Alright guys, this will be my first .357 and first full size revolver.
A local store has a 4" 686-6 for $589 and a 4" 27-3 for $700.
I am stuck between the two.. I have shot the 686 once and loved it but haven't had the chance to shoot the 27.

The main thing holding me back is the price. $589 sounds appealing while $700 for the 27-3 Im not sure about. For me, for around that price a brand new 586 sounds appealing.. I know everyone talks about their decreased quality control, the lock, etc. but I'm not sure to what degree the quality was lessened. A new one with one round fired through it from factory vs. the possible 10s of thousand rounds fired through this 30 year old one. Maybe Im paranoid..?

The 686 is priced nicely (as far as I've seen in the stores around here). But it does have the lock and all the "bad" stuff but IDC. I just don't want to miss out on the 27 if it is a gem. I am also worried about the 30+ years and all that it could have gone though, compared to the much younger 686 or new 586/686

Thoughts?

By the way, I am sticking to local listings as I am under 21 and here in AZ I can only buy them in private sales. I don't think that I would be allowed to order one from gunbroker/gunsamerica/etc if under 21.. Am I wrong?

If it were to be a carry gun, I'd personally go with the lighter L frame.

If it's a fun gun, go with the 27. I think a 3 inch model 27 (I know you're talking about a 4 inch) is the most intimidating piece of hand artillery out there. They're just freakin cool.

Welcome to the Forum. What is the condition of the model 27? If it is nice, and you don't mind having a somewhat larger gun than the L frame, the 27 is probably worth the extra $100 or so.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The 4" Version of the Model 27 is actually the rarest version,
If it were a dash 2 or older I would say jump at that price,
but the 27-3 is non P&R.

Then again you are comparing it to an IL 686-6 with MIM parts.
In this scenario I would go for the 27-3 as long as it looks good and isnt abused.

BTW, I dont know the laws in your state and you need to find out exactly what they are first but,
It seems that if you can legally buy a handgun from a store in your state than you most likely can have the FFL transfer one
purchsed legally from a website and transferred legally through an FFL.
Again you need to find out.
The state I live in restricts handgun sales to over 21 in a store but allows a legal adult of 18 to "own" a handgun.
I dont understand that theory but then again we have had the two stage 18/21 adult thing here since 1980.

Yeah the P&R is not a big deal for me. I'd plug the hole on the 686. I'll go detail-check each of them today and see their level of abuse. From quickly handling it, there was no sign of wear. The bluing long term does kinda of make me lean towards stainless but I love the look of the blue.

That's what it is here. 18 to own/21 to purchase new.
At 18 here you can be gifted, buy at a gun show or pawnshop, or through a private party on craigslist, etc.

Well I haven't shot the N-frame so Im not sure if I'd like how it'd feel. I'll inquire if this place will let me shoot it with the possibility of returning it. They both felt very similar in my hand but I didn't spend a lot of time with it.

Their website states the gun condition as "98%" and it looked very clean. No pics on their site sorry. I'll take some today and post em up hopefully

I might carry it every now and then but I have a Springfield 1911 GI that I'd likely use. This would be for fun/car/sidearm when hunting. Primarily fun though.

Not too worried about intimidation factor ha. Would be looking at a 4" or 6" 27. Strictly 4" in the 586/686.

The Model 27 is an "N" frame originally intended for .44 caliber rounds,
Compare the "N" , "L" and "K" Magnum cylinder diameters you will see a very big difference,
The L frame was purpose built for .357 where the smaller K frame was purpose built for .38 special then beefed up to handle .357 in 1956.
They actually make a J frame .357 now but IMO is unpleasant to shoot .
Some consider the K frame the smallest practicle S&W .357 Magnum revolver best suited for daily .38 special shooting and occasional full house magnum loads where the L frame was designed to fire 357 all day everyday.

I would offer $600 for the 27-3 or find an early 686 pre lock.
Also consider a 2.5" Model 66 and a 4" Model 19-4 or older.

Or the best of both worlds is the 7 shot 686 Mountain gun, Looks like a Model 27 in an L frame .

I really like my 686+ Mountain Gun. I normally carry .45's of one version or the other, but this is the one .357 that's stuck with me all these years. I bought it on an impulse buy for $439 in 1998. I doubt it's had 200 rounds put through it. Still have the box, receipts, etc - it's currently doing duty as one of the strategically placed house defense guns.

If I could at all afford it, I'd jump on the 27!
Frank

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US RIDE FOR THE BRAND OR LEAVE

I carry a 48 year old Model 27 daily. I don't concern myself with the 48 years worth of shooting that came before I owned it. I am comfortable with the fact that I will have at least 48 more years of shooting left in it.

...er which one is primarily for "fun", the wheel gun or the SA Milspec? Just asking for clarification.

First, while I am not familiar with Arizona Law it's quite possible that by "Private" sale they are referring to a face to face sale between 2 individuals. If that is the case you will NOT be able to purchase a handgun from a gunshop until you are 21 years of age. You'll want to do a bit of asking locally to see what is actually permitted.

Second, as much regard as I have to the Model 27 I would have trouble regarding an exceptionally clean model 27 as a gun I would actually shoot. Basically, it the classic Duesenberg of handguns, great to look at but too darned valuable to actually use. Because of this I would only consider purchasing a model 27 that shows the patina acquired by years of real use.

Given a choice between a 686 and model 27 with both in very clean condition, I would choose the 686.

Tough call...The L frames are some of my favorite shooters but N-frames are cool too. I'd go with whichever one fits your hand and feels the best. I do disagree with Scooter in that I have 4 very clean Model 27s, including a pre-27 and I actually shoot them all. For sure they are not "truck guns" or guns I carry a lot out in the dust and sweat of the desert, but they do get shot!

Id go for the 686-6

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I do it better outdoors !

I would pass on both of them, just keep an open mind and enjoy the hunt, the 686 has the lock, and unless you just want a 27-3 there will always be others in the price range, maybe even less.

I have a n frame 28-2 s prefix serial and a 686-1.I would get the 686 the price is good. Check the top strap for flame cutting and timing on the cylinders!Take a flashlight with you and cock the pistol and shine the light down the barrel.Do that on all six chambers! It will show the timing on the cylinder.Thats how I check the timing!

Decisions, Decisions! I don't have either of the guns that you are asking about, but close! I have a 586 no dash.(1983) My newest Smith. Also have a 6" Model 28, no dash from 1960. The 28 is my favorite overall. They can usually be had cheaper than a 27. It is a 27 without the bling. The 586 is a blue version of the 686. The trigger on the 586 is super smooth. I shoot both of them well. (for me) What will satisfy your wants / needs is out there. I enjoy the hunt for guns myself. Good luck on your quest! Let us know how you make out. Bob