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

[gripper]

Buy what you really want to buy and you will be happy. Although I collect pre war and pre model guns I do own and shoot some of the new model guns, they are just fine. Just remember the old guns that we cherish now once sat on shelves without buyers. For the simple fact folks wanted older guns. These new guns will also be collectible someday. The guns twenty or thirty years from now will be different than the ones mfg today and that is what will make the guns of today collectible, MIM parts or not.

 

[Engine49guy]

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.

I agree with just about everyones comments ,

While there is no clear correct answer you cant argue with getting both.

You can always sell or trade the one you dont like as much but you will probably keep it forever.

Eiter way good luck and give us a report complete with pics when you do pick one up.

My colletion includes a 1955 3.5" 5 screw, a 1966 6" S serial 3 screw and a 1981 4" nickle N serial 3 screw.
They are all great.

Good Luck !

 

[TacPhoto]

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.

Great tips, thanks!!!

 

[baxtersmith]

I bought a Classic Model 27 a few years ago. It was a beautiful gun and I loved shooting it. But, in the long run, I really wanted an old one and ended up selling it when I found a Model 28-2 in near new condition. Now I'm waiting to find a 27-2 with a 3 1/2" barrel. I'm getting to where I don't mind the waiting and looking process, never knowing when the one I'm looking for might show up.

 

[kennyb]

I couldn't have said it better myself

yep...another plus one....i love the vintage smiths...but see no problem with the new ones either

 

[TacPhoto]

I am still on the search...

Would I sacrifice anything on the Model 28?

Thanks,

Don

 

[Revolver-time]

As far as function, the 28 is every bit as good as a 27. I have a 27-2, a 28-2 and a Classic 27. I find myself shooting the Classic 27 more than the other two because of the value. As I have stated before, the target does not know if that 158gr came from the 27-2 or the Classic. If you are going to shoot it, get a Classic. They have the N frame endurance package on them.

 

[gkitch]

S&W's flagship revolver was the "357 Magnum", which later became the Model 27. Beautiful, deep blue or optional nickle, checkered top strap, lots of options...a fancy premium firearm. Of couse, the price and availability sometimes kept these guns from riding in the holsters of the very professionals who needed them most. Hence, the Highway Patrolman was born. It is the same gun with a basic finish and two bbl length options. They are great guns and were long popular with LE and sportsmen.

 

[glenncal1]

I personally think one of the best buys in the shooter revolver market are the model 28's. While prices have gone up, you can still find decent examples under $400. Great shooting guns with a plainer finish.

 

[EvenStephen]

Do the new Classic 27's have the checkered top strap and rib? I've got a pre 27 5" and a 27-6 6" and I love them both.

 

[Engine49guy]

I am still on the search...

Would I sacrifice anything on the Model 28?

Thanks,

Don

Yes,

The finish on the Model 28 was sacrificed in order to keep the price down for law enforcement people.
Carrying a gun every day in the weather ruins it anyway.

The beauty of the Model 28 is it is the Model 27 in a plain wrapper.

If I went back in time and was a State Trooper in the early 50's and had to choose a gun for daily holster carry and on a budget the Model 28 would have been my choice.

For a target range gun that would get some "showing off to my friends" that would be gently cared for and protected the 27 which is by far the prettier of the two and costs more money would be my choice.

 

[baxtersmith]

Do the new Classic 27's have the checkered top strap and rib?

Yes, they do.

 

[TacPhoto]

I did it.
I have a 28-2 on the way...

I will post images when received!

Thanks again for everyone's input.

-Don

 

[TDC]

TacPhoto..... Congrats on your new purchase -- you're going to love it!

For others who may be considering the same two models, a good way to do the 27 and 28 comparison is to look at the way most of these guns were commonly delivered, especially the earlier P&R guns.

The 28's were delivered with a matte blue finish and a 4" or 6" barrel. They most commonly had magna style grips that were standard and many came in the traditional S&W blue boxes...

The 27's were delivered with a bright blue or bright nickle finish and barrel lengths of 3 1/2, 4, 5, 6, 6 1/2 and 8 3/8" barrel lengths. Most have target triggers, target hammers, target Goncalo Alves stocks and came in a mahogany presentation case typical to their mfg time period. They also possess the beautiful checkered top strap and rib that no other N frame model can claim.

The presentation cases, tools, stocks and target features have collector value all their own and those additions can add substantial value to a 27 that is complete with all those features...

The 28 is a bare-bones, "best bang for the buck" work horse that does everything its "princely" brother can do as far as having N frame ruggedness, durability and shooting. The 27, however, does it with a visual style and and a special appeal that causes many to choose to define it as "the finest S&W ever made."

Either model is a great choice. It simply depends on how you want to use it and what your preferences are... Both have a huge following.....

 

[stantheman86]

It's tough to say.......

If you like the new S&W's, I say go with the Classic 27. They can be tuned to a VERY sweet action with no stoning, filing or anything. Drop in some Wilson Combat springs and an extended firing pin from Cylinder and Slide, and you'll have a tackdriver. For pure shooting purposes, go for the Classic 27. I tuned up a 10-14 and it shoots the pants off any of my older Smiths, I was blowing up full cans of Dollar General cheapo rotgut cola at 50 yards in DA with it a few days ago, and I'm far from a master pistol shot.

If you want something vintage, that is also a great shooter, +1 for the 28's. Get one before prices rise any more, ex-PD holster worn but mechanically solid 28's are still $400 guns.

I have also seen reblued 27's at gun shows for $4-500, collectibility is nuked but hey, it's a 27!

Either way, you'll probably eventually end up getting them all anyway