My 5" 27-2

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Bought this about 25 years ago for $325. Has an interesting serial number. S2403xx. Think perhaps they built it on an older N frame.

[Thumbcocker]

5" N frames are just beautiful.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Sorry for the lousy pic.

[Drm50]

I got one of them NIB, CASE. GOT a 6” that I shoot. I’ve got several m19s that I hardly ever shoot because the 27s and 14s seem to be more accurate.

[FLINTNFIRE]

Have the 3 1/2 , 6 , 8 3/8 and have not shot them in years , I have shot at least one of the pair of model 28 6 inch barrel , different finish and grip size , but still great gun . Nice 5 inch one there , picture looked fine .

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I had a Model 29 with a serial number that started with an “S”

My Model 29 was a 1962, the S serial number is correct for an N frame of that period.

Beautifully made guns.

[Don Purcell]

The new Smiths may be made to closer tolerences but the older ones have a soul.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Hard to beat the M27s. Closest I ever came (besides holding and admiring) was a 4" M28. Sorry I let it get away.

[evort]

Nice Smith there.

I had a 5" 27, in a moment of stupidity I sold it.

[357Mag]

Cosmic -

Howdy !

IMHO - the 5" -27 IS " The Cadillac of handguns " ( and not the .357 from brand X ).

I carried my best friend's M-27 2 for many years ( a great friend ! ) Recessed cylinder, pinned barrel, finely checkered top strap, combat trigger.

Had 2 custom "N" frames made w/ 4" heavy barrels, the intent being to duplicate the balance of the 5" -27 in a 4" barrel format. The first was assembled on a
M-58 frame, because I wanted to go w/ fixed sights for my CCW application. NE Indiana gunsmith Dave Schwarze installed a Douglas .357" cal liner in the bored-out factory heavy barrel. He also installed a M-28 cylinder. Combat trigger and partially-bobbed hammer rounded-out the gun, which I fitted w/ custom " Jordan Trooper " stocks from Herrett's ( walnut ).

I felt a little more refinement could be had, and had Schwarze make me a custom 4" heavy barrel using a straight bull Douglas barrel w/ diameter that matched the frame width @ the attachment point. For this gun, I used a surplus NYSP M-520 frame and cylinder. Dave milled the right side of the trigger guard to half width,
ala' the M-19 Bill Jordan Commemorative. Combat trigger, manganese phosphate finish; and a new set of Jordan Troopers.... this time in Goncalo Alves.
This is my current carry gun, and the one that best imitates 5" M-27 balance and recoil control.

Love those 5" -27s, still !


With regards,
357Mag

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I had a Model 29 with a serial number that started with an “S”

My Model 29 was a 1962, the S serial number is correct for an N frame of that period.

Beautifully made guns.

It also has that artsy ampersand symbol between the Smith and the Wesson on both the barrel and frame. The K-38 Combat Masterpiece I recently acquired has these symbols as well. It's serial # is K 3043xx. Supposedly from 1956. Right now Gunbroker has quite a few minty old Smith's for sale.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

In 1974 an old deputy sheriff handed me his pistol and asked me to tell him what it was. I was an Explorer Scout in uniform. I said it was a Smith & Wesson .357. He said; no, that is a .357 Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum. The deputy’s name was on file with Smith & Wesson.

In 1974 that gun had glow in the dark sights and had a sticker on it that it was also registered with the Nuclear Commission because it had nuclear glow in the dark sights.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

In 1974 an old deputy sheriff handed me his pistol and asked me to tell him what it was. I was an Explorer Scout in uniform. I said it was a Smith & Wesson .357. He said; no, that is a .357 Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum. The deputy’s name was on file with Smith & Wesson.

In 1974 that gun had glow in the dark sights and had a sticker on it that it was also registered with the Nuclear Commission because it had nuclear glow in the dark sights.

Wow......would love to time travel back to those days.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Cosmic -

Howdy !

IMHO - the 5" -27 IS " The Cadillac of handguns " ( and not the .357 from brand X ).

I carried my best friend's M-27 2 for many years ( a great friend ! ) Recessed cylinder, pinned barrel, finely checkered top strap, combat trigger.

