which one would you buy? Updated!! W/Picture

[Bent-Twig]

Hi Folks,

I have been asking myself this question for a few days and have had no luck convincing myself that i have a solid answer.
I have located 2 s&w's that are both very appealing to me. One is a model 27-2 with 3 1/2"barrel and a s-prefix with proper diamond magnas and condition is a solid 97 to 98%. Just the gun , no box or docs.The price is $1000.
The second is a model 28-2 with 4"barrel. N-prefix and is also a solid 97 to 98%. Just the gun , no box or docs. The price is $600.
I only have enough play money currently to buy one or the other. My question is which one would you buy? Or would you pass on them both at these prices? Neither is what I would call a super deal but both are super clean. Getting harder and harder to find nice condition N frame 357's around here.
Not very often that I am undecided on a s&w purchase , but these 2 have really had me thinking.

Twig.

 

[murphydog]

Of the two, the model 27 is in the middle of current pricing and the 28 slightly higher than average, so if you really want one I would opt for the 27.

 

[Culina]

The 27 for sure. I was worried I was going to say get both but I didn't even have to think about this one.

 

[Watchdog]

Hi Folks,

I have been asking myself this question for a few days and have had no luck convincing myself that i have a solid answer.

I have located 2 s&w's that are both very appealing to me. One is a model 27-2 with 3 1/2"barrel and a s-prefix with proper diamond magnas and condition is a solid 97 to 98%. Just the gun , no box or docs.The price is $1000.
The second is a model 28-2 with 4"barrel. N-prefix and is also a solid 97 to 98%. Just the gun , no box or docs. The price is $600.

I think the 27-2 is overpriced by at least $250. The reason I say this is that just today, I looked at a 27-2 with wooden presentation case, tools, and paperwork for $1000. This was at an LGS. EDIT: This was not a 3.5-inch barrel revolver, though.

I think the 28-2 is priced right. I'm saying this based on your descriptions only, since there are no photos.

That said, and as much as I love 28-2s, I'd have to go with the 27-2 if...and only if...the seller will come down on the price. But a thousand bucks? No, just no.

If he won't bargain on the price (I don't care if it's an LGS or an individual seller), leave it and get the 28-2. Use the $400 you save to buy yourself some reloading supplies or cartridges or a really nice belt and holster...or whatever else might tickle your fancy for $400. Or just put the $400 in the bank and add to it until you have enough to buy another Smith you might stumble across.

Speaking frankly, I'm betting the 28 will sell before the 27 does...so if you decide you want the 28, best get a move on before someone buys it out from under you.

If I was where you are and knew where the 28 was, you wouldn't have to worry about which one to buy...cause the 27 would be the only one left.

 

[mojave30cal]

I'm a little biased, but if the 27-2 has the original grips and
the S prefix serial number in that condition, I would buy it. You
didn't mention if the finish is blue or nickel.

 

[lowercase]

I'd go for that 27.

I'd really like to have one with the 3 1/2 inch barrel.

 

[usm1rifle]

Please buy the 28 and let me know where I can buy the 27.

Thank you.

 

[jsfricks]

The 27 might be a little over priced but if that's what you want it won't take too long to catch back up in value.

 

[Bent-Twig]

I'm a little biased, but if the 27-2 has the original grips and
the S prefix serial number in that condition, I would buy it. You
didn't mention if the finish is blue or nickel.

Yes, original grips and it is blue. Sorry I forgot to mention that.

Twig.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I think the 27-2 is overpriced by at least $250. The reason I say this is that just today, I looked at a 27-2 with wooden presentation case, tools, and paperwork for $1000. This was at an LGS.

I think the 28-2 is priced right. I'm saying this based on your descriptions only, since there are no photos.

That said, and as much as I love 28-2s, I'd have to go with the 27-2 if...and only if...the seller will come down on the price. But a thousand bucks? No, just no.

