Bud's has the model 27 for about $828.00 shipped. With my FFL holder charging a $25.00 fee, I can have the New Classic model 27 in my hand for $853.00.

My local shop has a very nice condition 27-2 in wooden display box, no turn line, blue really nice, for $775.00 plus $76.00 sales tax; for a total of $851.00.

I guess I should add that I will be shooting the weapon weekly. Not slated to be a collectors item.

I'm leaning toward the 27-2. Opinions from folks familiar with the new 27 (and anyone else) are welcomed.

What say you?

Regards,

Jim

This has got to be a well thought out decision for you....

I don't own a new 27 Classic but I do own several newer production N frames that are somewhat similar.

I also have a large collection of earlier S&W handguns from the same era as the 27-2 you are considering. Those are where my heart is....

For a weekly shooter, however, you've gotta give a lotta weight to the excellent lifetime warranty provided by S&W for their handguns today. You may hear a lot of criticism about the new production guns having MIM parts and an internal lock. I've been shooting them for years and have only experienced a couple of minor problems and neither were mim or IL related. In both cases the guns were shipped 2nd day air at S&W's expense both ways, and returned in less than two weeks.... If you've ever had to pick up the expense of doing that with a handgun you'll recognize what a big issue a wonderful warranty like theirs can be.

As for an earlier 27-2 you have no warranty protection. I'm guessing the 27-2 available to you is a 6"... What you would have is a beautifully finished and fitted example of S&W's finest. A handgun that will only increase in value if kept in nice condition. They are truly the "premier" N frame of S&W production and their status is well deserved. But for a weekly shooter requiring an equal expenditure you may want to consider the benefits of buying new...

JMHO

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Terry

I have both, a 27-2 and a Classic. The 27-2 is perfect in all respects. The top strap checkering on the Classic is well done but not like the 27-2. And, the Classic does have the lock. BUT, the Classic has a beautiful finish and very nice grips. And I found that I am leaving the 27-2 at home when the Classic and I go to the range each week. My thoughts say to protect the value of the -2 and shoot the dickens out of the Classic. If you are going to "shoot the dickens out of it", get the Classic.

Fellas, life is too short to not shoot a Model 27-2 weekly. That's what they were made for. I vote for the 27-2.
Period.
End of story.
Move along.

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Forum consigliere

Had a Classic 4" nickle- along came 3.5" nickle in nice shape. You can figure out what happened next.

No contest, go with the 27-2. The 27-2 is everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't......for $2 less than the knock off. Good luck with your decision. Regards 18DAI

A little nickle 34 was conceived? ;-P

I like brand new,perfect stuff,so I would probably lean toward the Classic.(some dealers would want the sales tax on that one too)
My other thought is this: I used to be ga-ga about cased guns-I'm over that now,just put them in a Boyt case.With the 27-2,I'd probably be looking to sell off the case,perhaps reduce the cost number by $100.

Wow, that sure is a bad dilema to find yourself in and I've found myself in that same decision making boat many times. In my case, I decided to not shoot the only model 27-3, 4" I have and just recently bought a very nice shooter grade model 28-2 to go out and blaze away with. When reading your question closely, it becomes obvious that you aren't concerned with the "collector's value" and you will be shooting it quite often. That, along with the warranty issue, makes me agree with the statement that member "TDC" has already made. I would buy the new one and have fun with it. If you like it and want to then buy an older example to keep pretty and look at from time to time, there are quite a few really nice 27-2s out there for sale and some are less than the $775 you speak of. Good luck sir!

To all,

Thanks for the courteous, well thought out responses. I'll post, with pics, when I decide.

R/S

Jim

If this were my decision and money to be spent, the 27-2 wins in every category, no questions asked.

Let us know what you decide and pictures after!

tp

I was in a similar predicament, my choice was between a new 386 XL Hunter and a 27-2.
I went with the older revolver and have not regretted it once.
The 27-2 is a great shooter and a classy revolver, I don't think you'd regret it.