Had 2 custom "N" frames made w/ 4" heavy barrels, the intent being to duplicate the balance of the 5" -27 in a 4" barrel format. The first was assembled on a
M-58 frame, because I wanted to go w/ fixed sights for my CCW application. NE Indiana gunsmith Dave Schwarze installed a Douglas .357" cal liner in the bored-out factory heavy barrel. He also installed a M-28 cylinder. Combat trigger and partially-bobbed hammer rounded-out the gun, which I fitted w/ custom " Jordan Trooper " stocks from Herrett's ( walnut ).

I felt a little more refinement could be had, and had Schwarze make me a custom 4" heavy barrel using a straight bull Douglas barrel w/ diameter that matched the frame width @ the attachment point. For this gun, I used a surplus NYSP M-520 frame and cylinder. Dave milled the right side of the trigger guard to half width,
ala' the M-19 Bill Jordan Commemorative. Combat trigger, manganese phosphate finish; and a new set of Jordan Troopers.... this time in Goncalo Alves.
This is my current carry gun, and the one that best imitates 5" M-27 balance and recoil control.

Love those 5" -27s, still !


With regards,
357Mag

Bill Jordan had huge hands. Real vice grip on the pistol. Think Elmer Keith was similarly endowed.

[AnthonyB]

I sold a five inch M27 that I had illegally stored in the barracks at West Point to finance my first honeymoon. If I had only known.... Still looking for another one.
Tony

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Nice Smith there.

I had a 5" 27, in a moment of stupidity I sold it.

You have a good deal of company regarding that decision.

[smithnframe]

The grips don't look original.

[evort]

You have a good deal of company regarding that decision.

Yes I do. :)

[Cosmic_Charlie]

The grips don't look original.

Good eye. I have the originals and they are nice if not plain. These are new Smith grips which didn't turn out to be as good as the originals.

[contender1]

Way back in the late 1970's,, after reading Skeeter Skelton's admiration for the M-27's in 5",, I lusted for one. Lo & behold,, I found one I could afford. It was SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!! Along came a guy who really wanted it,, and offered me a fair amount above what I paid,, and in a moment of weakness,, I sold it.
Then, I was lucky enough to get a second one,, and again, in a crunch for money,, (young & married,) and a sweet offer for it,, my second one left home. I figured I could find another,,,! Well, it was 1982,, and I found my 3rd M-27 in 5",, and swore,, it would NOT be sold. A guy I worked with,, developed a deep lust for it,, and kept bugging me to "name my price!" Figuring he didn't have the money or wouldn't meet my price,, I finally relented & threw out a VERY high price. He bought it,, and made me regret pricing it.
It wasn't until 2017 that I FINALLY found my 4th M-27 in 5". Nope, no way,, not gonna even consider it in any form,, will it leave home.

[alamogunr]

I had two S&W Model 28's(Highway Patrolman) w/6" barrel. I sent the looser of the two to Jim Stroh to be cut to 4" , tuned and refinished. He talked me into 5" barrel. I've never regretted it. One of the best revolvers I own.

The barrel turned plum in less than two years. Really gave it kind of a vintage look.

[Petrol & Powder]

Awesome guns !

While I've always found the N-frames to be a bit heavy, they are great shooters !

[Tatume]

Bought this about 25 years ago for $325. Has an interesting serial number. S2403xx. Think perhaps they built it on an older N frame.

27-1 1960 Change from right to left hand extractor rod
27-2 1961 Cylinder stop changed, eliminate triggerguard screw
27-2 1969 Change to "N" serial prefix [from "S" which began in 1949]
- Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Supica and Nahas -

[mattw]

I have always wanted an early 27 in shooter condition, I find Smiths blue to be the best I have ever seen without high dollar gunsmith work. All of my blue Smiths are 38 Special and down. I do own a few of 6 shot 627's from 2.5" up thru 6 inch. Early on I avoided their blued guns, both my wife and I shot a bunch of revolver and her touch could rust a gun in the time it took to shoot a match on a warm day. She loved recoil for fun shooting, that got her into Lew Horton's snubbies in 357, 10mm, 41 and 44. The 44 was her favorite.

