Smith & Wesson Model 27-3 FBI Commemorative .357 Magnum 5” DA/SA Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,140
WOA#: WY240129AC024
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-3, The .357 Magnum
Serial Number: FBI2501
Year of Manufacture: 1982-1983
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON / .357 MAGNUM”. The butt is marked with the serial number “FBI2501”. The side plate has an FBI seal. The right side of the barrel is marked “1934 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1984”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The left side of the frame has a S&W monogram and “FBI”. The inside of the yoke cut is marked “FBI2501 / MOD. 27-3”.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade pinned to a checkered barrel rib. The rear sight is a micro-click adjustable notch sight screwed to the checkered top strap. The top of the rear sight, top strap, and barrel rib are checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth goncalo alves with S&W medallions. There are some scattered light handling marks. The back of the left grip has a few scratches toward the bottom. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good condition. The front and rear straps are serrated.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 99% of its metal finish. The turn line is very thin. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent-Like New condition. It does not appear to have been fired outside of factory testing.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is solid 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: This revolver comes with its FBI Commemorative presentation wooden case with blue velvet lining and key. There is some light handling wear on the case.
Our Assessment: The .357 Magnum was the king of handgun cartridges for decades and Smith & Wesson made some of the best. This is a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver made in 1982-1983. 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 5” 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 ½” barrel (along with his ivory handled Colt Peacemaker) Patton called the Model 27 his “killing gun”. This FBI Commemorative revolver is in Excellent condition and it 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, also used for the .44 Magnum. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
