Been toying with the idea of acquiring an N-Frame 3 1/2-inch Smith in .357, but I'd like to get some impressions from folks who own one (or more of) these guns.

Concealability?
Accuracy?
Which loads work best for you?
Grips?

I've never owned one, fired one maybe once or twice somewhere back along the trail.

Pride of ownership
Sexy
Bragging rights

Concealability: It’s an N frame, so for me it’s a winter carry piece when I often use a shoulder rig or pancake. Weight and length are similar to a 1911.

Ammo: Given it’s weight it comfortably handles magnum loads.

Grips: For carry I prefer full size grips over magnas.

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213th FBINA

I would toy with the idea, if I could find one!

Great pics CH4!

Buy a nice one, a pre 27 if you can find one, its the Cadillac of N frames, carry's nice, very accurate, I've got a set of Patrick's Elk Stags on mine... a nice -2 would also be great..

But whatever you do, buy the nicest one you can afford. It will be a keeper, so look carefully and "choose wisely"!

I have two and have qualified and carried one of them.

As to your specific questions (based on my opinion)

Concealability? This totally depends upon the holster. I carry mine in a vintage Roy Baker Pancake Holster. This holster will make a 6 inch full lug Model 29 disappear and make you forget you are carrying it with the proper belt.


Accuracy? I find it to be more accurate than I am.


Which loads work best for you? I only carried +P .38 in it and with its weight it has very low recoil and I had no issue qualifying at 25 yards. I do not use 357 in shorter barrels due to muzzle flash. My first issued gun was a 2.5 inch Model 66 and the muzzle flash was an issue at night.

Grips? I have small hands and short fingers so I use magna grips with a BK or similar grip adapter. I also have used Herrett target grips. The period correct (for 27-2 guns) targets are much too big for my hands so I don't use them.







N Frame Roy Baker Pancake Holsters

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Bill

I have a 4 inch model 28-2 so a 3 1/2 inch 27 would not be to difficult. The only problem might be finding a holster specifically for the 3 1/2 inch barrel. That said I would love a 3 1/2 inch 27.

The holster was never an issue. D&D GUNLEATHER is my one-man cottage industry shop, so...

As for grips, I've got a set of elk stag from Raj Singh over at Eagle, so I'd likely try them out with a Tyler-T.

The use of +P .38s though. I'd want to use full-house mags, and muzzle flash has never been much of a concern, though I quite understand what you're talking about. I get enough fire out of my M57 in .41 Magnum, or even my vintage 6-inch Python to broil a steak!

I'll start hunting around. Thx.

Here's my 1957 3.5" pre-27. I do enjoy holding and looking at it. LOL

Personally I think N frames are too heavy for a EDC. I prefer my 642-1 Airweight.
I've never fired it so I can't reply as to their accuracy.
For me, if I were to shoot it I'd use 125 gr ammo. Just for kicks.
Grips?? I like the Magnas on my M58. They feel good on that gun.

I guess I'm just not much help.



If I was going to carry an N frame I'd carry my M58.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

I'm D&D GUNLEATHER... I think the proprietor could probably build me a rig "for cost."
Thx!

Always wanted a 3 1/2" 27 but, around here, those who have them seem to be holding on to them.

Some observations from a guy who owns a 4" 27-3 and 28-? both wear
Spegel Extended Boot Grips ..................

1st Nice 27s are IMO too nice to carry into Penn's Woods
2nd Once you get to an N-frame a 4" gun isn't much bigger than a 3 1/2"
3rd Both 4" 28s and 27s tend to be much cheaper than 3 1/2 inchers
4th 4 inch N-frame 28s are fairly common and ex-police guns are good to
go in Penn's woods.

5th All day concealed carry...... aka "carry a lot; maybe shoot a little" give
me a 2 1/2 or 3 inch K-frame........ even a 4" 19/66 is easier on the back.

The S&W 3-inch Model 27, to my mind, is one of the finest products of the gunmaking art - the Mona Lisa of revolvers. This one is my pride and joy.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Dave,
How can you have gone all these decades and do not own at least one 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolver?

