Why Model 27's are the coolest S&W's

[glenncal1]

Notice I didn't say best, just the coolest.

1. They are N frames. Sorry fans of M, I, J, K, L etc. but N frames are just cooler than any of the others. I love K frames but the N frames beat them out. Blame Dirty Harry.

2. Caliber. .38/.357 is the premier revolver cartridge. The .357 started us all down the path to high power hand gun rounds. They also served as the standard LE round for many years. They would still be used if you could come up with a 15 round K frame.

3. 27's are available in just about any barrel length you need from 3.5" to 8 3/8"

4"

5"

6"

6.5"

8 3/8"

4. You can also get any of these in nickel if thats what floats your boat.

5. They have great bluing and the triggers are among the best Smith ever produced.

6. Now before you start your counter arguments about why some other model is more cool than the 27, there is one thing the 27 has that no other model does. It has the checkering on the top strap. Sorry the argument ends there

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

 

[swDC]

I am sure everyone will have their own preferences but I sure do enjoy taking my 3.5" 27-2 to the range and then cleaning her up.

 

[Homie]

You're close, but Pre-27s are cooler!

Good shooting.

 

[Art Doc]

The Registered Magnums in the 1930s, and their descendants through the Model 27-2, were always the top of the S&W line. The 44 Magnum was more powerful, but the 27 was the most deluxe revolver and was the flagship of the S&W line.

The 27 has long been my favorite revolver with the 5" being my personal preference for the best one. But I also have some in 3.5", 4" (that one is actually an RM), 6.5" and 8.375". The 6" is the only one I have never owned because that length never excited me.

 

[P&R Fan]

I can't offer any argument, they are incredibly cool. I really like my 4" M27-2. Never realized how scarce those are until I joined this Forum.
One thing I have always wondered about. Why is this the only model they put the fancy checkering on? I would think the .44 Magnum, later called the M29 would be a good candidate for it. If I had to guess, I would say it was because when the .357 Magnum came out in 1935 it was the top of the line gun. In 1956 when the .44 Magnum was offered it's only outstanding quality was caliber.
I'd like to hear others thoughts on why the .357 Magnum M27 and it's Pre variants were the only ones that got this treatment.
Jim

 

[JBnTx]

If I could own only one S&W revolver it would be a model 27-2, blue with a 4 inch barrel.

If I could own only two S&W revolvers, I'd add a model 29-2, blue with a 4 inch barrel.

..

 

[fyimo]

I agree with everything SaxonPig said and to me they are the best looking S&W revolver in the line up. I also think the 5 inch is the best balanced and I like shooting my 3.5 inch at the range. I have a 4 inch in nickel finish and it's really pretty and the crown jewel in my collection is a 5 inch only fired at the factory with a nickel finish.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Another in agreement.

 

[weatherby]

No argument here

 

[old bear]

I believe it’s somewhat of a macho thing, a finely made Large frame .357 Magnum revolver just screams I’m all about business don’t fuss with me. The original 3 ½” barreled guns were developed for one purpose only, to put law enforcement on even footing with the gangsters of the day.
I will be the first to admit I’m as enthralled the N frame’s as the next guy.

 

[glenncal1]

Thanks to everyone for adding their photos. I have to find the elusive reasonably priced 3.5" gun.

 

[David LaPell]

I have had two Model 27's over the years, a nickel 5-inch and favorite 3 1/2 inch. It's hard not to like these.

 

[ladder13]

I foolishly sold a 5" a couple years back , but still have this one.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I had a M27 8 3/8" in the 70's. Sold it...
Now have a 5", I like it better then the 8 3/8", easer to carry.

 

[Xfuzz]

3.5 inch has about the best balance of near all of my revolvers.
Here is an old 27-1 with a Berns-Martin rig.
Carried by a Texas sheriff.

 

[WrongWay]

glenncal1,

Could you post a better pic of the checkering you've mentioned. Can't quite see it in the one you posted.

WrongWay

 

[Shooting4life]

Can't go wrong with a 27/627. I hope the find a nickel 3.5 one day

 

[senecaap]

You are spot on about the 27. I have never understood the cachet that the Python holds to many over the 27, it's pretty but a weaker action, its DA is not as pleasant nor consitant to me, recoil is not as well managed as in the N frame and it doesn't have the groovy checkering. The 27 is the pistol version of a Spartan hoplite in a tuxedo: stately, polished, looks good and totally capable at any moment of killing in a very violent and efficient manner.

The only problem I have with the 27 (besides the fact that I am currently 27/RM-less) is the caliber. My perfect gun is the 27 configuration chambered in .44 Special, that's the ultimate.

 

[Senor Chisme]

I saw a nickle 3.5" Model 27 at the Ft. Worth gunshow yesterday in a wooden box w/ papers and some of the original tools for $950. Don't know if it was a good deal or not.

 

[Shooting4life]

I saw a nickle 3.5" Model 27 at the Ft. Worth gunshow yesterday in a wooden box w/ papers and some of the original tools for $950. Don't know if it was a good deal or not.

That is a very good price.