Question For Smith & Wesson Experts

[j_bauer]

What is harder to find, a blue, 1954, five-screw, Pre-27, with a three-and-a-half inch barrel, or a stainless, 1986, 657, with a three-inch barrel?

And a follow-up question, which gun has a higher value?

Thank you in advance.

[Ribkick]

The 27 on both questions. Except, I can't find any listing of a 3" 657 so that may be the harder/imposable to find but the 27, pre '57 nets a 1000.00 bonus on a 525.00 ex to 250.00 gd compaired to a 525.00 ex to 295 gd spread for the 657.

[shooting4life]

They made more pre 27's but they are also more desirable by far. They also fetch considerably more money. I sold my 657 with combat grips for 1k. I would expect a pre 27 with a 3.5 inch barrel would sell for around $1,500 is in 97%+ shape.

[Mr. Beretta]

What is harder to find, a blue, 1954, five-screw, Pre-27, with a three-and-a-half inch barrel, or a stainless, 1986, 657, with a three-inch barrel?

And a follow-up question, which gun has a higher value?

Thank you in advance.

Lew Horton had a run of 150 - 200 model 657's with 3" tubes in 1998. The 657 was introduced in 1986 but only with 4, 6 and 8 3/8" tubes. Check your barrel length (front of cylinder to tip of barrel). If it still measures 3" call S&W customer service or Lew Horton with the serial number. They'll know.

Ref: the pre 27 with the 3.5 tube, they are very sought after and considered one of S&W's best ever handguns. A seller can just about name his price, especially here in California. Minimum $1,000 (well worn with rust) and up! If the gun is 100% original, unmodified, along with the finish, grips, box (both numbered to gun), papers, tools and depending on the condition the sky is the limit.

My respectful suggestion is if you have a line on a pre 27 with a 3.5" tube, examine it very carefully prior to making an offer / purcahse. The value can vary by hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Good luck.