How much different is a 357 Magnum / Model 27 with a 3 1/2 inch barrel versus a Model 27 with a 4" barrel?
Just curious.
***GRJ***
Just curious.
***GRJ***
Question on a "perfect" gun - Model 27 in 3 1/2 inch
- Thread starter ISCS Yoda
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Do your math again!!
No wonder my gun won't fit in the holster!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52CzD31SqaM
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Senior;
The 3.5" has a longer history (such as with the FBI), and with the current short barreled anything craze these are going for much more than the less common 4", which only dates back to the mid-late 1970s. I recall NIB 3.5" ones sitting in gun stores for long periods when they were new; different situation now, due to shifting personal tastes.
The 3.5" has a longer history (such as with the FBI), and with the current short barreled anything craze these are going for much more than the less common 4", which only dates back to the mid-late 1970s. I recall NIB 3.5" ones sitting in gun stores for long periods when they were new; different situation now, due to shifting personal tastes.
for a run-o-the-mill 3 1/2" M27, nothing special, it used to be ~$400 or so, then folks found out that the 4" was made in much smaller quantities for a shorter timeframe and the prices for those rose....
For those of us that think the 3 1/2" is the close to perfect, the 1/2" makes quite a bit of difference.
Since you don't mention in what regards you are looking for "how much different", we could answer the obvious (1/2"), or we could answer based on value (as I tried above), or we could get into a discussion of ballistics - but that would likely be inconclusive at best, or we could just go with the emotional play and say "it just looks better, well balanced and mean", a purpose built professional and stout 6 gun that would get the job done if/when you needed it.
Enjoy
It has a longer History because the 4 inch was not made when they began use of them.
I would think the FBI would have wanted the 5....
which is better than either!
And your exactly right.... you couldn't give away the short barreled back then.
I have had all of the Model 27-2 barrel lengths except the 6.5 inch and the difference between the 3.5 and 4 inch is very small. To me the 5 inch balances the best and is my favorite. I've been thinning the herd and now only have a 5 inch and a 3.5 inch.
The big question for me is why I haven't found one for 600 bucks. Looking looking looking.....
phatmax
Member
You ain't kidding. I may actually go to a gun show or two, to try and find someone who is not a GunBroker profiteer.
I have not been to a show in YEARS, because of the herd.
Two and a half years ago I got my 5" 27-2 for 650. Today I saw a very nice 6" 28-2 for 900.........
On another 27-3.5" thread last week, another poster, a collector I'm sure, posted a photo of his 27-3.5" collection. There had to have been a dozen! Perhaps he'll re-post that photo if he sees this.
As to 4" and 3.5" differences, I traded in a 4" M28 for a 3.5" 27 because the 28 didn't look right.
As to 4" and 3.5" differences, I traded in a 4" M28 for a 3.5" 27 because the 28 didn't look right.
I was at a show around 2 months ago and had to choose between a (NIB box and everything)M57no dash or a $600 27-2 3 1/2" an couldn't muster the silver for both, and took the .41magnum.
When it rains it pours.
This thread has gone on too long without a picture.
3 1/2" ones are the best feeling in your hand and promote better accuracy. That's my thoughts anyway.
3 1/2" ones are the best feeling in your hand and promote better accuracy. That's my thoughts anyway.
Cocked & Locked
Member
The 3.5" ones just look and feel right...to me anyway.
Doug M.
Member
On a side note, a cop friend of mine is looking for one of these (in WA). I think it is sought as a shooter. Drop me a line if you are aware of one to sell and I'll pass it on.
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When it came down to it, I bought a 3 1/2"er.... And would have bought more if I could afford it.
semperfi71
US Veteran
I have both, M27-2s in 4 and 3 1/2 inch barrel lengths.
Both are fitted with Magna grips. Both handle very well in my hands and point well. HOWEVER...for some reason the 3 1/2 inch just "seems" to "sit" well in my hand, as if it was better fitted to my hand.
Handgun "fit" and balance is a very subjective thing. Everybody just has a different definition of what feels better. Look at the vast numbers and varieties of grips seen on this forum. Everyone has their own "feel".
Both are fitted with Magna grips. Both handle very well in my hands and point well. HOWEVER...for some reason the 3 1/2 inch just "seems" to "sit" well in my hand, as if it was better fitted to my hand.
Handgun "fit" and balance is a very subjective thing. Everybody just has a different definition of what feels better. Look at the vast numbers and varieties of grips seen on this forum. Everyone has their own "feel".
smokey04
Member
3 & 1/2" or 4"? The 3&1/2 looks sexier and brutal. The 4" ,not so much,but the difference is in the eye of the beholder. It's all looks.If you had to shoot any animal[man included] I'm 100% sure he/it couldn't tell the difference.I'm a great fan of Skeeters' but the 5"[I've had and sold 4 or 5 over the last 40 years]I can't shoot worth a durned. I don't know why but,the 3&1/2 and the 6&1/2 ALWAYS shot better for me.It must be in the way I hold and the barrel dwell time but I never was able to overcome that problem. I wish I had kept one 5" out of respect for Skeeter but I finally settled on a 3&1/2". It is, sadly, the only 27 I own.Skeeter was right about the front sight though, it NEEDS to be 1/10" rather than 1 eighth inch[.1250]. Works for me. Nick
