My previous thread regarding the failure to fire problems on my first range trip:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/for...4/m/5941010392

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I recently acquired a Smith & Wesson Model 27 Registered Magnum distributed by Lew Horton. This is the new version, complete with heretical lock. This revolver includes modern innovations for revolvers and has been modified by S&W's Performance Center. I chose this particular gun because it just looks great. I love the three and a half inch barrel and sculpted lug.


S&W Registered Magnum

This gun has a really nice list of features. It has everything I'd want on a revolver except a gold bead front and rear sights.


Eight chambers for two extra rounds of fun

The gun is chambered for 357 Magnum. It holds eight rounds and the cylinder is cut for moonclips. The charge holes have been chamfered and beveled for quick reloads. Both the front and backstraps are lined. It has a square butt and comes with magna grips. The wood is very nice on mine.

I did notice that the magna stocks allow the gun to twist when firing full magnum loads. Even the vertical serrations in the frame did not stop this. I plan to replace the stocks with some Eagle boot grips for square butt N-Frames.


Checkered top strap

The top of the gun is checkered. The checkering is not as good as I would like. Several lines across the top from right to left, are not deep enough or are completely missing. Several of these errors cross three lines, resulting in a long rectangle.


Ball detent

There is another lock-up point on the front of the crane. Also notice that the hammer is leaf shaped. The checkering on the hammer is very good and is not sharp like on my Ruger SP101.


Trigger stop

The Performance Center did some action work on the gun. Both the double and single actions are smooth and light. They added a trigger stop. The trigger face is smooth.



I fired a total of 75 rounds. I used Remington UMC 125 grain semi-jacketed hollow points, Remington UMC 130 grain FMJ 38 Special, and CCI Blazer 125 grain TMJ 38 Special +P ammunition. Initially, the gun shot low, so I gradually adjusted it until it was centered on the target.


S&W Model 27 Registered Magnum with CCI Blazer 38 Special +P ammunition

The gun shot very well; I'm not a very good revolver shooter. The Remington UMC 38 Special rounds felt like 22 LR coming out of the heavy N-Frame's barrel. They were so easy to shoot that I'm going to use this round for training new shooters. The CCI Blazer rounds were a bit more snappy, but felt like 9mm. The Remington UMC 357 Magnum rounds were powerful and had lots of flash. However, they were controllable.

Overall, the fit and finish of the gun is good. There are a few errors, most notably the stupid lock and missed checking on the top of the gun. The classic magna grips are a bit small at the top and allow the gun to twist under heavier recoil. It shoots very well and the Performance Center action work made it easy to shoot. I really like this gun and plan to shoot it frequently.

My previous thread regarding the failure to fire problems on my first range trip:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/for...4/m/5941010392

***

I recently acquired a Smith & Wesson Model 27 Registered Magnum distributed by Lew Horton. This is the new version, complete with heretical lock. This revolver includes modern innovations for revolvers and has been modified by S&W's Performance Center. I chose this particular gun because it just looks great. I love the three and a half inch barrel and sculpted lug.


S&W Registered Magnum

This gun has a really nice list of features. It has everything I'd want on a revolver except a gold bead front and rear sights.


Eight chambers for two extra rounds of fun

The gun is chambered for 357 Magnum. It holds eight rounds and the cylinder is cut for moonclips. The charge holes have been chamfered and beveled for quick reloads. Both the front and backstraps are lined. It has a square butt and comes with magna grips. The wood is very nice on mine.

I did notice that the magna stocks allow the gun to twist when firing full magnum loads. Even the vertical serrations in the frame did not stop this. I plan to replace the stocks with some Eagle boot grips for square butt N-Frames.


Checkered top strap

The top of the gun is checkered. The checkering is not as good as I would like. Several lines across the top from right to left, are not deep enough or are completely missing. Several of these errors cross three lines, resulting in a long rectangle.


Ball detent

There is another lock-up point on the front of the crane. Also notice that the hammer is leaf shaped. The checkering on the hammer is very good and is not sharp like on my Ruger SP101.


Trigger stop

The Performance Center did some action work on the gun. Both the double and single actions are smooth and light. They added a trigger stop. The trigger face is smooth.



I fired a total of 75 rounds. I used Remington UMC 125 grain semi-jacketed hollow points, Remington UMC 130 grain FMJ 38 Special, and CCI Blazer 125 grain TMJ 38 Special +P ammunition. Initially, the gun shot low, so I gradually adjusted it until it was centered on the target.


