Model-27 Question

[Curt32955]

Hello, I have the opportunity to buy a Model 27 with a 5” barrel. I haven’t seen it in person yet but looks in great condition from the pictures, it has a faint cylinder ring but that’s the only “defect” I can see. When I look at ads online from people selling a model 27, they say that the 5” barrel is rare. Are these models actually rare or is that just a sales ploy? Thanks for the information.

 

[DR505]

The 5” Model was not rare. They are very good revolvers. I think it was Skeeter Skelton who liked the 5” best. I seem to recall that Sasha Seimel used one as well.

 

[Patrick L]

Don't truly know if its rare, but it was iconic to that model. Most Smiths were pretty standard at 4, 6 or 6 1/2, and 8 3/8ths.

5 inch barrels, like 16 gauge shotguns, are supposed to be magical. That sometimes brings a premium in price, justified or not.

 

[rubiranch]

I think rareness varies with different dashes, as in 27-1 vs 27-2.

 

[gkitch]

The Model 27 was made with 3.5", 5", 6", and 8 5/8" for many years with some 4" and 6.5" barrels offered in number as well. While the 5" is certainly not rare, it is desirable and worth a small premium, perhaps. The same is true with the 3.5" barrel.

 

[Valmet]

+1 for not rare. That being said, it isn’t as common as some of the other barrel lengths. I have one of the last 5” 27-2s that left S&W and it’s easily my favorite N-frame.

 

[Curt32955]

This 5” is a Model 27-2, it comes with the factory box and tools for $900. But I noticed a blemish ring around the cylinder release area on the picture. I’m asking to see if that blemish ring is actually there or a camera effect. He also has a Model 27-2 with a 6” barrel for $975 that looks great but I don’t think that comes with the factory box.

 

[murphydog]

If the finish is intact aside from the cylinder drag line, that is a very good price for a 5” model 27 with the original box.

 

[rubiranch]

Here's my 5" M27-2 shipped in 1975. I have no idea of its $$ value.

I'd probably pay more for a 5" than a 6". My 6.5" is my favorite.

 

[Curt32955]

And they both sold while I was hee-hawing around. Guess I need to be quicker next time. Thanks for all the information.

 

[rubiranch]

And they both sold while I was hee-hawing around. Guess I need to be quicker next time. Thanks for all the information.

Sorry, I can't like this one.