Seeking Input: Impressions RE: 3 1/2" N-Frame .357

[Dave Workman]

Been toying with the idea of acquiring an N-Frame 3 1/2-inch Smith in .357, but I'd like to get some impressions from folks who own one (or more of) these guns.

Concealability?
Accuracy?
Which loads work best for you?
Grips?

I've never owned one, fired one maybe once or twice somewhere back along the trail.

 

[CH4]

Pride of ownership
Sexy
Bragging rights

Concealability: It’s an N frame, so for me it’s a winter carry piece when I often use a shoulder rig or pancake. Weight and length are similar to a 1911.

Ammo: Given it’s weight it comfortably handles magnum loads.

Grips: For carry I prefer full size grips over magnas.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I would toy with the idea, if I could find one![emoji16]

Great pics CH4!

 

[BillyMagg]

Been toying with the idea of acquiring an N-Frame 3 1/2-inch Smith in .357, but I'd like to get some impressions from folks who own one (or more of) these guns.

Concealability?
Accuracy?
Which loads work best for you?
Grips?

I've never owned one, fired one maybe once or twice somewhere back along the trail.

Buy a nice one, a pre 27 if you can find one, its the Cadillac of N frames, carry's nice, very accurate, I've got a set of Patrick's Elk Stags on mine... a nice -2 would also be great..

But whatever you do, buy the nicest one you can afford. It will be a keeper, so look carefully and "choose wisely"!

 

[WCCPHD]

Been toying with the idea of acquiring an N-Frame 3 1/2-inch Smith in .357, but I'd like to get some impressions from folks who own one (or more of) these guns.

Concealability?
Accuracy?
Which loads work best for you?
Grips?

I've never owned one, fired one maybe once or twice somewhere back along the trail.

I have two and have qualified and carried one of them.

As to your specific questions (based on my opinion)

Concealability? This totally depends upon the holster. I carry mine in a vintage Roy Baker Pancake Holster. This holster will make a 6 inch full lug Model 29 disappear and make you forget you are carrying it with the proper belt.


Accuracy? I find it to be more accurate than I am.


Which loads work best for you? I only carried +P .38 in it and with its weight it has very low recoil and I had no issue qualifying at 25 yards. I do not use 357 in shorter barrels due to muzzle flash. My first issued gun was a 2.5 inch Model 66 and the muzzle flash was an issue at night.

Grips? I have small hands and short fingers so I use magna grips with a BK or similar grip adapter. I also have used Herrett target grips. The period correct (for 27-2 guns) targets are much too big for my hands so I don't use them.







N Frame Roy Baker Pancake Holsters

 

[Black Knight]

I have a 4 inch model 28-2 so a 3 1/2 inch 27 would not be to difficult. The only problem might be finding a holster specifically for the 3 1/2 inch barrel. That said I would love a 3 1/2 inch 27.

 

[Dave Workman]

I have two and have qualified and carried one of them.

As to your specific questions (based on my opinion)

Concealability? This totally depends upon the holster. I carry mine in a vintage Roy Baker Pancake Holster. This holster will make a 6 inch full lug Model 29 disappear and make you forget you are carrying it with the proper belt.


Accuracy? I find it to be more accurate than I am.


Which loads work best for you? I only carried +P .38 in it and with its weight it has very low recoil and I had no issue qualifying at 25 yards. I do not use 357 in shorter barrels due to muzzle flash. My first issued gun was a 2.5 inch Model 66 and the muzzle flash was an issue at night.

Grips? I have small hands and short fingers so I use magna grips with a BK or similar grip adapter. I also have used Herrett target grips. The period correct (for 27-2 guns) targets are much too big for my hands so I don't use them.

The holster was never an issue. D&D GUNLEATHER is my one-man cottage industry shop, so...

As for grips, I've got a set of elk stag from Raj Singh over at Eagle, so I'd likely try them out with a Tyler-T.

The use of +P .38s though. I'd want to use full-house mags, and muzzle flash has never been much of a concern, though I quite understand what you're talking about. I get enough fire out of my M57 in .41 Magnum, or even my vintage 6-inch Python to broil a steak!

I'll start hunting around. Thx.

 

[rubiranch]

Pride of ownership
Sexy
Bragging rights

Here's my 1957 3.5" pre-27. I do enjoy holding and looking at it. LOL

Personally I think N frames are too heavy for a EDC. I prefer my 642-1 Airweight.
I've never fired it so I can't reply as to their accuracy.
For me, if I were to shoot it I'd use 125 gr ammo. Just for kicks.
Grips?? I like the Magnas on my M58. They feel good on that gun.

I guess I'm just not much help.



If I was going to carry an N frame I'd carry my M58.

 

[Dave Workman]

I have a 4 inch model 28-2 so a 3 1/2 inch 27 would not be to difficult. The only problem might be finding a holster specifically for the 3 1/2 inch barrel. That said I would love a 3 1/2 inch 27.

I'm D&D GUNLEATHER... I think the proprietor could probably build me a rig "for cost."
Thx!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Always wanted a 3 1/2" 27 but, around here, those who have them seem to be holding on to them.

Some observations from a guy who owns a 4" 27-3 and 28-? both wear
Spegel Extended Boot Grips ..................

1st Nice 27s are IMO too nice to carry into Penn's Woods
2nd Once you get to an N-frame a 4" gun isn't much bigger than a 3 1/2"
3rd Both 4" 28s and 27s tend to be much cheaper than 3 1/2 inchers
4th 4 inch N-frame 28s are fairly common and ex-police guns are good to
go in Penn's woods.

