Which length 27-2 would you get if you could only have one

[jake556]

I have the itch for my first 27-2 most likely they will multiply since these revolvers are like potato chips. But if you could only have one length that is a pleasure to shoot which would it be?

I don’t plan on carrying it, just bringing a smile to everyone’s face when they shoot it.

What is the difference in the front sight variations I keep seeing?

 

[murphydog]

The 6" will be easiest to find but I (and many others) like the 5".

In general, 6" and longer barrels will have a Patridge (vertical front sight face), and shorter ones the Baughman (angled or ramp blade). Exceptions exist.

Happy hunting!

 

[GaryinOKC]

3.5” after that probably a 4 or 5.

 

[MarkHayden]

My very favorite is the 3 1/2 inch barrel. It just looks bad… Also, the Blue Book of Gun Values, 44th Ed., values the 3 1/2 at twice that of the other barrel lengths on pre- and Model 27s (page 1903).

Mark

 

[lppd4]

I would get a 5” just because I think they are “the sh t”. Beautiful guns. I have several 4” guns and almost as many 6” guns I have only 1 5” .357 and it’s my favorite out of my modest collection.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Hmmm...tough choice! I don't have a big herd of Model 27s (yet), but I have some in 3-1/2", 6", and 6-1/2". I would like to add a 5" in the near future, but they're getting harder to come by these days. I guess I'd have to say that the 3-1/2" is my favorite, it just looks mean!

 

[Muley Gil]

I have owned and shot 3 1/2", 5" and the 8 3/8" barreled versions.

To me, the 5" is the best!

 

[jake556]

Which length did they start coming with the 3Ts?

 

[shil]

I'd pick a 5".

 

[Ameshawki]

Mine is a 3 1/2. Only one I have and I don't anticipate getting another.

 

[murphydog]

Which length did they start coming with the 3Ts?

From about 1976 (?) to ‘83, all model 27s were built with the 3Ts and the presentation case regardless of barrel length.

 

[yeti]

My choice would be a 4" 27-2 or earlier 5"
Perfect balance, do-all revos with beautiful build quality.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Since I’ve owned a 6” for 50+ years, see no reason to change now.
It’s on the Right in this Coke comparison pic.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The 4" is the least common. Special order only until about 1979. IIRC production ended around 1994/95. More/most Folks were buying L-frames after 1980 vs the N-frame guns.

The 3 1/2" guns do look "badass" but got that covered with a 3" K-frame.

When you get to the N-frames not much size/weight difference between the 3 1/2" and 4"

My 1979 4" is a transition gun still recessed but no pinned barrel. Nice enough to be proud of but with enough wear to take it into the field.

 

[Yendor357]

Well Jake, you kind of switched gears on us. First you say “Only One”. Then it’s the first of presumably several. There’s a big difference.

If it’s the first of many, shop for the best value; which is going to be the 4 inch. It takes a Gun Guy to spot the difference between a 3.5 and a 4.

The 3.5 is the ultimate in cool. It just is; Patton, G Gordon Lindy, the FBI.

For me, l shoot a 5 inch gun as well as I do an 8. I don’t know why. Doesn’t make any sense. But I do. Anything longer than 5 is just added weight and length. 5s are cool too. The 5 is just different enough to be interesting.

Buy a six inch if it is cheap. Only buy an 8 if you need one to complete your collection.

 

[PALADIN85020]

My hands-down choice - 3 1/2.

John

 

[wcat94]

I suppose I would have to have a 8 3/8 to go with the 27-5 and 27-1.

 

[44wheelman]

another vote for 5"

I shoot my model 41 5.5" target bbl better than the 5" field or 7 3/8".

Sometimes there is a sweet spot for length & weight.

"For me, l shoot a 5 inch gun as well as I do an 8. I don’t know why. Doesn’t make any sense..."

On the other hand...I shoot my 8 3/8" 629 DX as well as any 44mag I've ever shot.

 

[alwslate]

I have seven model 27-2s. Four 3.5", all early 70s with the standard H&T which is my preference on the shortest 27-2. Two 4" models with the TT&TH. One 8 & 3/8" with the TT&TH. All wear magnas to fit my smallish hands. If I could only have one despite my love for the so called "bad zzz" looking 3.5" it would have to be the 4" length. The 4" 27-2 or 28-2 .357 magnum is the best all around S&W revolver made.

 

[SteveA]

I have to go with Skeeter's favorite, the 5". Its not too long and not too short. Just perfect.