Mod 27 configurations

[donaldw870]

I recently started to look for a Mod 27, and it occurred to me that the configuration I'm looking for might not exist. I'm looking for a 4-inch any-dash, target-nothing; that is, magna stocks, regular hammer spur, and grooved service trigger. I haven't run across that configuration yet. Does it exist? (Not interested in the "classic" with lock, by the way.) Or do I need to get a HP if this is the configuration I want?

 

[rbmac52]

The only 4-inch Model 27s I've ever seen are the -2 variety with full target accessories (TT, TH, TS).

 

[David LaPell]

I have seen one like you seek but it was some time back and it was pricey. You are more likely to run into the 3 1/2 inch variety and even some of them don't have the TT, TH, and white outline rear sight and red ramp. My 27-2 with the 3 1/2 inch barrel has all of those except the target trigger, which I have learned to live without. I see alot more 4-inch Model 28's (which are a great gun in their own right).

 

[Nightowl]

The 4" was a special order gun after WWll until around 1980, when Smith standardized barrel lengths to 4, 6 and 8 3/8 inches. The 27-2 was only made for a year or so until the change to the 27-3 which eliminated the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers. I have never even laid eyes on a 4" barrel 27. There are reports that there are some 27-2s with non pinned barrels and recessed cylinders, as well as some with pinned barrels and non recessed cylinders. Also, it seems that there were several nickeled 27's made around this time. You are much more likely to find a good 3 1/2 or 5 inch barrel 27 than a 4. Good luck. Oh, up until around 1975, the standard configuration for the 27 was a standard hammer and standard grooved trigger, standard black sights, shipping in the standard cardboard box. After that, the gun sported a target hammer and trigger, target stocks, and shipped in a wood presentation case like the model 29.

 

[Retired W4]

The 4" was a special order gun after WWll until around 1980, when Smith standardized barrel lengths to 4, 6 and 8 3/8 inches. The 27-2 was only made for a year or so until the change to the 27-3 which eliminated the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers. I have never even laid eyes on a 4" barrel 27. There are reports that there are some 27-2s with non pinned barrels and recessed cylinders, as well as some with pinned barrels and non recessed cylinders. Also, it seems that there were several nickeled 27's made around this time. You are much more likely to find a good 3 1/2 or 5 inch barrel 27 than a 4. Good luck. Oh, up until around 1975, the standard configuration for the 27 was a standard hammer and standard grooved trigger, standard black sights, shipping in the standard cardboard box. After that, the gun sported a target hammer and trigger, target stocks, and shipped in a wood presentation case like the model 29.

My 27-2, 4" blue is NOT for sale. Target everything, but with Presentation Stocks.

 

[BUFF]

As mentioned above, there are some Model 27-2's out there with 4 inch barrels, made from about 1980 until the 27-3's came out. There are also some 27-3's. These normally shipped with the three target items but if you really dislike them, swapping them out for standard items would be easy to do. Many folks would trade you standard hammers, triggers and Magnas for them.

This would indeed cost you more than an equivalent condition Model 28 Highway Patrolman, which would likely shoot just as well. As you are discovering, nice Model 27's are getting pretty pricey.

 

[donaldw870]

Thanks, everyone, for the helpful replies. Looks like finding a P&R model 27 with a 4" barrel and target nothing won't be easy.

 

[ditrina]

The 4" was a special order gun after WWll until around 1980, when Smith standardized barrel lengths to 4, 6 and 8 3/8 inches. The 27-2 was only made for a year or so until the change to the 27-3 which eliminated the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers. I have never even laid eyes on a 4" barrel 27. There are reports that there are some 27-2s with non pinned barrels and recessed cylinders, as well as some with pinned barrels and non recessed cylinders. Also, it seems that there were several nickeled 27's made around this time. You are much more likely to find a good 3 1/2 or 5 inch barrel 27 than a 4. Good luck. Oh, up until around 1975, the standard configuration for the 27 was a standard hammer and standard grooved trigger, standard black sights, shipping in the standard cardboard box. After that, the gun sported a target hammer and trigger, target stocks, and shipped in a wood presentation case like the model 29.

I guess I've been lucky...
27-2, 4", Full Target Configuration.. Factory Fired Only.. Bought this weekend..

Here is a Pair.. One Blue... One Nickel These I have had awhile...

 

[glenncal1]

Here is a 27-3 4" 3T's obviously. The trigger and hammer were jeweled at some point and I am assuming the same smith did a trigger job, because this gun has about the nicest DA trigger on any of my Smith's.

 

[squidsix]

I think he's looking for NONE of the target options on a 4" model 27.
Best of luck, my friend. I have seen at least one target option on every single 27 I've come across.

 

[fyimo]

The Model 27-2 with the 4 inch barrel is a wonderful revolver but it's hard to find and expensive.

 

[donaldw870]

That's correct; I'm looking for one with NONE of the target options. Given that I wanted it to shoot, and given its apparent scarcity (and corresponding price), I guess I should be looking for a 28 instead. But the 27's are so much purdier!

I think he's looking for NONE of the target options on a 4" model 27.
Best of luck, my friend. I have seen at least one target option on every single 27 I've come across.

 

[TNFrank]

I've been lucky enough to have owned two M27's in my life, one was a 3 1/2" bbl and the other was a 8 3/8", both had the 3T's. I'm sure you'll find a M28 without the Target stuff since it's a more bare bones, basic gun.

 

[diamonback68]

Every 4" 27-2 I've ever seen had TT, TH, and TS. They never made any 4" in -3 that I am aware of, but owned a -4 at one time. Almost none ever show up in nickel.

 

[Doc44]

You can buy a 27-2 with a 4-inch barrel and target options and have a competent gunsmith replace the TH and TT with a standard hammer and trigger. The target stocks can easily be replaced with Magna stocks. However, the easiest way to get what you want is to buy a 28-2 with a 4-inch barrel (like you said).

I know of one or two 4-inch Model 27s that were made in the 50s or 60s with standard (not target) options, but they would be valued at well over what the above would cost (assuming one could be found that was for sale).

Bill