Okay wheel gun gurus- I'm a big fan of P&R N-frame S&Ws, and right now I'm shopping around for a blued Model 27-1 or 2, 3-1/2" bbl., preferably with target stocks. Since I'm more of a shooter than a collector, I'm not necessarily looking for a NIB or 98%+ revolver, but 90-95%+ would be great. Box and tools would also be a plus.
Looking at the offerings on gunbroker.com and a couple of other sites, I'm a little surprised at how much they're asking. The Standard Guide suggests a 10% premium for the 3-1/2", but some of these guys are really proud of their revolvers! I'll be checking at the upcoming local gun shows (Central Florida), but I haven't seen much in the way of 3-1/2"s. Maybe someone on the Forum has an extra that they would like to sell.

How about some ballpark pricing help from you experts? What are some reasonable prices that I should expect to pay, with or without goodies? Thanks.

The 3.5" 27s (on which placing Target stocks constitutes an abomination) have been very popular for many years. Popularity leads to high prices. I have seen nice but common short 27s with asking prices of well over $1,000.

The 27-1 was only made for 1 year, is rarely seen, and will cost significantly more if the seller knows what he has. It's not any better than a 27 or 27-2, just less common.

This is what they SHOULD look like. Targets look ridiculous.

IMHO a short barreled 27 asthetically looks much better with target grips. The large frame does not overwhelm the stocks. I ordered a 27-2 in '72 and at the time the dealer did not have a 27 with target stocks that I could look at so when I ordered the gun I ordered it with both sets which produced a relatively rare gun because both sets of stocks are numbered to the gun. Over the years I have come to the conclusion that the targets look better and handle better. Obviously what looks best is in the eye of the beholder but the most important factor should be what is most comfortable for the shooter.

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+1 as regards target stocks on an N frame, it may be that my knuckles are bigger than most shooters but shooting an N frame with magna grips my middle finger really takes a beating. I have several M/27's and all wear target stocks, the one that I shoot the most has a set of Keith Brown Roper style target grips. Keith's grips are made to a tracing of your hand and really fit well and are extremely comfortable, those who haven't experienced a set of KB grips should, they are an excellent investment.

Maybe you should look into a Model 28, same as a 27 but with out all the frills.

27-2 will be a lot cheaper then a 27-1 as like others said the 27-1 is very rare. I would think you should be able to get a shooter grade 27-2 for $700 if you shop hard and are willing to wait until a deal presents itself. They are very popular guns in that barrel length so none of them are cheap.

27-2 with targets

__________________
Art Salmons

"IMHO a short barreled 27 asthetically looks much better with target grips."

This is America. You have every right to be wrong.

+1 on the target stocks on the 27

27-2 4" Nickel ..Or maybe.. Presentations..?? ( eye of the beholder..eye of the beholder)

Let's hijack this thread a little and take a vote on what style grips look better on a short barrel N frame.

I vote target