Which length 27-2 would you get if you could only have one

[jack the toad]

Here's a 3.5" & 4" M27-2 for comparison. Had a similar -2 in 5" I should've kept.



Not to hijack or drift, but...
an 8-shot -7 (#24 of 100) Yes, I need the same number -7 in 6".

 

[BloodyThumb]

3.5" for me hands down. I recently sold the only one I had and I want another, but a shooter this time.

 

[GSP Fan]

I have a Pre 27 3.5 inch that's a keeper. I recently sold a Pre 27 5 inch because I wasn't shooting it. If I were to get another 27 it would be a 4 incher to go with the M29 & M57 4 inchers. Hey that gives me an idea

 

[Hill536]

First off I am a 1911 collector! My 2nd firearm choice are N frame S&Ws and only I concentrate on collectibles and shoot them too. I have two RMs & 1 non RM that were all LEO revolvers which have 3 1/2 & 4" barrels. My 27-2 is a 5" that I bought off this forum.


It was tuned by Nelson Ford way back when. It is a joy to shoot. BUT if I could only have one it would be a 3 1/2 Law Enforcement gun.

/K

 

[bph9]

Always wanted the 8 3/8" but the rare 5 inch would be fun also.

 

[27 Man]

The 27-2 is my favorite in the S&W line. I have all the barrel lengths. Skeeter was right. 5" is the best.

 

[Fvernic]

Have an 8 3/8" so I'm partial to that length but there's most likely another barrel length 27 in my future

 

[shovelhead]

I have only one, 8 3/8"

 

[El_Phantasmo]

My 27-2 is 5", I bought it not really even thinking about barrel length. Lucked out, I guess!

That said, I think the 4" N frames look the best.

 

[MN Rifleman]

I've got all lengths of S&W revolvers also……toss-up between 5" and 3.5" …..

 

[Drm50]

I use to go to extremes to get N frames in 83/8" models. I don't know why, probably same reason I always bought full choke shotguns with long barrels. Then one day got 6" M27 on a trade and found I could shoot it as well as a 83/8".
So now I go for 6"-6.5" models. I wouldn't pass on a 5" either. So for practical shooting which to me is hunting a 6" is the practical length for me. It would also double target shooting.
I have found that barrel length is not the only consideration. The 27 and 24 have tapered barrels which make them better balanced for some shooters. Like the M41 I can shoot the 7" & 73/8" barrels better than a 5.5" heavy barrel. I my case it is balance because rested there is no difference. Jury is still out on 5" field barrels, haven't got enough trigger time to draw opinion.
For me the Patridge blade front is only way to go. They give clear sight definition. I don't like Baughman Ramp because top is always polished from holster. Worse is the red ramp.
There is no doubt a 3.5" m27 with a red ramp is very stylish for looks but I've always been behind on style.

 

[Dave.357]

I have 4",5" 6.5 and 8-3/8 .
I don't try to carry them concealed.
The 5" would be my choice but
4" is easer to get in and out of truck in a holster and 8-3/8" is great off the shooting
Bench.The 6-1/2" is good for everything else,
the model 27 is a great gun regardless of
barrel length.

 

[CKPOMEH]

Since they say 'a picture is a worth thousand words'... here is the 27-2 barrel line up so we can compare looks more easily.

Hard to pick, but the 3.5 inch may be 'baddest' looking while I think the 6.5 inch is the 'most classic' looking with the Magnas. Versatility, the 4/5 are most versatile - can do a lot of everything! I mean they are all excellent, kind of like picking a favorite child - impossible...

 

[lkabug]

One must be true to one self, 5 inch it is! It's just a beautiful gun.
Having said that, the 3.5 just begs to be carried. Hey they both beg to be carried.
So I have both in my accumulation.

 

[KenTheHunter]

I have all barrel
Lengths but the 3.5" 27-2 which is my grail gun

The one I have now, the 5"

 

[scattershot]

A 627 is too big to carry, hence a range toy. To my mind, that would be a 6"er. You could be shooting that one during the time it would take to find a 5" barrel.