3 1/2 " Model 27

Mike Grasso

Mike Grasso

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Gentlemen and Ladies,

I recently had the opportunity to hold in my hand a 3.5" Registered Magnum. I like it! So I am thinking of starting the quest for a 3.5" Model 27. I want a shooter, so I was thinking, it would work for me in 357, 41, 44 or 45. What choices would I have and whats a decent price?

Thanks for the expert advice in advance,

Mike
 
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The Model 27 was only chambered in one caliber, .357 Magnum. The 3 1/2 barrel length was unique to that model and pre-Model 27's. There were 3-inch Model 29 .44 Mag's, 3-inch Model 24's, 3 inch Model 625 .45's and 3-inch Model 657 .41 Magnums, but never in 3 1/2 inch length. Believe me, they are worth the money and once you shoot a 3 1/2 inch 27, you'll wonder why it took so long to buy one. Here is mine, and it will be the last revolver I would ever sell.

rig2.jpg
 
Unless you rechamber and rebore/rebarrel, you have one choice - .357 Magnum, nickle or blue finish. Prices should range between $500 for a real dog in well worn condition to over $1000 for 98%+. More for four or five screw models, much more for "Registered Magnum" (the early .357s, pre-27).
 
M27 Magic

Just looking at David LaPell's lovely Model 27 3 1/2" barrel beauty made my evening! It's long been one of my two Grail guns (the other is the 5" version of the same revolver.) I have been searching for good examples of both for years, but have yet to find my luck improving. I've run across shooter-grade and beaten-up samples from time to time, but have not had the heart to buy them, such is my ideal of the perfect revolver: I must own mint specimens. I feel that the law of averages must favor me sometime, hopefully before I get too old to raise one in my rapidly enfeebled fist!:o

_______________________
NRA Golden Eagles Member
 
There is an idiosyncrasy of 3 1/2" Mod 27 barrels that you should know about. You will find them with the rollmarks centered on the barrels and also slightly forward of center.

Do not automatically assume an off center marked 3 1/2" has been cut. I understand that they have lettered as factory barrels. I can only speculate as to why the difference, so I won't.

One thing I do know, they have an unexplainable allure of there own.

My dad's is a 5 screw 3/1/2" factory refinished in '75 by a previous owner. It looks brand new with as silky an action as any S&W has ever had. The advantage was that he was able to trade an '80s vintage Mod 25 straight across for it. It's a beauty and a shooter.
 
The problem with the 5-inch and 3 1/2 inch commeratives from 1991 is that they won't have the pinned barrel and recessed cylinders that the earlier 27-2's. The 3 1/2 inch barrel was first discontinued in 1979. You will also be able to find them a bit easier and they might be a bit cheaper. Still expect to pay at least $600 for a decent shooter and then up as the condition goes. They aren't growing on trees and guys are snatching them up left and right.

Picture1813.jpg
 
Sold this one, a 27-3, to a Texas copper for $500.00. Harry Davis, master LAPD Armorer, did the action and added a smooth trigger for DA.
Bob

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