S&W Model 27

Mr. Peepers

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
I'm considering purchasing a S&W Model 27, but I'm wondering what barrel length I should go with (4" or 6.5"). Suggestions welcomed. Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
27

they are both great guns, but the 4inch guns are rare. good luck.
 
I'm considering purchasing a S&W Model 27, but I'm wondering what barrel length I should go with (4" or 6.5"). Suggestions welcomed. Thanks.

I would look for a 4" barrel. I have the working mans version a model 28-2 and I love it. If you are lucky and find 3 1/2 " buy it!. They are rare.

Good luck,
roaddog
 
If you are lucky and find 3 1/2 " buy it!. They are rare.

Good luck,
roaddog

The 3 1/2" Model 27s are NOT rare, they are merely currently very popular, it's a cult thing I think. The 4" 27 is the scarcest of all 27 to find 'cause they only made them for a few very short years. Good luck finding a 4".
 
The 3 1/2" Model 27s are NOT rare, they are merely currently very popular, it's a cult thing I think. The 4" 27 is the scarcest of all 27 to find 'cause they only made them for a few very short years. Good luck finding a 4".

I was under the impression that S&W re-released the Model 27 under their classic line.

Smith & Wesson
 
I believe it will depend on your intended use. A 3 1/2" or 4" will be easier to carry, but a 6" (due to longer sight radius) may be more accurate for you to shoot. Also, the longer barrel will develop a little higher muzzle velocity, which would be to your advantage if you intend to use for long range shooting or hunting. Also the longer barrel seems to adapt better to scope of red dot sights for longer range shooting or hunting.

For general purpose plinking or home defense the shorter barrel will probably be more convenient for you. Would suggest you go to a store that has some in stock, and see which one fits you best for your intended purposes.
 
I have a 27 with a 8 3/8" barrel. I only use it for target shooting and I can get 2" groups at 50 yds from a rest using 125 JHP at 1300 fps. As I get older, I like the longer sight picture better. I also have a 8 3/8" Model 14 and a 10 1/2" Super Blackhawk.
 
The Classic model comes in 4". It's also possible to find 4 inch versions of the older 27, particularly the 27-3, but they're not common. I have a 4" 27-3 that I found on Gunbroker earlier this year. I love it.
 
Many 27s

There are many barrel length to choose from in the 27s. These are all 27-2 guns except the 6 1/2"is a 27.
200907280007.jpg


The barrel length would be a function of the intended use. They're all fun shooters and can handle almost any load!
jcelect SWCA#723
 
Does anyone know what barrel length the .357 Magnum was first featured in? I'm looking to go with the S&W Classics Model 27 btw.
 
Last edited:
The first .357 Magnum, the Registered Magnum, was built to order and they offered 23 different barrel lengths. I think #1 was a 3-1/2" barrel.
 
27 with the 4-inch barrel

NIB 27s with the 4-inch barrel will run you around $1,000 give or take a few bucks. If you want a 4-inch barrel on a gun that you intend to shoot just buy a Model 28. It is really a great gun.
John
 
What is a good asking price for the S&W Classics Model 27 4" NIB?
The 4" Classic is a nice revolver. It is available in blue or nickel. Current MSRP is $1,090. Then we know nobody pays MSRP for things.

27-4ls.jpg

27-4rs.jpg


Depending on your relationship with your local S&W dealer you should be able to purchase the firearm for somewhere around 20+% off of MSRP.
 
I believe registered magnums are found with a wide variety of barrel lengths, not all standardized as they were later. My understanding is that the .357 cartridge was developed with the 8 3/8" barrel in mind to maximize velocity and energy. Maybe some of the stalwarts here will post pics of some RMs with various barrel lengths.

BTW, this discussion always reminds me that I foolishly traded off a 4" M-27-2 which I purchased new in the late 70s (kicking my own a_ _ repeatedly now).
 
There are many barrel length to choose from in the 27s. These are all 27-2 guns except the 6 1/2"is a 27.
200907280007.jpg


The barrel length would be a function of the intended use. They're all fun shooters and can handle almost any load!
jcelect SWCA#723

I have a complete set of 27-2's except for the 6.5 inch as well and they are almost non existant with pinned barrel and recessed chambers unless you are will to go pre 27.
 
I have a 6.5" model in nickel. If I were to get another I think I'd like to have a 5" model; guess I read too many articles by Skeeter Skelton.
 
I know my 5" 27-2 is not for sale - it is one of my very favorite shooters. It's not a beauty queen; has some thinning of the bluing in a place or two, but that bothers me not at all. It told me it wants a 3 1/2" mate, so I'm looking for that. Then I guess I'll need a 6", an 8 3/8", ...
 
I'm having some trouble finding a S&W Classics Model 27 4" Blue NIB locally. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could help me out.
 
Back
Top