Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this desirable double-action revolver today for a penny start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson 27-3 FBI Commemorative!
This commemorative was manufactured in 1983 only, making this example a LIMITED PRODUCTION MODEL!
This commemorative was manufactured in 1983 only, making this example a LIMITED PRODUCTION MODEL!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 27-3 FBI Commemorative
Serial: FBI3804
Date of Manufacture: 1983
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Baughman Front / Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut w/ Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard / Official Seal of FBI on Right Side of Frame / “1934 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1984” on Right Side of Barrel
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
According to the factory letter pictured above:
During the Gangster Era of the Mid-1930's the need arose in the law enforcement community for a more powerful handgun. Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation began to envision a handgun capable of handling more powerful ammunition. Due to the frequency of car-to-car gun battles, a round fired from this weapon would have to be capable of penetrating a car's body and still have sufficient velocity to neutralize the passengers. As a result, the Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver came into existence. Among those instrumental in the development of this weapon was a Special Agent T. F. Baughman, an early FBI firearms instructor. He designed the Baughman sight, which was incorporated on this weapon and is still used today.
The first production .357 Magnum was sent to Director J. Edgar Hoover in April,1935. This revolver had an 8 3/4 inch barrel. Serial Number 45768 with Registration Number 1. Available with numerous custom features, the guns sold for $60.66 each with discounts to police, military, and National Rifle Association members. This revolver continued in production until 1941, when it was temporarily discontinued for wartime production. The total prewar production was 6,642 revolvers. It was reintroduced on December 16, 1948, with the new series beginning at Serial Number S72000. In 1957, this weapon was designated Model 27.
The Bureau acquired a number of the original revolvers and many Special Agents purchased their own. While it is not known how many .357s were used in gun battles, one instance is well documented. On October 12,1937, Walter R. Walsh was one of the Special Agents in Bangor, Maine, tracking down the AI Brady gang. He arrived with a pair of the new revolvers, lending one to a fellow agent. During the subsequent gun fight, the wounded Walsh shot and killed gang member Clarence Lee Shaffer, Jr., and put the last shot into AI Brady. Colonel Walsh still has that .357 Magnum.
The model 27 has played such an important role in the early history of the FBI that it was selected as the model most worthy of commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Federal legislation giving the FBI Agents the authority to bear arms. The model 27 commemorative will be displayed by Colonel Walter R. Walsh and by all Special Agents who are proud of its heritage.
Contents:
This gun will ship with the mahogany presentation case w/ the FBI seal and gold plate on the lid and the interior is blue-lined velvet. This gun will also ship with the factory letter pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 27-3 FBI Commemorative
Serial: FBI3804
Date of Manufacture: 1983
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Baughman Front / Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut w/ Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard / Official Seal of FBI on Right Side of Frame / “1934 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1984” on Right Side of Barrel
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
According to the factory letter pictured above:
During the Gangster Era of the Mid-1930's the need arose in the law enforcement community for a more powerful handgun. Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation began to envision a handgun capable of handling more powerful ammunition. Due to the frequency of car-to-car gun battles, a round fired from this weapon would have to be capable of penetrating a car's body and still have sufficient velocity to neutralize the passengers. As a result, the Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver came into existence. Among those instrumental in the development of this weapon was a Special Agent T. F. Baughman, an early FBI firearms instructor. He designed the Baughman sight, which was incorporated on this weapon and is still used today.
The first production .357 Magnum was sent to Director J. Edgar Hoover in April,1935. This revolver had an 8 3/4 inch barrel. Serial Number 45768 with Registration Number 1. Available with numerous custom features, the guns sold for $60.66 each with discounts to police, military, and National Rifle Association members. This revolver continued in production until 1941, when it was temporarily discontinued for wartime production. The total prewar production was 6,642 revolvers. It was reintroduced on December 16, 1948, with the new series beginning at Serial Number S72000. In 1957, this weapon was designated Model 27.
The Bureau acquired a number of the original revolvers and many Special Agents purchased their own. While it is not known how many .357s were used in gun battles, one instance is well documented. On October 12,1937, Walter R. Walsh was one of the Special Agents in Bangor, Maine, tracking down the AI Brady gang. He arrived with a pair of the new revolvers, lending one to a fellow agent. During the subsequent gun fight, the wounded Walsh shot and killed gang member Clarence Lee Shaffer, Jr., and put the last shot into AI Brady. Colonel Walsh still has that .357 Magnum.
The model 27 has played such an important role in the early history of the FBI that it was selected as the model most worthy of commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Federal legislation giving the FBI Agents the authority to bear arms. The model 27 commemorative will be displayed by Colonel Walter R. Walsh and by all Special Agents who are proud of its heritage.
Contents:
This gun will ship with the mahogany presentation case w/ the FBI seal and gold plate on the lid and the interior is blue-lined velvet. This gun will also ship with the factory letter pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $65.00
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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