Are Model 27-2s in 5" really more valuable?

I don't know about the 5-inch being more valuable, but this 27-2 is one of my favorites to shoot. It was shipped in 1968. Click on the photo for a better look.

Bill

doc44-albums-firearms-photo-collages-picture23444-model-27-2-s311707-5-bt-shipped-october-8-1968-one-three-shipment.jpg
 
Just for the hell of it, here's how it all started.

It's noteworthy these numbers include a fudge factor to account for missing records. The straight stuff is known for 4371 Registered Magnums---out of 5224.

So here's the "adjusted" count by barrel length:

3 1/2"------408
3 3/4"------6
4"-----------337
4 1/4"------4
4 1/2"------108
4 3/4"------4
5"-----------869
5 1/4"------3
5 1/2-------140
5 3/4"------1
6"-----------839
6 1/4"------1
6 1/2"------1518
6 3/4"------16
7"-----------72
7 1/4"------1
7 1/2"------79
7 3/4"------1
8"-----------26
8 1/4"------8
8 3/8"------38
8 1/2"------10
8 3/4"------735

This count was updated, and published in what I recall was the 2010 SWCA Journal----and I couldn't find it.

So suffer!!

Ralph Tremaine
 
Bill,
Always loved the look of those mid 60's N frame GA target stocks, they have a very caramel goldfish or orange hue exactly like the K targets from that small window and seem to represent the very end of the diamond target stock era,
I have a similar pair on a 6" 27-2 that shipped around 1967 IIRC.
They are not commonly encountered IMO.
 
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The only time a 5” would have more value is if it’s the only length I don’t own.
 
The 5" is not rare. It is one of the more common lengths- maybe the most common. When I worked in a shop in the 70s they came through all the time, more than 6" or 8-3/8". The 3-1/2s were less common because nobody wanted the loud, smoky flame shooters. If we took one on trade you had to just about give it to us.
 
From what I've observed in sales the last year or two the 3.5 has the highest premium relative to the longer barrel lengths. On the other hand, I watched a pre-27 five inch (with gold box) sell at this weekend's Rock Island auction for just under $5,000 including buyer's premium (plus tax, shipping, etc.). More than most pre-29 packages are going for. I couldn't see any reason for it, perhaps others can.

February Sporting & Collector Firearms Auction | Rock Island Auction

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I put in a telephone bid on that 5” 5-screw 357 Magnum but the bidding blew past my limit in about 15 seconds. I’m going to write that $4,993.75 bid off to alcohol administered internally.

It is a beautiful revolver. Correct serial numbers where they should be - that’s not in the description but Rock Island confirmed it for me.
 
handejector...I agree with your comments about the 3 1/2-inch Model 27-2. In January 1971, Ivanhoe Gun Shop in Watertown Square in Massachusetts had a 3 1/2-inch in nickel they wanted to sell for the regular list price (no premium). When I moved from the area in late summer 1973, the 27-2 was still in their display case. Before I left, I did buy a Colt Python from them, 4-inch, blue, new in the box, slightly discounted for $105. I think the list price back then was $125.

Bill
 
A solution proposed.

. . . nobody wanted the loud, smoky flame shooters.

Admittedly, owning such a machine is quite a burden. I have decided to start a charitable-minded (not 501(c)(3)) program whereby these obnoxious revolvers can be packed up and sent to me for proper disposal (in my gun safe).

My only motivation is to make the world a safer and more pleasant place for all.:rolleyes:
 
I believe I mentioned this on another thread here recently, but it's worth repeating. If I had to - perish the thought - select just one handgun to meet all my needs forever, it would be my 5" 27-2. That's just me.

...and so said Skeeter Skelton.

Have owned five 27s with 5" barrels. Four were 27-2s and one pre-27 1953...

First was a 27-2 in the 1980s that was just soooo accurate. The second was in the 1990s and was brand new in the box...just rolled that one over...

Third had a lot of blue wear and pitting on the cylinder...the barrel was bored out to .41 and the cylinder replaced with one from a Model 58 parts kit...pictured here...

.41 Magnum 215 grain Keith Style lead Semi Wadcutter at 1,210 FPS. (100 RND)

Forth I still have...a mint 1967 like Doc's gun above but was cheap as it came with Pachmayer Gripper grips... It now wears a nice set of Cokes via gun number 5....a 1953 that had most of the bluing won off but had a mint set of Cokes installed. That gun also was sold...

Thinking about it, the only other 27s I've owned were a NIB 3.5" that I never shot and a 6" pre-27 1952 that was shipped the day I was born...


Doc...funny thing...went to school in Boston and visited Ivanho's quite often...still have the 1961 Model 53 that I bought there about 1974...

Bob
 
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Can't speak to value, but the 5" is the least common barrel length and quite popular. apparently people are willing to pay more because they like this variation. Maybe it's time to sell my 5# Nickel 27-2.:D

Actually, the 4” model 27 is the least common barrel length.
 
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I have a pre-27 that is one of my favorite N frames. Still looking for that 3.5.
 
Love the 27s I have a 627-0 with non fluted cylinder that I love.
 
I just picked a nice 5” 5 screw pre-27 for about half the going rate of what 3.5” pre 27’s have been selling for. I was blown away by that previously mentioned auction result at RIA for that 5” with the box. Must have been a case of the bidders thinking they won’t find another one as nice and complete as that example.
 
I just picked a nice 5” 5 screw pre-27 for about half the going rate of what 3.5” pre 27’s have been selling for. I was blown away by that previously mentioned auction result at RIA for that 5” with the box. Must have been a case of the bidders thinking they won’t find another one as nice and complete as that example.

I still blame demon alcohol on a Saturday afternoon…
 

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