Can't decide which gun to buy!

[valnar]

I have some money burning in my pocket and I can't decide what to buy. Please help!

Either an excellent condition Smith & Wesson blued 27-2 with 6" barrel
or
a Dan Wesson Patriot .45ACP in stainless.
(Please don't recommend others, I've decided that's the 1911 for me & my budget)

Both are around the $600 range, with the Smith costing a little less and the 1911 a little more.

I have other .357 revolvers which I love to shoot, but not an N-frame in .357. I have other .45 guns like a SIG P220 (and a Smith 625 for that matter!....) but not a 1911 yet.

I can get only one right now. Neither will go away in a couple months or next year, since people readily sell model 27-2's on the auction boards frequently. I assume the Patriot will be available for years to come. Both are basically plinking toys and also to be admired, as are most my gun purchases.

So which should I get?

-Robert

 

[Black Majik]

Since its between a S&W M27 and a DW 1911, I'd go for the M27.

If it was a different 1911 that I was more biased towards and usually recommend, then... of course knowing me I'd usually opt for the 1911.


S&W M27 takes the vote today.

 

[cookhj]

just buy both. you'll thank yourself later.

 

[tc300mag1]

gotta have that 1911

 

[ruger357]

Get the 27. Might not get another chance at one. You can always buy the 1911 at a latter date.

 

[JoeHatley]

I agree with ruger357. Get the 27 while you still can. 1911s are always available.

You can never have too many N Frames...

Joe

 

[Berg01]

I have an S&W 27-2 that is exactly as you describe. Inspect it carefully; if the cosmetics are decent, or if you are O.K. with just having a shooter, check the lockup, endshake, and if possible have a gunsmith check the barrel gap, throat, and the crane alignment. If it checks out cosmetically and mechanically, you should jump at it, since they don't make these anymore, the current S&W revolvers are not quite the same as the older ones, and there really are not many handguns that shoot like it! If anything is out of spec, you will usually still be able to shoot it, but the accuracy might be a little off, which was the issue with mine. Mine locks up tighter than a bankvault, but the end shake was off, and it had to be reshimmed. It is currently at the gunsmith getting all the stuff I mentioned either fixed or checked out. Any decent gunsmith should be able to tune a Model 27, since this was the flagship S&W revolver for many years (I would be suspicious of a 'smith that could not work on one).

If the finish is showing any evidence of serious pitting, I'd probably pass on it, and opt for the DW (which is also an great choice, I have two shooting friends that have blued DWPEs, and they are excellent).

 

[valnar]

I think if I get the 1911, I might still be able to get a model 28-2 (I don't care about the nicer finish on the 27-2 really. Plus, I may hard chrome it later and a 28-2 is better for that).

I agree and disagree with everyone's replies. Yes they are not made any more, but I see no sign of them going away on the auction boards.

Thanks for everyone's replies so far. I'm leaning towards the 1911, only because it would be more fun at the moment. I have several .357 wheel guns already.

-Robert

 

[45auto]

Everyone must have one 1911...it's the law.

 

[Berg01]

The DW Patriot Expert is the best way for you to go; considering the features you get for the money, they are hard to beat. I just took a look on GunsAmerica, and based on what the Model 27s are currently going for there (I can't believe $675.00 - $795.00!!!), I would want that gun to be inspected & approved mechanically by a good gunsmith, before I'd agree to anywhere near those prices. I paid nowhere near those prices for mine 2 yrs. ago, and although I really love the gun, I would not pay that much for it today). Those prices might get you a decent S&W PC 627 or even a Colt Python, which can be had at a decent price if you are willing to comb the gunstores, and can haggle on price.

 

[Smaug]

You're missing a bigger category with the 1911 than with the 27-2. You already have other 357 revolvers, but no 1911. The only thing is frame size. Since people who know seem to think no handgun collection is complete without a 1911, I would say to go that route.

 

[Tom C.]

I have a 6" Model 27-2 and several 1911's. I would get both, getting the Model 27 first, because it won't be available later, then get the 1911 of your choice. They are still in production and will be available later.

 

[Marshall]

M27 first, you'll kiss yourself for it.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

1911 -- make it an Argentine Sistema.

 

[Ala Dan]

I'll cast another vote for the S&W 27-2!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[valnar]

I've decided to start with the 1911. I'm really itching for one now that I've spent some time on the 1911forum.


Thanks for all the replies. A S&W N-Frame is surely to follow eventually.

-Robert

 

[stans]

I would get the 27 now, Dan Wesson is still churning out 1911's by the truck load, so there will still be plenty to go around for at least a few more years. S&W ain't makin' the classic 27's, so supply is fixed.

 

[Tamara]

Old Smiths are like real estate; they ain't makin' any more.

Dan Wesson will make a hundred more guns just like that one tomorrow. You can always pick up the DW a few paychecks down the road.

 

[valnar]

Berg01 said it best.

I have to buy sight unseen, and the prices are really high on the auction sites. It would be best to keep the cash handy and search around for one to show up, so I can verify its a good buy. Either that or wait for a deal from one of these forums where the people are (usually) honest and good.

Both will come, its just which one first.

Robert