I am extremely fond of the 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolvers in both the 6 shot and eight-shot varieties

I agree with the Pride in Ownership. I keep the first one in the following picture on the corner of the Credenza in my office. It is a conversation starter with Shooters and Liberals alike. It even got me a Liberal who was willing to try the Shooting Sports and now carries a Glock I know . . . . the Glock does not have the visual appeal of a Smith & Wesson revolver

Are they Sexy? Absolutely

Bragging rights? Here Goes

I only have a few. But I will be on the lookout for more.

We have some of our Fellow Forum members with truly outstanding collections of 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolvers

As to accuracy, the 8-shot run of Registered Magnums from Lew Horton in 2006/2007 outclass my older 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolvers at the range no matter who the shooter is. However, the older ones are plenty accurate on their own

As to carry, I still tote around that old, worn blue one with the Ivory stocks and grip adapter because of the visual appeal

As to grips, Magnas by themselves do not work for me. Adding the grip adapter makes the 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolver much more shootable.

In terms of concealability? Almost any handgun can be concealed with the proper belt, holster and choice of clothing

If you are looking for something easier to carry all day, the Scandium framed Night Guards do well.
The Model 327 Might Guard is a 2 1/2" barrel and holds 8 rounds of 357 Magnum ammunition while weighing in at only 27.6 ounces. That is lighter than a K-frame

There is also a 2" Model 327 from the Performance Center. With its Titanium cylinder, it weighs less than most steel J-Frame revolvers at a measly 22.6 ounces. Some folks do not like the pug-nose look and lack of good sights
As to ammunition, I have carried the #1 round in single shot stops, the Remington 125 grain SJHP for 4 decades now as my persona defense ammunition
I have more favorite ammunition choices for other purposes as well.

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"Acta non verba"

To me and a lot of people on this forum, the 3 1/2 inch 27 is the
sexiest gun on the planet. See above post from Paladin85020.

I have a couple 3 1/2” model 27’s. My carry 27 is a nickeled Austin PD revolver that I acquired decades ago. IMO the model 27 was and is the flagship of the Smith and Wesson 357’s.
To answer your questions:

Concealibilty: I have carried a 4” 29 or 4” 58 concealed on and off since the 70’s, so a 3 1/2” is quite doable. Good holster, good belt, dress for the gun, good to go. IWB or OWB.

Accuracy:All of my N frame 357’s ( 27’s & 28’s)are quite accurate. I normally shoot mine double action at 25 - 50 yards.

Loads:
Factory: The Federal 125 gr JHP. I have a long history with this round and trust it totally.
Handload: My everyday field carry load in my N frame 357 is a 150-160 gr cast SWC over 13.5 of 2400. I have taken deer with 158 JHP’s over 13.5 to 15 grs of 2400. I have a 28 that has digested over 60,000 rds of the 13.5 loads. My 3 1/2” has had it’s share of these as well.

Grips: After years of trying various grips ( I have shoe boxes of my rejects), my grip on all of my double action revolvers that I carry and shoot is the Hogue synthetic mono grip. It provides a positive grip under all conditions and does not shift in my hand with heavy loads in double action.

No argument from me.......



But wait until you see what RKmesa has to offer......it brings new meaning to “sexiest gun on the planet”!!!!!

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Terry Lester

Been toying with the idea of sleeping with a supermodel, but I'd like to get some impressions first...

DO IT!

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Pickpocket

Well, to answer your question honestly.... I'm stupid.

I dated a model, but she wasn’t so super. I’ll gladly choose a 3.5” 27 any day. Much cheaper in the long run and won’t whine about their diet. The 27 will eat anything you feed her and it’ll respect you in the morning.

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213th FBINA

Well, it's obvious THIS thread just went south by the shortcut!

N frame too big and heavy for me to carry. Want auto pistol for that.

Shoots better than I do.

Will handle pretty much anything short of insane. I have loaded 125 jhps to 1725. Worked fine but loud.

I prefer the original Magnas. Targets look way too big with the 3.5" barrel IMO.

