Model 27 or Model 19 ?

[huntolive]

Seeking experience on pros and cons of 27 vs 19 357s.

I own a couple nice nickel 27-2 6 inchers.
Love em

Also have other durable more modern S&W 357s like 686 , 627 etc.
The ones I have kept r all great shooters and I do hunt with them (not saying I hunt w the nickel 27-2s not that I could not).
But I have plenty other work horses like Dan Wesson 715 & model 15 etc as well as 629 PCs and Taurus 44 Raging Hunter.

But would like a nice Blued Revolver preferably w 5” barrel but could live w 4” or Maybe another 6”, but would love a 5”
Have been looking at nice model 27-2 or No dash (had a Nice model 27 no dash and sold it recently at a nice profit but kickin myself cause doubt I could get ad good a deal on one again) but I didn’t want so many 6” barrels and it was 6 and I recently bought 2020 Colt pythons in 4.25 & 6, so something had to go.

So now I’m seriously thinking of buying either a new model classic model 19 or a new model classic 27 but I don’t know really how good the bluing is and other features compared to the 1980s era guns. I’ve been shy of the model 19s because of past weakness in forcing cones and potential issues.

The price on some of the new model classics appeals versus spending a significant amount more for an excellent condition model 27 Dash two or something with similar gravitas in a model 19. I intended to shoot the gun a fair bit, not a safe queen both to occasionally Carry Maybe to hunt deer but not necessarily.

Thoughts?
Experience please?

 

[Birdhunter6]

I also considered the 19 'Classic'. In the end I waited and found a 19-3 P&R in very good shape for the same money.

In my opinion, the 4" square but K frames in either .357 or .38 are the sweetest shooting and handling revolvers out there. You owe it to yourself!

I've read multiple posts on this and other forums with complaints about finish and general QC with various Classic models, but the sleeved barrel is supposed to solve the K Frame Magnum problems.

I decided that If I needed to shoot a lot of full house Magnums I could do it with my Pre 28 or my 686. My target loads are 158 grain plated flat points at about 900 FPS in .357 brass. When I carry my 19-3 or my 13-2 I load them with 158 grain factory .357 hollow points. I avoid light bullet magnums. If you weren't comfortable with that I guess you could load +P .38s.

Full disclosure: I've made similar decisions in the past: Before purchasing both a 48-2 and more recently a 57 no dash I considered Classic models. In both cases I waited and in the case of the 57 paid quite a bit more because "they just don't make 'em like that anymore".

Maybe I'm just a Crochety old P&R snob...

 

[STCM(SW)]

The only real .357 Magnum is the first one....

 

[CH4]

Personally, I’d skip the new classic 19 and 27 and look for a clean 28, but like your pythons, they only come with 4 and 6 inch barrels, same with the 19. If you don’t go with a 28, save for a clean 5” 27-2. I think in the end you’ll be happier.

 

[schutz5]

K frame for carry.

 

[Darkenfast]

Here's the American Rifleman review of the new Combat Magnum on-line, the sample seemed to be a very accurate revolver.

Tested: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic Revolver | An Official Journal Of The NRA

 

[colt_saa]

The Model 27/327/627 family of revolvers are just about my favorites

If the 5" barrel has lots of importance tied to it, then you have ruled out the Model 19

There are Many, many choices in a 5" Model 27. While a -2 engineering revision does give you the pinned barrel and recessed cylinders, there are other choices. BTW. from a nostalgic point of view, I love the look of recessed cylinders

If an exceptional blue job is one of your requirements, that rules out any of the Model 28s that folks are suggesting. We have the EPA to thank for ending the old blue process. Smith & Wesson has done some spectacular blue jobs in modern years, but for the most part that does not apply to production revolvers. Now the modern nickel (Heritage series or newer) is some of the best I have ever seen the Factory produce

Looking for a 5", 327 Magnum, blued revolver, I would be seeking out a -8 engineering revision.

Blue or nickel, the finish is very nice and you end up with an 8 shooter instead of the older 6 shooter design.

Now if we take "beautiful bluing" out of the requirements and a dare and durable finish will work, now we can open up the choices to several members of the Model 327 family. The Model 327 TRR8 in it's two tone version is very attractive, very durable and VERY accurate. Most of the 327 family of revolvers utilize a multi piece barrel assembly very similar to the Dan Wesson. This tensioned barrel system has been synonymous with legendary accuracy for decades

If the two tone look with the polished barrel flats and nickel parts is not up your alley, Model 327 TRR8 is most commonly found in the all blue version (remember in this case "blue" is just a reference to the dark finish and not truly meant to indicate older bluing). Also the M&P Model 327 R8 is available in the all dark finish

These 5" Model 327s all tip the scales lighter than a 4" Model 19 which makes it a great carry gun. We have the Scandium alloy to thank for that

Now you mention that you own Dan Wesson Model 15s. As you are already aware, the Dan Wesson is both very robust and accurate. Some of their blue finishes through the years has been spectacular and are among my Favorite blue revolvers. So I have to ask is there a reason to limit this choice to a Smith & Wesson?

