips, hate em, they're in my desk drawer, a nice fat set of finger groove Hogue's ride on it now, the workmanship on the trigger and all the matte finish engraving all along the top of frame to full barrel length is great, you can easily feel the craftsmmanship that went into those pistols, i shoot 158gr hard cast flat noses at 1400 and 180gr XTP's at 1325 in mine, same story, much more accurate than i'll ever be, hope you grab it.

EdM were you ever able to get this one figured out? Cut a deal?
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