Classic 27 1st Impressions

zogger

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I am starting a new thread because the other one went off the rails.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/561752-m27-classic-opinion.html

I just brought home and shot my 27-9 Classic 6.5" for the 1st time. I also shot my 686 6" as well. Here are my impressions.

Quick background. I am new to shooting as I started 6 years ago at age 60. I took up handgun shooting after I blew out my shoulder while doing competitive archery. I have other SW revolvers and have focused shooting them over semiautos during the last 2 years. So learning to shoot well is a constant work in progress and I am very much a beginner.

-The attached photo shows the target with rounds 7-12 out of the gun at 7yrds, single action with 38 Spl. I did not have to sight in the gun at all. The grouping is due to me and not the gun.

-After shooing about 100 rnds in the 27 and the 686, I did not feel much difference between the two on how they shot, handled recoil, etc. The 686 feels a bit heavier even though the 686 is listed at 44.8 oz vs 46.9 for the 27. They both balanced in my hand equally well but the 27 was just a bit better.

-While I only shot a few 357 Magnums, both guns handled the recoil about the same. The recoil from the 38 Spls were a non-issue for both guns. The 38 Spls felt like shooting 22LRs out of my Model 18.

-The color of the Classic 27 is more of a black blue than the blued older revolvers. I am guessing the color is more like the Model 28s but glossier. Once I shine it up real good I will post side by side pixs of the 27 and my 29-3.

-It has the lock and the frame mounted firing pin. I like the frame mounted firing pin but ambivalent to the lock.

-The sights on the 27 and the 686 are the same except that the 27 has the white outline on the rear sight.

-The 27 has the holes pre-drilled in the frame to mount a top rail.

-The trigger smoothed out after I shot about 50 rounds. It is almost as nice as the 686 which has over 3000 rnds thru it.

-The trigger poundage appears to be comparable to my 686 and 29-3. I don't have a gauge to give you an exact reading. However I did not notice a difference between the 27 and my stock 686. Single Action was, of course, fantastic. Double Action was also very good. After I got used to the 27, I could shoot off rounds just as quickly with it as I could the 686 with the same accuracy (or lack of).

-I like the grips! I had planned to put a nice set of old targets on it but now I think I will stay with the grips that came with it. The grips are all wood and slimmer than the older targets so they fit better in my hands. They are almost like the new Altamont "coke bottle" grips (which I have a set on my K frame) but not exactly coke bottle shaped.

-I think I might be able to eventually shoot the 27 a little more accurately than the 686 after I shoot it more. The gun balances better in my hand. I see alot of dry firing in it's future!

My overall impression is that it is very nice gun. Since I plan to shoot it, the lower cost compared to a older 27 was worth it to me. I had looked at various 27s at LGS. They wanted about 25% more than the Classic 27 for good shooter (but not collector) grade guns. I am the type who has to put his hands on what he is buying before he buys it. So buying from Gunbroker, etc. is not my cup of tea.

In summary, I recommend the Classic 27-9 6.5" if you want a nice shooting 357 but in the older style.
 

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I am glad to hear the report on your new classic. I am very curious how the classic line guns are as I have a 29-10 on layaway right now. I've only handled a couple in the gun shops and they looked and felt nice. I also like seeing a post about a new smith of classic vintage that doesn't involve a line like "I'll just buy the real deal" or "MIM and locks no thanks" I get very tired of seeing that all the time.
 
I am glad to hear the report on your new classic. I am very curious how the classic line guns are as I have a 29-10 on layaway right now. I've only handled a couple in the gun shops and they looked and felt nice. I also like seeing a post about a new smith of classic vintage that doesn't involve a line like "I'll just buy the real deal" or "MIM and locks no thanks" I get very tired of seeing that all the time.

Hopefully you will like your 29. Shooting 44 Magnums is quite an experience!
 
Thank you for an honest and unbiased range report on your new model 27 Classic, zogger52. It's good to hear that they still feel good and shoot good too. I have a 627 Pro I bought a couple of years ago and while it isn't any collectible (for me at least), it's a darn fine range gun and accurate and the trigger on it is as good as my old 27-2 that's had 10's of thousands of rounds through it. If S&W would make a nickel plated, 8 shot version of the model 27 Classic I would be all over it like white on rice.
 
Hopefully you will like your 29. Shooting 44 Magnums is quite an experience!

With the exception of the big S&W's, IMHO, the 44 mag is the ultimate caliber if you are a handloader. I have 2, and would not mind a third or 4th. It is up to you as a handloader how much punishment you want. I load mine down. It does not take much to kill paper targets
 
Nice report. The rear sight blade is replaceable, It's a bit of a PITA and requires a few special tools, but is highly doable.
 
I had one of the classic 27's, I got used but in new condition, a few years back, and I didn't see a thing wrong with that gun. It looked good, felt good, and shot just fine. Alas, I sold it to get something else I'm sure I couldn't live without. Unlike what some will tell you, I had no trouble selling it, and getting my price either.

Glad you like yours.

Edited to add: I just bought a 27-2, with a 4" barrel. Somewhat scarce I'm led to believe. I keep going back and forth about shooting it. One of the "new" ones, I'd have been to range already.
 
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I have to say I love my M29-10 Classic, and am very glad you like yours. It makes me wish S&W made more square butt guns. My recent manufacture 629s just don't fit my hand quite as well; I guess I should try a conversion grip but they don't really appeal to me for some reason.
 
The attached photo shows the target with rounds 7-12 out of the gun at 7yrds, single action with 38 Spl. I did not have to sight in the gun at all. The grouping is due to me and not the gun.

For just starting out with a new gun that is better than a lot of shooters would have done. Nice write up and a great looking 27 as well!
 
I wish they made the Classic 27 with a 8-shot cylinder a standard catalog item.
 
Pixs!

I was able to take some pixs.

The first is the gun with vintage target grips.

The second is (top to bottom) the 27-9, 29-3, and a 18-2. Comparing the color, the 27 is definitely black with slight tint of blue, while the 29 is blue, and the 18 is somewhere in between.
 

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