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

The recessed chambers on the 27-2 is enough for me to get that one. These are such classy guns that it just doesn't seem right seeing the case rims through that big space. People pay outragous prices for Pythons but when mine is lying next to the 1978 27-2 I just got I can't help but think how classier the 27-2 looks with that extra touch of recessed chambers.

You may take this for what you paid for it, exactly zero. Just my opinion...

I recently looked at an almost new (not new, but barely used) 27-9 4" nickel with the lock. I stopped at $450, then went ten bucks more to $460 and wasn't the high bidder. It ended up selling at $466. Now you can say I should have gone $10 more, but I had already gone past what I thought a gun with the IL was worth.

A nickel 4" 27-2 that's 40 years old would go for over $700 in the for sale section here. And go quickly, I would think. The workmanship on a 27-2 is unequaled on any S&W. It was the Rolls-Royce. Twenty years from now, that 27-2 will probably be worth the same amount amount you paid for it. Perhaps more, perhaps not. I don't think the same would be said about the IL gun.

Yes, the old guns are nice,but they churned them out just as quickly as they churn out the new ones.
I think that 27-9 nickel would fetch more than 466 on here,or on an online auction,all depends on who's looking at any particular time and I'm sure that old ones do go for sub 500 numbers in local auctions as well,but I do understand what you're saying and most agree to,ie,everyone would consider an old one,not everyone would buy a new one.

Oh, I agree that it might well sell for more than $466 here - but who knows how high the winning bidder set their max bid. It could well have gone past $600. We'll never know. But it was on GB for a week, garnering 17 bids from 12 different bidders. Since it was only an hour away I drove up and looked at it. I just wasn't going to spend more than that, preferring to save the money for something else that might come along. Which worked out well, since I'm picking up a 27-2 3.5" shortly. Paying more than $466 for it, but the money I didn't spend on the IL gun it makes it easier to pay for the one I'm getting now; a gun I will like better every time I look at it and don't see the IL.

I'm not so sure.

My Ruger MkIII and Remington 1100 are worth more than I paid for them in only about 8 years of appreciation. My S&W617 is probably worth more than what I paid for it just 1.5 years ago. All of these were and are still newly, mass-produced guns with locks or other disliked safety measures.

High quality guns from high quality manufacturers increase in value, lock or no lock. That's just how the market has worked. While that might not always be the case, there's little to suggest that older ones and newer ones won't both be affected the same way as eachother by the market.

Aside from small communities like this forum, few folks today appear to care about these issues. Smith, Ruger and everyone else continue to sell new guns at extraordinary rates, lock or no.

What you said is very true and I admire your ability to stop bidding when you felt the value was going beyond what you feel its worth . The OP however, stated he wanted a gun to shoot on a regular basis. I doubt very much if the 27-2 will in any way be worth the same in twenty years if it is fired as the OP states he will. That of course is just MHO!

The model 27-9 Classic is an excellent gun, I have put a few thousand target rounds through mine and not an ounce of trouble. The gun has a beautiful nickle finish I like the fit and feel of the grips.
Campfire

Attached Images

	Smith & Wesson Model 27-9.jpg (81.7 KB, 395 views)
	Smith & Wesson 27-9 Top View.jpg (86.9 KB, 233 views)
	Smith & Wesson 27-9 Grip View Rear.jpg (63.3 KB, 229 views)

Hi,

Well my problem is solved for now. I suspect it is a familiar path to many of you.

I found an older 28-2 6" for $450.00. Not a 27, but very similar to the 28 I carried as a 21 year old LEO in a little town named Loveland Ohio.

The weapon was absolutely filthy. The service grips were long gone and it was wearing the ubiquitous Pachmayr mono grip.

There are scattered rust fecklings that are cleaning up well.

The action is tight and positive. The crown is perfect. The recoil shield is unmarked and there is just the faintest whisper of a cylinder turn line.

The weapon was dropped at some stage in it's life because one corner of the rear sight leaf carries a bent corner.

