Notice I didn't say best, just the coolest.

1. They are N frames. Sorry fans of M, I, J, K, L etc. but N frames are just cooler than any of the others. I love K frames but the N frames beat them out. Blame Dirty Harry.

2. Caliber. .38/.357 is the premier revolver cartridge. The .357 started us all down the path to high power hand gun rounds. They also served as the standard LE round for many years. They would still be used if you could come up with a 15 round K frame.

3. 27's are available in just about any barrel length you need from 3.5" to 8 3/8"

4"


5"


6"


6.5"


8 3/8"


4. You can also get any of these in nickel if thats what floats your boat.

5. They have great bluing and the triggers are among the best Smith ever produced.

6. Now before you start your counter arguments about why some other model is more cool than the 27, there is one thing the 27 has that no other model does. It has the checkering on the top strap. Sorry the argument ends there



That is my story and I am sticking to it.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

I am sure everyone will have their own preferences but I sure do enjoy taking my 3.5" 27-2 to the range and then cleaning her up.

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pax

Wow. That's a beauty.

I have a pristine 5" 27-2.

You're close, but Pre-27s are cooler!

Good shooting.

The Registered Magnums in the 1930s, and their descendants through the Model 27-2, were always the top of the S&W line. The 44 Magnum was more powerful, but the 27 was the most deluxe revolver and was the flagship of the S&W line.

The 27 has long been my favorite revolver with the 5" being my personal preference for the best one. But I also have some in 3.5", 4" (that one is actually an RM), 6.5" and 8.375". The 6" is the only one I have never owned because that length never excited me.

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No life story has happy end.

The Model 27 is my favorite Smith. And I also think the 5" M27 is the absolute best in balance and eye appeal. Here's another pic for a great thread.

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Regards, Ty

I can't offer any argument, they are incredibly cool. I really like my 4" M27-2. Never realized how scarce those are until I joined this Forum.
One thing I have always wondered about. Why is this the only model they put the fancy checkering on? I would think the .44 Magnum, later called the M29 would be a good candidate for it. If I had to guess, I would say it was because when the .357 Magnum came out in 1935 it was the top of the line gun. In 1956 when the .44 Magnum was offered it's only outstanding quality was caliber.
I'd like to hear others thoughts on why the .357 Magnum M27 and it's Pre variants were the only ones that got this treatment.
Jim

If I could own only one S&W revolver it would be a model 27-2, blue with a 4 inch barrel.

If I could own only two S&W revolvers, I'd add a model 29-2, blue with a 4 inch barrel.

..

Well , I agree but I doubled my fun with 2 of each !

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V/r,
Markham

I agree with everything SaxonPig said and to me they are the best looking S&W revolver in the line up. I also think the 5 inch is the best balanced and I like shooting my 3.5 inch at the range. I have a 4 inch in nickel finish and it's really pretty and the crown jewel in my collection is a 5 inch only fired at the factory with a nickel finish.

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

That's a fact! I guess I'll make do with my nickel 27-2 for now.

Could be my favorite S&W - right now anyway.

3 1/2" 27-2 Nickel - Austin Police Dept. It shows carry wear, but I love it.

Charlie

amen to that brother ......if I wasn't married -I'd sleep with mine

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

Potato, potahto

Another in agreement.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

No argument here

Oh....gone are the "good ole days" of the incredible bluing on S&W's...well, any firearm really. Such a sad thing! Gorgeous guns.

The 27 is definitively a great and cool gun.
I made the mistake to sell a 3.5" many years ago.
Don't think to do it again with my new to me 5" !

These are two of my favorite Smiffs

I have two of them, one in 5" and aone in 8 3/8"... Yes they are cool but all these pictures make me want to go buy a 3 1/2 " now...