S&W Model 27 Registered Magnum with CCI Blazer 38 Special +P ammunition

The gun shot very well; I'm not a very good revolver shooter. The Remington UMC 38 Special rounds felt like 22 LR coming out of the heavy N-Frame's barrel. They were so easy to shoot that I'm going to use this round for training new shooters. The CCI Blazer rounds were a bit more snappy, but felt like 9mm. The Remington UMC 357 Magnum rounds were powerful and had lots of flash. However, they were controllable.

Overall, the fit and finish of the gun is good. There are a few errors, most notably the stupid lock and missed checking on the top of the gun. The classic magna grips are a bit small at the top and allow the gun to twist under heavier recoil. It shoots very well and the Performance Center action work made it easy to shoot. I really like this gun and plan to shoot it frequently.

That is pretty awesome looking gun there. I like the 8 shots, I will have to get one one of these days, but no 8 shot had appealed to me until now.

So what did the Factory say was wrong with it?

__________________
N-Frame-itis THERE IS NO CURE!

What a sweet wheelgun. Hopefully the lock keeps it affordable and available until I rebuild my toy-buying fund.

I have no trouble controlling a K frame with the Remington 125s, so an N frame with the right stocks will be sweet!

That gun begs to be carried. Are you gonna carry it?

Oh yes it does.

When I get mine the next things that will be ordered are a CTAC and a Cochise Defender.

That's the first new Smith I've seen which I am really considering buying.

Can they re-cut the top strap checkering and reblue?

__________________
Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

I have no idea. I'm not really going to mess with it other than to change the stocks and put gold bead sights on it.

***

I will carry it a bit. I'm contemplating a month of revolver carry, but need to find good moonclips and build a holder or two.

Congrats! That 3 1/2" tapered barrel looks great, and eight rounds of .357 is sweet. A gold bead sounds good. Checkering should have been done right, but yeah.

Pics are great and thanks for the report too.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Heck, forget the moonclips and pack a BUG on the other side of your body. It will help counterbalance that beast.

Or just wear two 27s.......

Now you're talking my language, Wyatt. Just remember. If you fall in the water, you surely will drown.

That is a GREAT looking gun.

__________________
M&P Pistol and Rifle Armorer

LOL...TWO M27 N-Frames...in front...carried appendix.

Talk about a nutcruncher setup.

By the way, the Remington UMC 130 grain 38 Special rounds were really, really mild out of this gun. I'm not even sure the gun moved when fired. Granted, that's not much of an endorsement of the ammo as a self-defense round, but it sure made it fun to shoot. It was like shooting large diameter 22 LR rounds.

Mine arrived at the shop, and the top strap "checkering" is similar to your description and pics. Couldn't find any moonclips either, but will look again... Not what I expected for a special remake of what was the flagship of S&W.......

But the rest of the gun looks real, real good. I can't wait to bring it home, put some Fitz or Herrets on it and go shooting. Should be real nice and make a good carry piece.

When it comes home, I'll phone S&W.....

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

I can certainly see how people would want good checkering and excellent fit and finish on a $1000 gun.

I just decided that since it's a shooter and not destined for a collection, I don't care all that much. The fact that it has it AND reduces glare is good enough.

I am certainly interested in hearing S&W's response to your query.

I shot the new classic 27 4" at a writers' symposium last month and was impressed with the fit, finish and the smooth action. The topstrap checkering, like you mentioned, could be better, though. Still a nice gun- got one coming in (I like the return of the 6 shot feature on the new classics).
Bob

I like this one so much I'm contemplating getting either the 4" or 6.5" gun. However, I noticed it doesn't have a trigger stop...does the Performance Center work on them?

You know, S&W really is The Revolver Manufacturer. Not only is Lew Horton selling the new Registered Magnums (PC guns & 8 shooters); but S&W is also making the standard M27s (6 shooters) as part of the Classic Series.

I think Hortons are still on sale and should be available for quite a bit below list.

All of these N frame .357 S&W Magnums look really, really good.

http://www.lewhorton.com/regmag.html

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/C...1&top_category=15701

One of the M40 J frames would be a perfect backup to a M27....

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

I'm trying to talk the factory into fitting a left-over 5" barrel from the Lew Horton run onto one of the new 6 shot classics...they didn't say yes, but didn't say no. I'll keep you posted.
Bob

I stippled the grips to solve the twisting under recoil problem:

That's one bad mutha....

Nice photo composition with the leather jacket.

Reviewing threads on Horton's M27. Your pics look good.