There is a very slight loss of bluing on the left side of the barrel tip; probably from use in a right hand holster.

Tomorrow I'll investigate how to remove the rear sight leaf and how hard it will be to find a replacement. I may simply clean up the rounded off corner and make the other corner the same.

I think I'll be happy with this old shooter. The serial number is N920xx. Anyone know the approximate age of this neat old gun?

Pictures will follow tomorrow.

Thanks for your input guys. I'll probably still buy a 27 to drool over but I think my next acquisition will have to be a 28-2 with a 4 inch barrel.

Regards,

R/S

Jim

Basing this post entirely on your original post, I believe you made a wise choice. Now you have a gun you can shoot anytime and as much as you want without the worry of "ruining it". Be cautious though, you seem to have been bitten by THE bug as you are already hinting at buying another. Have fun with that 28 !

Jim, one of the "sticky" threads you MUST read and bookmark is the "Ultimate Highway Patrolman" thread in the 1961 to 1980 sub-forum. It has a year of production list by serial number. You will find a vast amount of information, and enough pictures to make you drool.

If your 28-2 has only 5 digits after the "N", then I would guesstimate production at about 1972.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice and help. I think I will be happy with this old girl.

I'm very pleased with how it cleaned up. I almost walked because it was so filthy. At some point I noticed that there was almost no turn ring, no sign of gas cutting, no marks on the recoil shield and no nicks, etc in the crown.

Attached Images

	28-2 right.JPG (203.3 KB, 268 views)
	28-2 left.JPG (203.6 KB, 247 views)
	28-2 cylinder.JPG (197.8 KB, 215 views)
	28-2 serial.JPG (194.4 KB, 213 views)
	28-2 recoil shield.JPG (210.7 KB, 203 views)

Just FYI, I think a lot of those auctions are scams and that the people listing the guns are shill bidding and doing other devious things like deciding they can't let the gun go for $460 so a miraculous last-minute bid by the guy's wife solves that problem.

I don't understand how you can RUIN a Smith by shooting it. If you're not going to shoot it you might as well have picture of it on the wall and sell the gun.
I must color outside the lines as a stack of unfired Smiths is not the best way to build a fortune for your wife when you're gone.

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S&W Accumulator

The "value" of our guns is often over estimated, and letting a gun sit for 30-40 years without using it isn't doing anyone any favors. Your family will probably just sell them for 50% of their value after your gone anyway I'm joking of course, hopefully they will keep them and cherish them, but too many times I've seen widows at my local gun shop, with the owner picking through what was once her husband's prized gun collection of weapons that have never been used or fired.........only to be sold to someone else who most likely used and fired them

My advice, for those with 27's and 28's that are very nice but have already been fired, is to just shoot primarily .38's through it and maybe a few .357's for fun once in a while, and you won't hurt that gun a bit. I do have a 4" 28-2 that was loosened up pretty good from the last owner pounding a LOT of .357 through it, so it can and will happen........I had to correct endshake, yoke shake, and replace the extractor rod locking lug. Other than that, the timing is still dead on and it shoots like a champ.

Life is short, get out and shoot those things..........

And I agree...

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

Trying to find a used S&W N frame revolver is rare like hens teeth. Even the new S&W seem to sell quickly too.

After purchasing my very first S&W N Frames in model 57 & model 58 in 41mag i been chomping on the bit for an N frame in 357mag too. I been eyeing the S&W model 27 w/6 1/2'' barrel. Since both my 41's are in nickel finish i figured i want a nickel finish on my S&W m27 too. The model 29 in 44mag is next on my list. I have three rugers in 44mag but i still want an N frame in 44mag. There is something special about the N frame smiths. Bill

BTW; My new S&W model 58 in 41mag w/4'' barrel which i just shot for the first time is awesome, its my new ccw gun too. But i still like the 357mag too. I did open the side cover and lube the inners with a moly paste now both triggers on my two new smiths are equal in pull and smooth.

