I looked at a Classic a few years ago at a LGS and it was decent. But, I started off with pistol owning with a 27-2 and I could tell a big difference to me at least, in build quality and looks. To me, the new "Classic" just doesn't look right with that lock hole on the side, as the true Classics don't have that. And I am not coming down on it about the lock as I have a couple of new guns with the lock and they work just fine and with triggers that feel as good as my older guns. But to me, if S&W is going to label the gun a "Classic", then it should be built like the guns of yesteryear with forged internals, firing pin on the hammer, the traditional stippling on the barrel rib and no lock on the side. And price it accordingly, so S&W doesn't lose out too. If they did that, I wouldn't mind paying $1500 for a guns such as I describe. But as far as the guns go, I imagine they will shoot good and hold up well. Another thing the new guns lack is nickel plated offerings, if nickel is your thing like it is for me.
BTW, I own 7 model 27's and the newest I own is a 27-5, made around 1990 or 1991 and still has forged internals. Most of them have been bought in the last 6 years as I decided to collect me some model 27's in the common barrel lengths.
