I prefer the 5" model 27-2 and the 6" Model 28-2 for casual target shooting. Full disclosure though, I have 27's and 28's with 3.5, 4, 5, 6, and 6.5 inch barrels. All are excellent shooters but the 5" and 6" get more range time.
Model 27-2 or older. 3.5 inch or 5 inch? And why please.
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Like 22hipower said. The one you find first, that fits your budget and is the right condition. I have both, and I couldn't tell you which one to get first. They both balance pretty well, and they both look great. You can't lose!
I have owned a 3 1/2" and two 5" Model 27s.
I much prefer the 5". The only down side is that true 5" holsters are hard to find.
I much prefer the 5". The only down side is that true 5" holsters are hard to find.
YkcorCal
US Veteran
Well, I am a pure self-defense guy just in case "the balloon goes up" type so for me it would have to be the 3.5" but for the "target plinking" you might want to the lean toward the 5". As to "collectability" I personally do not have a clue.
It’s really just a matter of personal preference if you plan to carry, plink with it or keep it as a safe queen for an investment. In contrast to many others I just plain don’t like the 5” barrel length. I like the 3.5 and 4” lengths for handiness, looks and plinking. For holster carry in the outdoors for hunting the 6 an 6.5” is just right. The 5” to me is just an oddball size that doesn’t seem right for anything.
Marshal Tom
Member
I would love to have a 3.5" pre mod. 27 as well as a 5" pre model 27 but I have not yet had the opportunity to obtain one of them. I do own a pre 27 4" special order gun and just tonight obtained in a trade, a 5" 27-2 unfired in the original case with tools, docs etc. I love them all and think that the 5" is a perfect length with just the right balance.
Shootgood
Member
I have a soft spot for 3.5 inch 27s
Don’t have a 3.5” 27, want one, haven’t found one I can afford. I do have a 5” 27 though. Great gun!
Engine49guy
Member
The answer is this right here,
Plus...with the money you save you might even be able to buy a 6" Model 28 as well.
Win win.
If I had to choose one model 27 as a collector hands down the 3.5" but...
The one that goes to the range is my 6.5"
Doug M.
Member
The 5" M27 is long enough to show the performance potential of the .357, and will have a decent sight radius. FOR ME, N frames are less and less appropriate for carrying - a round butt K is a winner for most carry. A 5" N can be carried with a good belt and good holster and for circumstances in which ultimate concealment is not as necessary, would be my choice.
5" = 2 Sexy!
I own both, but for self defense, I'd go with the shorter snout. Carried in a belt holster, you can still sit down in your car. Still plenty of power - no problem. I suspect that presented with either, the perp will have immediate second thoughts. Here's my 3.5"-barreled 27-2, vintage of September, 1978.
The 5-inch 27-2s are nice, too, with good balance, a bit higher velocity, and the usual great S&W workmanship of that era. Here's my nickeled example.
John
The 5-inch 27-2s are nice, too, with good balance, a bit higher velocity, and the usual great S&W workmanship of that era. Here's my nickeled example.
John
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I have both. The 3 1/2" is very accurate. With the cost of ammunition and comfort factor, I shoot .38 Special thru it. Ends up being quite manageable.
That's my 3 and 1/2 cents worth !
That's my 3 and 1/2 cents worth !
silentflyer
Member
If I recall right the 27 5" was Skeeters favorite, if it was good enough for him, it's certainly good enough for a hack like me
oneeyedpete
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Buy the one that you like! I don't think there is any actual difference in terms of performance other than the benefit of the longer sight radius and the better balance for most of us on the 5 inch barrel. There is no right answer.
Mike in SC
Member
IMHO, 5 inch. Great balance.
donrita72
Member
I have the same 27-2 5" in Blue in a wood case also and I believe it has not been fired other than at the factory test firedI agree with Jeff - whichever one you find first in the condition that you desire for a price that fits in your budget. You cannot go wrong with either the 3.5" or the 5". From my experience, the 5" ones are harder to find, but the 3.5" ones are more expensive. With that said, I love the 8 3/8" ones for plinking - they are a delight to shoot... all day long.
Here are a couple of 27-2s from the 1970s for your comparison...
Good luck in your hunt!
BGM109
Guest
Model 27 3.5" or 5"
I'd go with what appeals to you and your situation. It's probably true the 5" is more scarce than the 3.5" per most of the responses. don't know how much time on the planet you have but, it sounds like you have plenty of time to p/u a 3.5" in the future. IMHO Tom
I'd go with what appeals to you and your situation. It's probably true the 5" is more scarce than the 3.5" per most of the responses. don't know how much time on the planet you have but, it sounds like you have plenty of time to p/u a 3.5" in the future. IMHO Tom
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