The New "Classic" Model 27...is it?

[TacPhoto]

Hello, S&W Revolver Fans,

I have been trying to educate myself on the original classic K, and N, size revolvers. My focus has narrowed to a Model 27. Probably in a 3.5"/4" barrel size. (Model 19 was my second choice.)

My local GS had nothing used. However, they had a new "Classic Series" Model 27. My questions are...

1) Has S&W done this model justice in fit, finish, and function, compared to a true "Vintage Classic"?

2) Should I just wait it out for a vintage Model 27 to surface?
(Your answer to question #1 will determine this.)

Thanks!

-Don

 

[ditrina]

IMHO.. WAIT!!!!!!!!
and welcome to the forum... youre gonna like it here...

 

[jimmyjoe]

I would say NO to your question #1. Wait it out. You will get a better made "vintage" model 27.

 

[fyimo]

They are not classics in the form of being like the original with pinned barrel, counter bored chambers (recessed) and they have the IL. They also put a similar but not nearly the same grip on them.

Wait and buy a 27-2 in whatever barrel length you want and get the real classic. This is just a marketing sham as the bluing isn't as nice and the Classic isn't any where as nice as the original.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I would say NO to your question #1. Wait it out. You will get a better made "vintage" model 27.

I say get it if you want it, some don't like the hammer and trigger along with the lock. The gun is just as good if not better than some of the old ones. If this is your first revolver, then you want a new one, not a old one that some shade tree gunsmith screwed up with no means to get it fixed for free like the new has. Enjoy it and have fun with it, if you take care of it your grand sons son with love shooting it .

 

[TacPhoto]

I really appreciate all the responses. It really helps. Thanks!

 

[CWH44300]

I say get it if you want it, some don't like the hammer and trigger along with the lock. The gun is just as good if not better than some of the old ones. If this is your first revolver, then you want a new one, not a old one that some shade tree gunsmith screwed up with no means to get it fixed for free like the new has. Enjoy it and have fun with it, if you take care of it your grand sons son with love shooting it .

I couldn't have said it better myself

 

[.357magger]

I say get it if you want it, some don't like the hammer and trigger along with the lock. The gun is just as good if not better than some of the old ones. If this is your first revolver, then you want a new one, not a old one that some shade tree gunsmith screwed up with no means to get it fixed for free like the new has. Enjoy it and have fun with it, if you take care of it your grand sons son with love shooting it .

While I agree with Bullseye, I'd also say, for the money being asked, you can probably find (if you search it out) a 3.5" 27-2 for what they're asking for the "Classic".

So...are you for shooting it, or for admiring it?

If a) go with an original if b) grab the first Classic in whatever barrel length suits your fancy.

Smith is turning out some nice revolvers these days folks and those who can't bring themselves to look past the left sideplate are missing out imo.

Just my .02...and I own both types.

 

[gr8smiles]

I would (and I have....lots of times) get the true classic ones. I have bought a number of 'used' guns and have not any 'shade tree' issues. I buy from this forum and the main auction site. I buy from sellers here and there that have excellent track records. It has worked well for me. I have the 27-2 in 3 1/2", 2 in 4", 1 in 5", and 1 in 8 3/8". All are awesome pieces.

 

[18DAI]

Wait for a real model 27 to come along. You will be glad you did. Regards 18DAI.

 

[scout II]

I am very pleased with my model 57 Classic and model 58 Classic guns.They feel just like the older model 57's and 58's I have and are just as accurate.So don't worry about it being not as good as the older ones.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The new one will serve you well. If you like it.....buy it. It will outlast you with reasonable care.

 

[alenworn]

I just bought a 27-2, 6" made in 1977, minty no box

paid $750 for it; I am a little sick about the price i had to pay when i could get a new classic at the GS for $829

but i couldn't stand that darn lock and those fake looking grips, i just couldnt do it so i went vintage and glad i did

 

[TacPhoto]

So...are you for shooting it, or for admiring it?

I will be shooting it, for sure!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I just bought a 27-2, 6" made in 1977, minty no box

paid $750 for it; I am a little sick about the price i had to pay when i could get a new classic at the GS for $829

but i couldn't stand that darn lock and those fake looking grips, i just couldnt do it so i went vintage and glad i did

The only bad part is that if it breaks it will be you dime to fix it if you can find the parts.

 

[Rimbaud]

Some of the classics have a solid-back trigger. Is this a new verson of MIM trigger, or is it a forged part?

The MIM actually bugs me more than the lock.

 

[TDC]

I have a large collection of mainly pre-1982 P&R guns. They are where my heart is. The Mod 27's are no exception to that interest.

I've gotta say that I also own many newer production S&W's and find them to be wonderful shooters and well made, dependable products. Many times they are criticized in ways I find to be unfair and/or unfounded from my experience.

There is much to be said for a relatively new owner to have a lifetime warranty to protect against any unforeseen problems. The current S&W warranty and customer service is second to none, IMHO, and that "buyer insurance" simply isn't available on the older guns.

Lots of valid arguments in both directions here. Use your own good judgment to decide which choice would be best for you. If you're going to shoot the heck out of it either direction will serve your purposes well...

 

[Sportsterguy]

They are not classics in the form of being like the original with pinned barrel, counter bored chambers (recessed) and they have the IL. They also put a similar but not nearly the same grip on them.

Wait and buy a 27-2 in whatever barrel length you want and get the real classic. This is just a marketing sham as the bluing isn't as nice and the Classic isn't any where as nice as the original.

Exactly what fyimo said. Lots of really nice old models out there at a better price than the Classic Series. IMO the grips on them are just plain ugly.

 

[CajunBass]

If I was just getting started, and was having trouble finding the old classic guns, I'd buy one of the "new classics" and shoot the fire out of it. While I was doing that, I'd keep looking for the old classics. But in the meantime I'd have something to shoot.

In my experience they tend to turn up when you're not looking for them.

 

[gkitch]

keep in mind that the older guns that are "shooter grade" should cost considerably less than the collector grade NIB+Historical Letter guns we so frequently discuss on the forum. I bought an S-prefix 5" M-27-2 just last year from a local shop for less than $400. Sure, I had to clean the lead out of the bore and cold-blue the holster-rubbed areas on the bbl. Nice shooter though. Such guns do not appear every day but they are the way to go.

When shopping for a used revolver that shows some wear, check the timing by slowly cocking it six times while lightly dragging a finger on the cylinder. It should lock up on each cylinder. Next, examine the bore and the cylinder for pitting, rust, or deformity. If there is just a lead build-up, use that as a negotiating point. Anything else let it pass. Lastly, make sure everything is THERE. Missing a "minor" part could cost a fortune to replace. I recently looked at a revolver that was missing the rear sight leaf, for instance.