New to the forum. Couldn't resist putting my 2 cents worth in. 6" Nickel 27-2 is from 1980. 5" 27-2 is an "S" serial number from 1964, and the 4" 28-2 is from 1979.

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Welcome to the forum! Excellent revolvers you have....thanks for sharing the pics.

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Regards, Ty

Yes, I recently acquired a blue early 27-2 with diamond targets, they came off and were replaced with a pair of Grashorns I bought from Nanook 450, who by the way shipped them to me before I even mailed my personal check. [Thanks Nanook] Those stags on that blue 27, well they are gorgeous even with my eyes closed, I have a pre 27 on the way with a six inch tube, wish it was a 6.5, but oh well! Yes the 27 is the Smith and Wesson that says beautifull, with out even talking! Billy Magg

44 Triple Lock Billy, we whisper that when we say it, and yes grandma's ol triple is way cooler, but out of my price range?

To answer the question: The 27 always had that touch of uniqueness and distinction that the successive owners of S&W thankfully never filtered out. What else can you say about an N frame (clearly the coolest frame size) that features not one, but TWO unique barrel lengths joined by that wildly unnecessary but uber-cool checkered topstrap? And a revolver that's so clearly overbuilt...those little teeny holes in that great big cylinder speak of potential loads featuring crazy pressures (Kids, don't try this at home... ) In an age when S&W makes a massaged Centennial available in .357, the 27 is a magnificent anachronism that harks back to days of desperate highwaymen and the lawmen that kept them in check.

My current 27 is a '72 27-2 3.5" blue that I've personalized with a .312" smooth combat CC trigger (for some reason, the .500 grooved target just seemed too big for a "shorty") and a pair of Keith Brown smooth Goncalo magnas. I found a beautiful old Bluemel (El Paso, TX) basketweave holster in light tan with a butter-colored goatskin lining...I'm in 27 heaven!

One of these days when I get the hang of posting pics here, I'll share her with you all, but it might have to wait 'till I get a little more up-to-date 'puter...my ten year old mac's showing its age!

Hey Johnny, tried to PM u but your box is full. Care to sell that .500 trigger?

I am new to this forum. This thread has some amazing photographers. I acquried my 6" model 27 from my father back in the 80's . It has been super accurate and a regular shooter in my collection, however, not being versed in advanced gunsmithing how does one determine proper cylinder gap and lock-up, timing etc. in just a laymans cursory examination?

Thank for your replies in advance.

Try here: smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/111068-revolver-timing.html

I would put the model 27 on par with any Colt Python I have handled. The very first handgun I ever shot was my dads 27 with 8 3/8" bbl. I was 11 I think.

I have a 6" blued 27-2. I think 6" in an N-frame is perfect. Just like 4" in a K-frame just seems to be best size and balance.

Nice photos all!

You know, I think you are right! They are the coolest. I'm an N frame guy exclusively, minus my Davis PPC, a 4'' 19 for the duty revolver match and 2.5'' 19 for the off duty match and a 640 for my ankle at work.

57's and 58's were my first love, but wow, just something special about a 27. The 3.5''s are my favorite 27s and I've got two. Got two 5'' models and a 6''. Looking for that elusive 4''.

Just something about the checkering and bluing of a 27. There is DEFINITELY something about the look and balance of a 3.5'' 27! Like the Roxette tune, "she's got the look."

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Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442

27s are unique and the top strap is noteworthy but at the
end of the day I prefer a Python Pete

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NRA LIFE 1974

My first but not my last

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

Is the 5" nickel really a rare gun? I have one, LNIB that I was considering taking to the range as a shooter. It has been fired, but is pristine.


Terry

I stumbled across a 27-2 owned by a friend that wanted a smaller,lighter and more accessible platform for HD and decided the 27 was not it.
I traded a polymer DA Sig for it with the intention of either selling or trading it for a model 686 or 19 which I thought would be more suitable for my needs and rather small hands.
One look and later a trip to the range convinced me that I could never part with this work of art. Later to find that it had been back to S&W for a trigger job in the 80's.
I am a believer........

Hi folks I have two model 19 2 and half nickel, and model 28 Highway Patrolman 4 inch blue, wouldnt trade or sell either of them. Model 27 is an excellent gun and good thread you posted, VB

I just love my 19-5 (1983) but this is even better!! I've got to start lookin'!!
Tony

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S&W, Simply the Best!

And what other reasons? I have a -2 'S' , 5" blued . A friend tried to buy it, did some research, and said he couldn't come up with what it is worth. He never did tell me what he found. I have had it since 1976. How do I find out just when it was made? It has a SN in the 260,000 range.
It sure is a smooth operator! The cylinder spins like it is on ball bearings.

From 1955. 6" barrel.





tipoc

Always wondered why S&W didn't checker the rest of their premium N-frame guns.

Or the K-22/32/38 Masterpieces for that matter.

The checkering has no functional advantage over the usual treatment given other models. In the real world, the main effect the checkering has is to collect dirt.

I dunno, I think the N-frame .44 specials can give the them a run for their money.

