Model 27 8 3/8 barrel

samandglove1 · Mar 10, 2011

How much demand is there for the long barrel revolvers. I don't see many around, but guys that have them absolutely love them. I have one in nickel already (and love it), but I have an opportunity to pick up another one in blue. The gun is in really nice shape and the price is not a disaster ($600) but I'm just not sure if I need another.

I'm just trying to figure out if I would have a hard time selling one of them off if I don't want to keep both. Do most collectors feel the need to have a long barrel S&W, or are they considered out of the norm?

Thanks for your guidance on this one.

Art Doc · Mar 10, 2011

The long barrel version is the least popular and will bring the least money on the used market. Great if you are buying one.

TDC · Mar 11, 2011

Depends on the area of the country you live in and its intended usage.

In hunting areas of the west an 8 3/8 can be more in demand when a longer sight radius is important. In urban and big city areas self defense and conceal-ability are more in demand, each usage creating stronger demand because of there intent.

Common 4" and 6" guns always tend to sell for more today, simply because more people have a need for shorter barreled guns, however, 8 3/8" guns are much rarer and as a consequence, they can be much more difficult to find.

Fads are a funny thing. Years ago you couldn't give away a 3 1/2, 4, or 5" Mod. 27... it seemed everyone wanted a 6" or 8 3/8. Brand new longer barreled guns were being sold for twice what the shorter gun were selling for and that's when the retail price of a new 3T, in the presentation case, Mod. 27 was $175.... Long barreled 27s were $350 if you could find one and the 57s and 29s were $100 more. Today it is just the opposite it seems.

IMHO, the trend will change again, and probably soon, mainly because of the comparative rarity of the longer barrels and the rare production of any new ones.

Enjoy your 8 3/8 Mod 27. The 27, with its fine finish and unique checkered top strap and rib. It is the most detailed and beautiful handgun S&W has ever produced, IMHO..... and the 8 3/8 is just more to love.....

fyimo · Mar 11, 2011

I agree with all the comments in this thread so far. I have all the barrel lengths for the Model 27-2 except the 6.5 inch and all of the ones I bought were in the the same relative price range (+ or - $50) when I purchased them. The 8 3/8 barrel length was the most difficult for me to find and it was the same for the 629 no dash series set I put together.

The price you mentioned is an excellent price if it's top condition and they are beautiful revolvers. I also think the Model 27 is the best looking S&W revolver because of the checkered top strap and high luster blue. However, if you are worried about the future resale price then look for a 5 or 6 inch Model 27. The 3.5 and 4 inch model 27's seem to carry a premium these days above the 5 and 6 inch versions.

acl864 · Mar 11, 2011

...........

glenncal1 · Mar 11, 2011

Sam-if you turn it down for $600 let us know. I would like one to go with my 8 3/8 k-22s

Nframe_is_no1 · Mar 11, 2011

I have two 8 3/8" 27s. They both shoot like rifles! I purchased an 8 3/8" 27-2 with an S series serial number and 3Ts for $599 OTD a few weeks ago. No box, but the gun looked practically unturned and the factory targets are diamonds! It also has an unusual factory red ramp front sight aand white outline rear. Thanks for the great opportunity for me to show it off again:

A few weeks before that I found like new 8 3/8" 27-3 for $499 OTD:

semperfi71 · Mar 11, 2011

I hate 'em. But I carry this one in my truck to use it as a jack handle.

Seriously, this one is loaded with 125 JHP's as fast as they can safely be sent down range.

Resale, as others have said here, might not bring you the $600.00 you would invest, BUT, in a few more years it might again.

It's hard to say. I don't think they are currently as desirable as the shorter barrels, but you might run into someone next month who just has to have your recently purchased blue 8 3/8 inch.

Initially I thought I only wanted one M27-2, now I have 5. Same for a lot of other S&W revolvers.

If you like the longer barrels, one of each might be nice to have.

victorylarry · Mar 11, 2011

A few years ago the 8 3/8" pre-27's and 27's (four and five screw variations) were the least desireable. I think their desireability has increased as more people began collecting the 357 magnum series and are realizing how difficult it is to locate this barrel length (I know I did!). Once I found one, I realized how well balanced this gun was and found a second gun here on the forum (a 27-2 "S" series). I would think to find an original nickel gun in a four or five screw pre 27 (or model marked 27) with 8 3/8" barrel is one of the toughest of the post war 357's to find and collectors will pay a premium for one. Trends go back and forth, but these early long barrel 357's are harder to find than you think and often represent the "hole" in many collections that need to be filled. I think it would be wise if you located a nice one for a reasonable price to pick it up.

steamloco76 · Mar 12, 2011

Years back I had a 27-2 with the 6 inch barrel. I like the 8 3/8ths inch one I have now much better. It just feels 'right' when you hold it and shoot it. $600 isn't too bad. You might find a better deal by running around all over the place, but with gas prices what they are.. You do the math. Post pictures when you bring her home.

My baby

Model 27 8 3/8 barrel

samandglove1

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Art Doc

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TDC

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fyimo

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acl864

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glenncal1

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Nframe_is_no1

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semperfi71

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victorylarry

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steamloco76

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