I am beginning to ramble... Beautiful pistol friend!

[Rich/WIS]

Had a mid 60's vintage 27-2 5", got it used as a HS graduation gift in 68 from the gunshop where I helped out. Sent it back to S@W for a reblue and 3T's. Shot it constantly and 40+ K rounds finally took their toll and had to retire it in 2014. Still miss the heft and feel but sooner or later all good things must end.

[Drm50]

I have a 83/8” 27-2 that I bought in package deal with several other S&Ws NIB, cases actually. I don’t think I ever had 83/8” before. The 27 wasn’t the reason for purchase and I had no interest in it. I had 5”NIB and a couple 6” shooters. My Bro was interested in the 83/8” so I told him If he wanted it , he had to deal it before it was shot. I would say out of the box that particular one is the most accurate 357 I’ve ever shot. It shot into 4” at 100yds with factory.

[357Mag]

Cosmic Charlie -

Just read your comments about Bill Jordan's hand size.

Guess my hands must be of fairly large size, too. Most size #10 gloves are still tight on me.

I went w/ the "N" frame ( for amongst other reasons ) their frame size. The "Ks" and "Ls" are notably short ( for me ) in their backstrap-to trigger distance.
To fill in the gap to be comparable to the N"-frame spec, custom "K" frame grips would have to have a really large amount of wood between the backstrap and my palm.

I also like the wt increase afforded by the larger "N" frame, as it contributes to recoil control ( IMHO ). I am large enough in stature to be able to conceal my custom heavy barreled M-520 in a " pistol pocket " clipped to my belt; positioned in the small of my back ( under a loose shirt ). Bianchi did not offer a pistol pocket for 4'" "N's ", so I stretched-out 2 of them that Bianchi made for 4" M-19's. Works great !

The smooth design and tapered side profile of the Jordan Trooper stocks makes carrying and drawing from under a shirt as smooth and successful as one could hope for.


With regards,
357Mag

[murf205]

You have a good deal of company regarding that decision.

Count me into that " I sold it club" but I finally fixed that. Mine was a 6" nickel and this week a friend solved the dilemma for me. I will not make the same mistake again. This gun is safe at home now. Yes, it is unfired and will stay that way. I know, I know, but I have other 357's if I need to shoot one.266362266363

[gtivan]

I bought mine about a 15 years ago. Beautiful 27 no dash 4 screw 5". Barely a turn mark on the cylinder. It was so nice I never took it out and always used my 6" since it had been well loved and used in a previous life and was in the 85% range. Always shot the 6" better as well.

The guy I bought it from wanted it back and offered a pretty sum, for it. So I got 2 new rifles and a shotgun last year.

Didn't mind it leaving too much. I like shooters, not safe queens.

[Rodfac]

I've had a 27-3, 5 incher, the Anniversary Model for several years....great gun and every bit as good as Skelton said. Mine is a shooter, and easy to carry in an OWB holster when seated on any modern conveyance...about as long a bbl. that makes that possible. But that frame size is just a bit too big for me...the K's work better in my hands...but aren't available in that magic 5" length. But for me, I need thinner stocks to make it fit...no problem when Ahrend was still turning them out.

Accuracy is as good as anything in my safe now...less than 2" at 25 yds from a rest, hand held with any reasonable load. Skeltons 13.5 gr 2400 prescription with any good 158 gr LSWC is the cat's meow with it....GC'd 358156's do as well as my aging eyes can steer and are cheap when cast from wheel weights.

For true, bet the farm, accuracy, mine really perks with Lyman's 35891 sized 0.358"...special brass or magnum makes no matter, they group like homing pigeons.

YMMv Rod

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Count me into that " I sold it club" but I finally fixed that. Mine was a 6" nickel and this week a friend solved the dilemma for me. I will not make the same mistake again. This gun is safe at home now. Yes, it is unfired and will stay that way. I know, I know, but I have other 357's if I need to shoot one.266362266363

Get some Birchwood Casey Barricade protectant for it. Stuff really keeps the rust away.