When the model 27-7 came my local gun shop did not deal with Bangers. A friend of mine in the S&WCA worked in a gun shop in his state. He ordered the 6 1/2" and had it shipped to my local gun shop, the serial number is under 50. So I had him order me the 4" consecutive number the next week. I got the consecutive number, unfortunately the 6 1/2" have BNG prefix and the 4" have BAG prefix.
I recall when they came out there wasn't a made rush for them, they already had the stainless 8 shot. The local shop got some 27-7 in then and they sat for awhile.
The 627-5 that I really enjoy was also a short run. It wasn't Performance Center (cylinder wasn't cut for full moon clips) and it wasn't expensive.
That was introduced in 2008 S&W catalog and last cataloged in 2009.