How do y'all feel about Smith N-frame .357?

I don't want to embarrass anyone by naming names, but one chap here said that the M27/28 have LONGER cylinders than, presumably, the K and L-frame S&W's.

It's my understanding that although the guns are larger, the cylinders are actually shorter, limiting which cast bullets can be used. This was noted as far back as the 1950's, and Keith mentioned it in, "Sixguns".

I've owned 27's and 28's, but never shot anything but factory ammo in them, so had no reason to be troubled by this. But it's something that handloaders will want to note, and select bullets accordingly.

Lone Star
 
I always thought the N frame a little big for the .357, as compared to the K & L frames - but a nice gun none the less.
 
The models 27 and 28 S&W, in .357 are as strong as you can get. My next choice would be a Ruger Security Six or GP-100. Dan Wesson makes a good strong gun but has been IN and OUT of Bankruptcy several times.
 
This one came home yesterday...

One of the 50th anniversary models, made in 1985. I normally don't buy "manufactured collectables", but the 5" barrel on this 27 is highly desirable. Yes, I am going to shoot it!!!:D

S&W worksmanship in the mid '80's wasn't so hot, but as a base platform, it should be fine. The SA trigger has a hint of creep, and breaks at 4 pounds, but the DA trigger is pretty smooth. The grips are far too big for my hands, but that's not hard to fix, either.

The same shop had a 4" barrel (not original) prewar .357, and a 6" barrel 1951 model, but in the end, I went for the 5" barrel.:D
 

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50th anniversary Mod 27 is a very nice gun, indeed. I wrote the letter to the BATF to list it as a Curio/Relic many years ago.
 
Correct, it is listed as a curio/relic, which is how I was able to buy it in CA. There's an Elmer Keith Commemorative floating around here that is likewise for sale the same way.:)
 
Kev...

"I always thought the N frame a little big for the .357..."

Well, you probably wouldn't feel that way if we still had access to the kind of .357 Mag. ammo that was available when the round first came out.

158-gr. bullets approaching 1,700 fps. was not unheard of.

No matter how you cut it, that's POTENT ammo, and suitable for use only in a BIG gun.
 
Lonestar is indeed correct about the cylinder being shorter in Mod 27 than a model 19 at least in the throat. I just measured it! You learn something new here everyday , without this forum I'd never have guessed. Although I would not think of using the heavy loads that have been digested in my Mod 27's in a lesser gun. I just set bullet depth to model 27 cylider throat and never tried the 173 keith bullet loads in lesser guns.:o
 
Mike, that has to be one of the better points when it comes to the love affair with the Model 27. They have a history and a tradition that comes with owning one of them.

The old world loadings for the 357Magnum certainly command respect, more so than whatever respect it has today for being "powerful". It's downright silly almost the way the 357Mag used to be loaded before it was tamed down to it's present day levels.


But reading the alliant pages and seeing the loads listed for certain charges of Blue-Dot, that gets the motor running again. What is it? 110grain bullet at 2000+fps?
 
And I am thinking 'bout a whole mess of Hodgdon Lil'Gun behind a Keith style hardcast bullet in this M27. It should tolerate any reasonable load:)

The more I look at this 27, the better I like the lines of that 5" tapered barrel. I like my 29 & 629 Classics, but this one may be even better looking yet.

I'll grab another if I can find them, but I can't recall seeing another 5" 27 since I moved to CA some 8 years ago.
 
"But reading the alliant pages and seeing the loads listed for certain charges of Blue-Dot, that gets the motor running again. What is it? 110grain bullet at 2000+fps?"

That is a gimmick. I only get 1998 out of that load. :D
You should see what that does to a coyote.
 
Nice. Real nice.

But to be honest, I think each frame size is good, different from one another, but they are all pretty good.

Thanks for the pictures from everyone too.
 
Does this answer your question???


Mod_28-2_left.jpg
 
N frame Smiths in .357 are the creme de la creme of handgun/caliber choices. I have several, and they remain to this day, some of my absolute favorites. Accurate, easy to shoot, forgiving.
 
How do I feel about pre numbered N Frame 357's/38's.

They are my current favorite!
all_n_frames.jpg


From the top clockwise
Pre-27 357mag
Pre-23 38/44 Outdoorsman 38 special
pre-20 38/44 heavy duty 38 special
bottom
pre-20 prewar 38/44 heavy duty 38 special
The Registered Magnum! in of course 357 magnum
Pre-28 357 Magnum

All of them are shooters and they work great. The N frame 357magnum is the best.
 
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