My previous thread regarding the failure to fire problems on my first range trip:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/for...4/m/5941010392

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I recently acquired a Smith & Wesson Model 27 Registered Magnum distributed by Lew Horton. This is the new version, complete with heretical lock. This revolver includes modern innovations for revolvers and has been modified by S&W's Performance Center. I chose this particular gun because it just looks great. I love the three and a half inch barrel and sculpted lug.


S&W Registered Magnum

This gun has a really nice list of features. It has everything I'd want on a revolver except a gold bead front and rear sights.


Eight chambers for two extra rounds of fun

The gun is chambered for 357 Magnum. It holds eight rounds and the cylinder is cut for moonclips. The charge holes have been chamfered and beveled for quick reloads. Both the front and backstraps are lined. It has a square butt and comes with magna grips. The wood is very nice on mine.

I did notice that the magna stocks allow the gun to twist when firing full magnum loads. Even the vertical serrations in the frame did not stop this. I plan to replace the stocks with some Eagle boot grips for square butt N-Frames.


Checkered top strap

The top of the gun is checkered. The checkering is not as good as I would like. Several lines across the top from right to left, are not deep enough or are completely missing. Several of these errors cross three lines, resulting in a long rectangle.


Ball detent

There is another lock-up point on the front of the crane. Also notice that the hammer is leaf shaped. The checkering on the hammer is very good and is not sharp like on my Ruger SP101.


Trigger stop

The Performance Center did some action work on the gun. Both the double and single actions are smooth and light. They added a trigger stop. The trigger face is smooth.



I fired a total of 75 rounds. I used Remington UMC 125 grain semi-jacketed hollow points, Remington UMC 130 grain FMJ 38 Special, and CCI Blazer 125 grain TMJ 38 Special +P ammunition. Initially, the gun shot low, so I gradually adjusted it until it was centered on the target.


S&W Model 27 Registered Magnum with CCI Blazer 38 Special +P ammunition

The gun shot very well; I'm not a very good revolver shooter. The Remington UMC 38 Special rounds felt like 22 LR coming out of the heavy N-Frame's barrel. They were so easy to shoot that I'm going to use this round for training new shooters. The CCI Blazer rounds were a bit more snappy, but felt like 9mm. The Remington UMC 357 Magnum rounds were powerful and had lots of flash. However, they were controllable.

Overall, the fit and finish of the gun is good. There are a few errors, most notably the stupid lock and missed checking on the top of the gun. The classic magna grips are a bit small at the top and allow the gun to twist under heavier recoil. It shoots very well and the Performance Center action work made it easy to shoot. I really like this gun and plan to shoot it frequently.

Must admit, thinking of buy one of these despite the lock.

If you're not currently using those Spegels, and want to sell them, please PM me!

Poohgyrr, where in NorCal did you find your RM? I don't think I've ever actually laid eyes on one.

I'm a big fan of the modern 8-shot N-frames.

--Neill

They only made 250 of the RM, plus 250 in the 5 inch barrel with a grand total of 500. I have # 6 in the 5 inch model .

Actually that is not a correct figure. 1200 of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums were produced over the years.

All four variations of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums were exclusive offerings for Lew Horton.

In 2006 the first of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums began production. The initial offerings were a 3 1/2" in blue steel and a 5" in blued steel. Production of each was 350 pieces.

In 2007 The second set of the 8 shot, modern Registered Magnums began production. These offerings were a 3 1/2" in nickel plated steel and a 5" in nickel plated steel. Production of each was 250 pieces.

Here is a group photo of all six carbon steel, 8 shot, model 27s that have been offered by Smith & Wesson over the years. All six examples are the same number.



The gold fill that Bullseye Smith has done to his 5" is a nice touch. I have always liked the contrasting lettering. I have used black or red fill on some of my stainless revolvers while the blue either received gold or white.

Here is another shot of just the blued steel ones.

Colt Sir, you are right, there was 350 made of each, these drugs have me all screwed-up. They are nice, I ordered it to have the smaller stocks installed instead of the larger ones. They all were numbered from 0 to 350, the one I have is #6.

blacktalon, nah I'm keeping these, although I am testing different grips right now.

northslope, I was able to get this here in town, and plan to pickup a 627 Pro to go with it. I believe the Pro's are on the approved list now.

And that wheel of 8 shooters is alway good to see. thumbs up!

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Sorry for my dumb question but i been away from revolvers for a while but just purchased two new S&W's in 41mag. Now i'm interetsed in the model 27 N Frame in 357 mag too. Do all of these have 8 shots? I'd like to get a New model 27 w/6" barrel in nickel if i can. Bill

BTW; After owning Rugers for eons i'm finally starting to lean towards the smiths now. Better late than never i guess.

The new models are six shot.
I have one of those RM 27-8 five inch versions,now equipped with a set of smooth rosewood fingergroove Nills.Perfect in my book.

The "Classic Series" M27 .357's are all six shooters. I see a four inch nickle, but the 6 1/2" is blue.

They also have eight shooters listed, I believe the standard M27 is not machined for moonclips, the 627 Pro version is.

www dot Smith-Wesson dot com

__________________
July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

I have been informed that the N frame .357’s that had cylinder movement were because of the extra steel in the six shot cylinder on an N frame size. Would the fact that these have eight holes change this for the better or is it just a heavy cylinder and will knock itself about during double action fire no matter what?

I've got to have one of those 8 shots... how and where can I find one?

Smith and Wesson, 8 shot, 357 Magnum, N-frame revolvers have been in continuous production for over 14 years now.

I will bet that any local Gun Show will have more than one for sale.

If you are specifically referring to the Registered Magnums that began production in 2006 or 2007, that will be harder since the numbers were limited. However, another recent thread here on the forum made mention of at least two that were sitting on local dealers shelves, you could also post a WTB ad in the classifieds, search the auction sites, etc.

Search of the site did not reveal any post more recent than jan 2010.

Don't remember any members names who might have been on that thread do you?

I have a WTB running in Classifieds at the moment for just this model and any assistance in "the search" would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and man, do I admire your collection there.