27-2 vs Pre 27 Quality and Difference?

[huntolive]

Hello folks
I am looking at 3.5 or 5-in barrel 27-2 or pre-27 or a much newer 627 purpose is something w Gravitas to open carry and occasional shooting
I own a 27-2 in excellent condition in nickel w 6-in barrel but not comfortable hunting or holstering that and only shoot it special occasions. I own several 44 Magnums and 357 with 5 up to eight and three quarter " barrels for hunting and a FA 454 casull and a S&W 460 running the gamut from Dan Wesson's to ruger's to S&W PC so I'm good for hunting.
This would be a special occasion carry piece I want something nice and don't necessarily need the extra two rounds of 627 but sure wouldn't mind it!

What are the differences between a 27-2 and "Pre 27" in terms of both form and function?
Are pre-27s in any way Superior?

What about extra barrels with pre27s? I'm looking at buying pre-27 that comes w both 8 and 3.5-in Barrel which is installed. What is the process for changing the barrels? I have Dan Wesson 15-2's and 7:15 but I can't imagine it's that easy.
I had been lusting for 2020 Colt Python and still am considering but price ridiculous and I'm not sure I'd be getting more for my money than a 27-2 or even a 627
BTW I already own a 5-in PC 627 which is great so I'm looking for a shorter Barrel 3.5 to 4-in but might consider a 5-in a 27-2.

What would you suggest?

 

[22hipower]

No real difference in quality/function between the pre-27s and the 27-2s. The pre-27s are generally going to be more expensive especially for ones in high condition. For the purposes you outline I would look for a 3.5 inch 27-2 (or 4 inch but those are more difficult to find). Probably going to cost in the range of $1200-$1500. If money is a factor I'd probably just go with a current production 3 inch 686. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[murphydog]

"What are the differences between a 27-2 and "Pre 27" in terms of both form and function. Are pre-27s in any way Superior?"

Mechanically you will probably not find any significant differences between the pre-model .357 Magnum and a 27-2. The earlier gun may have a nicer finish but that depends on how well the previous owner(s) maintained the gun.

"I'm looking at buying a pre-27 that comes w both 8 and 3.5-in Barrel which is installed. What is the process for changing the barrels?"

The barrel has to be removed from the frame in such a way that the latter is not bent during the process. Many here state they have done it without special tools but it is a job best left to a gunsmith for me.

The current 627 is a fine gun but an earlier blued .357 is probably the gun you want for "gravitas", and shininess. The 3.5" you mentioned sounds to be a fit for your stated needs. Good luck in your search.

 

[JP@AK]

You asked about "form," and it does not appear that anyone addressed that. The main difference in that regard is that the guns made before model numbers had either four or five frame screws, the latter before 1956. The -2 is a three screw revolver.

The other matter mentioned by Alan is the bluing. The earlier guns do tend to have a nicer finish, but that is an aesthetic consideration that may produce differing opinions. In the Bangor Punta years, my experience is that the blue is still very nice.

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I own a few samples of both the Pre 27 and Model 27, all in excellent condx.The differences between my examples are very small . Strangely,on Guns Intl.,the Pre 27s usually dont go for much more than regular 27s,unless of course its in a more desireable barrel length. My 2 cents. Edited- the case hardening colors may be a bit nicer on my Pre guns

 

[huntolive]

Changing Barrels?

Thanks for your informative responses can someone please address more details on how the barrels are changed on a pre-27?

 

[wetdog]

Get a copy of The S&W Revolver, A Shop Manual by Jerry Kuhnhausen. A very informative book.