Why Model 27's are the coolest S&W's

[Capt. F.]

You are spot on about the 27. I have never understood the cachet that the Python holds to many over the 27, it's pretty but a weaker action, its DA is not as pleasant nor consitant to me, recoil is not as well managed as in the N frame and it doesn't have the groovy checkering. The 27 is the pistol version of a Spartan hoplite in a tuxedo: stately, polished, looks good and totally capable at any moment of killing in a very violent and efficient manner.

The only problem I have with the 27 (besides the fact that I am currently 27/RM-less) is the caliber. My perfect gun is the 27 configuration chambered in .44 Special, that's the ultimate.

Ask and ye shall receive ( at least a picture of one)! My 3 1/2” 5 screw .44 Special. Courtesy of Clements Custom Guns.

 

[Truckman]

I just acquired my second 27-2 today in a convoluted trade...This one is a blued 3.5" and my other is a 8.375"...They definitely grow on you......Ben

 

[flundertaker]

I just bought another 27-2. That makes 3 in a month. Now I have a 3.5, 6, and 8.375”. I may have overpaid on the latest but clean specimens are getting hard to find and I don’t see the price dropping.

 

[flundertaker]

... why are they the coolest??? Because they were always high polish and came in both blue and nickel finishes and were often the canvas for factory engravers to show off their talent. Here are a couple of 27-2s that look great together...





There you go Steve... back on track.

Tell us more about the early nickel one in your pics. Please. It’s gorgeous.

 

[RKmesa]

Tell us more about the early nickel one in your pics. Please. It’s gorgeous.

That is one that recently made its way into my collection - a relocation from a gracious forum member. I have not received a letter on it yet, but it is class A engraved by Russ Smith and it shipped in April 1968. The engraving is very nice and it is a wonderful example of what factory engravers were capable of if they were given the time and resources to turn out a masterpiece.

One of these days I will do a full photo shoot on this beauty with my good camera, but in the meantime, here are a couple of stand-alone iPhone photos:





All the best,

 

[local_dirt]

I am sure everyone will have their own preferences but I sure do enjoy taking my 3.5" 27-2 to the range and then cleaning her up.

Wow. That's a beauty.

I have a pristine 5" 27-2.

 

[Jeromejr]

27-2 4” brute nickel.

 

[RKmesa]

27-2 4” brute nickel.

I would say "beautiful nickel" vs "brute nickel". That is one shiny 27-2 and I love the smooth presentation target stocks.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[TAROMAN]

Agree:

 

[K Frame Keith]

I want a 3.5 inch Model 27. Lots.

 

[ditrina]

Why YES.. yes they are
'Tisa slippery slope you tread!!

 

[JWintergreen]

The 3.5 inch 357 N frame is the best looking firearm ever made period, in my mind. They also give up nothing to most of today's full lug medium frame revolvers in portability. Its a shame that S&W never produced a 627 with a 3.5 inch half lug, tapered barrel.

 

[RKmesa]

... Its a shame that S&W never produced a 627 with a 3.5 inch half lug, tapered barrel.

... yes but this 627 is pretty close...





... and here it is with a pre-27 "grandfather"...

 

[glenncal1]

27-2 4” brute nickel.

Jero- that has got to be a pretty rare beast. 4" -2 and Nickle to boot. Great gun.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Far be it from me to argue with the premise of this thread. The Model 27 and its predecessor the .357 Magnum have always been the glamour flagships of the Smith and Wesson line. This one is my pride and joy among many.

John

 

[Chubbo]

After additional thought, I’d like to add a few more of my opinions, and more information, pertaining to the S&W, Mod.27, shown in post, #168

I respect, and agree with S&W’s decision to make the 27, the flag-ship, of their revolvers, and still consider it thus today.

I agree with the FBI, the CIA, and the many other notable, revolver authorities, that have proclaimed the S&W, 27, 3.5” to be the, ultimate, classic defense revolver.

My Mod. 27, 3.5”, is shown displayed on a home-brewed stand, wearing K. Brown grips, made from fiddle back maple wood. It’s been used a lot, but has never been abused, or neglected. I’d like to mention, that the tree that produced that wood, was jointly, planted, in front of our patio, by my mom, and my wife 65+ years ago. That tree was removed as a safety hazard.

This concludes my rant on S&W Mod. 27 3.5” revolvers.

 

[SS336]

They’re all pretty much alike aren’t they?
Here’s mine, it is different, it is mine.
They are beautiful are they not

 

[Claymore33]

If I could own only one S&W revolver it would be a model 27-2, blue with a 4 inch barrel.

If I could own only two S&W revolvers, I'd add a model 29-2, blue with a 4 inch barrel.

..

Well , I agree but I doubled my fun with 2 of each !

 

[RKmesa]

...Here is a ... picture of my favorite 27, wearing Keith Brown grips, made from my fiddleback maple wood.

After additional thought, I’d like to add... more information, pertaining to the S&W, Mod.27, shown... [Above]

My Mod. 27, 3.5”, is shown displayed on a home-brewed stand, wearing K. Brown grips, made from fiddle back maple wood... I’d like to mention, that the tree that produced that wood, was jointly, planted, in front of our patio, by my mom, and my wife 65+ years ago. That tree was removed as a safety hazard.

Chubbo:

I love the gun, the photo, the grips, the ingenious stand, and the story.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[rubiranch]

A few years ago I thought it would be nice to have 27s in different barrel
lengths so this was the family of 27s that I put together.

Top to bottom,
1959 "S" 8 3/8"
1960 "S" 6.5"
1961 "S" 6"
1975 "N" 5"
1957 pre-27 4" (one of only a handful produced)
1955 pre-27 3.5"
1968 "S" nickel 27-2

I sold all of them except for two.......



I kept my 6.5" 27 that was shipped March 11th 1960 and added these
pristine Coke Bottle Stocks.
This is my favorite gun and IMO the epitome of .357 Magnums.




I also kept my brother's beautiful 5" 27-2 shipped September 4th 1975.




I also sold my nice unfired since leaving the factory 627-2.
One of only two guns that I wish I had kept.