Smith & Wesson 27-? with 8-3/8

[Chillaxin]

Guys-
Been looking for one of these for a bit and started to wonder the real world difference between the 27-2 vs 27-3, 27-5 etc. I know the -2 is pinned and recessed. The -2 is what I've been looking for but should I also be looking for a 27-? as well?

Thanks for the help
C-

 

[SunnySlopes]

If the pinned and recessed is what you want, then be patient. They are out there. I'm like you. I'm partial to pinned and recessed Smiths.

You might join over here:


http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve


..as they have a really good classifieds section.

But if I were you, I'd wait to get what I really wanted, viz. a bonified Smith with a pinned barrel and recessed chambers. There's nothing quite like dropping a round into a recessed chamber, and seeing it completely enclosed. It reminds me of a time when the name Smith and Wesson meant something.

 

[Fishslayer]

For me the P&R is a major dividing line. To me it sort of represents the taking over by the bean counters and the passing of an era.

The earlier vintage M27 is just a thing of beauty. If you consider a post '82 model to be "settling" then you'll probably regret it if/when a P&R model presents itself. Lurk and wait. Keep a wad of Benjamins in hand. When that elusive revolver pops up, NAIL IT!

 

[Chillaxin]

Thanks for the replies. That's what I thought as well. There is a gun show around here in a couple of weeks. I'm gonna take a wad of Benjamins with me and see what turns up. Sometimes being picky is a curse! If anyone else has any info please chime in. Thanks again
C-

 

[Fishslayer]

Knowlege is key. While gun show steals are the exception rather than the rule, they do happen. Knowing what to look for and general pricing is important. I've missed some good deals because I didn't know what I was looking at. By the time I did my research & went back... gone. OTOH I've dodged a few bullets as well.

 

[LTR shooter]

The pinned/recessed 27-2 and earlier models have more collector value and the prices have risen accordingly , especially in the last few years.

For a range shooter I picked up a 27-3 for far less than I could find a pinned/recessed 27. It is not a safe queen but still looks as impressive as any other handgun I have ever owned. I shoot it as well or better than any Smith I have owned including P&R models. The long sight radius probably plays a part as well.

Good luck finding a 27-2 at the show!

 

[Checkman]

Yes good luck. Take a small flashlight with you. Helps with examining a gun. Often the lighting isn't great in the big areas where they hold gunshows. If you have a small magnifying glass or jewelers loop take that as well. The hardest thing about gun shows is you don't get the time to examine, think about it, look some more, do some more examining and then buy or don't buy.

Enjoy. Keep us advised.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

They are great guns when you find one. I have a couple Pre-27's of that ilk:




50 shots, 15 yrds offhand with a hot 2400 load and 158's.

 

[Chillaxin]

Now that is a nice revolver!

C-

 

[huntershooter]

I've just this one 8 3/8", a 27-2.
Fun range gun, but not a preferred hunting/field revolver.

 

[Chillaxin]

Huntershooter--------NICE!!

Wanna sell it??!!??

 

[win71]

Hold out for the pinned-recessed

Here is a pre-27 in 8 3/8" that I shoot a lot, and a 27-2 that I seldom shoot. I wish I had a few more.