I have owned both a 1938 prewar Registered magnum with 6.5 inch barrel and a 27-2 with 6 inch barrel.I took both to the gun range and fired identical .38 Specials and ,357 Magnum rounds through each, back to back.

Both revolvers were equally accurate hitting the bullseye.
The action on the pre war RM is butter smooth, especially in double action mode. The Rm cost me $7,250, the 27-2 cost me $550.

The prewar magnum has the butter smooth hand fitted action which is typical of Smith & Wesson 5 screw revolvers produced before 1941. The same quality is experienced with my pre war outdoorsman and .44 special third model hand ejector.

The bluing is darker on the pre wars but the 27-2 finish is familiar to my generation; this is the type of Smith I grew up with.

Forthe money, get a 27-2 in acceptable condition and shoot it
whenever the mood takes hold.

It is all about having FUN.

And BTW, you will find the most knowledgable Smith and Wesson people in the world on this forum who are generous with their time and knowledge.