Model 27- new or used

New or Used model 27

  • New

    Votes: 6 19.4%

  • Used

    Votes: 25 80.6%
  • Total voters
    31
  • Poll closed .
R

RamItOne

New member
The only revolver I have is my dads colt 38 det spcl. I don't shoot it but once a year (sentimental).

I am not wanting to start buying several revolvers, just want one darn good one. I've narrowed it down to the 27 (would like .44 mag but don't want to pay the ammo costs).
Now on to the question, how do the new production runs from S&W compare to a used one, sure there's different degrees of quality/condition in a used gun but let's just say the used gun was in very good mechanical condition.
What would you choose.

Thanks
 
Probably nine out of ten people on this forum is going to tell you to get a used one due to perceived quality problems with S&W. I have had two post-lock smiths (686+ and 617), and, while I ended up selling them, both were fine weapons, every bit as good mechanically as my older smiths. That being said, the cost of a new 27s are nearly as much as the old 27s (in good shape), yet the resale value on the old 27s is generally better.

Another cost concious option is getting an older model 28. The differences between a 27 and a 28 are (mostly?) cosmetic. I had a 27 but sold it for a slight profit when I realized I just enjoyed the 28 at least as much. A model 28 should cost quite a bit less than a model 27 in similar condition.

BTW, my next smith is going to be a 627 pro. Eight rounds of 357? Heck yeah!
 
I say used just for the cost savings. Inspect the revolver and make sure it checks out. If not, wait for a better one.
I don't want to see another anti-lock thread get started. Those only annoy people and won't change anyone's opinions.
 
The problem with the internet is that one guy's misfortune turns into internet lore in record time. Yes, problems have occurred with the new Smiths, just like they did with the old ones. The only difference is the old guns that had problems didn't make it to today. They were either repaired or discarded. That's why the old guns are perceived as being of better quality.

Yes, the bluing on those old guns won't be beat by anything today. Mechanically speaking though, I'd say guns made today are the best they've ever been.

Also, if the lock worries you, it can be removed. Instructions are on the internet on how to do it.
 
Hard to beat the old ones, but there sure aint anything wrong with the new ones. If I were looking for one for heavy use, I may lean towards a new model, but from an enjoyment standpoint, Id go with the old.
 
The new guns don't hold a candle to the old ones. The new guns will function but the aren't of the same quality. As for the lock, who cares? I have three and the lock has never been a problem. Timing was off on one, extractor screwed up on one, burr in the forcing cone on the other. I have another made after they stopped pinning the bbls, it shoots ok but plates lead on the cylinder, took it for repair, still plates lead. Find an old gun that is pinned, you'll have a better chance of getting a good gun. Almost forgot, I also bought a new Model 24 in the 80's, sent it back 3 times, finally traded it off.
 
I've never owned a "new" Model 27, but I have owned a couple of "new" (with the lock) 44's and 45's. No, they might not be as nice as the older ones, but they were a long way from bad. I eventually sold them off to fund other purchases, but not because I was disatisified with the guns in any way.

I would say to get an older one, but only because I suspect they'd be less expensive.
 
Current production S&Ws are shadows or reflections of their former, top of the line revolvers, the Model 27 being one of the best of those.

They now call anything that remotely resembles an older model a "Classic" but they are anything but classic or even classy. The frame contours have been changed where the hammer rides and discerning fans of the older Smiths can tell the difference at a glance, i.e. the new guns which must allow for the infernal and un-necessary lock are ugly by comparison. Add to that the frame mounted firing pin that frequently needs replacing because of mis-fires and the MIM parts and you're talking about a different sort of revolver entirely.

Not trying to offend owners of the newer guys but they just aren't what a Smith & Wesson used to be. YMMV!

Dave
 
Thanks for the input, now what's with the "-2" etc that I see behind some of the models, Im guessing its a different generation. Any specific groups or runs I should avoid?
 
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