I recently went on a bit of an older S&W buying spree after selling a few guns that I don't shoot that much. I picked up several desirable models, but the one that I didn't get that still haunts me (along with a 3" Model 19) is the 3.5" Model 27. It is odd because I have wanted a Colt Python since I was in about 4th or 5th grade and I even carried a Colt Python cap gun in a shoulder rig of my own design under my jacket as a youngster. I later acquired a Python pellet gun and proceeded to carry that whenever circumstances allowed. I was in heaven, until it started leaking CO2 and I couldn't find anyone to fix it. Nowadays though I am much older, and I find myself dreaming about a Model 27 and my 5" is not enough. I want a 3.5" with an old S&W grip adapter, (faux) ivory grips, and would even be so bold as to put my initials on the stocks. What is wrong with me? The gun is large and heavy for the capacity. The barrel is too short to exploit the .357 ballistics, yet it is not short enough to have that "snubby" cool factor. Somehow though, being neither here nor there makes it just right, even though a 4" Model 19 would beat it in every respect other than perhaps durability. So, post them if you got them. I am still recovering from my buying binge, so it may be a while before I can join the fray. Any thoughts or opinions on the gun would be welcome as well.
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What is it about the 3.5" Model 27?
- Thread starter RobC2
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Several things come to mind:
1. It's a Smith and Wesson revolver
2. It's an N-Frame
3. It's a .357 Magnum
4. That shorter barrel just looks BAD!
I have a 4" 27-2 that is really nice. As a fan of Skeeter Skelton I have always wanted a 5" 27. But there's just something cool about the 3 1/2" one. Can't really explain it, but I want one too.
Jim
1. It's a Smith and Wesson revolver
2. It's an N-Frame
3. It's a .357 Magnum
4. That shorter barrel just looks BAD!
I have a 4" 27-2 that is really nice. As a fan of Skeeter Skelton I have always wanted a 5" 27. But there's just something cool about the 3 1/2" one. Can't really explain it, but I want one too.
Jim
OMG, that is a beauty! I am from MA originally. Too bad they hate guns there.
You must have been from the eastern part of the state....LOL
I think 90% of the guns there were illegal, if truth be told.
Hard to imagine we fired the first shots in the revolution
tom turner
US Veteran
There's just something about a 3 1/2" N frame . . . especially any version of the Model 27 will pinned barrels! Arguably the most beautifully proportioned Smith revolver ever!!!
tomtheturner
Member
Hard to understand
ROBC2; It is hard to understand about the 3 1/2" barrel . . . I pick up my 4" N frame, then my 3" N frame, then my 3 1/2" N frame, and it just feels totally different. There is only 1/2" difference in barrel length each direction, but the 3 1/2" just feels great in your hand.
If I had to decide between the 3 barrel lengths it would be an absolute no-brainer. The 3 1/2" would be the pick. I do think that the fact that the 3 1/2" barrel is tapered, and my 4" & 3" are not has a bearing, but I am not sure how much.
Tom
ROBC2; It is hard to understand about the 3 1/2" barrel . . . I pick up my 4" N frame, then my 3" N frame, then my 3 1/2" N frame, and it just feels totally different. There is only 1/2" difference in barrel length each direction, but the 3 1/2" just feels great in your hand.
If I had to decide between the 3 barrel lengths it would be an absolute no-brainer. The 3 1/2" would be the pick. I do think that the fact that the 3 1/2" barrel is tapered, and my 4" & 3" are not has a bearing, but I am not sure how much.
Tom
David LaPell
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The FBI thought very highly of them.
there is just something that makes them feel a little different in your hand then a 4-inch barrel.
there is just something that makes them feel a little different in your hand then a 4-inch barrel.
O.K. this is not an older one! Though a 27-2 or just 27 or .357 mag.3.5 is on my wish list! I do love the feel of my 27-8 and you bet there is just something about them that gets in your blood. Here are a couple of pics with original grips and a new set of Don Collins corian grips.
Attachments
GreenRiverBoy
Member
Wow Dryheat,
Those are some nice looking firearms.
Those are some nice looking firearms.
Back in the mid to late 60’s the Utah Highway Patrol liked ‘em:
and they look good in nickel too:
semperfi71
US Veteran
For me it's the history (an early FBI gun), it's the appearance (years ago one gunwriter described it as "pugnacious"), and its the "feel". I have various barrel lengths of M27-2's and the 3 1/2 with magnas fits into my hand like a glove and handles great.
phenson
US Veteran
If I may add a 5....
They go boom really loud and create a really big fireball out the end of that short barrel!
They go boom really loud and create a really big fireball out the end of that short barrel!
Several things come to mind:
1. It's a Smith and Wesson revolver
2. It's an N-Frame
3. It's a .357 Magnum
4. That shorter barrel just looks BAD!
I have a 4" 27-2 that is really nice. As a fan of Skeeter Skelton I have always wanted a 5" 27. But there's just something cool about the 3 1/2" one. Can't really explain it, but I want one too.
Jim
diamonback68
US Veteran
What is it about the 3.5" Model27?" Darned if I know what the fascination is and believe me I have tried to figure it out. It's an N-frame that's not exactly a snub nose nor does it conceal well and not really much lighter or heavier for carry than a 3" or 4". What's so different about a 3/5" over a 3" or a 4"? Don't see any improvement/detriment to velocity/energy there.
I hear people say it "just feels so good in their hand" and yeah I know we all like to fondle our guns on occasion, but do we buy a gun for no other intended purpose other than it "feels good"?
I think it's is just some unknown need we think we have, to have the "gun du jour" and is mainly hype currently and it too shall pass and we will go on to the next "gotta have" gun 'til we leave them all to someone who will scratch their head and wonder why the heck the 3.5" was ever even made.
I hear people say it "just feels so good in their hand" and yeah I know we all like to fondle our guns on occasion, but do we buy a gun for no other intended purpose other than it "feels good"?
I think it's is just some unknown need we think we have, to have the "gun du jour" and is mainly hype currently and it too shall pass and we will go on to the next "gotta have" gun 'til we leave them all to someone who will scratch their head and wonder why the heck the 3.5" was ever even made.
keith44spl
Member
I'm kinda a parshal to 'em myself...The 3 1/2 inch 357 was my first really serious Smith and we've been
doin business together for over forty years. I always thought of it as the best snub nose to come down the pike.
You could carry it holstered up on yer hip or even carry it mexican style jest stuck in yer belt under a shirt or jacket.
Yep, the three and a half inch N frame suits me just fine.
And when the bore get's bigger they jest keep gettin better and better
Su Amigo,
Dave
doin business together for over forty years. I always thought of it as the best snub nose to come down the pike.
You could carry it holstered up on yer hip or even carry it mexican style jest stuck in yer belt under a shirt or jacket.
Yep, the three and a half inch N frame suits me just fine.
And when the bore get's bigger they jest keep gettin better and better
Su Amigo,
Dave
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