The 20 year quest is over...

[Jack Flash]

I know what you mean. I think 6.5 is the proper barrel length for longer tubes on N frames, with 8-3/8 the special-circumstances length that is excellent in its own right, but hard to manage as a standard barrel; the common six-inch barrel is neither fish nor fowl. A barrel needs to be either 6.5" or longer, or 5" or shorter. ...

Interesting observations.

Personally, I always thought that a half inch one way or the other wasn't enough to be concerned about, except maybe for availability of standard off-the-shelf holsters.

I just lump my 5.5" M1917s in with my 5" S&Ws when I think of my preferred barrel length. I guess I never gave much thought to M1917s "neither fish nor fowl" status.

 

[JCS&W]

Saxon, you sir have much more patience than I have. Waiting 2 decades to find the correct Smith you want. Wow! I know that I would have caved in and bought one the first chance I had. Congrats on your acquisition!

 

[Nightowl]

I think you did well. After waiting several years, I bought one really reasonable a few years back. When it arrived I realized why it reasonable. The cylinder was plum colored and did not match the rest of the gun and it had some finish issues on the frame and barrel, but not too much. However, it was clear the gun had not been shot much and timing was perfect. I kept it as a shooter. Later I found a 6 1/2 pre 27 here for a lot more. In comparison, you got a bargain. Enjoy!

 

[Davwingman]

Very nice! Bet it won't be 20 more years before you get another!

 

[A10]

Saxon, you sir have much more patience than I have. Waiting 2 decades to find the correct Smith you want. Wow!

The older you get, the shorter period of time 20 years seems to be.....

Nice find Sax! We'll need a range report!

 

[Dave T]

Heinlien's character Lazarus Long had a rule...yield to temptation, it may not come your way again.

Enjoy the revolver!

Dave

 

[ditrina]

Welcome to the club!!

There IS something about a 6 1/2 tube..
Really glad you found what you wanted.. after all isn't that what it's all about..???

 

[austintexas]

The quest is never over, when you score you just start another quest.

SWCA 892

 

[j38]

SP,
Congratulations! That's a handsome six-shooter. I admire your patience and remember you mentioning your interest in this variation some time ago. By contrast, I have to be patient in my job - so am less controlled in my indulgences (like S&W's!).

Enjoy,

Jerry

 

[hsguy]

SP, glad you found a grail gun, sometimes the hunt is as much fun as the conquest.

 

[GPJohn]

Congratulations on a great find after a very disciplined search. I wish I had your patience.

 

[S&W HE]

Appears to be a great 6.5" 357 Magnum worthy of your 20 year search.

I know what you mean. I think 6.5 is the proper barrel length for longer tubes on N frames, with 8-3/8 the special-circumstances length that is excellent in its own right, but hard to manage as a standard barrel; the common six-inch barrel is neither fish nor fowl. A barrel needs to be either 6.5" or longer, or 5" or shorter.

I even like the 6.5" barrels you could get on K-frames before WWI. That extra half inch just makes all the difference as far as appearance is concerned.

An excellent gun. You did well. And 20 years is long enough.

Ditto... for the 6.5" N-frames. IMO they simply have the best balance in any caliber. I'm especially fond of the big hole versions (.44 Specials & .45s).

 

[aphelion]

A neat old gun, the kind of thing I usually look out for. There is something of a disconnect when zooming in on the pictures then reading the sellers description, though. "Super nice," it isn't, but again, I like it. It will be interesting if you report back with an assessment when you get a chance to look it over.

 

[TACC1]

Whatever you choose to call the acquisition of your heart's
desire, you have renewed my faith in human nature. So, now
I'm going to use your example for my own goals. (sp did it, so it
must be okay...)
Congratulations and happy shooting! TACC1

 

[BUFF]

Congrats, SaxonPig!

I wonder what period S&W phased out the 6-1/2 inch Model 27 barrels. I know they are found rarely all through the end of M-27-2, but when did they get to be unusual?

My 6-1/2 inch M-27 is a little newer than yours, S198211. It has a Patridge front and walnut football targets. It's been shot a lot more than yours.

 

[Joe in SC]

SP, I recently sold my 6 inch model 27, because as you said, it just didn't excite me. I love 27's and for years they were my most favored revolver by my most favorite maker (I fell under the influence of a certain western gunwriter in the early 70's).

I can't honestly say that I have ever examined a 6 1/2 inch gun. I have owned numerous 6 inch versions but one has never stuck. Is there a difference in balance between the 6 and 6 1/2 inch guns that a shooter can feel when handling(shooting) these guns? What drew you to this barrel length initially?

 

[Nimrod44]

Nice gun, I wanted one of each barrel length and the 6.5" turned out to be the last one I found. I have a few guns that I may have paid too much for but the list of the ones I regret not buying is much, much longer. You did good, congratulations.