Other than the "it's really neat to shoot an older vs. newer gun" factor (which I consider very important), what are the main reasons to purchase a pre-27 vs. a 27-2?

I might think that the potential for appreciation is greater with a gun from the 1950's than the
1970's, but the starting price is higher and the risk of loss is greater.

The fourth and fifth screws.

Actually, the answer to that question is going to be a matter of personal choice, I think. I don't consider myself a serious collector, but I am a sloppily guided accumulator. In order to keep rough boundaries around the types of gun I go after, I have pretty much excluded model-marked revolvers (though I have a few). But that's an arbitrary decision on my part. I can understand that other collectors might want to go as early as they could in the world of model-marked and dash-numbered revolvers.

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David Wilson

I guess it's kind of like deciding between a vintage 1969 Mustang muscle car, and a new model Mustang. They're two entirely different animals - I mean cars - I mean guns.

I've owned truely original vintage cars that were like sitting in a time travel machine. You just get that special feeling when you take them out. My 2009 Mustang GT was a nice car, but it just didn't have the "WoW" factor I craved and I sold it a year later.

With my .357 Magnum (Pre-27) it's the same way. It's original and in 99% condition. It's the real deal - There won't be more made like it, only later versions and they're not quite the same. The Pre-Model will appreciate and always be in short supply / demand.

The 27-2 will be a great shooter, and can be a source of pride that can be had for a little less cash. The Pre-Model needs to be cared for to maintain it's value, or should be ( I know some guys who feel like they're ALL made to carry & shoot). Maybe with the 27-2 you will go shoot it more and worry about it less.

Maybe you need both. I've done this in some models - a collectable copy and a shooter grade copy, and I'm glad I did. The best of both worlds.

Your Mileage May Vary.

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Mitch
SWCA 2438

I just want an affordable (shooter), 3.5" Don't care about the era!

It also entirely depends on how much jingle is in your pocket when you run into one or the other. I was lucky and the pre came along prior.

I'm not sure if this is universally true but in my mind the "-2" models represent the Bangor Punta era of S&W. That's when I first saw quality control start it's down slide.

Had a good friend who was one of the managers of the largest gun shop in the area. Some of the goofs that came out of the factory that he showed me, before they sent them back, should have made S&W ashamed. The worst was a 29-2 that wouldn't chamber 44 ammunition because it hadn't had the chambers finished. In '78-'79 my department bought some 66s. Several had barrels screwed in so crooked they couldn't be sighted in. One was so far off the ejector didn't lock in front. All examples of the Bangor Punta era.

I'll take the 1950s guns over all those coming after and in some cases the pre-War ones are even better. That old long action is a delight to shoot. I buy "shooters" so I can "shoot" them! (smile)

YMMV,
Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I have never shot a pre-27, but I have had a pair of 27-2's and I can tell you if the pre-27 shoots as good or better, than that must be something. I can tell you both of my 27-2's have shot very well. It has been said before, but they are a work of art.

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Vaya con Dios

As a shooter and not a collector I don't care which version I have. I have pre-models; an M27 and 27-2s and they all shoot great. All things being equal the older model will sell for more. If all you want is a gun to shoot then look for a nice 27-2.

As an investment.

To enjoy ownership of a finely crafted American legend.

To shoot.

As a show piece to impress their buddies.

Because their dad carried one on his hip.

Because they once carried one on their hip.

Because Skeeter said it was one of his favorites. ( the reason I bought my first one back in 1974).

Because J. Edgar got the first one.

Because it's granddaddy, the Registered Magnum was the first one of it's caliber and they can't afford one of them.

Because they have attained legendary status, equaled only by the one which came b/4 them.

Because the Highway Patrolman ain't shiny enough for their taste.

Because the 44 magnum kicks too much.

And a blue million other reasons !

I have one of each. They both shoot the same and are high quality. My 27-2 is a 1975 era revolver. Way in the back of my many-times-questioned-mind, I think of the value of my1955 era pre-27. I sometimes worry about damaging the barrel, cylinder and yoke because they are serial numbered to the frame. That said, I have shot many hot (in the old days possibly too hot) reloads in both revolvers with no trouble.

First of all, post WW II pre-27s are not especially rare unless you're looking for mint collectors' quality. Run of-of-mill shooter grade pre-27s shouldn't be real expensive(unless they're 3 1/2" bbl). Model 27(no dash) and 27-1s are the more rare versions. I own a lot of 27-2s and they shoot great.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

If I was in a gun shop and the salesman put a pre 27 and a 27-2 on the counter and said which one?. Of course I would check both out but unless the pre 27 was in poor condition I would pick the pre 27. Any gun I buy I will shoot. There are no safe queens at my house. I don't care if the revolver has a box, papers and never been fired I would take the revolver to the range and shoot it. But that is me.

Howard

I too have one of each, Pre 27 3.5 inch (1954 mfg) and 27-2 3.5 inch (1966 mfg). The 27-2 is ANIB. I do not have the box for the Pre 27 and it has elephant ivory magna grips instead of the factory wood the S&W letter says it was shipped with. The ivory fits like a glove and has medallions. It is a 99% condition gun other wise. The question is how much does not having the factory box or grips affect the value of this gun?

Thanks for any thoughts.

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FBINA 225

Perfect! Should be my signature line...

"I don't consider myself a serious collector, but I am a sloppily guided accumulator. "
I can appreciate that statement as well. It just fits. Thank you Mr Wilson.

That about sums me up too.

In my case I went by which I saw first. I have never to the best of my knowledge anyway ever seen a Model 27. I have seen exactly one pre-27. I put that one on layaway.

Now I'll admit I don't go to a lot of gunshows, or shop on Gunbroker, but deal pretty much with just one semi-local dealer. They may have had others, but I'm not a tire kicker. If I know I have no chance of buying something, I don't ask to see it.

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John 3:16 .

I have a 50s pre-27 and a 70s 28-2. Both have magna grips and the trigger pull of both guns is identical and the sound of dry firing both is identical. If I were blindfolded, and you put one in my hand, the only way I could tell one from the other, would be the slight difference in the weight of the barrels, 3.5" for the pre-27 and 4" on the 28-2.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

That's about the way I would answer the question, though generally I do like guns made in the 60s more than those made later. I try not to buy any gun that is too nice to shoot.

If you really want the earlier gun for some reason, then go ahead. If you are just looking for an N-frame .357 to shoot, the 27-2 would be my choice, and even some of the later versions would be fine, too.

That time period was not just a challenge for S&W but a real dark period for a host of other manufacturers as well, most especially Colt. Austin Behlert used to tell a story of a Python from that era sent to him for work. As was the case in those days it came with a target attesting to its guilt edged accuracy...one ragged hole. However, upon inspection he found that the barrel was not rifled...it was as smooth as a baby's bottom. Austin called the President of Colt (whom he'd known personally for years) to ask what was up. Austin asked how such a target could be produced by a smooth bore gun. In response Austin was told "at the ranges these test targets are fired, rifling doesn't matter." I can't think of a better anecdote to describe how far the industry had fallen in those dark days. But to put it into perspective the Big Three in Detroit were not any better. Does anyone remember such primo cars as the Mustang II, the Vega or the Gremlin?
Keith

3.5" 27 is on Gunbroker right now.

Not my auction

Title is: Smith & Wesson Model 27 5-Screw 3 1/2" Magnum

I think the Model 27 is the best looking revolver S&W ever made but that's just me. I would love to own a pre 27 or a registered magnum but I can't seem to get myself to part with the required money so I buy 27-2's. That said the ones I have are beautiful and are great shooters. However if I won the lottery look out because I would buy a registered magnum and own a piece of history.