According to gun value blue book and another gun price book I have the 29-2 should be about $200 dollars more expensive in 98-100 percent condition than a 27-2. Yet I see tons of gun broker offerings for some really nice 29-2 languishing with no bids. 27-2 however, are hot! Why is that? Because the .44 ammo is much more expensive?

27's are built with a bit more 'bling' and most people can handle a .357 but not so with the .44 mag.

More people can afford to shoot .357 and .38 than can afford or enjoy shooting .44 magnum or special?

No idea, I'm just shooting in the dark here...
(pun)

During the holidays there was a cable program on "magnums" in the S&W section they stated that the 29 was popular during the Dirty Harry craze. The commentator mentioned most have very little use and have been in drawers and closets since that publicity died out. Here in Alaska I have found that .357s have not been as popular as some consider it light for bear protection. In 1977 any model 29 sold for $400 here in Fairbanks and the 8 3/8s for up to $500. So maybe there will be more available and yes the .357s are more enjoyable to shoot.

The checkered top strap on the Model 27 makes it look unique and I think the best looking S&W revolver made. That plus the Registered Magnum was the first glamor magnum and so a sort of developed a cult following began.

The Model 29 is a "johnny come lately" compared to the ".357 Magnum" and the "Registered Magnums." The old timers that like Smiths naturally gravitate to the older classic guns they remember from their past.

Besides that, they don't kick so hard!!!

Mainly 'cause Ditrina has a boatload of 27's

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Sure you did

I think the problem is the gun value books. Example: 31st edition of the Blue Book. It says that the 3 1/2" and 5" barrel models are worth significantly less than the 6 1/2" or 8 3/9" - about 25% less. Does any one believe that? It says a 100% 3.5 or 5 inch is worth $595. Good luck finding one for that. The value books are a guide but you better be careful.

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Dick

The Blue Book is just a guideline, if that. Look at the price of a Lew Horton 24 in 3". $395.00 I think it is. I"ll take all you have at that price. Fjestad is behind the curve on some things. Just MHO and it don't cost much.

regards

Bill

Like others have said, it is less expensive to shoot a M27. It does have more bling (checkered top strap), it does have less recoil than the M29, and yes it does harken back to the RM's. The reason that I own a M27-2 is simple. It is one of the sweetest shooting guns that I have ever shot! No collection of S&W's would be complete with out a M27, pre models or a -2. I mean really what is not to like. No wonder they are a hot commodity. I have some Kuracs on the way for mine, and cannot wait.

Gotta watch them experts. I was watching antiques roadshow, and a guy had a nice old Winchester, but the man who was giving the value on it looked like he was about half scared of it, and told him he didn't know how he would ever find out any pertenant info on the gun, its sale, etc, etc, but as we know, there is plenty of info out there, the Cody museum, etc.

I think there were alot of 29-2's made, and maybe that's a factor, but the bottom line is that your premise might not be the case. It depends on the gun, the buying climate, and the buyer. I don't ascribe to the Dirty Harry blather that's been around 45 years now; how many 460's and 500's is S&W selling? Ooooo, nice soft recoil on that one bud!

The 27 was always the top of the S&W line, not the 29. They cost more when new and bring more when used. Also the 44 Magnum is too much for many shooters so the 357 remains more popular and that translates into more valuable. I have no doubt that far more 357s were made than 44s but the demand for the 357 is higher. I have eight 27s (and variants) but only one 44 Magnum. I suspect only a 44 Magnum collector would do it the other way around and most folks are like me having more examples of the 357 on hand.

Because Skeeter Skelton told everybody who'd listen or read, back in the day, what a great gun the 27-2 was.

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John 3:16 .

M27s are nicer looking and .357 is the best pistol cartridge ever made. They hasn't been a good reason for a new pistol cartridge since it was made. Larry

Bigger ain't always better. My 5" 27 is a pleasure to both carry and shoot.

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Even older, even crankier....

No book sets the true value, only the buying public does that. Supply and demand, it's just that simple.

Yup, Supply and demand. Someone here starts a thread on the merits of the 27-2 and then everyone has to get one.
The internet has been the cause of many supply and demand gun fads. I'm not saying the 27 is a fad but demand today will probably be gone in a year.

PREDICTION!!!! Get them now because when we get a new president I think the economy will take off and gun prices will surge for a year or two.

John

There are as many differing opinions of S&W values as the many models, barrel lengths and finishes produced. The value books are so general they are useless, IMO.

I've been buying and collecting S&W handguns for over forty years and I've seen may changes based on fleeting popularity and often hyped demand for different guns.

Factors that haven't been mentioned in this thread are issues like factory production numbers, region of the country, CC, target shooting or hunting use, unusual barrel lengths, urban or rural owners, politically driven issues like threatened ownership rights, and today the ever present fear we may have to protect our families our homes and our assets from the results of a collapsing economy. All these factors contribute to drive values up or down for different frame and barrel length guns.

As for the .357 vs the .44 mag issue -- publicity gleaned from films (Dirty Harry and Magnum Force), and gun writers (Elmer and Skeeter) have always been a major factor influencing what we want and what we eventually buy. It seems many of us are prone to buy what we believe everyone else wants or are told we should want.

I, like many others on this board have often stated the Mod 27 5" is my favorite S&W handgun. Why? For me it's because I love the P&R period 5" N frame, its finish, its balance, its look.

Would I chose something else as a favorite had they been available in the P&R period of production? Without a doubt! The same frame in a .41 or .44 mag 5" barrel length, which were only produced in numbers close to the finger count on both hands would have been the hottest selling S&W guns of all time, IMO, and the .41 would have been my first choice.... If you'd really like to see what desirability and scarcity can do to handgun values check those two rare N frame 5" guns out. I believe Doc 44 has the only 5" 41. A very elite few have the 5" 44's, and they ain't sellin'.....!!

