The elusive 27s and climbing values.

ibewbull

ibewbull

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I have had an eye out for a 27 or dash____?
Over time I came to notice things I overlooked before.
1. The higher the dash the more it looks like a 28
2. Somehow a hole appeared for a key :eek:
4. I don't want a new classic one.

If they wanted to attempt a classic why not the lock under grip?
Ruger did it.
Also at least attempt to mate old old blue.
It gets a bit frustrating.
#3 fell in the key hole. :)
 
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I bought mine NIB about in 1970. It came with no accessory's. I sent it back to the factory and had my name engraved in a gold oval on the side plate, target hammer, trigger, wo/red insert sight, presentation grips and the wood box added. Didn't cost that much in those days. I think the name was $66s.
That said I just dont find myself packing and shooting it much. I did at first. It`s a big heavy gun. I have a 3" model 66-3 that gets a little more play. Also a couple pythons in 2 1/2" and 4". I have 7 various N frames in
44 special, 44 mag and 45 colt that are about the same size and I like the fortys better to shoot. Maybe I just have too many choices. Were I wiped out and starting over far as a 357 go`s a K frame model 19 or 66 is just a little nicer and handier to pack due to the weight.

 
I see vintage 27's occasionally at either gun shows or gun shops........Most ive seen in the last year were $1000+. A couple weeks back one i saw had some wear and tear, was a 6" -2 at what i thought was a pretty fair price, it now resides with me
 
Nice things cost money. There are guys with lots of cash willing to spend it on their hobbies and that drives up prices. I'm glad I have all the guns I need because I couldn't afford to but them now. I won't bother to post any photos because I don't have anything everybody hasn't seen before.
 
I have two 27-2's. The first one I found six years ago, an 8 3/8ths inch 98% condition in presentation box with accessories and documents for $475! What a difference a few years makes- LGS just sold one with no case and some bluing wear for $800. My second 27-2 is a 5 inch with original target stocks. The gun had been spattered with something that ate the blue in little pinhead dots all over the right side of the barrel. She still shines beautifully and shoots great. Paid $450 OTD for that one two years ago. Nice to have a 27 which still looks pretty good, but is definitely a shooter. Pictured below.

27-2N494XXX-LS.jpg

27-closedetail.jpg
 
While the K frame .357 Magnums were under-engineered, the N frames were way over-engineered. But, even for the over-engineering, the cylinder on P&R N-frame revolvers is a bit short for bullets in the heavier weights.

The N frames are also a bit heavy for carry in the field. For the amount of ammo expended on a hunt (say deer), one or two shots from a K or L frame S&W, or mid-size Ruger or Colt, is not terribly uncomfortable.

Metallurgy changed for the better, and manufacturers can literally get more bang for the buck by building smaller revolvers.

Tastes and markets change, too. Fewer wheel gun aficionados, and more folks wanting semis.

How many "melonite" finishes vs. high-polish blue? When was the last time you saw a nickel-finished handgun? (Except for the S&W "Classics".)

One could go on and on...
 
I'm always surprised by the collective sentiment about high used revolver prices. Dollar for dollar, the pre-locks are more expensive than ever before, but still present outstanding value, especially when compared to current production offerings. $1K+/- for a nice used N-frame 27 or 28 may seem like an ungodly amount based upon what we're acclimated to paying in the past, but how much is a new IL revolver? Not much different than the same $1K.

Recently I filled a longstanding interest in a .357 N-frame. I purchased a 95%+ Model 520 from David Carroll (a finer gentleman you will not easily find). I couldn't settle on a 27 or 28 to my liking, and the fixed sights on the 520 are a plus. I paid fair market value (~1,300) which is exactly what a new PC revolver would have cost. Not as many folks get sticker shock from new S&W prices as they do from used S&W prices, but I'm quite happy with my purchase ... 1) It will never depreciate; 2) I found a rare revolver; 3) I believe I got a better bang-for-my-buck than with a new PC revolver.

I have seen plenty of individuals at the LGS squawking about prices in the used cabinet, but batting nary a lash when checking the tag on a new S&W. Maybe used S&W prices aren't as high as we think ... perhaps it's just that we were spoiled for too long, and now prices are catching up to where they should have been.
 
mc5aw said:
I'm always surprised by the collective sentiment about high used revolver prices. Dollar for dollar, the pre-locks are more expensive than ever before, but still present outstanding value, especially when compared to current production offerings. $1K+/- for a nice used N-frame 27 or 28 may seem like an ungodly amount based upon what we're acclimated to paying in the past, but how much is a new IL revolver? Not much different than the same $1K.

