I've decided I want a Model 27. I've read S&W's made in the fifties are better than later models. Are the 27 no dash and dash 1 better quality than dash 2's?

You will probably find the earlier guns to be better finished and perhaps smoother mechanically, but functionally I don't think models up to the -2 are very different. Probably best to judge each gun on an individual basis.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My opinion is that the Bangor Punta era was the low point in Model 27 production. That includes a lot of the 27-2s but I think the earlier ones come before that era. I am also of the opinion the Smiths of the 1950s and early 1960s are among the finest ever made. The perfect blend of steels, design and quality fit and assembly.

I'm not even counting the IL versions and I'm also not including the pre-War guns. Technically they are in the family but they are a separate mechanically (near perfection), in price (very expensive if you can find one) and in classification (Registered Magnums).

Just sayin',
Dave

__________________
RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I have a limited collection of 27's (a 1954-1955 pre-27 3.5" and a 1980 5" 27-2). My 1980 -2 has a better single-action than my pre-27 does. The double-action is smoother on the pre-27. Fit and finish, both revolvers are very impressive with an edge to the pre-27.

I guess from my experience, don't be scared of a later 27-2.

I note quality control issues with many S&Ws starting around 1980. Before that all the examples I have owned (many) have been excellent in fit, finish and function.

No complaints with these:

No quality issues with my 27-2 circa 1976.

No issues with this 27-2, or any others that I have ever owned. Love this gun.

__________________
Vaya con Dios

My 1979 27-2 is perfect in every way. The finish is brilliant and looks as good as a python in my opinion

I've had no quality issues with any of my Model 27-2's as all are finished well and function as they should.

Mr Lapell, I never tire of seeing that photo. Fine looking revolver! I like that knife too.

__________________
Proud anachronism

This one (non mod marked) dates to Sept 1953, and has the smoothest action of all my S&W's. For a 3 1/2" barrel, it's accuracy equals the longer barreled ones. It will shoot into 2 1/2" at 25 yds with my 140 gr JHP favorite load. This is the one that got me "bit" with the S&W bug.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

David LaPell's M27 dash-2 is a real beauty, and as I have observed before, represents the picture of one of my Grail guns. That barrel length and frame size call out perfection in a .357, the N guns of S&W being the ultimate in revolvers. I'm hot on the trail of one as I write this, and I'm hoping to haul it in by the weekend. Hope springs eternal! Bye-the-bye, I own a couple of other 27-2's, a four-inch and a six-inch, and have not found either one to be flawed in any way. I buy only used guns, and only those I find in pristine condition, so you might say I'm pretty fussy, and you'd be right! This is one reason it has taken me so long to find a revolver to match Mr. Pell's 27-2, that and the fact that I examine prospective buys very carefully, a procedure I recommend highly.

_______________________
Member, NRA Golden Eagles

Thanks for all the replies & pics. Now to find a 5 inch that meets my standards and budget. I saw a 5" pre 27 at a gun show that was gorgeous, but the $2500 price tag was way too high for me. I'd be afraid to touch it, let alone shoot it.