I believe it’s somewhat of a macho thing, a finely made Large frame .357 Magnum revolver just screams I’m all about business don’t fuss with me. The original 3 ½” barreled guns were developed for one purpose only, to put law enforcement on even footing with the gangsters of the day.
I will be the first to admit I’m as enthralled the N frame’s as the next guy.

Thanks to everyone for adding their photos. I have to find the elusive reasonably priced 3.5" gun.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

I'm with you on that! Nice 27's!!

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RIP Shipmate

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

I have had two Model 27's over the years, a nickel 5-inch and favorite 3 1/2 inch. It's hard not to like these.

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Vaya con Dios

I foolishly sold a 5" a couple years back , but still have this one.

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Sure you did

I had a M27 8 3/8" in the 70's. Sold it...
Now have a 5", I like it better then the 8 3/8", easer to carry.

3.5 inch has about the best balance of near all of my revolvers.
Here is an old 27-1 with a Berns-Martin rig.
Carried by a Texas sheriff.

glenncal1,

Could you post a better pic of the checkering you've mentioned. Can't quite see it in the one you posted.

WrongWay

Can't go wrong with a 27/627. I hope the find a nickel 3.5 one day

I saw a nickle 3.5" Model 27 at the Ft. Worth gunshow yesterday in a wooden box w/ papers and some of the original tools for $950. Don't know if it was a good deal or not.

That is a very good price.

Here's a detail of the checkering.





My latest addition:





Maybe my all time favorite:

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No life story has happy end.

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.

If in mint condition, that was a feloniously good deal. 1/2 to 1/3 of the going price.

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213th FBINA

You are spot on about the 27. I have never understood the cachet that the Python holds to many over the 27, it's pretty but a weaker action, its DA is not as pleasant nor consitant to me, recoil is not as well managed as in the N frame and it doesn't have the groovy checkering. The 27 is the pistol version of a Spartan hoplite in a tuxedo: stately, polished, looks good and totally capable at any moment of killing in a very violent and efficient manner.

The only problem I have with the 27 (besides the fact that I am currently 27/RM-less) is the caliber. My perfect gun is the 27 configuration chambered in .44 Special, that's the ultimate.

How about this one? It is a 1962 era M27 that was shipped with a 3 1/2" barrel. Back in 1976, Walker Arms in Selma, Alabama rechambered the cylinder to .44 Special and added the original 6 1/2" 1950 Target barrel. In 2005, I had David Clements in Woodlawn, Virginia cut the barrel to 5", add the ramp front sight, and reblue it.

It is currently wearing a pair of Forum member kurac's walnut coke grips:

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Just recently bought my first 27-2. I'm looking for another! They look good and feel good in my hand. Great to see so many 27's.

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Wellllll They DO take Right Nice Pictures




SOMETIMES WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM A FORUM FRIEND

THANK YOU DAVID



















AND SOMETIMES THEY WILL STAY STILL FOR A " GROUP " SHOT














AND THEY DO SHOOT GREAT!!!

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

Quit Sal! You're making me HUNGRY!

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RIP Shipmate

From 1955. 6" barrel.





tipoc

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.

Ask and ye shall receive ( at least a picture of one)! My 3 1/2” 5 screw .44 Special. Courtesy of Clements Custom Guns.

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The gunniest gun I ever saw is a 3.5 inch model 27 with a nickel finish. Nothing looks more .....I trying to think of a word that fits and can't think of one.

The second gunniest gun is the 2.5 in model 19. I just think those very short shrouded barrels have the most business like look of any firearm. Bar none.

How about "gnarly"?

I guess they are Ok

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C & L

How cool is that?! Awesome picture! Thanks for posting it.

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Regards, Ty

"...what can a 27 do that my 28 can't do?"

If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand.

A Cadillac and a Chevy are both cars, too...

I have a first year Highway Patrolman and the HP/M28 is a good, serviceable revolver. But it really shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as the 27. The question really becomes "What can a 28 do that the 27 doesn't do with more style and panache?"

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No life story has happy end.