What say you S&W guys?

Good/Bad/Ugly

What BBL is desirable?

I don't have one, never had one, but there is no reason it should not shoot every bit as good as any other model 27 or 627. It is just not pinned or recessed. Otherwise as fine a gun as Smith ever made.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

approx what date did they start with the -3?

Do they have the better internal parts (non MIM)?

I have a 27-3 Nickel in 6". I have a 27-2 Blue in 3.5" which is recessed with most every thing else the same as the -3. Both are very accurate. There are only a few minor differences. The recessed chambers may attract some folks. I have read that the guys who shoot competitively prefer non recessed and chamfer the chambers for smoother speed loading. I would buy a 27-3 in 4" if I ran across a bargain. For carrying a 4" might be the best option. I have really grown to like the 27 and a 27-3 started it for me.

While I'd rather have a P&R, there's no denying the hand checkered top strap of that -3, thing of beauty.

Barrel length for me... 3.5" or 4".

5" even, but that's about it.

I'd go to a bigger round for a longer barrel.

what is a fair price for a 4 inch -3 in 95% or better condition?

I sold one in S.FL within the past year for $400. It was just about perfect with 3.5 barrel and rubber grips. No box. Too heavy for anything but range play.

I owned a 27, 3.5" barrel for over twenty years. It was accurate and even stout handloads were no trouble when it came to getting back on target. Now that I am older, I find that toting around that 27 was becoming uncomfortable, so I traded with a friend for his 66, 2.5". It's a lot easier to wear hiking around on an afternoon jaunt.

Smile often and shoot straight.

Is 700 out the door unreasonable today for a 27-3 in 4 inch BBL. No box no papers in LNIB condition.

what about 95% condition?

The $700 price-tag for an LNIB gun doesn't sound too out-of-line to me, although is probably at the top end of what it might be worth.

I'd not pay more than $550 for a 95% 27-3.

I won an online auction on a 27-3 a few weeks back for $459. I thought the price was within reason despite the rubber Hogue grips it came with.

However , it is my first ever Model 27! It is also my first 8 3/8" Smith. In the big N-Frame I like the look and feel of the long barrel - it tapers down to a rather thin barrel and is not overly muzzle heavy.

The only drawback is the frame grip pin was removed which I'll have to replace. I imagine the proper size roll pin would do? The Hogue "hanger" is not like the ones I've had on other Hogue grips before.

I have yet to shoot it. Plus I am looking at wood grip upgrades. I hope it is a real shooter!