1911 Firearm Addicts banner

Model 27

964 Views 33 Replies 20 Participants Last post by  WCCPHD
Many years ago, I have a model 27 and absolutely loved it. What barrel length is the preferred choice to collectors now 5. 6, or 8. I have seen a few for sale on GunBroker, but the price seems extra high.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
I prefer 2.5 to 4.
27's are high but worth it!
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Five is sought after. Mine have been 6" and 8 3/8". Shorter ones seem to bring premium prices.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
I’m not sure about collectors. I’m a 27 fan, but I also carry and shoot mine regularly. My favorites are the 3.5- and 5-inch varieties, but I also have a “newer” (mid-1980s) 4-incher that is no slouch haha.
  • Like
Reactions: 4
Air gun Trigger Revolver Mammal Wood
Revolver Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory
I was a S&W revolver guy for years, I didn't even know they made 5" N frames. Somehow I lucked into two of them , top is a 27-2 , bottom is a 629-4.
See less See more
2
  • Like
Reactions: 5
The four or five inch. There were less fours than 3.5s. Anything Mint condition with case and tools, but I would search out an older five, personally. You're going to have to part with a lot for a prime example.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
I need to get a 27 at some point!
  • Like
Reactions: 1
The 3.5" are always in high demand, being the gun of the FBI and Patton. Lately the 5" are moving well, a lot to do with Skeeter Skeltons noted preference for that barrel length.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
To me, the 5" model just looks right and balances well.

Gun accessory Electric blue Gun barrel Revolver Fashion accessory
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 5
any S prefix 27-28. then early N prefix in 3.5 and 5” tend to go for more. Just buy the one the feels best in your hand.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Five is sought after. Mine have been 6" and 8 3/8". Shorter ones seem to bring premium prices.
But I would think the 8” are way more accurate
Fyi 3.5” was the shortest barrel available. It still seems to draw the biggest crowd followed closely by the 5”. I watch the prices on these closer than any other Smith 😊
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Revolver Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Everyday carry


This is an 8-3/8" from 1970 and it shoots like a dream although I have removed these original Magnas and set them aside.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 5
This is my 3.5" 27-2, lettered to 1971. Found it locally a couple of years ago with the combat stocks on it. Strange thing is that in the letter it states it went back a month after purchase for a reblue, hmm. Once I pointed out the reblue mark the shop knocked $100 off the price (got it for $850 out the door). It's a hell of a shooter!




The factory reblue mark is on the left side of the grip frame close to the backstrap with the date near the front of the grip frame.
See less See more
3
  • Like
Reactions: 5
Just out of curiosity if it was replied at the factory 1 month after it was originally sold....it's still a factory finish?

It's not like it's one of those prewar registered magnums that were reblued in the 70s and look nothing like they supposed to.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
This is my 3.5" 27-2, lettered to 1971. Found it locally a couple of years ago with the combat stocks on it. Strange thing is that in the letter it states it went back a month after purchase for a reblue, hmm. Once I pointed out the reblue mark the shop knocked $100 off the price (got it for $850 out the door). It's a hell of a shooter!




The factory reblue mark is on the left side of the grip frame close to the backstrap with the date near the front of the grip frame.
Now that's a deal. I wonder what the story was on the reblue, if it was a QC error (seems unlikely at that stage of the company) or a problem in transit? Beautiful 27 in any event!
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Yeah pretty interesting. In the letter I received from S&W historian Roy Jinks he couldn’t find any info in company records why it was refinished.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Love the model 27 and the 28. The first revolver I ever wanted other than a brace of Colt SAAs was a 4” Model 28. The 3.5” and 5” lengths are both wonderful in their own right, though to my eye, a 3.5” Model 27 just looks right. Very well proportioned.
That was in the middle of the Bangor Punta ownership of S&W. Wasnt known as the greatest period od S&W, actually thought of as some of the worst. Finish issues new were not unheard of.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
Top