I see newly manufactured M27s are advertised with a four-inch barrel. I have been contemplating getting a used 27 as a shooter, not as a collector grade revolver. The used 27s on Gunbroker are in the 600 and up range (both pre-27s and 27-1s and 2s) while the newly manufactured ones are in the 800 range.

It is tempting to get a brand new 27 for about the price of a used one. My questions is are these newly manufactured ones as good as the originals, especially in terms of action and trigger smoothness and fit? Secondarily, are they as good in terms of finish? Are there any differences that anyone knows of that I haven't asked about? Has anyone bought and fired one? I am tempted to think that I would be better off getting an older revolver, which perhaps was made with more attention to detail and hand-fitting than the current production but I am not sure that this is really a true concern.

I appreciate all answers and help. Thanks and good luck.

Good luck finding a 27-2 or older revolver in good shape for $600; it's hard to find a 28-2 4 incher in good shape at that price. If you decide to go with an older 27, be prepared to pay $1000 or better for one in good shape off GB.

Now, as to the newer model 27's, I can't specifically help you out except to say that I handled a few at the LGS a few years ago and they felt pretty good. But I did buy a 4" 627 Pro earlier this year, which is a stainless steel, 8 shot variation of the model 27 and I love it. I cleaned the internals well after receiving it and changed the rebound slide spring for a lighter rate one and that's about all I've done to it and it is a sweet shooting gun. And 8 shots of 357 Mag without reloading is pretty cool too. The trigger feels just as nice as the older N frames I own and don't have any qualms about recommending buying a new N frame revolver. I also haven't had any problems whatsoever with the internal lock on either of the 2 IL equipped revolvers in my house, but then I don't use the darn thing either.

The newer model 27s are functionally fine, but older ones have nicer finishes, nicer wood stocks, nicer checkering on the top strap and are...nicer. If you have the chance to compare one of each side by side I suspect your choice will be easy. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

muddocktor thanks for your quick reply, it seems clear that mechanically they are the same

murphydog thanks for your quick reply, I think your characterization as 'nicer' is what I was trying to say

Again, this will be a shooter, but I also speculate that an older model, although bought and if I ever sold it would be a used revolver it might retain value more than a newer one. This is pure speculation, of course, but if you look at how prices on Smiths as well as other firearms have ramped up, especially in recent years, I wonder if this might be true.

Thanks and good luck.

I think a plus for the new vs old is the lifetime service policy. Timing issues down the road would most likely be taken care of free. That said I am just thinking this because it would be just a shooter revolver.