Are the 27-2 S&W w/3 1/2" barrel worth the money?

[the count]

I just plain like the 3 1/2" barrel with big revolvers like the 27. One of my favorite gun shops currently has 2 27-2 in 3 1/2". The cost would be $950 and $850.... the more expensive looking like a 98-99% gun and the other maybe 97-98. I have seen these on websites like Collectors Firearms go for $1200 or more (without original box/papers but in a case). Good investments, yes or no at these prices?

 

[Frank V]

My feeling about buying a gun is:
If you want it & can afford it without hurting your ability to pay bills etc., it's not too expensive. Look at what a new Colt SAA will cost you, about $1300, I think they are worth it.
The Mod 27 is a very classy six-gun especially the pre lock ones. Is it a good investment? I'm not sure. If you are buying it for an investment, it'd seem the pre lock guns would be a better buy? Still the 3-1/2" 27 are very desirable, Look at what the Pythons are bringing now.
Good luck on your decision. Let us know what you do.
Frank

 

[bikemutt]

Unless the 3.5" is more rare, that price sounds on the high side to me. A very good condition 27-2 4" or 6" can easily be found for around $700.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Well I picked up a Lew Horton 3 inch 24-3 .44 Spl. for $703, tax included.

I got it cause I LIKED it. Shoots real good. 10 yards, standing, two handed, single action, 5 shots in one ragged hole maybe 1/2 inch low (I screwed up and put the sixth 2 inches high.)

BUT, I pack Glocks for CCW. I don't care if I have to drop my Glock, or it gets scratched, dirty, etc... but I do care about a real good S&W.

Deaf

 

[the count]

Guys, the 3 1/2" is scarce, not rare, and highly desirable. Obviously there are a lot of good cheaper guns out there. I have plenty of shooters. This would be a safe queen. I guess my question is directed at other collectors.

 

[mmitch]

I believe, in the dash 2, 4" guns are less prevalent than the 3.5". The prices quoted are a bit high.

Mike

 

[Smith357]

Without boxes papers and tools the price seems about $100 too high on them. But if you like the gun and want it then go ahead and get it, prices continue to climb on the P&R guns, think of it as buying it early rather than paying too much. As for investment they are really not investments, but if you do your homework and choose well you won't loose any money and you may make a couple of bucks, just don't expect to put your kids through college with it.

 

[the count]

Without boxes papers and tools the price seems about $100 too high on them. But if you like the gun and want it then go ahead and get it, prices continue to climb on the P&R guns, think of it as buying it early rather than paying too much. As for investment they are really not investments, but if you do your homework and choose well you won't loose any money and you may make a couple of bucks, just don't expect to put your kids through college with it.

About $100 over my personal gut price level meter as well. It is interesting how gun dealers will overprice some guns and underprice others. At the very same place that has these 27s I just bought a 98% nickel 1975 Python for just over $1300. I could probably make a quick couple hundred bucks on that but nooooo way....

PS Forget about bonds and/or the stock market for putting kids through college also.

 

[Old Fuff]

Looking at the investment question and the current economy.

Serious collectors that have deep pockets are generally looking for LNIB with papers and accessories. They may drop down to simply "like new," but likely not lower. When they find what they want money doesn't matter.

The rest of us don't play by those rules, because frankly - we can't afford to. If you pay the asking price and consider long-term inflation (which could be considerable given the way the Fed is increasing the money supply) I'm not sure that any increase in value might not be canceled out by future inflation.

On the other hand many people try to put their money into something that will hold its value while the dollar's worth drops.

So while you might sell it (in dollar terms) for more then you paid, the real question would be, "how much would the dollars you get buy?

If you really like the revolver and could afford it, I recommend that you buy it, but if investment is the key question I'd put the money into gold coins. Right now the price of gold has dropped, and if at some point you had to sell it would be far easier to move the coins then any firearm - except perhaps antiques.

 

[the count]

On the other hand many people try to put their money into something that will hold its value while the dollar's worth drops.