5th All day concealed carry...... aka "carry a lot; maybe shoot a little" give
me a 2 1/2 or 3 inch K-frame........ even a 4" 19/66 is easier on the back.

 

[PALADIN85020]

The S&W 3-inch Model 27, to my mind, is one of the finest products of the gunmaking art - the Mona Lisa of revolvers. This one is my pride and joy.

John

 

[colt_saa]

Dave,
How can you have gone all these decades and do not own at least one 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolver?

I am extremely fond of the 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolvers in both the 6 shot and eight-shot varieties

I agree with the Pride in Ownership. I keep the first one in the following picture on the corner of the Credenza in my office. It is a conversation starter with Shooters and Liberals alike. It even got me a Liberal who was willing to try the Shooting Sports and now carries a Glock I know . . . . the Glock does not have the visual appeal of a Smith & Wesson revolver

Are they Sexy? Absolutely

Bragging rights? Here Goes

Austin PD issued revolver

Love the look of Ivory with a black grip adapter

My bookends
A 6-shot and an 8-shot
both unfired since leaving the factory

There are nickel and blue 3 1/2" revolvers in this unfired set of 8-shots​

I only have a few. But I will be on the lookout for more.

We have some of our Fellow Forum members with truly outstanding collections of 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolvers

As to accuracy, the 8-shot run of Registered Magnums from Lew Horton in 2006/2007 outclass my older 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolvers at the range no matter who the shooter is. However, the older ones are plenty accurate on their own

As to carry, I still tote around that old, worn blue one with the Ivory stocks and grip adapter because of the visual appeal

As to grips, Magnas by themselves do not work for me. Adding the grip adapter makes the 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolver much more shootable.

In terms of concealability? Almost any handgun can be concealed with the proper belt, holster and choice of clothing

If you are looking for something easier to carry all day, the Scandium framed Night Guards do well.

The Model 327 Might Guard is a 2 1/2" barrel and holds 8 rounds of 357 Magnum ammunition while weighing in at only 27.6 ounces. That is lighter than a K-frame

There is also a 2" Model 327 from the Performance Center. With its Titanium cylinder, it weighs less than most steel J-Frame revolvers at a measly 22.6 ounces. Some folks do not like the pug-nose look and lack of good sights

As to ammunition, I have carried the #1 round in single shot stops, the Remington 125 grain SJHP for 4 decades now as my persona defense ammunition

I have more favorite ammunition choices for other purposes as well.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

To me and a lot of people on this forum, the 3 1/2 inch 27 is the
sexiest gun on the planet. See above post from Paladin85020.

 

[loc n load]

I have a couple 3 1/2” model 27’s. My carry 27 is a nickeled Austin PD revolver that I acquired decades ago. IMO the model 27 was and is the flagship of the Smith and Wesson 357’s.
To answer your questions:

Concealibilty: I have carried a 4” 29 or 4” 58 concealed on and off since the 70’s, so a 3 1/2” is quite doable. Good holster, good belt, dress for the gun, good to go. IWB or OWB.

Accuracy:All of my N frame 357’s ( 27’s & 28’s)are quite accurate. I normally shoot mine double action at 25 - 50 yards.

Loads:
Factory: The Federal 125 gr JHP. I have a long history with this round and trust it totally.
Handload: My everyday field carry load in my N frame 357 is a 150-160 gr cast SWC over 13.5 of 2400. I have taken deer with 158 JHP’s over 13.5 to 15 grs of 2400. I have a 28 that has digested over 60,000 rds of the 13.5 loads. My 3 1/2” has had it’s share of these as well.

Grips: After years of trying various grips ( I have shoe boxes of my rejects), my grip on all of my double action revolvers that I carry and shoot is the Hogue synthetic mono grip. It provides a positive grip under all conditions and does not shift in my hand with heavy loads in double action.

 

[lestert357]

Seeking Input: Impressions RE: 3 1/2" N-Frame .357

To me and a lot of people on this forum, the 3 1/2 inch 27 is the
sexiest gun on the planet. See above post from Paladin85020.

No argument from me.......

But wait until you see what RKmesa has to offer......it brings new meaning to “sexiest gun on the planet”!!!!!

 

[Hapworth]

Been toying with the idea of sleeping with a supermodel, but I'd like to get some impressions first...

DO IT!

 

[Dave Workman]

Dave,
How can you have gone all these decades and do not own at least one 3 1/2" N-frame 357 Magnum revolver?

Well, to answer your question honestly.... I'm stupid.

 

[CH4]

Been toying with the idea of sleeping with a supermodel, but I'd like to get some impressions first...

DO IT!

I dated a model, but she wasn’t so super. I’ll gladly choose a 3.5” 27 any day. Much cheaper in the long run and won’t whine about their diet. The 27 will eat anything you feed her and it’ll respect you in the morning.

 

[Dave Workman]

I dated a model, but she wasn’t so super. I’ll gladly choose a 3.5” 27 any day. Much cheaper in the long run and won’t whine about their diet. The 27 will eat anything you feed her and it’ll respect you in the morning.

Well, it's obvious THIS thread just went south by the shortcut!

 

[Art Doc]

N frame too big and heavy for me to carry. Want auto pistol for that.

Shoots better than I do.

Will handle pretty much anything short of insane. I have loaded 125 jhps to 1725. Worked fine but loud.

I prefer the original Magnas. Targets look way too big with the 3.5" barrel IMO.