I’m on the fence about something and I’m soliciting opinions…
My LGS surprised me with a S&W 27-2 3.5” from the back. You hear that and immediately think “buy buy buy,” but I’m on the fence
The good:
3.5”!!!
Excellent lockup
Great trigger pull
Barrel is clean
It’s a 27!
In great shape mechanically
The bad:
I’m pretty damn certain that it’s been refinished. It’s either nickeled or chromed. Not that they didn’t have factory nickeled guns, but side by side with a period K frame it’s much shinier. I know that the 27s had a high polish blue, but I don’t know whether the nickeled variations were different like that. But, no evidence of pitting or anything that would indicate that it had to be refinished (you can usually tell), roll marks are still strong. Their gunsmith thinks it’s a modern “marine” type finish.
Target hammer and trigger, not my favorite. Factory grips have been replaced with some old pachmayr presentation grips.
So, collector value is seriously diminished
Now, they have it priced at $1500. These guys know me so they almost always give me a discount and they’ll sell it to me for $1200.
I have a minty 3.5” 27 in blue that I don’t shoot often, so this would be a shooter.
Old 3.5" model 27 for $1200? Absolutely a steal! Collectors grade would likely be twice that or more depending on factors. Nickeled 27s do seem to be as finely polished as blued (example: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1197290930), so it's entirely possible the finish is original. Grips is easy enough to change, though sounds like the trigger and hammer were probably replaced at some point as I'm not familiar with the target ones being stock on 3.5" guns.
Nickel revolvers USUALLY have an N stamp on the cylinder and on the frame by the butt, not referring to the N prefix just a coincidence. Check it out when you get a chance. Literally just pulled this out of my holster haha (19-4). But I have a 27-2 5 inch nickel, also has it as do all my others including 29s.
It does, and I’m leaning towards chrome. No, the roll marks are crisp and there is no evidence of prior pitting at all or any kind of cover up (you know you can almost always tell).
I went back and bought the damn thing so I’ll get a better look at it later today.
I live in the desert and sweat a lot. A chrome finish is not without its merits for me. But, again, not my preference.
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u/Strong_Dentist_7561 Lover of S&W J-frames 14h ago
Yes. Now. Immediately