Bottom line is to disregard what is "hot" or what "everyone else wants." Both the 44 and the 357 have a huge, well earned following and it is deserved. The "hot" guns and calibers of today will surely change tomorrow as they have so many times in the past...

JMHO

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Terry

A Model 27 has the look and feel of elegance.

The Model 29 is a fine gun, but there is a very limited market for it. Most guys shoot the M27's with 38 special loads at the Range and can shoot all day long without getting beat up or going deaf. When they need a stronger load, they will use the .357 Magnum in the same gun. .38 Spl.ammo is plentiful and inexpensive, as well as being easy and affordable to reload. Zillions of components are available for it as well.

The .44 magnums are very loud, very expensive and other than for hunting gun, they serve little purpose - other than braggin' rights of course. I know you can shoot the down loaded .44 Specials, but again they are not as popular as is the 38/357 stuff. The .44 Magnums while they are devastatingly powerful, are actually not as good a MAN stopper as the .357 is, so unless you are shooting a large 4 legged animal, most people don't want the over penetration of the .44 Magnum bullet.

The .44 Magnum M29's that are owned by the friends I have RARELY ever bring them down and shoot them, but they always have 38/357 with them. Well........that's my .02 cents anyway.



Chief38

I had a 29-2 a while back, and while it was a nice gun, it was nothing compared to my 27-2. The fit and finish of the 27-2 seems to be a bit nicer, and the checkering across the top of the gun screams quality. Maybe it is because people can shoot the .357 better than the .44, but that never bothered me.

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Vaya con Dios

Do believe you nailed it. .357's out of a 27 are very mild compared to lighting off a full powered .44. I've been a small arms insructor since 1990. At least 90% of the folks I know or instruct cannot hit well with a .44. Six rounds on target when shooting at a 12" plate at 25 yards offhand and using full powered rounds. The .44's end up laying in the safe or put up for sale as the recoil is too much for them and they end up jerking the trigger with their eyes closed.

A .357 is a very versatile round and easily capable of handling .357 mags all day with the right grips.

Last but certainly not least the 27 is the king of S&W's and the most hansome revolver ever made followed closely by a 2" model 15 IMO Just bought an unfired 15-3. My first safe queen. Great blue jobs and a checkered top strap make it one beautiful revolver. Forgot about how accurate they are! I need a 3.5" nickel to go with my 3.5" blued 27.

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V/R
Roger / SG

"I believe Doc 44 has the only 5" 41".

Never heard of one but would absolutely love one in that barrel length. Thought I had them all covered until now (:.

Anyone hac a picture of that model that they could share with this .41 mag lover?

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V/R
Roger / SG

For me, it was pure cost. I do still have a 29-2, but it gets shot seldom. (Carried a bit more)
My cost savings shooting .357 magnum over .44 is more than enough to offset the extra price of the 27-2.

Very true the buyer sets the value. Value is set by what they want to pay. Just look at all the over priced Stuff on GB.

I have both 27 & 29, cost of shooting is never an issue. If you can't afford the ammo don't collect or get into the sport. To me its like buying a vehicle with 500 hp and complaining about the gas milage. As for bling my 29 is nickel and 27 is blue. I love them the same. Different animals love them all.

Because Pythons are going for $1500, so 27 is the next best thing.

Sportsterguy,

Here's the thread address.

Three 57s...4, 5 and 6....

The 5" factory produced 57 of Doc 44's is shown in the 8th post from the top. This 57 and the 5" 29-2s are my two "grail" guns.... Why these two calibers in this barrel length weren't placed in normal production to accompany the 5" 27's is still a mystery to me.. as it seems to be with many other people.

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Terry

Can't argue with the 15, Roger, this one is like new with box and all. The blue is incredible.

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Sure you did

+1 As I get older the 'arthur' in my hands kept objecting to the hot .44's...............'arthur' won.

Don't know why 27-2's are so high, but I have decided to part with mine (SN420xxx). It is new, never fired, in presentation case with cleaning kit, but the molded felt liner is cracked where the grip rests in the case. Does anyone know if these liners are available from S&W? I want to get a new one before I advertise the gun for sale.

Contact Joe Cebull, a member here. He'll hook you up. Welcome!! We like pictures!!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/members...4-jcelect.html

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RIP Shipmate

I don’t understand the put-down of the model 29. I have several guns in different calibers including the 357 but my favorite is the model 29 by far. There is nothing more versatile when it comes to reloading. I load a 44special which is probably the equivalent to the 357 as far as knock down power is concerned and it’s a pleasure to shoot and as accurate as any I have ever shot with a cost of 7.00 a hundred. If I was looking for something that wasn’t very loud and didn’t have much kick I take out my 22. If the big guns are fading out why did S&W go to the expense of tooling up and making and marketing the 50 caliber?
I love this forum and would not have gotten all the answers and help that I have need over the years without it. Having said that this is my rant and I mean nothing personal towards anyone. Its everyone’s choice and right to say and have the gun of their choice and I certainly respect and appreciate that.
Big Sam

That's the whole idea! S&W makes calibers, frames and barrel lengths that fit everyone's desires.

Too many people spend all their time trying to "sell" others on their choice rather than accept the needs and preferences of others.

I, like many others here, own all the calibers and frames. A solid case can be made for each as being the "best choice" depending on how it is to be used. Anyone who has shot and handled them all will conclude there is no "perfect" handgun for everyone.. There doesn't need to be!

JMHO

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Terry