__________________
July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

A Tyler T-grip may solve your problem and keep the smaller magnas in place.

__________________
Revolver luvin' Mountaineer

I just read a posting with the old style thumb latch on a Classic Series revolver.

And for an update, I finally got one of these blued 3 1/2"ers. Sweet, handy, and more accurate than I am. Rides in either of two holsters I already had, a Mernickle PS6DA or a Sparks VM-2. Real nice and it has almost made my K frames become safe queens.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Crebral's thread and pics hooked me on this .357. I don't understand why these didn't sell faster, well except for the price (worth every penny) and lock (hmm, won't go there). But this thing is a shooter! Also handy and a looker. I haven't gotten the gold bead front sight yet, but that simply has to happen. And right now this 3 1/2"er is dressed for rain, wearing a $10 set of Pachy Presentations (small) - it is a carry gun. Should have some target pics next week - nope, rain arrived changed our plans.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

And teamed up with its' best friend, a 640-1.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Must admit, thinking of buy one of these despite the lock.

If you're not currently using those Spegels, and want to sell them, please PM me!

Awesome! 8 rounds of .357 goodness!

Poohgyrr, where in NorCal did you find your RM? I don't think I've ever actually laid eyes on one.

I'm a big fan of the modern 8-shot N-frames.

--Neill

They only made 250 of the RM, plus 250 in the 5 inch barrel with a grand total of 500. I have # 6 in the 5 inch model .

Actually that is not a correct figure. 1200 of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums were produced over the years.

All four variations of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums were exclusive offerings for Lew Horton.

In 2006 the first of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums began production. The initial offerings were a 3 1/2" in blue steel and a 5" in blued steel. Production of each was 350 pieces.

In 2007 The second set of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums began production. These offerings were a 3 1/2" in nickel plated steel and a 5" in nickel plated steel. Production of each was 250 pieces.

Here is a group photo of all six carbon steel, 8 shot, model 27s that have been offered by Smith & Wesson over the years. All six examples are the same number.



The gold fill that Bullseye Smith has done to his 5" is a nice touch. I have always liked the contrasting lettering. I have used black or red fill on some of my stainless revolvers while the blue either received gold or white.

Here is another shot of just the blued steel ones.

Colt Sir, you are right, there was 350 made of each, these drugs have me all screwed-up. They are nice, I ordered it to have the smaller stocks installed instead of the larger ones. They all were numbered from 0 to 350, the one I have is #6.

blacktalon, nah I'm keeping these, although I am testing different grips right now.

northslope, I was able to get this here in town, and plan to pickup a 627 Pro to go with it. I believe the Pro's are on the approved list now.

And that wheel of 8 shooters is alway good to see. thumbs up!

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Sorry for my dumb question but i been away from revolvers for a while but just purchased two new S&W's in 41mag. Now i'm interetsed in the model 27 N Frame in 357 mag too. Do all of these have 8 shots? I'd like to get a New model 27 w/6" barrel in nickel if i can. Bill

BTW; After owning Rugers for eons i'm finally starting to lean towards the smiths now. Better late than never i guess.

The new models are six shot.
I have one of those RM 27-8 five inch versions,now equipped with a set of smooth rosewood fingergroove Nills.Perfect in my book.

The "Classic Series" M27 .357's are all six shooters. I see a four inch nickle, but the 6 1/2" is blue.

They also have eight shooters listed, I believe the standard M27 is not machined for moonclips, the 627 Pro version is.

www dot Smith-Wesson dot com

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

I have been informed that the N frame .357’s that had cylinder movement were because of the extra steel in the six shot cylinder on an N frame size. Would the fact that these have eight holes change this for the better or is it just a heavy cylinder and will knock itself about during double action fire no matter what?

I've got to have one of those 8 shots... how and where can I find one?

Smith and Wesson, 8 shot, 357 Magnum, N-frame revolvers have been in continuous production for over 14 years now.

I will bet that any local Gun Show will have more than one for sale.

If you are specifically referring to the Registered Magnums that began production in 2006 or 2007, that will be harder since the numbers were limited. However, another recent thread here on the forum made mention of at least two that were sitting on local dealers shelves, you could also post a WTB ad in the classifieds, search the auction sites, etc.

Search of the site did not reveal any post more recent than jan 2010.

Don't remember any members names who might have been on that thread do you?

I have a WTB running in Classifieds at the moment for just this model and any assistance in "the search" would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and man, do I admire your collection there.

I purchased this 357 back in the mid 90's. Does anyone know how many were made and the value?

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