Besides, the .44 HE first model is the Alpha N-frame

Ohhh, how that Nickle 5" depresses me. 1988 gun show with my late father, found one wearing a $225 price tag. I had a tiny baby at home and moths in my wallet. 2 rows and 20-minutes later, with no begging from me, dad says "That's a good deal, isn't it?", then hand's me the funds. Despite moving through the crowd like an NFL running back, it was gone:-(

The checkering was supposedly to reduce glare, but I think had more to do with Doug Wesson's flamboyance. It was the first cartridge to wear the "Magnum" title. I once read Wesson was inspired by magnums of champagne, implying it was the biggest and best.

Supposed to reduce glare along the sight plane. I guess it could be argued that it weakens the topstrap.

Functional advantage , perhaps not. No more than class II engraving.

Aesthetically pleasing , you betcha!

I have to agree. A 27-2 was the second gun I ever bought (NIB back in 1962) and it still has it's rightful place on my nightstand. But, the ammo is a little fresher.

If I could only own ONE S&W it would be a bunch of M27s..................

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

Well, even fat girls need love, in this case an uneven looking frame to cylinder look, ridiculous vented rib, and hammer that appears to be ready to spear a fish. Have fun with her though..{winces/cringes}

I recently posted a quick comparison after buying my Python between that and my 5" 27-2. I think I may have been a little swayed after dropping the coin I did on the Python. I say give me a 3.5" 27 and I would be happy now. I have never owned one, but always on the lookout. They simple look badass and ooze class at the same time. Very tough to do, like a woman who is both hot and cute at the same time..

Bad analogy. The worst car I've ever owned is a Caddy. Luxury is useless without quality.

The 28 is quality,, the 27 quality with luxury. The only functional advantage to me is the partridge post front sight on the longer 27s. I vastly prefer the sight picture to a ramp.

This is true. The M28 is every bit the equal of the M27 in fit and precision, which counts more than how shiny it is if you actually want to shoot the thing. Dean Grennell used to say he usually got better accuracy from the 28s he encountered than the 27s. It comes down to the luck of the draw, not any intrisnic difference in function between the two.

No 28s in my bag yet . As much as they are discussed and liked I am going to have to give one a try . But I am a little like bass and attracted to bright shiny things , so I do have a Model 27 .

In honor of this long running thread, I took the following 5" 27-2 to the range this weekend. If there is a better revolver out there than the 27 I haven't seen it:

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

If I ever buy another 357 it'll likely be a model 27.


41

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This ain't no coon hunt

This is an very old thread, but fine Smith & Wesson revolvers are ageless.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

I hope you don't mind me throwing my 27-8 in here

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USAF AMMO

My 27s are cooool guns....... only two a 1939 6.5" RM and a 4" shooter grade (recessed) 27-2.

MY 19/66s are a lot more fun to carry all day ......especially my 3" 66.

One of my L-frame's is what I would grab if I could only have one!!!!


Thank God I don't have to choose.........................

My 27-3.


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I agree, the cool factor is very high for N framed model 27s.
Steve

Beautiful grips on that!

Thanks for bringing this thread back 41special. I'm also a fan of the 27s. I have 4 now. A 3.5 inch pre-27, and 8 3/8 inch 27 no dash (with a 27-2 barrel? ), and a 3.5 inch and 5 inch 27-2. The actions of the 5 inch and 8 3/8 inch are extra nice.

I agree I have a pre model 27 3.5 inch barrel manufactured in 1955 it is the best would not trade it for a new one. Love those five screws.

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Buckeye Fan
Wheel Guns Rock

I have a .357 27-2 in nickel. I would love to have one of the hi-lustre blued 27's with a 4" barrel. They are beautiful revolvers.

Why the coolest?? Reasons have to include that the 8.375" tapered barrels are sooo S W E E T !













The pre-27's are pretty cool as well...





They make a great canvas for engraving:









Even the well-used shooter grade ones are still way cool...



... and the pre-war 357 "grandparents" of the Model 27 (what can you say...)










... and that's just a few reasons to collect the long ones.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Thanks. Not sure of the maker but they're fancy walnut.


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They are cool and here's the long and short of it.




Pre War 8.75 inch. Reg-2269




No Dash 6.5 inch





Model 27-2, 5 inch





Pre Model, 5 inch


Early 27-2, 3.5


Later 27-2, 3.5

Also have a 6 inch Dash 2 but can't find a photo

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Bill

RKMESA, can I come over and hang out at your place? I feel completely inadequate.

I'm in!
IMG_1104.jpg

The compact 3.5" Model 27 looks all business too me.

41

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This ain't no coon hunt

I carried a 5" pre M27 for a few months as a patrol officer in the early 1970's, yes I am a fan of Skeeter Skelton, and it was one of the finest weapons I ever owned. I believe I paid $150.00 for it in 1970, mint no box. As I was wearing it at work one night, another officer, who married well, offered me $1000.00 for it and I sold it right out of the holster. I had my M 19 in my locker, so it was an easy deal to make. I was taking home less than $ 500.00 a month at the time so I really had no regrets. Now I have regrets.

I am a S&W 686 guy, I don't own a Model 27, but my brother does. It is near mint with only 50 through it. He never shoots it and does not know the real deep value of it. I will visit him soon, he is 68 years, and make him an offer that he can't refuse. It will be mine.

Good plan. We have a sacred duty to recover Smiths from those who don't appreciate them sufficiently. That's why I traded an early model Kimber 45 to my nephew for my great uncle's pre17.

You would feel worse......He didn't even post the Pinto's

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Paul
S&WCA #2726