Things like quality collectable guns and precious metals are an inflation hedge. Plus if one or more develop into a real bubble you might make real moolah if you know when to sell. Bet the people that had money in MF Global wish their money was at home in guns instead ;-)
The fact that even those that had their own commodities on deposit there with warehouse receipts are probably going to loose a lot shows that we are headed towards a lawless country.

 

[bikemutt]

If you really like the revolver and could afford it, I recommend that you buy it, but if investment is the key question I'd put the money into gold coins. Right now the price of gold has dropped, and if at some point you had to sell it would be far easier to move the coins then any firearm - except perhaps antiques.

I have sold both gold and guns lately and I have to say, they are equally liquid. The difference is the price each might fetch. Gold dealers will buy the commodity at today's spot price +/- some factor; guns move fast if the price is right.

 

[bigtubby]

The 3 1/2" 27-2 is my favorite gun got two one queen one shooter if you got the money you won't be sorry. I paid $825 for the 98 to 99% over a year ago and think I got a deal. Just bought the shooter a month ago it is armorloyed and non original grips paid $500.00 for it and think I got a deal.

 

[Old Fuff]

Things like quality collectable guns and precious metals are an inflation hedge.

True, but professional investors seem to be most interested in top-quality/name brand antiques, made before 1898 or pre-metalic cartridge. The reason is the ease with which they can be sold or traded with a minimum of legal considerations. If future restrictions are enacted antiques would likely be the last and least to be affected.

guns move fast if the price is right.

True again, but "price is right," implies that it will favor the buyer.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I just plain like the 3 1/2" barrel with big revolvers like the 27.

I do, too. What I'd really like would be a five-inch barrel on a .44 magnum. The only one I've ever handled was quite a bit beyond my willingness to pay, but it sure felt right.

My rule of thumb: if you really like a gun, buy it. If you can't afford it, buy it, anyway. Money is a lot less scarce than the exact right gun.

 

[tubeshooter]

If I really wanted something like that, it was very hard to come by and I had the resources to do it without discomfort I wouldn't let 15% over the going rate stop me. Because if everybody is saying $100 too high, that's what it works out to.

I don't know how rare it is. How long before you'll see another one? 5 or 10 years?

If so... how much higher would you have to jump in 5 or 10 years?

Then ask yourself what an extra $100 will do for you today.


On the other hand, I say this in retrospect after something I wanted like that roughly doubled in price over time (for various reasons) before I got it. And it was something that I intended to shoot - quite a bit. So my reasons may not coincide with yours (as a collector), and this gun may or may not double in value over time (though I doubt you'll lose money). If you get it and the price still nags you a month later, you've got your answer.

 

[CajunBass]

I always ask myself. When was the last time I saw one of these? When will the next time I see one be? How much will it cost me then?

I just bought a 5", 27-2, in the presentation case, with all the papers and tools a month or so ago. I paid $750.00 for it. I thought that was high, until I looked in the display case and saw a new "Classic 27" for over $1200.00. I know which I'd rather have.

(Insert crappy cell phone picture here.)



The 3 1/2" barrel is a slight premium, but even at that, those prices might be a little high. You just have to ask youself how bad do you want it? And, how long will it be before I see another one?

 

[CSA 357]

the best looking 27 is the 31/2 but there were less 4 inch guns made i have had 5 inch 4 inch and 6 looking for a 31/2 nickel now

 

[the count]

The 3 1/2" 27-2 is my favorite gun got two one queen one shooter if you got the money you won't be sorry. I paid $825 for the 98 to 99% over a year ago and think I got a deal. Just bought the shooter a month ago it is armorloyed and non original grips paid $500.00 for it and think I got a deal.

Did you bead blast this one? Really nice satin finish!

 

[gp911]

Well, when George S Patton ordered his registered magnum he specified a 3-1/2" barrel & called it "my killing gun", so if Patton would approve... *shrug*