Recently I filled a longstanding interest in a .357 N-frame. I purchased a 95%+ Model 520 from David Carroll (a finer gentleman you will not easily find). I couldn't settle on a 27 or 28 to my liking, and the fixed sights on the 520 are a plus. I paid fair market value (~1,300) which is exactly what a new PC revolver would have cost. Not as many folks get sticker shock from new S&W prices as they do from used S&W prices, but I'm quite happy with my purchase ... 1) It will never depreciate; 2) I found a rare revolver; 3) I believe I got a better bang-for-my-buck than with a new PC revolver.

I have seen plenty of individuals at the LGS squawking about prices in the used cabinet, but batting nary a lash when checking the tag on a new S&W. Maybe used S&W prices aren't as high as we think ... perhaps it's just that we were spoiled for too long, and now prices are catching up to where they should have been.
Click to expand...

I wish there some used S&Ws around here. :)
The last one I saw in a gun shop was a 36 which I have now.
Later a 17 in 8 3/8" I found at a gun show came home with me.
It took me from 1970 to 2012 to finally get a 2 1/2 inch 19.
I don't have that much time left to be putting off like that again.


062703_181200.jpg
 
In a down economy, quality sells.

Folks are coming around the the fact that the old ones were made better.

Supply and demand.

I'd argue that there were times in S&W's history of turnover there were some dogs produced, but I have a bunch of Bangor Punta's in the safe that say not all were bad.

A 27 is the height of the craftsman's art, the best they had to offer. Today's 27... they should have renumbered it 'cause it ain't at all the same thing.

Like anything else overlooked for more popular icons like Pythons, the 27 was available for reasonable cost and available. Now, not so much. Its true value is known now.

Best advice...

When you see an older S&W, check it out with a pocket full of cash at the ready because it won't be there when you get back - any older S&W.
 
Just lamenting this very subject with MT Helo yesterday. Can't find any nice, unmolested older Smiths. When You do .....You'd think their M-27 was an RM for the price tag.

We need to remember that those 1960's and 70's guns so many of us are looking for, are now forty and fifty plus years old. Many have been lost, destroyed, modified, poorly refinished, or sitting in collections. the population is dwindling.
 
To me the old Model 27's including the -2 were the finest looking revolver S&W produced. At one point I owned in the 27-2 a 3.5 inch, 4 inch, (2) 5 inch, (2) 6 inch and a 8 3/8 inch revolver. The doubles were one in Nickel and one in Blue. They were all in excellent condition and I enjoyed them and I later sold them all off. I'm70 and I have had heart problems and my sons had no interest in them so I sold them and enjoyed the money on things I wanted too do. I did keep a Model 28-2 4 inch the 27-2's plain Jane sister but it's still an N frame and the same mechanically as the 27-2. It's my range revolver in 357 magnum and I still enjoy shooting it so that is why it's still here.
 
Wow! The thickness of those exterior walls must keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer. Did your dog with long toenails sit on that window sill?

ibewbull said:
I wish there some used S&Ws around here. :)
The last one I saw in a gun shop was a 36 which I have now.
Later a 17 in 8 3/8" I found at a gun show came home with me.
It took me from 1970 to 2012 to finally get a 2 1/2 inch 19.
I don't have that much time left to be putting off like that again.


062703_181200.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Bought a 27-2 5" (1965 ship-date) from a friend earlier this year, obviously had been someone's carry gun at some time, and the finish wear shows it.
BUT - in places where the wear is not, the finish is incredible. Deep, deep polished blue/black.
No, I didn't want to part with the $500, but I have these strong memories of growing up reading Skeeter Skelton and how much he appreciated a 5" M27. Glad I got it now.....
 
corgiS&W said:
Wow! The thickness of those exterior walls must keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer. Did your dog with long toenails sit on that window sill?
Click to expand...


New windows coming soon at the price of several 27's.
Cats claws are sharp too. Plus this is a high jump.
Maybe a piece of laminate could be in the works.
Walls are 2x6 heat is in floor hydronic with a water heater as a source.
 
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