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
Bill

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
. . . nobody wanted the loud, smoky flame shooters.
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.
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.![]()
I would say it depends on the buyer. I have four 27-2 3.5" and two 4". I just plain don't like 5" barreled revolvers and wouldn't even buy a 5" 27-2 let alone pay a premium price for one.
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.