Model 27 old versus new question

[jazzman452]

Reading about the 27-2 that Jon picked up this labor day got me thinking.
My local gun dealer has a performance center 27-8 that is in the used case but has never been fired, no turn ring, all papers, etc. Originally it was over 1,000 dollars but they now have it marked down to 950.00. It is the 8 shot version with the IL. Now my question is, for that kind of money shouldn't I hold out and begin my quest for something like the 27-2 that Jon just picked up. Do you think the performance center gun is up to the same quality that was put into the older model 27's. I guess I could get past the lock but just looking for the best craftsmanship.

Jim

 

[Culina]

You should be able to pick up a 27-2 for a much lower price, $500-$750 depending on your neck of the woods.

as far as quality goes, the newer models are made on modern CNC machinery, so they should be of higher quality but some manufacturing shortcuts have been made in the last 15 years or so that have majorly hurt the collectibilty of the newer models.

 

[fyimo]

I'm really not wanting to start any kind of arguement up here and my thoughts are just my thoughts but I'd opt for a 27-2 over a later version model 27 everyday of the week. I'm sure the performance center gun is a very well made revolver however the earlier S&W revolvers were hand fitted and made with greater care then some of the newer model S&W revolvers. I paid $700 or less for my all of my 27-2's except for the mint 8 3/8 inch barreled model I paid $750 for.

I'm sure others feel different and will express their views and the new one you mentioned holds two extra rounds.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I agree w/fyimo^..I don't want to start a prairie fire re: any models; to each his own. IMHO, 1)it's the key that kills any interest in newer models, 2) the 8-shot: tsk,tsk: I can't get used to that. Old fashioned? yes, I guess but this my take. gr

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Well I do own a few of the new Classic's but when it come's to the 27 I prefer the original's such as the dash two, they just have that touch of class the new one's do not.

 

[Dave T]

I know an engineering/physicist who's been a friend and source of good information for over 30 years. He tells me CNC machines are not up to the standards of the precise machining to critical standards used in the 1950s & '60s. They are not as rigid and wear eventually and must be re-calibrated. In by-gone years the machinists at S&W check each revolver against precise measures and standards all through the manufacturing process.

I question the idea that the new guns are as well made, let along better. Any number of times I've seen posts and reports of examples of these modern made revolvers not measuring up and being returned. I would take the 27-2 over any current made example. YMMV!

Dave

 

[roaddog28]

Hi,

I agree with fyimo. I have two later S&Ws made after 1980 and four S&Ws made before 1980 with pinned barrels and recessed cylinders. The quality of the older revolvers is superior over the new "mass produced revolvers". I was in my local range a few days ago and they had a brand new 686 with internal lock for $699.00. I handled the revolver and gave it back to the clerk. The overall finish attention to detail was not as nice as my older revolvers. I would rather pay $699 for a older 27-2 than 27-2 for the new performance model.
Howard

 

[18DAI]

Another vote for the 27-2. Regards 18DAI.

 

[BUFF]

I am not sure at which dash variant it changed, but the checkering on the topstrap and rib on the current guns looks like knurling or grooving or pressed engraving, not checkering. Between that and the lock and key, much has been lost. You can buy a NIB or still pretty nice Model 27 in just about every barrel length (except maybe 3-1/2") for a long ways under $1,000 the new one is priced at.

If you are going to shoot whichever gun you buy, then there really is no question. A shot, worn, IL 8 shooter won't have any collector value for decades, if ever in our lifetimes.

I have an 8 shot Model 27-7 that is pretty nice. Not P&R but no lock nonsense; it's a Performance Center gun. You might look for one of them if you want more than 6 shots.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Just my opinion.

The -2 expresses the art of the craftsman, CNC is a machine making a machine.

The blueing process is different, the hand checkering on the top strap is hand done on the -2, P&R is a fantastic touch, no IL, no MIM, firing pin on the hammer.

Add these things to the lower price of a -2 and IMO it's not a question.

Like others here, I can't wrap my mind around a six-shooter that has 7 or 8 shot cylinders.

If none of this matters to you, then either is a good revolver and should serve you well.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I have seen the new 27's and to tell you the honest truth, I wouldn't have one for the reasons stated above. The checkering is pressed, it has the lock (which totally destroys the lines of this revolver - forget about the function) and it isn't stainless. I got rid of a 520 becaues function wise my 681 makes a LOT more sense and I don't have to worry about keeping the 681 unfired because they only made 3000 of them.
If you want a nice 27-2 then by all means get one-I love them. But if you're looking to recapture the feel of a 27-2 with a 27-8 you're gonna be disapointed-you would be better off getting a 627 from the performance center for just about the same amount of money if you want an 8 shot N frame .357.

 

[ia1727]

jazzman--

Why do you think the 27-8 has been sitting in the case so long--that alone should answer your question. There is no comparison between the 27-2 and the 27-8----they're different animals. JMHO

Steve

 

[DCWilson]

I have to side with the majority. I own some newer Smiths, and even a couple with the IL. But if I have a choice between a newer gun and the same model manufactured 35 years ago or more, I'll go with the earlier gun every time. As do many Smith fans, I think the -2 models are probably the best mix of traditional features and sensible engineering changes. (But I tend to prefer the five-screw and non-model-marked four screw guns to the early dash-something releases.)

I would entertain getting a new production Smith if it happened to be a model that either had no classic predecessors or whose predecessors are too expensive to consider because of the demand. An example would be the new PC "Bloodwork" .357 Magnum. I'm thinking pretty seriously about one of those.

 

[old bear]

OK, somebody has to say it, so I will. The Smith and Wesson N frames of the late 19th. and early 20th century are the finest production revolvers ever produced. These are the height of the metal workers art, made by craftsman the likes of which will never be seen again.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Thank you, old bear...well said. Craftsmen they were. gr

 

[Dave T]

Not to give old bear a hard time but the first N-frame was the New Century, the 1st Model 44 Hand Ejector or more commonly the Triple Lock. It was introduced in 1907 or 1908 so there were no "N-frames" in the 19th Century.

Dave

 

[old bear]

Not to give old bear a hard time

Dave, I stand corrected and I thank you for the information.

 

[WVfishguy]

"Dave T: ....I question the idea that the new guns are as well made, let along better. Any number of times I've seen posts and reports of examples of these modern made revolvers not measuring up and being returned. I would take the 27-2 over any current made example. YMMV!"

Dave T, you are mistaken. Anything new is better than all that old crap.

For all you young folks out there, there's no need to read further - a new season of American Idol / Dancing with the Stars / Jersey Shore, etc., is coming on. So stop reading this, and get to your TV/computer.


(DAVE! I wish you and all the other guys would stop telling the kids the new S&W's are merely cheaply-made replicas of the quality revolvers we had "back then!"

You guys are going to drive up the prices of the good, old, stock, and make it hard for "those in the know" to get good deals.
I would not take three "Classic" Model 27s for this M27-2:

Or my wife's Model 19-3:

And it's not just Smiths. Even old Colts are superior to the later ones; my wife's 1968 Python has much closer (and very noticeable) tolerances and QC than later models:

Folks, we know the old stuff is better, but, can't we just keep it among ourselves?

 

[Dave T]

fishguy,

My experience has been that young people rarely listen to old farts like us so I doubt much damage has been done. (smiley face goes here)

Dave

 

[k stein]

speaking of Model 27's. Local shop has a 27-2 with the 3 1/2 inch bbl. No box or papers, but looks like new. Is $575 too much for this gun? Thanks, Ken