*Smith Wesson .357, model 27-2, 8 3/8inch barre

E

eddie02ws6

Inactive
smith wesson model 27-2, 8 3/8inch barrel, n165157 is the serial.

Gun is for sale locally and I just want some feedback before I decide to buy it.

-Can anyone tell me the year of the gun?

- In good condition, id say a 7 out of 10 condition wise. Some fading, wear marks etc. What should I pay?

- is this a rare gun?
. 8 inch barrel
.age.

any input is greatly appreciated.

He is at 750 otd, local pawn shop
 
We actually have a HUGE thread for exactly this question pinned to the top of this forum. Next time you seek this info, please use that thread. In the mean time:

The big book suggests a 1972-1974 production date for that revolver. Price, "value" and for darn sure certain "perception of condition" varies wildly for many reasons.

But if I were able to put my hands on it and really shake it out and ensure it's 100% functional, I would say that is a pretty good price for a Model 27. All else being equal, an 8 3.8" barrel typically has a softer demand than a 6-inch barrel will. I don't know if the longer tube was short in production, but if it wasn't, the longer barrel won't make it "more" valuable.

After you buy it... return to this thread and post pictures! :D
 
A great help! Thank you!!

Im torn between buying that and a like new sw 686 6 inch in stainless for 600.

Which route would you all go? Major differences?
 
To my mind a no box 95% 8 3/8" 27 is a $700 gun. I'm not sure what 7 out of 10 condition really means but if that translate to NRA Good, I'd call it $550 tops. I'd be all over the 686.
 
pre27838_021206.jpg


Here is a 8 3/8 pre-27 (a lot older than yours) but it shows what it can do on the range. This is 50 shots at 15 yrds.

The one caution I would give you is that while the 8 3/8" barrel is nice accurate and a soft shooter, it is also a pain. It is hard to pack, not particularly practical to carry around and generally cumbersome. I ended up getting 2 of them and the 2nd pre-27 has never been fired. I just got a good deal (about $1000) and could not pass up a 60 year old unfired gun with the original box.
 
Peter M. Eick
The one caution I would give you is that while the 8 3/8" barrel is nice accurate and a soft shooter, it is also a pain. It is hard to pack, not particularly practical to carry around and generally cumbersome.
Click to expand...

I have an 8 3/8" Model 29. It is a beautiful gun, accruate and everything Peter said about it. I wouldn't sell mine. I won't get another one.

The 686 is a much more practical, fun gun.

If I was still shooting bowling pin matches or the local turkey shoots, the big barrel gun is the one to get. The 686 on the other hand is a great target/icore/woods/home defense/car/etc gun.
 
Agreed. I would not sell either of mine and the one shown above is my range gun. It is a "blast" at the range. Beyond that, well, it is not that practical of a gun. A nice 6" or 5" Pre-27 or Pre-28 is a far better piece.
 
Eddie. The long barrelled 27-2s are the least desirable of 27s among S&W collectors and shooters. You're giving it a '7' out of '10.' If '10' = 100%, then '7' = 70%. No way I would pay $750 for a 70% 27-2 w/8 3/8 inch barrel. I might go $500 for it, but that's only if it passed the mechanical checkout stickied on this forum.

But I could see where such a gun might become a top notch light to medium game getter. I used to have a 27-2 w/8 inch barrel. (Are you sure it's 8 3/8 inch?) The longer barrel made for a better/longer (for me) sight radius. I shoot better with longer barrels.

As mentioned, long barreled guns can be difficult to carry/pack. The best solution I found for carrying long barreled handguns into the field was a bandolier holster.

Anyway, he's asking way too much for a 70% gun.
 
I appreciate all of the replies, thank you to each and everyone of you.

I ruled out the 8inch smith because of price-condition.

To be honest, I dont have an intended use for my next gun. Maybe keep under the bed, under the truck seat, target practice, anything.

The deal with the 686 didnt turn out.
(I went to atm, withdrew money, began driving, and he calls and complains about me being late because he misread a text message. appt set for 6pm, it was 5:13pm. I explained that he was mistaken and he just kept on being an a**. He hung up and said the gun wasnt for sale. Sure enough, the text said 6.
The gun is still for sale locally. He knew he was wrong, but never apologized. )

So I'm back to the drawing board. Will likely post again when I've gathered my thoughts
 
I ruled out the 8inch smith
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Your original post said 8 3/8 inch barrel. My old 27-2 had a 8 inch barrel. That was the standard barrel length for the longer barrelled 27s.

This post said 8 inch.

Which is it?

BTW, I think you made a wise choice given the condition of the gun. Now, if it had been 98%, presentation case, all tools present and accounted for, etc.

That would be different.
 
As a historical note, the long barrel .357 Magnum was 8 3/4" in length. When the gun was found to exceed the maximun sight radius for USRA (United States Revolver Association) competition, the barrel length was reduced to 8 3/8", which remains the standard for S&W to this day.

Bob Wright
 
The longer the barrel the lower the value in the used market. The 27 is the top of the line gun for S&W but a 70% example is not worth $750 IMO. A better deal on a better gun can be had with some looking.
 
@Foghorn, Sorry about that, I didnt know there were two. It was definitely the 8 3/8 inch barrel.

Interesting historical note on the barrel length. Thanks :)



Thanks again all, glad You guys helped me make an informed decision.

Really appreciated
 
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