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No life story has happy end.

You've read Elmer Keith, surely? He thought the short barrel deformed bullet bases and said that four inches should be the shortest .357.

Modern ammo shows that's not so. But you have a big, bulky gun. I've had three, two with six-inch barrel and one in 6.5 inch. Accuracy was on par with my Pythons, which is excellent. Expect all six bullets in one ragged hole at 25 yards, offhand, if you can shoot. I'd expect lower accuracy from that short barrel.

My favorite load in short .357's is Winchester 145 grain Silvertip. The FBI issued it to agents allowed to carry Magnum ammo, in their three-inch Model 13's. (Other .357's were also allowed.) Dallas PD issued it as their .357 round, too, although usually in longer barrels.

Velocity in a three-inch barrel is right at 1200 FPS. I prefer a 145 grain bullet to the light, barrel-burning 125's that may lack penetration on a large dog, deer, or bear. And I can use that ammo in K-framed .357's, too.

I asked a detective to check DPD files to see how the load fared in actual shootings, both at DPD and FBI. He said it worked VERY well; was "almost too destructive." (His words.)

Our member SIG-P220 .45 retired from the Bureau about three years ago. He can probably tell you more about that ammunition in FBI use.

I'd change to Federal 158 grain Hydra-Shok for any .357 hunting on animals bigger than coyotes, for probably added penetration, esp. on deer, and I'd take only side-on shots at deer, within 50 yards. My idea of a deer gun is my Winchester .270. But I bet that 145 grain Silvertip .357 in the lungs or heart will deliver venison. BTW, the Federal PR man told me that present Hydra-Shok 158's are quite good on deer.

You do realize you are talking $1200-1400 for a starter M-27 3.5" - right?

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

I think the 3 1/2 inch 27 is indeed one of the coolest/sexiest guns on the planet. If I had a beautiful Heiser rig, a wonderful 27, and cool grips, I’d carry it to the BBQ or perhaps the Smith&Wesson Symposium. No question. There is a reason Bill Jordan wanted a K frame .357 magnum for all day/every day carry. It’s a pure weight issue. I’m fortunate to have a lot of options. And I carry all the time. I love shooting my N frames. And I have a drawer full of holsters that I could use to conceal them. But I usually choose a lighter option.

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

Here is mine I believe it was holster alot and probably not stored the best. I am ok with it because I don't cringe when I shoot it.Attachment 429264 yes it is a joy to shoot and accurate. Picture of the day I brought it home 20190818_201254.jpg

20190818_201319.jpg Who among wouldn't trade an AR and $500 for a pre-27

20190907_095739.jpgHere is the attachment that did not load. I also dont think it was shot much.

I paid a substantial amount more for my 4" pre 27 than I did my 3.5" pre 27.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

FWIW I have 2, a very clean, reblued pre 27 I picked up from a good buddy for $1000. Bought her to carry and put some honest wear on the her new finish. The second one I recently found at an LGS. It’s an immaculate S series 27-2 for $1550+ I keep her for range play.

Been looking for a long time. May seem high to some, but to me both were worth the coin. In the the past couple years I passed on two others at 90%, both north of $1800 sans box.

Pre 27
27-2

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213th FBINA

I love the 3.5" barreled .357 Magnums. They and their 8"+ versions are my favorite S&Ws.

I shoot this one regularly and love the way it shoots:



I also have a few more, some of which got some professional scratching done to them... They are a wonderful canvas for the engravers' art.









In general, the 3.5" Model 27 and its predecessors is one of the most desired and aesthetically pleasing guns to ever roll off the assembly lines of any gun manufacturer. ... I may be a bit biased.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Beautiful guns and thank you for sharing them.

You biased?? Not a chance.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

That's cus 4" pre-27s were special order. 4"-3s replaced both the 3 1/2 and 5 inch guns as cataloged guns in 1980/81.

While 4 inch 27s aren't that common most folks don't recognize that ..... mine; a +90% Shooter's grade gun was about $600 out the door about 5 years ago....

