What can I expect to get for 900-1000 in a 27?

[jrandyh]

I recently decided I want a 37. Don't know a whole lot about them except they can be really expensive in great condition. I would be interested in a 3 1/2 or 4 inch. Preferably a -2 but may take a -3. I saw one at Cabelas today that was a little rough but not terrible. I believe its been worked by a master smith based in several things but not an issue here. It's a 4 inch -3. I can probably get it around 730. I know if I keep it would likely want to reblue it pushing what I have in it around 1000. I know I will not likely get even the 700 back for it that's why I am asking what I should be able to get for 900-1000. Not interested in hearing I just bought one for 450 etc. Great in your find. I haven't even seen another one around here and I never see deals anyway. Got any sincere suggestions or help?
JR.

 

[moralem]

If you want a looker you are just going to scratch the surface at 1000. And you will be looking at the longer barrels. I know folks say a nice in the box -2 should bring 900-1000, but I just don't think you will find one in the barrel length you are looking for. A very nice short barrel version of a -2 is going to push you easily up into the 1500 plus range. I would look long and hard at the one at cabelas before dismissing it and even try to negotiate if it is the gun you want. If you want a dash 2 in top shape you are going to have to open the wallet a lot wider....just my two cents. Dash 3s are a bit more affordable.

 

[jrandyh]

I am not looking at perfection and don't care about the box but do want a nice gun. I had a guy on the FB forum say I could find one for 700. I know way better than that. It was a major S&W page also. I was thinking more along what you said with box etc that'd why I mentioned the -3 and no box. I may pick up the one at cabelas. They had 879.00 on it but came down to 739. May just get it and have it refinished. Before I did that just wanted to make sure.
Thanks,
JR

 

[jrandyh]

Sheesh just has another guy tell me same thing. Said they are out there just keep your eyes open. I get tired of hearing all these ridiculous liw prices. Just because somebody wins the lottery that diesn't mean everyone will.
JR

 

[Goblin]

Check the for sale section of this forum.

 

[tim c]

Well in this neck of the woods a decent 27 is 1200-1500 range

 

[Blueduck]

Sheesh just has another guy tell me same thing. Said they are out there just keep your eyes open. I get tired of hearing all these ridiculous liw prices. Just because somebody wins the lottery that diesn't mean everyone will.
JR

Some people like to brag about good deals, some people on the internet may even..<gasp> exaggerate just bit... but I think most of the time it's just folks who are trying to help, but honestly don't realize exactly how long ago it was that they saw the prices they now have their heads.

 

[jrandyh]

I am sure some people get good deals but when you want a link etc they shut up.
JR.

 

[bigfreakinrevolver]

I'm just curious and not trying to be ignorant but why do you want a -2 or -3? What's the difference? Why not buy the classics version and get a newer gun for your price range? I really don't know the difference just trying to become a more knowledgable person.

 

[colt_saa]

I am sure some people get good deals but when you want a link etc they shut up.
JR.

Most of the really GREAT deals in my neck of the woods come from small Mom and Pop shops where the kids do not want to take over the business and Mom and Pop think they are too old to learn computers.

These are slowly fading away as the Moms and the Pops retire or pass on.

I used to visit about 10 of these shops in my area on a monthly basis. Now only 2 of those remain.

The on-line brokers and sale sights have made a wider selection available to us, but have also significantly raised the prices over the last decade.

If you want a GREAT deal you need to be very patient and do the leg work. If you need quick gratification you will pay the higher price for it.

 

[22hipower]

You can buy a decent 27-2 for less than $1000 if you're willing to do some legwork and/or be patient. Even on GunBroker they are available; see Smith & Wesson 357 Mag Model 27-2 6" : Revolvers at GunBroker.com for example. Check out the "sold" side and see what they've been selling for. Yes, some went in the $1200+ range but quite a few sold well under $1000. And GB is usually the high price option; check out pawn shops, small gun shops and gun shows. You'll find something nice in the $800 to $1000 range. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[CH4]

I'm just curious and not trying to be ignorant but why do you want a -2 or -3? What's the difference? Why not buy the classics version and get a newer gun for your price range? I really don't know the difference just trying to become a more knowledgable person.

