Old-school Magnum: S&W's Model 27

[Marko Kloos]

Here's one for all you fans of glossy blue steel and walnut...a Model 27 with a five-inch barrel.

The more I look at this revolver, the more I think that the old S&W N-frame flagship guns are the apex in revolver design and manufacture. They won't ever make 'em like this again...even if the EPA somehow let S&W blue their guns like in the olden days, the hand-fitting and detail work on this Model 27 would make it a $1500 gun these days. Even the Performance Center doesn't crank out work like this anymore.

The five-inch barrel may just be my favorite barrel length after the 3", and it looks just right on an N-frame. What a great barrel length! Easier to tote and hide than a 6" tube, more steam and better balance than a 4"....it may just be the ideal barrel length for a "do-everything" kind of .357.

Trigger is outstanding and needs no work whatsoever...silky smooth and clean breaking.

 

[rico700]

Unfortunate but true 'they just don't make' em like that anymore'.

Beautiful revolver!

 

[Iggy]

The Model 27 was the pinnacle of the SW revolver line..

Same with the 60 and 70's vintage Pythons..

We'll not see the likes of them again..

 

[RonJon]

I completely agree!

I completely agree with you -

Here's a pic of my 5" 27-2

 

[thatguy]

The 27 and pre-27s are my favorite handguns. I currently have 2 pre-27s, a 27, and 4 27-s hanging around. Lately I've been thinking about looking for a Registered Magnum, the 27's granddaddy, but these are pretty pricey and not being a serious collecdtor the much cheaper 27 really does what I want.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Did I hear the lineage called?

The Registered Magnum is on the bottom, then a pre-27 6.5", pre-27 8 3/8" and on top the Pre-28.

I find the Registered to be the most fun to shoot, but I have to say I enjoy the pre-28 a heck of a lot. Mine has nearly as good a polish as my pre-27's.

Great guns one and all!

 

[slick6]

My 27-2

Here is my 27-2(6-inch):

 

[Gunsnrovers]

I love my M28, but the blueing and checkering on the M27 just take it that extra step.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Too bad Smith & Wesson doesn't still make class act revolvers.

 

[Skipper]

I'm lucky enough to have an unfired 27-2, 5",and also another 27-2, 6" that's only been fired a handful of times. You guys sure have me wanting to show them to you but I can't figure out how to post pictures. Anyhow, you're right about the 27's---pure class !
SKIP

 

[BBBS]

I'm lucky enough to have an unfired 27-2, 5",and also another 27-2, 6" that's only been fired a handful of times. You guys sure have me wanting to show them to you but I can't figure out how to post pictures. Anyhow, you're right about the 27's---pure class !
SKIP

Skip, Send me a pic. and I will try to post it. In the mean time here is a couple of mine. Top left,27-2 4" nickel, Pre 27 w/6 and 8 3/8 barrels,27 no dash w/6 1/2 ", 27-2 5" and a 27-2 6"

 

[P95Carry]

Marco - glad to see you and others still find this gun extremely appealing.

I have always thought the 5" held a special place - well for me. 4" is nice but a tad short. 6" too is nice but a tad long.

The 5" - well to my eye it gives that gun the ultimate proportions for an N frame. Beauty personified

Good to see so many

 

[Skipper]

BBBS,
That's great,I'll try. I sure need to get it figured out. I sure get jealous seeing all the goodies you guys have and not being able to show mine. Thanks again.
SKIP

 

[Bill B.]

"Too bad Smith & Wesson doesn't still make class act revolvers."


I also love the old "N" frame S&W's but have to take exception to the above statement. I have a S&W PC 627 8 Times that is simply one of the best revolvers I have ever shot bar none ........... .

 

[P95Carry]

True Bill - I have a 629-6 and 625-6 and while I HATE the spider hole - these are two pretty fine revo's. Buddy has the PC too and loves it.

Less I think that we no longer see class act guns - more that certain concessions have been made for economy etc and so the early guns do have something of a magic about them re quality, finish etc - something we are unlikely to see again.

 

[magsnubby]

Damn. You guys have some nice N frames there.

 

[xring44]

I have a really nice 27-2 8 3/8, love it,,,I like some of you like the modern versions also, I have a 629 PC that I dearly love,,but then if it goes bang,,I tend to find something about it I like!

 

[buttrap]

They can go on over the Rugers or what ever but if its not a 27 its not a real .357 in my book. well or a 28

 

[Tang]

Smith & Wesson N Frames

The Model#27 with the 5 inch barrel is my absoloute favorite, I wish I had one. It's never going to happen but I can always dream Smith & Wesson would make "those" type of guns again.

 

[middy]

It's never going to happen but I can always dream Smith & Wesson would make "those" type of guns again.

Oh, they could, but they'd have to charge $1500, like Marko said.

Still want one?

 

[wundudnee]

The bottom is my 3 1/2" pre 27, then next up is the 27-2. But they're kind of like potato chips, you can't stop with just one N-Frame.

 

[thatguy]

I can't decide which barrel length I like best. Maybe the 5" is my favorite. Since we're sharing pics here are some of mine.

Nickel M27-2

Nickel M27

Blue M27-2

But then, the 3.5 is also very nice.

Blue M27-2

Blue Pre-27

Nickel Pre-27

These are all that I have photos of at this point.

 

[Tom C.]

My Model 27-2 is the first handgun I bought over 30 yrs ago. It is a 6" blued gun. I still have it and it still shoots great.
I think the currently manufactured guns are pretty good, too. I just got a 625JM and it is nice and tight, and shoots great.

 

[riverdog]

Mod 27-2, 4" Nickel. Unfired when I bought it in 2000. I test fired it and it's a jewell.

Mod 27-2, 8 3/8" Blue. What a tack driver. Lightly used when I picked it up in '02 -- still lightly used.

 

[MountainPeak]

Too bad Smith & Wesson doesn't still make class act revolvers.

I guess the "market" today, must adore stainless, like I love the chrome of older cars. I think S&W has lost its way. The older Smiths, and some Colts, really did give you the feel/look, that you could fall into the finish. The older "blues" take a little extra care, but are worth it. Stainless, just lacks the true beauty needed, for me to fall in love with them. Some are classy looking, certainly hold up better, but for me, I won't live long enough for modern stainless to be "classic!!