Are Model 27-2s in 5" really more valuable?
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Alk8944
US Veteran
Can't speak to value, but the 5" is the least common barrel length and quite popular. apparently people are willing to pay more because they like this variation. Maybe it's time to sell my 5# Nickel 27-2.
Model19man
Member
Seems like there are a lot of -3's with 5" barrels. Not sure about -2's. Maybe the book is right but if it were me I would not give any more for one.
Engine49guy
Member
Depends on the person but in general IMO the 3.5" is the most sought after followed by the 5".
Personally I prefer the look and feel of the 4".
When you consider that the 4" and 6" were covered by the less fancy Model 28 probably makes sense why the 3.5" and 5" are coveted.
As a target gun I prefer the 6 5" or 6" ,
Never was excited by the 8, 3/8" N frames.
Personally I prefer the look and feel of the 4".
When you consider that the 4" and 6" were covered by the less fancy Model 28 probably makes sense why the 3.5" and 5" are coveted.
As a target gun I prefer the 6 5" or 6" ,
Never was excited by the 8, 3/8" N frames.
For what it's worth I have several 27-2 in 4" 5" 6" 8 3/8". My only 3.5 " is a pre model Gold box 1952. Probably paid two or three times the 27 - 2. Not sure they made a -2 in 3.5" Let me know if they did. I did not notice a price difference in any barrel length. 5" was quite popular in 357 at that time. I have a nickel and blued
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-2 in 3.5"??,,, AhhhYup, They did.
,,,and the 5",,
,,,and the 5",,
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The 4" is the least common barrel length. Special order only until 1979. Dropped the 3 1/2" and 5" 27s added the 4".
After that in direct competition with the "new" L-frame............... until mid 90s.
After that in direct competition with the "new" L-frame............... until mid 90s.
I agree...I only own one together with its even harder to find 5" presentation case...It resides comfortably in the safe with my three 3 1/2" 27-2's and their older 3 1/2" .357 Magnum cousins (nickeled and blued)...
...BenAttachments
I would say it depends on the buyer. I have four 27-2 3.5" and two 4". I just plain don't like 5" barreled revolvers and wouldn't even buy a 5" 27-2 let alone pay a premium price for one.
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Hair Trigger
US Veteran
That seems unlikely as the dash-3 started in 1982, but the 3-1/2" and 5" barrels were discontinued in 1979. SCSW mentions a premium for the 3-1/2 and 5 inch but I wouldn't think it was as much as another 50%. I have a 6", wouldn't mind having a 3-1/2".
From what I've observed in sales the last year or two the 3.5 has the highest premium relative to the longer barrel lengths. On the other hand, I watched a pre-27 five inch (with gold box) sell at this weekend's Rock Island auction for just under $5,000 including buyer's premium (plus tax, shipping, etc.). More than most pre-29 packages are going for. I couldn't see any reason for it, perhaps others can.
February Sporting & Collector Firearms Auction | Rock Island Auction
Jeff
SWCA #1457
February Sporting & Collector Firearms Auction | Rock Island Auction
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 4th edition mentions a 20% premium for the 3 1/2" in all dashes and an unlisted premium for the 5" in the 4 screw guns. I'm not sure what the 5th edition says.
I think Engine49guy nailed it - with the 4" and 6" already available on the more affordable Model 28, the 3 1/2" and 5" Model 27's become more sought-after. The 8 3/8" barreled 27's seem more niche and don't appeal to everyone.
I thought I was buying a 6" 27-2 some years ago but the online seller listed it incorrectly. Forum members kindly let me know that I had purchased the much less common 6 1/2" barrel. I could have returned it or given negative feedback for the misrepresentation but with a heavy heart I decided to just live with it.
Todd
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Nicely done, Todd.
I managed to win a 6.5 last year for a premium but it was calling my name.
I managed to win a 6.5 last year for a premium but it was calling my name.
27-2 5” $1409 on GB last year including T and F
GI early this year $1250 OTD
Prices are only predictable to a certain point to maybe within $200 or so, From My very limited experience.
Condition, Who is looking, how much money they have and how much they are willing to pay.
I’ve seen some bargains when no one has been, and I have seen some things going for 1.5 x or more than what I would have expected.
GI early this year $1250 OTD
Prices are only predictable to a certain point to maybe within $200 or so, From My very limited experience.
Condition, Who is looking, how much money they have and how much they are willing to pay.
I’ve seen some bargains when no one has been, and I have seen some things going for 1.5 x or more than what I would have expected.
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Obviously, I couldn't decide since I have 3 1/2, 4, 5, 6, 6 1/2 . Never ran across an 8 3/8 or I would have it. Like those M27's.
-don
-don
Obviously, I couldn't decide since I have 3 1/2, 4, 5, 6, 6 1/2 . Never ran across an 8 3/8 or I would have it. Like those M27's.
-don
A man after my own heart!
Doug M.
Member
For me, the 5" is the sweet spot. Not as much of a nuisance as the 6+ in barrels, but long enough to make the .357 perform. Not a good use of money for me and I will likely never own one. I do have one of the 5" M25-7s. They are downright good looking.