If he won't bargain on the price (I don't care if it's an LGS or an individual seller), leave it and get the 28-2. Use the $400 you save to buy yourself some reloading supplies or cartridges or a really nice belt and holster...or whatever else might tickle your fancy for $400. Or just put the $400 in the bank and add to it until you have enough to buy another Smith you might stumble across.

Speaking frankly, I'm betting the 28 will sell before the 27 does...so if you decide you want the 28, best get a move on before someone buys it out from under you.

If I was where you are and knew where the 28 was, you wouldn't have to worry about which one to buy...cause the 27 would be the only one left.

You think a "S" prefix Model 27-2 with a 3 1/2" barrel and matching diamond Magna's is only worth $750 or less?

 

[rwsmith]

The mod 27

The mod 27 should be a little more nicely finished gun. The mod 28 was made to provide a less expensive gun to Highway Patrol folks. Mechanically, they are the same. My vote would be for the 27. In my situation though I'd have to get the 28 simply because it's $400 cheaper.

 

[koz5614]

I'd offer him $1400 and try to buy both of them!

 

[Snapping Twig]

I'd go for the 27. Few revolvers are as nice and I wouldn't worry about the price.

Get the 28 in a package deal if you can, but don't leave the 27 behind.

 

[ben_g1]

I love the 3 1/2" 27's. They are hot, hot, hot right now. There was a dealer here in Iowa (Gabe's I believe) that had 4 of them this past week or so on GB. They were all very nice with two of them in presentation box's. They sold for $1300+, 1400+, 1700+ and the last one yesterday for an even $1700. they were all N series. I'd buy that S series while you can and never look back.

 

[NE450No2]

I many times wish I liked 357 Mags. IF I did I would have a "Fleet" of 3 1/2" Mod 27's. I think it is one of the best looking best handling revolvers out there.

So I would recommend you get the Mod 27...

My second favorite looking revolver is the 2 1/2" Mod 19...
I do have one of them.

The above is hard for a 44 Mag/45ACP revolver guy to admit...

 

[k22fan]

I don't know 27 prices well but I can write the 28 is fairly priced. It's an easy choice for me, but I'm a shooter or a lousy collector or a collector of shooters. I'd go for an equally good revolver plus $400 worth of reloading components or whatever you need.

 

[b.guggenmos]

The 27 would be my choice. On the high side of what I would pay but I those don't turn up every day. Brian

 

[jjbrewst1]

Being a Collector of model 27's with the 3.5 inch Barrel..I can tell you a 27-2 S Serial with matching Diamond grips in 98% is worth a Grand...ALL DAY...

If you are looking for a solid Investment...Please go and buy this revolver...

This revolver on GB would bring 1200++++

Good Luck and I hope you get it...

 

[STCM(SW)]

If you want a safe queen, the 27.
If you want a shooter, the 28.
Simple...... Yea,

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

I think the 27-2 is overpriced by at least $250. The reason I say this is that just today, I looked at a 27-2 with wooden presentation case, tools, and paperwork for $1000. This was at an LGS. EDIT: This was not a 3.5-inch barrel revolver, though.

I think the 28-2 is priced right. I'm saying this based on your descriptions only, since there are no photos.

That said, and as much as I love 28-2s, I'd have to go with the 27-2 if...and only if...the seller will come down on the price. But a thousand bucks? No, just no.

If he won't bargain on the price (I don't care if it's an LGS or an individual seller), leave it and get the 28-2. Use the $400 you save to buy yourself some reloading supplies or cartridges or a really nice belt and holster...or whatever else might tickle your fancy for $400. Or just put the $400 in the bank and add to it until you have enough to buy another Smith you might stumble across.

Speaking frankly, I'm betting the 28 will sell before the 27 does...so if you decide you want the 28, best get a move on before someone buys it out from under you.

If I was where you are and knew where the 28 was, you wouldn't have to worry about which one to buy...cause the 27 would be the only one left.

I am 100% with watchdog on this one. Without box and papers a thousand is too high. The entire market has not gone insane. Let those sellers be crazy and bide your time.

