I have a Model 27-9, 4" blue, came out of the factory at the end of June.

It's a great shooting gun. The polishing isn't perfect and the bluing's a little splotchy. But I'm like Cicero-I got it to SHOOT it. And it's great, it shoots to minute-of-criminal at 15 yards and I have set the sights for seven yards with minimal adjustment and it is more accurate than I am. The action is smoother than my 1985-vintage Model 29-3, and it feels good and balanced in the hand. And firing standard .38 Specials on the range, it has absolutely no kick at all. It is very confidence-inspiring. It feels good in the speedloader drill, and I don't worry about banging it up because it has absolutely no collector value whatsoever. It's just a really nice revolver. I feel safe with a good, solid .357 Magnum revolver in a way that I really never have with semi-autos.