I just noticed a beautiful model 27 on Gunbroker. It has the short 3.5" barrel and target appointments. This looks like a really nice revolver.Are these short barrel magnums much more difficult to control with magnum cartridges? Didn't the FBI or CIA use this type/model of revolver many years ago? This particular listing (284103878) looks to be in really nice shape.

WaltONT="Arial Black"][/FONT]

Welcome!

No more than any other length. What you get with the shorter barrels is a lot more flash, and maybe a tad more muzzle flip. The longer barrels, with the additional weight, tend to hold the muzzle down a tad. However, just because the N frame is so big, it tends to dampen the recoil quite a bit.

The 3.5" barrel is a real carry gun. However, the target trigger, hammer, and stocks, wouldn't be a benefit with the shorter barrel. It doesn't detract from the value, but my preference would be for combat stocks, and the narrower hammer and trigger.

The FBI used the Registered Magnums from 1935 or so on and the 3 1/2 inch barrel was a great carry gun. I carry mine all the time and I can tell you that recoil is really nothing. It's like shooting a mild .38 Special. Mine has the target hammer but the standard trigger. I think if you get a smaller set of grips, then get something like a Tyler T, they really help fill it out.

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Vaya con Dios

I have several barrel lengths in the 27-2 is my main shooter. There is more muzzle blast but the recoil is not bad when compared to K frame 357 in 4 inch barrel.

Either I'm a real wimp or the above is a bit of an exaggeration. N-frames do help soak up some of a full Magnum's recoil, but feel like a mild 38 Special? Really?

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

That's my impression of the recoil as well. At least with bullets 158gr and under. As bullet weight goes up, recoil goes up.

The 3.5" Model 27's are really nice. I was out shooting mine this morning:

Well, this is coming from someone who used to shoot fifty rounds or so at a time from my 4-inch Model 29 at a time with the same stag grips on that gun as on the 27-2. That's why I provided the target because that's a snappy little load but they were shot double action with one hand (not showing off but since I hurt my hand and arm shooting with two is not possible). Recoil with a handgun has never really bothered me or my shooting. I love shooting the .357 Magnums. I found a long time ago that I could shoot the big bores very well, my second handgun was a .44 Smith and I can tell you that ever since the .357 has been kind of a pussy cat for me. I have had several .357's over the years, two Ruger Blackhawks, a Model 19, a Model 28, a Dan Wesson Model 15, and two Model 27's and my Outdoorsman is kind of like a .357 without the numbers with my .38-44 loads. The recoil of a .357 never really bugged me, for most people its the blast, not the recoil.

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Vaya con Dios

These men covered it for you. Compared to my 3" model 66 with 158 gr. Speer GD's my 3.5" 27-2 makes them feel like .38's. I shoot it but don't carry it as it's in primo condition and I have other .357's for beating up in the woods.

It is by far the classiest revolver to ever come off the line. The snub 3.5" has a cool facor sky high IMO.

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V/R
Roger / SG

The shorty 27 is a must have for a S&W fan and it's a GREAT shooter.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

That is a nice 27-2 31/2" on GunBroker. I bid on it myself but the price has gone over my limit. It's up to $2050.00 already and the auction doesn't end until tomorrow night. Hopefully one day I'll get a 3 1/2" to keep my 4" company. I also bid on a 27-5 3 1/2" but it's up to a $1,000.00 already, IMO too high for a -5 and five more days to go.

where are you boys getting these front sights with the red insert? My 27-2 came with the black serrated front sight. I would love to score one of those as my eye balls ain't what they once were. I would prefer a drop in affair as I would want the ability to return it to stock condition!

"Big Nik" came with RR front sight +TH & TT, while my '66 Utah Highway Patrol is "plain".

I don't know of a drop in red ramp front sight though.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

Dry Heat, are those Kuracs? If so, what is the wood type?
David
[email protected]

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Be Kind! John 3:16,14:27

David,
They are factory N-frame smooth presentation targets in Goncalo Alves. I think the lighting makes them look more like (darker) walnut. -Bill

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Bill - SWCA #2327

To me,. the 3.5" 27s and 2.5" 19's are the classiest looking S&W revolvers ever made.

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C & L