Model 27 Heresy, er... "inaccuracy"

[Krogen]

Another thread on 27 love spurred me to write this. I have a 3 1/2" and a 5". Both are -2. While I admire the quality and craftsmanship, neither will do better than 3 or 4 inch groups at 25 yds. They just don't produce the tight groups many folks gush over. Of course, the shooter and loads are always part of the picture. Perhaps arrogantly, I'm going to rule out those variables as the shooter and his loads can produce 1 1/2" groups at 25 yds from a 586. Why not two 27s?

Nope, they're not for sale. . . . I haven't given up on them yet, even if they won't shoot to my expectations.

Aside from my moaning and groaning, I wonder about others' experiences. Have any of you encountered Model 27s that despite your best efforts, don't exhibit stellar accuracy?

 

[Peak53]

Since you are getting better results with the L Frame, could it be a poor hand to grip fit on the N Frame? Maybe an experimental change of stocks and/or hand and trigger finger position is in order. BTW, my M 27s in four different barrel lengths all shoot to my expectation.

 

[Bob T]

I think you have it correct Peak. I have a K38 and a 24-3. Both shoot nearly identical groups of of the bench yet in Bullseye I consistently shoot 20 points higher with the K38. I think grip size and the amount of metal rotating have a lot to do with it.

 

[g8rb8]

...... I have a 3 1/2" and a 5". Both are -2. While I admire the quality and craftsmanship, neither will do better than 3 or 4 inch groups at 25 yds. They just don't produce the tight groups many folks gush over. ...........

Blasphemy!
I bet it's only moments before this thread is closed.

 

[BCDWYO]

I agree, the K/L frame grip fits my hand much better than the N, so I shoot them more accurately without extra effort, especially in double action. If I really put in the effort and especially if I shoot single action, I can get as much accuracy from my 27s but it is more difficult (for me).

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Gush time-
My pre-27 6.5 is the most accurate center fire revolver that I have ever fired.
I have owned, do own, and fired a number of wheel guns by all the American makers. And a few of the Foreigners.

 

[Krogen]

The point about grip size is a good one. Not that I have small hands, but I do have stubby fingers. Proper grip is always an issue for me.

However . . .

I have other N-frames, 29s and 24s, where I have no accuracy complaints. Also, my accuracy observations are from sandbag performance, not me "standing on my hind legs." I rest my wrist on the bags, not the gun. As far as I can tell, my sight picture, trigger control and grip are equivalent with my N-frames.

Blasphemy? I hang my head in shame!

 

[DR505]

My 27-3 4" is very accurate. Sorry you are having issues.

 

[silentflyer]

Have you tried different brands/types of ammo? Do you hand load?
It's always a bit of a mystery, but 2 identical model guns with the same ammo will shoot differently. That's why hand loading is so interesting.

 

[wadcutter1]

Do people really say that the 27's are more accurate? They are known for their beauty and craftsmanship more than anything.

 

[6string]

I had a 27 that also had accuracy problems. It was the only S&W N frame that ever gave me any troubles. Cast or jacketed, factory or handloads, 38 Specials or 357 Magnums..... All had accuracy issues. No problems with timing, leading, fouling, or anything like that. Nice trigger, felt great,... Trained with dry firing (I'm a bullseye competitor), so I knew the gun well. My 45 and 44 N frames are much more accurate.
Had I known more about checking chamber throats vs. groove diameter maybe I could have found the problem.
So, you're not alone and you're not imagining things!

Best Wishes with the 27,
Jim

 

[reddog81]

Accuracy is going to vary from gun to gun. I imagine the same steel and similar tooling was used to make the cylinder and barrels between the models. The wear of the tooling on the day your gun was made is probably going to effect the inherent accuracy more than any blanket statement about N frames being less accurate than L frames.