Model 27-2 or older. 3.5 inch or 5 inch? And why please.

c good · Apr 11, 2021

I know...I know....the answer is both! But I'm on a budget. The 3.5 inch seems to be more desirable but the 5 inch just seems like it would balance better and handle the recoil better. Neither would be a carry/self defense type of revolver. Just for some target plinking and collecting. Thanks for any feedback.

luvsmiths · Apr 11, 2021

Five inch Best balance, and for range action it is a pleasure.

The 3.5 is overhyped in my opinion.

The four inch, if you were to go that way, is actually a rarer length.

You won't regret the five inch when you are target shooting. It is the best of ALL worlds, in my opinion.

loeman · Apr 11, 2021

3.5 inch......Cool Factor!

oger · Apr 11, 2021

A 5in N frame is just about the perfect handgun.

22hipower · Apr 11, 2021

Whichever length you find first in nice condition at a reasonable price. Once you get started you're likely to find a need for more. My first 27-2 was 8 3/8 and that was almost 50 years ago and I still have it. Over the years I've added all the barrel lengths, several of each in some cases. They're all great, you won't be disappointed with any of them. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

rubiranch · Apr 11, 2021

I sold my 3.5" and my 4" pre 27s and never fired either one of them.

I kept my 5" 27-2 for sentimental reasons and I have yet to fire it.

My brother thought the 3.5" 27 was the ultimate .357 Magnum.

Me? I like my 6.5" 27.

bamabiker · Apr 11, 2021

c good said:
Neither would be a carry/self defense type of revolver. Just for some target plinking and collecting.

Reading this, I'd go with the 5".

SuperMan · Apr 11, 2021

To me the 5" has better balance and eye appeal...the 3.5" should have had a round butt...if they had made back then that is...

I've had three 5" guns and while great shooters I happened to buy a birth year 6" and found I like it better than the 5s...

YMMV...Bob

biku324 · Apr 11, 2021

Five inch, no question. I have a 5" N-frame and a few 4" - the 5" is more shoot-able and carries just as easily.

DeplorabusUnum · Apr 11, 2021

Love my 5"

Haven't had it a long time, but long enough to know it is a joy to shoot. Really great balance and handles recoil from heavy loads with no discomfort. It's my second favorite revolver to shoot after my 629. I don't have a 27-2 in 3.5" so can't compare. As mentioned before, this is a gun that I would never carry, so why get the shorter barrel? I like better accuracy from the longer sight radius.

Claymore33 · Apr 11, 2021

5”

If it is not to carry , buy and keep 5 “ 27-2
I have 2.

CH4 · Apr 11, 2021

When you can’t make up your mind as to what’s better between a 3.5” or 5”, get at least one of each.

RKmesa · Apr 12, 2021

I agree with Jeff - whichever one you find first in the condition that you desire for a price that fits in your budget. You cannot go wrong with either the 3.5" or the 5". From my experience, the 5" ones are harder to find, but the 3.5" ones are more expensive. With that said, I love the 8 3/8" ones for plinking - they are a delight to shoot... all day long.

Here are a couple of 27-2s from the 1970s for your comparison...

Good luck in your hunt!

lihpster · Apr 12, 2021

5". To me, the proportions are right with the 5" tube. Strictly visual observation.

BAM-BAM · Apr 12, 2021

N-frame. for your stated uses get the 5" gun; balance and sight radius.

The .357 only came on an N-frame for it's first 20 years........so a 3 1/2 inch gun made some sense. Ya it looks cool..... so does a 3" 66. Today for concealed carry get a 3 inch K-frame.

Edit: If you see an 4" 27 check it out also........ it's the least common barrel length as it was special order only until 1980 and only cataloged until 1990.

colt_saa · Apr 12, 2021

For target shooting I would go with the 5"

Though my true preference for target shooting would be the 6 1/2" for it's longer sight radius. The Factory optional red insert Patridge sight is nice on the target gun

For everyday walking around the property or carrying for personal protection the 3 1/2" is my buddy and yes I have no problem concealing a 3 1/2" Model 27. However it would be the -8 engineering revision just so I can have the two extra rounds

As you can see, I am really in the Buy Them Both camp.

BAM-BAM · Apr 12, 2021

colt_saa said:
As you can see, I am really in the Buy Them Both camp.

You're really more of a buy them all kind of guy!!!

stmry · Apr 12, 2021

You stated you were on a budget, so another option would be to start with
a 4" Model 28, and go from there as funds allow, and you wont be sacrificing any "Cool Factor" either.

ken158 · Apr 12, 2021

The 3 1/2 has the cool factor but cannot be considered a practical carry gun (although someone will pop up here as always and disagree...) But there are so many better options for carry. The 5” has the look and balance and will be a very handy shooter and valuable asset to your collection.

Neversink n Klapperthal · Apr 12, 2021

Barrel length desirability comes and goes.35-45 years ago the long barrels were king.Premiums were paid for a Smith with an 83/8 inch.Then the pendulum turned,and now short barrels are in.My advice is,dont listen to other people. Get what you like and what fits your shooting

Model 27-2 or older. 3.5 inch or 5 inch? And why please.

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