There's nothing wrong with the new S&W's, but I agree, for the money I see no reason to spend more for a new Classic over finding a solid used, older one. I do like the new Classic 58's and the 4" 27's. I would think a hard-core S&W fan would want the new "Classics" to go with a collection of older guns, just for "contrast". I have a few older heavy barrel and taper barrel 10's and M&P's,as well as a 64-3 but I still bought a 10-14 and a 64-7, just to have examples of the new stuff and I am very happy with them.

If the Classic series guns were priced more at say, $500 or so, then we'd be cooking. For example, the 10-14 went up in price once it became a "Classic series" and is now more expensive than a 64-8........the first time I've seen a blued gun priced more than it's stainless equivalent.

It may put me in the minority but I won't buy a S&W that I can't shoot regularly. If the rarity or condition is such that it shouldn't be shot, I'll pass. I shoot my 5" 27 with both factory and handloaded .357. In my mind that is how it was meant to be. If I can shoot it enough to wear it out, I'll have it fixed so my son can take his chance at wearing it out when he gets it too.

I think you made a good deal on the 28. It cleaned up nice. Hope you enjoy it.

Jim

Don't you just love it when you find a joker in the deck . Based on your original post, you scored a winner. got a great gun to shoot the snot out of and it came "pre-dinged" to boot. I have decided that I will never again own a gun that I am afraid to shoot or ding.
That being said will explain why I am slowly going to all stainless.

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Forum consigliere

Amen. I've pretty much decided I, for the most part, want to own guns that wear scratches and dents like I wear my wrinkles. I earned them.

I want those scratches to mean the gun has character, not damage to worry about.

Thanks for all the best wishes. I'll shoot it tomorrow. I suspect it will be fine.

Jim

The 27-9 is NOT a knock off. It's a continuation of the original. If you think it's a knock off, then a 27-2 is a knock off of the 27-1. S&W makes it so it's not a knock off. If Taurus made it, then it's a knock off. The Classics are really nice. Who cares about the silly lock. Ignore it.

I agree. Collectors seem to worry their items will lose value when production resumes. I have some old-time originals and have no issues for new versions.

Truth is, unless it's NIB, no turn line, all the toys and tools, etc. it's not going to be appreciate enough in our lifetimes to be worth socking it away in the safe. No body is going to put the kids through college selling a few used 27's in 10 years, unless maybe you buy 200 of them.

My Dad bought his 2.5" 66 brand new back in 1989, for something like $380 or something. It has maybe 100 rounds through it, I would never sell it but........Inflation adjusted, the gun might bring, what $6-700 or so today? That's not a big profit after over 20 years, not much more than the adjusted new retail price. In 20 more years it might be a $2,000 gun by then, but gas will be $9 a gallon so it's all relative

I just ran through this thread that is 8 months old,I have been looking for a 4" 27-2 blue and can not find one for less than $ 1000.00. Two just sold on Gun Broker for over $ 1400.00 each. Looks like a new Classic is on the way to my house, lock and all !!

The saying goes something like "Good things come to those who wait" and that's what happened here. I love my old pre-28 (first year issue, 1954). Mine's 4" .I'd like to get a 6" N frame - very cool looking.

Congratulations.

If you think the new 27's are "Classics", then I have a nice "water view" property for you down in the 'skeetah swamp.

I was just referring to what S & W calls them on their website I have a 29-2,25-5 my thinking is I want a shooter . If a new one is $ 850 and used is $ 1000.00 got to look at that and ask yourself what is the smarter move

so, any opinions on a 27-3, blue 90%, 6" with papers and box. yes it's a shooter. a few round through it each year, S# AUB...... year of birth and value?

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animal

Just as I was conjuring up my opinion, I scrolled down and the wind went right out of my sail. Hmm......you're happy, all is good.

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Go big or stay home

I like the new 27-9 despite the lock. It is just a fact of life that one has to accept. I just got this one in, but am sending it back as it arrived with a slight scratch which I'm betting was done when the sample shell casings were collected.

Fortunately I have another unscathed one.