Within the last three weeks I struck Gold. I did well, very well on my recent purchase of a 4" 27-2

In a sense you can't go wrong if you buy the 27 now or keep your eye open for a better deal. Don't settle on the 28 if in your heart you want that 27-2 3.5!

 

[jjbrewst1]

I am 100% with watchdog on this one. Without box and papers a thousand is too high. The entire market has not gone insane. Let those sellers be crazy and bide your time.

Within the last three weeks I struck Gold. I did well, very well on my recent purchase of a 4" 27-2

In a sense you can't go wrong if you buy the 27 now or keep your eye open for a better deal. Don't settle on the 28 if in your heart you want that 27-2 3.5![/B]

Trolley-

Im telling you 750 for a 98% S Serial 3.5 is Highway Robbery...

I buy and sell these exact guns on a daily basis..They are my passion in life after my family...

You can Never lose money on this gun at a grand if it is all original 98% with Diamond magnas...

I agree we all have our opinions, but this one is close to fact...

Now...How you likin that 4 inch...Its a Tack Driver isnt it??

 

[Bent-Twig]

Thanks everyone for the opinions. I will have a look at them again tomorrow. They are not owned by the same person so making a package deal wont be possible.
I think I will give the 27-2 my first shot. I am planning on offering $900 and seeing where it goes from there.
I often wonder how these guns stay in such pristine condition yet the boxes are long gone. You would think that if someone had taken such care or used so little a fine gun , they would have kept the box around. But I suppose this BOX craze has only been the last 15 years or so.

Twig.

 

[Bent-Twig]

Being a Collector of model 27's with the 3.5 inch Barrel..I can tell you a 27-2 S Serial with matching Diamond grips in 98% is worth a Grand...ALL DAY...

If you are looking for a solid Investment...Please go and buy this revolver...

This revolver on GB would bring 1200++++

Good Luck and I hope you get it...

Jim,
How did I know this would be your pick!?
Thank you for your input Mr 27 3 1/2".
You are the reason I cant get this one out of my mind...lol
All those eye candy pictures you post weekly.
Thanks Again , and keep those wonderful pictures comming.
Twig.

 

[dotdsd334]

Looks like its a split decision to this point..... I'd chase the 27 first (and that's coming from a 28 guy). I would try for $900 as well but that's only because I'm a cheap S*B. 27-2 N serial I'd say go for the 28, it's priced right.... 27-2 S serial out ranks the MILLIONS of 28-2 N serials any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just my .02. I may be bias because I've got a "few" 28s and I'm in search of a 3.5" 27....where is this one again?????

 

[weatherby]

I didn't weight in on this one yet.

The S 27 is simply dollar for dollar a better buy.
You could make your money back + profit.

The 28 is already at the high end of what you could get for it.

I see you need more convincing

 

[sac-gunslinger]

The question I have is "what do you plan to do with the gun?"

Are you a shooter or a collector? If you are a shooter, I would go for the M28. A collector, I would go for the M27 and start looking for a presentation case, etc.

 

[1blindref]

This one is a no brainer - The 3.5" 27-2

3.5", S prefix, and matching stocks in only 95% is worth $1K all day long and twice on Sundays

And, at 97% / 98% you can shoot it and not really lose much if any value. Just don't holster it and wear the bluing.

 

[rck281]

The S serial number guns didn't come in a presentation case. Probably a solid border blue cardboard box.

 

[ikor]

Being a Collector of model 27's with the 3.5 inch Barrel..I can tell you a 27-2 S Serial with matching Diamond grips in 98% is worth a Grand...ALL DAY...

If you are looking for a solid Investment...Please go and buy this revolver...

This revolver on GB would bring 1200++++

Good Luck and I hope you get it...

This^^^

Buy the 27 and don't bother looking back!

 

[69 Camaro Z28]

NOS 27-2 with blue one piece box

I bought a NOS 27-2 in 4" Blue recently on Gunbroker for $750 of course that did not include ffl fee and WA sales tax. It had the factory target grips but I put a set of Badger grips on it. It had the blue S&W box and paper work and cleaning kit as well.