Is there any real difference between a Model 27 Classic and an older M27?

***GRJ***

Pinned Barrel, recessed cylinder, different bluing process, LOCK (Ugh)
No Cool Factor. Value.

Huh?

I predict you will cause all sorts of heartburn with your question.

Let's see, in a word, YES.

The 27 Classic more or less is like a "real" 27 in that it is an N frame chambered in .357 Magnum.

While the Classic is a nice way to save wear and tear on the real thing, the two are not really alike.

Purists will point to the difference in construction, the hand work and the fine checkering on the real ones, versus what you see on the Classics.

Some will point to the pinned barrels and recessed cylinders. Others will point to the better polishing and finishing of the real ones.

So, while the 27 Classic is built in a way to allow us to have a close approximation of the real one at a good price, it is not the real thing. The Classics are a nice way to shoot without putting the mileage on your real 27.

Remember, as finely built N frame .357 Magnums go, the following are the finest S&W revolvers ever built, in order: The original ".357" Magnum, the Non-Registered Pre-War ".357" Magnum, the Post-War Pre-27, the 27, the 27-1, the 27-2. Anything after a 27-2, and you start discussions, arguments and even fights.

Has anyone looked at the checkering on the 27 Classic? Not very classy looking IMO!

Looks like something made with a rollstamp,
I would prefer smooth over the cheap way it looks.

I have a model 27-2 serial number N175600, could any one tell me when it was made. thank you

'Bout 1973....

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

Maybe it's just my imagination, but it seems as though the "Classic" 27 smells just a little different, even when it's clean. It's not bad, just a little different. Anybody else notice this?

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Why, I aughta.....

Kinda like remaking a "Dirty Harry" with Conan O'Brian in the lead role. We vintage guys appreciate the difference, smells different too!

I thought for a M27 to be interesting, they had to have a screw under the barrel & in front of the trigger guard? (That should rile a few???)

Most of the N frame Classics do a pretty fair job of recreating the older S&W's. I have several* and they are accurate, well fitted, and attractive (except for the lock hole). Very fine triggers too. Polish level and bluing are good, but not the same as the older S&W revolvers.

Now, I must admit I'm not particularly fond of the Classic Model 27. The Registered Magnums, Pre 27s through 27-2 were THE finish Kings of revolvers. The hand cut fine checkering of the top strap, back sight and barrel rib combined with the old school polish and blue (or nickel) makes old 27's stand out. The Classic 27, well lets just say S&W should have done a Classic Model 28 since the machine-cut checkering and lower gloss blue don't a real 27 make! For the money a brand new Classic costs, you can find a pristine M-28 or clean shooter-grade 27.

*All my Classics/new model N frames were purchased USED at substantially less than new price.

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Virtue,Liberty & Independence

Why ain't this thread got a picture!?!

Mod 27-2


And I don't have the newer one to post a pic...

GF

Man......................those stocks are beautiful!

Remember you asked..

__________________
SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

Actually, that was funny, it made me laugh out loud....

I don't have the largest collection of S&Ws in the world and just how often do you think you can find an old M27 out there at a reasonable price? Well, I suppose you can on the auction sites, it's hard to say, but I couldn't resist the Model 27 Classic at the time (long story, very low price), and I'm a vintage guy myself but I think it's a helluva nice gun! Maybe I'm just not as fussy as some other, vintage guys....

***GRJ***

PS:

Someday I'll post all of my pictures.......