Considering a 2nd Revolver....15-6 or 27-2

[My5HTS&W]

I bought a 686 + 7 in barrel last year and since then, have fallen in love with revolvers. In terms of beauty, I liken them to motorcycles- I can just look, stare and ogle and never get tired of it Same thing with revolvers- sexy. There's a (local/private) 15-6 (6 in barrel) for sale with stated: a couple of wear marks and blueing at 98%. Pics look good to me, but my familiarity with revolvers (guns in general) aren't fantastic. What would be considered a good deal? There's no box/letter. The guy is asking $625. I do have the Std catalog of S&W as a guide, but I don't know how realistic the pricing is. As far as the 27-2 goes, I'm going to check and see if it's still for sale. I'm a consistent lurker here, because of little/experience. I do appreciate all of you for the wealth of information here. Tons of knowledge/experience here! Thank you!

 

[Rpg]

The 27-2 is larger than either the revolver you have now. The 15-6 is smaller.

The 27-2 is pinned and recessed, the 15-6 isn't.

Assuming both are in good working condition, the 27-2 is more desirable and will retain value better than the 15.

The 15-6 is a wonderful shooter, a better gun for target work than either of the others.

As you know, the 15 is a 38 special, the others are 357 mag, but you're likely to shoot 38's in the 357s much more than 357.

 

[Camster]

Go for the 27-2, the classic Harley, rather than the 15-6, the Honda 350.

 

[Birdhunter6]

The Standard Catalog 4th edition prices do not reflect the current market. (I'm thinking 2016.)

 

[gmarshall99]

If you want to shoot it, one would be more comfortable than the other. How big are your hands?

 

[stansdds]

A K-frame 38 Special or an N-frame 357 Magnum, they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. If you have large hands, the N-frame will fit you better, but the Model 27 cannot do anything that your 686 cannot do. The same can be said of the Model 15, but a Model 15 cannot chamber 357 Magnum, so I'd favor the 686. Might want to ask yourself what purpose another revolver would satisfy versus buying or reloaded a lot of ammo for your 686.

 

[D Brown]

I bought a 686 + 7 in barrel last year and since then, have fallen in love with revolvers. In terms of beauty, I liken them to motorcycles- I can just look, stare and ogle and never get tired of it Same thing with revolvers- sexy. There's a (local/private) 15-6 (6 in barrel) for sale with stated: a couple of wear marks and blueing at 98%. Pics look good to me, but my familiarity with revolvers (guns in general) aren't fantastic. What would be considered a good deal? There's no box/letter. The guy is asking $625. I do have the Std catalog of S&W as a guide, but I don't know how realistic the pricing is. As far as the 27-2 goes, I'm going to check and see if it's still for sale. I'm a consistent lurker here, because of little/experience. I do appreciate all of you for the wealth of information here. Tons of knowledge/experience here! Thank you!

The asking price for the Model 15-6 seems to be very much in line with prices here in Florida, assuming the description is fairly accurate. Good photos would help. I don't know where you're located, so prices in your area may be significantly different.

A good deal, again in my area, would be closer to $500.

I don't know what to say about the 27-2 since you didn't provide any details. I can say that the Model 27-2 is a wonderful revolver. Prices vary based on barrel length, finish, features, and again, location.

Best of luck on your possible purchase.

 

[Old cop]

Don't know much about the M27 but I was issued a Model 15 & carried it on duty for years. Qualified high expert (98%+) at our range.

 

[Rubone]

I would get a model 19 before a 15. And a 27 is never a wrong choice, but then who am I to say..

 

[Hair Trigger]

You didn't say what the M27-2 was going for, but it's the one I'd go for, too. It's a great target gun, but a bit heavy as a carry piece. M27 is unique among S&W's, the only one with a fully checkered top strap and barrel rib. I guess it depends what you want either one for, but the M27 will appreciate more in value. An early one (1957-1968) in excellent shape can go for $2K or more, a M27-2 (1962-1982) should bring $1200-$1500. 3-1/2" and 5" barrels are the most desired, 4" and 6" the most common.

 

[My5HTS&W]

If you want to shoot it, one would be more comfortable than the other. How big are your hands?

Somewhere between sm/med.

 

[My5HTS&W]

I would get a model 19 before a 15. And a 27 is never a wrong choice, but then who am I to say..

Great garage!

 

[My5HTS&W]

Thanks for all the responses. The 27-2 is gone. Not sure if I'll go for the 15-6 or hold out for a 27-2. I'm going to hit up some LGS's to see what they have.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Round out the stable some. I would suggest a 4" or under K or L frame. Preferably of older vintage. It would be a good departure from the current 686. Or get a reloading station make tons of rounds for the 686 and get really good at shooting it.
Smiths and 1911's. Works of art

 

[GaryinOKC]

27-2

Whichever you like better. For me I prefer classic P&R S&Ws. The 27-2 would be my choice.

 

[CH4]

The 27-2 is larger than either the revolver you have now. The 15-6 is smaller.

The 27-2 is pinned and recessed, the 15-6 isn't.

Assuming both are in good working condition, the 27-2 is more desirable and will retain value better than the 15.

The 15-6 is a wonderful shooter, a better gun for target work than either of the others.

As you know, the 15 is a 38 special, the others are 357 mag, but you're likely to shoot 38's in the 357s much more than 357.

I totally concur!

 

[Hair Trigger]

Round out the stable some. I would suggest a 4" or under K or L frame. Preferably of older vintage.

I concur; if OP's hands are "small to medium" as he said, maybe a nice M19 of as early a series as he can find. Dash-2, -3, and -4 are the easiest to find and most affordable of the P&R era, same size as the M15 he was interested in. Look for one with magna stocks, or put a set on it once he finds it.

 

[ZGrand]

My answer is, of course, buy them both!

 

[lkabug]

For me the 27-2 would have been the gun. Then I would start looking for that
model 19. And then.......

 

[MajorD]

I have tried several times to warm up to the big N frames, having over the years a 44,45,357. I just prefer the lighter K frame. For me the K frame strikes a much better balance both aesthetically and in shooting.