Which is better

[Oneshotone]

Is there any noticeable difference between the 27-2 and 27-3? Is one model worth more, better made, more collectible?

 

[Fishinfool]

27-2's with their P&R features, as well as possibly nicer blueing than later dash models tend to be more desirable.

Larry

 

[Hawg Rider]

27-2's with their P&R features, as well as possibly nicer blueing than later dash models tend to be more desirable.

Larry

+1. And earlier Model 27-2s (ca. 1961-1969) with S-prefix s/n and diamond target stocks are even more desirable. The 27-3 was introduced in 1982.

 

[stansdds]

S&W stopped using the Carbonia blue process some time in 1980, so I'd say any pre-1980 Model 27 is likely to have a nicer looking finish. A true blue and not a bluish-black finish.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Is there any noticeable difference between the 27-2 and 27-3? Is one model worth more, better made, more collectible?

No mechanical difference between the two. Only the recessed cylinder and pinned barrel on the dash-2 and lack of same on the dash-3. From a shooting standpoint they'd be the same, from a collector standpoint the dash-2 is "better" and will usually bring a higher price in like condition.

 

[CH4]

Although the 27-2 is more desirable because it’s P&R, the 27-3 is pretty scarce; not near as many were produced. I’ve actually never seen one. That said, I prefer the 27-2 for the aforementioned reasons.

 

[Model19man]

There are currently 33 of the 27-2 and 12 of the -3 for sale on GI so neither is rare. I would go for the -2 if it were my money.

 

[Oneshotone]

Thanks for the info. A ton on 27-2 on gunbroker. Most are overpriced but people are buying them.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

I owned a beautiful 8" nickel 27 dash 2 that was not pinned but was recessed. Production date by the serial number was around 1982 IIRC. Have seen two other examples since.

John

 

[PauldL]

Thanks for the info. A ton on 27-2 on gunbroker. Most are overpriced but people are buying them.

As compared to what?? They have no peers, unless you consider Manhurin or Korth.......
Where else are you gonna find a revolver to match it?
It's laughable if your comparing them to what Smith puts out now a days.
The older ones are worth double at the very least
I was in a LGS last December and got to handle a 29, 19, and 57. It was pathetic as compared to a 27-2
People aren't overpaying at all.
It's what they're worth- it's what they're bringing
Just wait 5 years down the road.....they just keep.going up in value as they should
They're incredibly beautiful & impeccably built
Go put a new one in your hand and then handle an older mid 70's 27-2 - the difference is staggering

 

[lrb1200]

It's a 27-2 or earlier made,
or not at all.

 

[1blindref]

I will also echo that the -2’s or older are more desirable. I’ve never shot, owned, or handled a -3 so I don’t know which is better.

Generally, the fit and finish on the older (pre 1970) guns seems to be better and more consistent than today’s new S&W offerings. Working at a gun shop / range for the past seven years, I’ve seen more than my fair share of new S&W’s that leave me scratching my head. I guess the same can be said for most new products today. Definitely much more “hit or miss” than in times past.

 

[PauldL]

I will also echo that the -2’s or older are more desirable. I’ve never shot, owned, or handled a -3 so I don’t know which is better.

Generally, the fit and finish on the older (pre 1970) guns seems to be better and more consistent than today’s new S&W offerings. Working at a gun shop / range for the past seven years, I’ve seen more than my fair share of new S&W’s that leave me scratching my head. I guess the same can be said for most new products today. Definitely much more “hit or miss” than in times past.

Ain't that the truth, Rick
I was at Academy Sports Sunday evening looking for a softball glove for my daughter. I'm 51, & when I saw what they had for "leather gloves", I was pretty shocked. Just about all under $70 were this synthetic cstuff - made to look like leather.
I was lucky to find a "good one" though - it's definitely hit & more miss now a days, lol

 

[TXBryan]

I've posted about my Model 27-3 about a year ago when I acquired it.

No barrel pin and no recessed cylinders. It's a shooter with a few cosmetic issues but functions fabulously.

I kinda like barrel pins but do not miss the recessed cylinders as they add a cleaning chore using up a plethora of wooden toothpicks. This firearm gets used regularly and it's great fun especially because I never thought I'd own a Model 27 - most priced beyond my ability to justify. But being a "post" dash-2 I got it for the opening bid on GB for a very reasonable sum.

 

[44wheelman]

If you plan on shooting it in lieu of drooling on it, recessed cylinders just create more places for crud/unburnt powder to cause problems.

Now the pinned bbl on the other hand…if you’ve ever had a canted bbl or constricted bbl from the crush fit during assy, then you may think pinned bbls were a good thing.

 

[PauldL]

Thousands upon thousands of rounds shot thru the old ones and no major problems
The old Smiths are just really nice.
Especially the model 19 when shooting the PPC matches

 

[tmd17]

Thanks for the info. A ton on 27-2 on gunbroker. Most are overpriced but people are buying them.

If the market is supporting the 27-2 prices, how can they be overpriced? I understand that some things (Priced a new truck lately?) go for more than I will pay for them, that does not mean they are overpriced.