You would be back to limiting yourself to a 4" or 6" revolver . . . . or some custom work to make a 5"

Yes that last revolver barrel is threaded for a suppressor. I was channeling my inner Maxwell Smart that day

 

[Fishinfool]

If you are going to carry it much, or have normal to small hands, then I'd lean towards a model 19. Bigger hands, or a lot of range / hunting use, then probably the 27.

New versus an older model is kind of a coin toss. I have both. The newer guns tend to be made consistent, with tight specs, and are usually very accurate.

The older guns are usually better finished, but specs. like throat diameter tend to vary more. Most will be quite accurate once you find the right bullet / load combo.

Cost and warranty are also considerations if they matter to you.

Sounds like you have owned enough .357 wheel guns you will know when you see the "right" one.....

Larry

 

[BigBill]

A 27 vs a 19? I’d go for a 28. I don’t care for the m19 it won’t hold up to full house loads.

 

[lihpster]

I have been debating the Classic series 27s also. I will have a 27. But I have decided to wait to find the right older model for 2 reasons. One is that the whole reason I want one is that it is the flagship of the S&W line. The flagship should have the best paint job. So, I will wait for one of the older, beautifully blued models. The second reason is that I know myself and I would be telling myself I settled for the lesser gun and eventually I'd own 2. Might as well just buy the one I want in the first place.

 

[stansdds]

First, you want a blued revolver and S&W's 21st century bluing is no where near as nice as nor as durable as their older blued finishes. The current blue is EPA friendly and S&W warns to not use any solvent that contains ammonia or ammoniated compounds, seems the ammonia turns this blue into a purple.


You said you would really like a 5 inch barrel. That rules out all of the various generations of K-frame 357's as well as the Model 28, leaving only the Model 27.

 

[Grayfox]

The 5" barrel is my favorite length for a N-frame. It looks, feels and balances just perfect to me. I'd strongly suggest you look for an older Model 27. If you really want a 5", the 27 is your only option.
K-frame 357s make excellent carry or self defense guns, but for target shooting or hunting I'd much prefer the bigger L or N-frame. I had a 6" Model 19 once. Didn't keep it because my L & N frame .357s shot so much better.
If you just want a good shooting .357, you might want to look into the L-frame guns. I think these are the perfect size and weight for the .357 cartridge.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of the current production revolvers. But then, I'm a dinosaur.

 

[Narragansett]

If 5" is a must, or a real preference you have to get a M27. If 4" is fine and you want to save a few bucks, M28. If shiny is mandatory, you are back to 27.

Bottom line, I would go with the N frame, older gun, and get the barrel length you want

 

[shocker]

Considering a Model 19 Classic? This is well worth your time.

The new S&W Model 19 Classic ~ A S&W Armorer's Review - YouTube

 

[sodacan]

I don't own any 357 magnum revolvers with 5" barrels, but if you could suffer with a 4", I highly recommend a model 28 (Highway Patrolman). Of course, it's the bottom one in the photo. The 681 and 66 are no slouched either, but the 28 is everything you need, and nothing that you don't.

 

[BigChief52]

Every once in a while a production object which is essentially a tool gains the status of "classic" where form and function blend seamlessly into something that can be enjoyed by it's aesthetics alone. Musical instruments and even things like axes have their following. In my opinion, S&W revolvers reached a high point in aesthetic value in the mid 20th century. Every last feature falls into place perfectly. I think S&W did a good job with their classic series and they did address the forcing cone weakness of the earlier model 19s but every feature doesn't blend perfectly with the overall design. There's a couple of mustaches on the Mona Lisa so to speak. Times change.

 

[DGNY]

Since no one else has mentioned it, and despite it not meeting the exact parameters you outlined for model number, either 27 or 19, here it is.

Around 2005 S & W produced a stocking dealer special - 686+ with 5" half-lug barrel. Mine is superbly accurate and a fine configuration. BTW, NFS.

Except for the model number, which to me would be immaterial, it has many attributes you seek, and a bonus.... Manageable grip size with many material/config options, an extra round of 357, freedom from the oft-cited forcing cone weakness of certain model 19's, and the desirable 5 inch barrel.

OK, yes, it is stainless. In a pinch, you could polish it and pretend it was nickel.

 

[crazyphil]

The first S&W I bought, many years ago, was my Model 19 shown below
on the left. Later I bought the Model 27 shown on the right. I sold the
Model 27, but still have the 19. That is an indicator of which one I like
the best. Or maybe it's just sentimental because of being my first one.
I also have a Model 29 too 3rd, so that made the 27 superfluous.

 

[Grayfox]

Yes, there have been a few 5" 686s produced. But they are extremely rare and damned expensive if you can find one. I've never seen a used one for sale.

 

[BearBio]

Had a slew of .357 revolvers of all kinds, including several S & W. My favorite was always a 4" Model 28 with magnas.