Are the Smith and Wesson new classic revolvers as good as the older ones? I'm talking 70s-80s or even 90s. Are fit, finish, and lock up as good.

Many do not care for the IL, MIM parts or the grips but overall they look good and seem to be finished well. Good actions and timing with MIM parts.

Yes. I have 3 and they are as good any produced today.

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S&W Accumulator

I don't have any experience with them. I prefer given the choice an older Smith. I do have a 625 JM (2009) Other than that all of my Smiths are 1988 back. Just what I like. Bob

In terms of function, lock-up, timing and accuracy, my newer S&W's match up very well with my older Smith's. In my opinion, the overall fit and finish of the new guns, does not match that of my Model 19, and Model 10's from the 60's or my Model 65 from the early 80's.

I have a 21-4 Thunder Ranch. It follows very closely the lines of the 21. I have the 21-4 lying beside me on the couch as I type this post. The quality of fit, finish, etc. is outstanding. Fit of the crane to the frame is so close that one must look to see the line where the parts come together. The same is true of the fitting of the sideplate. The level of polishing is excellent in every respect. There are no milling marks anywhere on the frame, etc. When the grips are pulled off, the flat portions of the grip are not polished bright, but there are no rough milling marks. The quality of the DA and SA trigger pulls is excellent. It is as good as the DA and SA pull on my 15-3 (1969), and both of my 28-2's (middle 1970's). I have a wonderful 66-2 that has an outstanding DA and SA trigger. The 21-4 is about equal to it, perhaps a tad heavier in SA. Shooting cowboy action type loads, I have shot six rounds into a single 1.25 inch hole firing w/ a two hand hold at 10 yds. standing. It has a round-butt frame which I don't care for. I will rectify that by finding and buying a set of round-butt to square-butt conversion grips... that will be along the lines of the older style S&W target grips. The fixed sights are perfectly regulated for 200 gr. JHP's such as the Blazer Gold Dots firing at 15 yds. HTH. Sincerely. brucev.

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From my own example and others I've seen they're as good as anything they're making today mechanically, with more emphasis on the finish.

Compared to older models, both in appearance and action, it depends on individual examples.

The IL is an eyesore, but is easily dealt with.

There's a new model 36 I'll really have an eye out for.

The new grips aren't as nice in material, fit, or finish as those of old, but they're good enough.

The classic series guns I have held are quite nice especially the pre lock Performance Center made guns but comparing a newer classic to the older guns they emulate is kinda like comparing a 1970 Challenger to the new ones , They look similar but have no common parts.
Bottom line both are good in their own way, older ones bring a premium to collectors new ones have the warranty.

There very well may be more attention given to the fit and finish of the new Classic line. If that's the case, it's great to hear.

I would say that the only difference for me is the feel of the trigger. Not the function of the trigger or its action, but the reach. I've come to learn that the mim trigger on the new guns is a little thicker than a forged one. I have short fingers and smaller hands and the reach difference was immediately obvious. The new guns are just as nice and functional as well as the old ones, its just the feel is different for me. Either is a winner.

Thanks for every ones input. I have been looking for a 27 and think I'll look awhile longer before buying a new one.

In a hundred years, the development of MIM parts will be seen as stroke of genius! To some, (me) it's already a stroke of genius. I revere old, but I love new, if it meets muster, mister.

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Why, I aughta.....

The biggest disappointment in the new 27 is that the top strap is laser etched instead of checkered. What a face palm moment for S&W to have overlooked what is such a defining feature. Other than that, it's a great pistol that can be enjoyed without the guilt of putting wear and tear on a collectible.

I *almost* purchased one but lucked out and found a nearly pristine nickel 3.5" pre 27 locally...for less.

I owned more than one of the 21-4s and the 22-4s and I would rate them as excellent in fit and finish. They had very good triggers and shot to aim. I sold them only due to my age but would not hesitate to buy another classic. The IL never did bother me at all. I never did use it but it was not a problem for me.

When I first got mine last week my hand would start shaking from the effort to shoot it DA. SA was OK. Both have smoothed up a little after 50 rds. Hand doesn't shake with DA now.

Pete

Not just no but hell NO!

Are the new guns as good as the old ones?

IMHO, it depends on what you're looking for. Nothing being made today compares to the hand finishing of the older guns. Simply put.... they can't. The prohibitive costs of hand fitting makes that an impossibility in this day and age....

On the other hand, the older guns can't compare to the durability and advancements in metals the new guns have. Add that to the outstanding warranty included with the new guns and it's a "no-brainer" if your gun is intended to be a frequent shooter....

I have a large collection of pre-1972 S&Ws. I also have many newer production guns that I have found no fault with. Yes! I'd like to have all the beautiful features included with the old guns (bright bluing, P&R, exotic target grips, etc, etc) but those days are long gone.

It is a new day and a new reality. The new guns from S&W are the best in the world and I'll not hesitate to buy any that "rattle my cage."

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Terry

I have a few. They are just fine. I love my 625 JM and carry a 642 daily. It boils down to what you prefer.

I am really wanting a 640-1 pro series since I recently sold my 640-1. Maybe one day I will be able to afford it without having to sell one of my other children.

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Kevin
NRA Benefactor Member

My 2009 22-4

20140729_152933 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

20140729_152834 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

1954 Pre 27

20140723_111238 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

20140723_111203 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

They're both in finishes that are prettier than I need, but they're what I wanted and that's the way I found them.

Some guys will flip a lid for me saying so, but appearance and performance wise they are extremely similar.

One is of course P&R, has that impressive top strap checkering, forged internals, an extra screw, and no IL. While that means a lot to a collector, as a shooter it means extra care in cleaning and handling.

S&W 27-4 & 27-8 -30.jpg
I have a 27-8 Performance Center 8-shot that is beautifully made. It shoots as well (or as well as I can shoot it) as my 1989 27-4. I think it looks as good, too. I put a set of the new, thinner grips on the -4 because I like the way I can hold them better.

The new ones are maybe overall just as good or better on the average, except for the IL, and a MUCH THINNER extractor on the 22-4. The old achieved the same or, according to some, better quality the hard way.

I prefer the old, but the new aren't bad, and, legal advice aside, you can always install a Plug, if that's your idea of a good time.