I don't think I'll be shooting my 4" pre 27 much, maybe not at all. I have a 520 and I don't think I'll be shooting that one much either.

However, I do plan on shooting my M58 a lot. Its the only 4" "shooter" that I have.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

I don't think anyone here has seen my 3 1/2" 27's. I haven't posted them but a thousand times, so here goes 1001.

Didn't know we had so many ADP 27's on this forum. I got mine from a pawn shop selling at a gunshow. I asked the guy to hold it until I got back with my paperwork, when I returned 10 mins later another buyer was holding it. He hemmed and hawed as we say down here, must have held that thing 20 mins before setting it down. I love it. ADP 261


Pre 27 early with carved ivory steerhead


27-2, target hammer, trigger, stocks.

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Charlie

I've got a 1953 3.5" Pre-27 in excellent condition.
Yep, I'm plumb proud to own it.
Accuracy: better than I am.
Ammo: whatever I decide to use that day. It don't care.
Grips: the original Magnas with a Tyler T works for me.
Carry: Nope, its much too nice for that.

I have a few 3.5" Model 27's but prefer the 3" K Magnum for carrying, my current favorites are the Model 65 Ladysmith and PC 19-7 K comp.

If you really want it to be an N frame the 8 shot 327 with lifetime warranty, increased capacity, RB grip frame and decreased weight makes alot more sense to me.
....If Im going through the hassle of carrying a 6 shot steel N frame its going to be a 4" Mountain Gun in .44 Magnum.

Charlie:

You can post those beauties every day of the week for an entire year and I don't think I would ever get tired of them. I especially love those KB Ropers on that nickel one. They really make an "impression" - just what the OP asked for.

Thanks for sharing,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

my 4 screw s serial #in the box and liner that i made, and with my Ivory grips . the 27 deserves the best that you can give it .I lusted for 1 until i could afford it
just had the grips schrimshawed

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age is just a number

Yes and no. Depends upon the part of the country you're in, I suspect. But yes, I know a good gun is going to be pricey.

I thought most 3.5” 27-2s came with magnas, but I see many with targets.
What’s the skinny?

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213th FBINA

I can tell u I carried a n frame model 24-3 Lee Horton and it was perfect size
If u can find one of these short barreled n frames I prefer the round butt
Either way u can not get any better in your hand
God Bless,John
I love the finger groove combat grips too

Sent from my SM-S727VL using Tapatalk

ME94: That service hammer on your gun would indicate to me that it could be an early 1950 shipped gun with serial number in the upper S95xxx to maybe S96xxxx serial number. The early ones shipped with the service hammer but it did not last long until they began to ship with what we now consider the standard hammer.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

In September 1975 (Jinks, History of Smith & Wesson page 215), the factory began shipping all 27-2 (regardless of barrel length) with a Target Hammer, Target Trigger and Target Stocks. Prior to that time, the majority of them shipped with magnas. HOWEVER, regardless of the dash, including the pre-27s, many of the special order guns (rare barrel length, special finish or engraving) shipped with target stocks, and often times they were "presentation target stocks" - generally smooth from nice wood.

Hope that helps,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

SLEEPING?!

You're doing it wrong!

I know nothing about the 3.5" Model 27, except that I'd love to own one.

But I have carried a big revolver concealed quite a few times. I have a 2.75" Ruger SRH, and carry it in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake. With the right shirt it conceals as nicely as my Colt DS.

For concealed carry with a 27, I'd put the target stocks away and use something a little more trim, and something I wouldn't mind getting scuffed.

Concealability is definitely winter only round these parts...pretty much across the board for all N frames.

Accuracy is better than I can shoot, but for SD, tack-driving is pretty much gilding the lily. If accuracy is critical, Buffalo-Barnes .357 short barrel.

Loads: .357 Speer Gold Dot short barrel, or .357 Hornady Critical Defense works well.

Grips: Currently, a set of Culina exhibition targets. I should use S&W combats, but the Culinas are pretty

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50 Years of DSOTM

Its all some of us old guys can hope for.

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Charlie