For me and many others, the newer "classic" doesn't have that certain "je ne sais qua" that vintage versions exude. For me this preference for vintage guns can largely be attributed to old-school craftsmanship, hand-checkered top strap (M27), hammer mounted firing pins, pinned barrel/recessed cylinder, the absence of MIM parts and the idiotic, superfluous Internal Lock.

FWIW, this past fall I picked up a nice (98+%) 6" 27-2 with original stocks at a small gun show for $550. From the same table I also snagged equally nice examples of a
8 3/8" 27-2 with box/tools for $550 and 6.5" 25-2 for $600. In my world this was a lucky find.

 

[Rick_A]

I could show you what I bought last year...but I don't like to brag...

A keen eye, diligent shopping, and some patience go a long way.

Shopping at popular auction sites will not, unless you're on top of things and find the elusive gem that slips under the radar.

I got lucky and found something local.

The new 27 would make a great shooter but finish wise it's somewhere between a 27 and 28, with a polished blue that isn't quite as bright as the original and a topstrap with a checkerboard pattern rather than checkering.

I don't mind the new guns as shooters. They have a factory warranty and can be used without reservation. The only thing they lack IMO is collector value. The "Classics" line hold their value well but don't appreciate. The collectable guns are only going up, it seems.

That the new guns are inferior mechanically is not something I agree with. Folks don't appreciate how they are made, but it doesn't make them work any better or worse.

Base your choice on the example before you and not some guys opinion on the internet.

 

[muddocktor]

jrandyh, limiting yourself to just the 3 1/2 and 4" models really cuts down on your choices. If you also consider 5" barrel guns that might help out on your quest for a 27. And I have 2 myself and they are about the best balanced revolvers I own. I would suggest you do a search at GB and see what is available on their auctions. We aren't allowed to link live auctions or even mention a certain auction according to the TOS of this forums, but if you do a search there you can see what the market is like right now.

 

[muzzleblast]

The buyer's mentality also play a major role in the price paid:

"I want it now!" = Go online and bid away = $$$$$

"I want one, but only at a fair price" = patience = $$$

"I wasn't looking for one of these, but the asking price is too low to walk away from!" = $

Most of the posts from members who "got a deal" are opportunistic purchases they accidentally stumbled into.

You can relatively easily find a high condition M-28 for much less than the 4" M-27 you found at Cabela's.

MB

 

[NEURON]

For me and many others, the newer "classic" doesn't have that certain "je ne sais qua" that vintage versions exude. For me this preference for vintage guns can largely be attributed to old-school craftsmanship, hand-checkered top strap (M27), hammer mounted firing pins, pinned barrel/recessed cylinder, the absence of MIM parts and the idiotic, superfluous Internal Lock.

FWIW, this past fall I picked up a nice (98+%) 6" 27-2 with original stocks at a small gun show for $550. From the same table I also snagged equally nice examples of a
8 3/8" 27-2 with box/tools for $550 and 6.5" 25-2 for $600. In my world this was a lucky find.

Lucky? Beyond that!WOW! That is fabulous! Especially in California! I just sold a 27-2 NIB w/presentation box etc. for $1200.00 very quickly.

 

[jrandyh]

There is a difference in markets and availibility too. This is not a large city and wheel guns are few and far between, I see Rossi's. Wow. I have my reasons for wanting the barrel length I do. I have a 19 i carried many years as well as a 686. I wanted it to compare with those two in how they shoot. I have been looking for a 586 4 inch for 8 months to no avail. I have been scouring the sites locally for a 27. Never have seen one. I have health issues hat keep me from running around everyday to the shops. I talk to them regularly and hear we don't get any of those. Just becsuse you have a great market doesn't mean everyone else does.
I did go ahead and buy the one at Cabelas and it cleaned up nicely. Far from perfect but will make a nice shooter.
JR

 

[jrandyh]

I had a chance to buy a 28 awhile back but the guys pics were horrific and couldn't tell if it had rust on it or not. Turns out it was a nice gun but it was a 6 inch and would have been another gun I don't really want. I already have 2 6 inch 586 when I really want a 4.
JR