S&W M27 "The .357 Magnum" 5 inch Nickel Finish Model Gun
In 1935, a legendary gun was born: the S&W .357 Magnum, commonly known as the Registered Magnum. With the introduction of the model number system, the model known as the S&W M27 was born. The .357 Magnum round, which remains in use to this day, was born at the same time.
Upon its release, it was advertised as "the most powerful revolver in the world." This high-powered handgun was purchased not only by general gun enthusiasts but also by law enforcement officers.
However, as the name Registered suggests, the initial sales were not general sale, but were made to order as a special order product, with a registration certificate that also served as a quality guarantee. Sights, barrel length in ¼-inch increments, finish, and grip were all selectable, but due to the high volume of custom orders, monthly production capacity was initially limited to around 120 guns. Then, orders for several thousand guns began pouring in. S&W was delighted.
Production was temporarily halted during World War II, but resumed after the war with a renewed model. Demand for the postwar "The .357 Magnum" was also high, but price was a major issue. A cheaper version, the "Highway Patrolman" (later the M28), was introduced, eliminating the finishing touches. However, the reliability and demand for the "The .357 Magnum" remained high, and when the model number system was introduced in 1957, the company narrowed down the variations and discontinued the registered order system, eliminating the countless custom order combinations.
Unlike the M28, which is a cheaper version with limited variations and increased efficiency, the rear sight base, a tradition from the Registered Magnum, is luxuriously designed with anti-reflective checkering on the top surface from the frame to the barrel rib.
A 5-inch barrel length may seem a little awkward from a modern perspective. However, from the 19th century to the early 20th century, long barrels of 7.5 inches or 6 inches were the standard. This was because, in an era when black powder was still the norm, there was a strong cultural demand for long barrels to increase muzzle velocity. (The .357 Magnum has been made with smokeless powder since the beginning.) In this era, the 5-inch barrel was valued as a practical length that combined portability and ease of handling while still ensuring sufficient performance. It could be said that it was truly positioned as a "size for use."
In 1979, the 3.5-inch and 5-inch models were discontinued and integrated into the newly added 4-inch model. This was due to changes in the times and operational concepts, but the appeal and rationality of the 5-inch barrel length was not lost.
This model is based on that early 5-inch model and has a nickel finish. In catalogs from that time, when stainless steel models were not yet common, there were some models with nickel plating on the surface to prevent rust, and many models had nickel-finish models. Nickel-plated models were popular not only to prevent corrosion caused by sweat when carried for long periods of time, but also for their beautiful appearance. Nowadays, stainless steel is the mainstream material for real guns, and guns that have been purposely nickel-plated have become rare due to the hassle of cleaning. This is a reproduction of a nickel-plated model from around 1970-79.
The tapered 5-inch barrel is checkered from the frame to the barrel, including the rear sight base, and the counterbored cylinder covers the rim of the ammunition to withstand the unreliability of primers (detonators) of the time and the high-pressure cartridges. The semi-wide hammer and narrow trigger are all nickel-plated using our specialty plating technology. The beauty of the nickel plating, which covers every corner from the frame to the cylinder and barrel, is overwhelming.
Of course, the cartridge used is ".357 Magnum." The internals are based on the latest version 2 of Tanaka Works' S&W N-frame model guns, and as a high-end model, not only the exterior but also the interior is thoroughly reproduced with uncompromising smooth trigger feel.
The legendary revolver "The .357 Magnum" features a gleaming nickel-plated finish applied with modern Reiwa technology, making it a standout piece in your collection that you can enjoy for years to come.
【specification】
・Number of bullets: 6 ・Total length: 257mm
・Weight: 620g
・Main material: ABS resin (nickel plated) + zinc die-cast
- Accessories: 6 .357 Magnum firing cartridges included
Frame type: N frame, square butt
- 7mm cap gunpowder firing system
