S&W Model 27 .357
- Thread starter David Harris
- Start date
brushogger
Explorer
Great pistols! I'm quite partial to S&W revolvers though. Nothing else has a trigger like a well used Smith. The more it's used the better it gets.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
SS should be a model 627 if S&W hasn't changed their designation methodology. My old boss had an 8-3/8" 5 screw M27 that he shot the top strap off of. Conservatively it had 10,000 (by the primer brick labels that were kept) hot rounds put through it to do that. Rare is the shooter who can do that, most wouldn't hit that in a lifetime.
Hard to go wrong with an S&W and an N frame is the correct choice for a lot of hot loads. If a more normal mixture of hot & target loads is expected then you might consider the L frame (586/686). What ever you choose, it must feel right in your hands or it isn't worth it.
Hard to go wrong with an S&W and an N frame is the correct choice for a lot of hot loads. If a more normal mixture of hot & target loads is expected then you might consider the L frame (586/686). What ever you choose, it must feel right in your hands or it isn't worth it.
robert
Expedition Leader
It's a great shooting revolver, but large and heavy. They were originally deigned for police officers and the model 28 is called the highway patrol model. It's built on Smith's N frame like their .44s and .45s. Personally I prefer a K frame (i.e. Model 19) if I'm going to carry it far or an L frame (ex. 686) if I'm not. The K frames shouldn't be shot with really hot .357s at all (i.e. rifle loadings) and should only be shot occasionally with the lighter of the +P .357s. The L frames will handle a steady diet of +P rounds according to S&W. I still wouldn't shoot any really hot hand loads out of the 686.
I've never been able to get a Ruger as slick as a Smith; something about the way they feel in the hand a Ruger just can't match. Before any Ruger fanboys get upset I have a couple Rugers too including a GP161. :gunt:
I've never been able to get a Ruger as slick as a Smith; something about the way they feel in the hand a Ruger just can't match. Before any Ruger fanboys get upset I have a couple Rugers too including a GP161. :gunt:
Wyowanderer
Explorer
Is the 27 the "Policeman" or some such?
My wife had one years ago and she sold it to buy a S&W 9mm. I'm still mad at her as I loved it... and I'm *not* a revolver guy.
Come to think of it, that was the only gun we've ever sold.
Go buy your own and you can stop being mad at her.
Go to the S&W website and look under revolvers, performance center ...
There are numerous 8 shot .357 mag revlovers ...
I have the Model 327 ....
Good hunting .......
FAW3
Adventurer
Here are just some personal opinions, 1: based on carrying a handgun almost every day for 27 years in LE, to include a Mod #27 S&W; staying within the parameters of the gun you want; and with the note that you need to follow your local laws and such:
Several posters have mentioned if your planning to shoot standard factory loads...you might consider S&W .357's in a mid sized/lighter frame. I'll second those comments...especially if your thinking of carrying the weapon on you for any extended time in a normal belt holster. The larger frame guns after a time just feel heavier and wider than their actual size...going thru brush or climbing trails in a worn holster. In a semi-concealed carry...the big frame really gets big. IF you want the full benefit of a .357 (velocity)...a 5 or 6" barrel is better than a 4"....but beyond 6", sitting with a standard belt holster can be an issue.
I'll add that stainless is the way to go...for fog/rain+gun+holster+time can be a bad combination for a blued gun. Also, when you scratch it/drop it...ss can buff out quite well...sort of.
Look and get top quality carry gear and think as carefully about how you will carry it as "what gun to buy"....this is where many folks skimp and at the end of the day suffer for it. There are a lot of dual wear holsters for mid sized revolvers (quality, specific fit...not just a nylon "bag" labeled "revolver holster", try: Bianchi, Safariland, Galco) that can be worn strong OR crossdraw which provide flexibility in how you carry, both in open and concealed carry. And really...this is why you choose a revolver/pistol over a long gun - carry it on you. Not buried in a pack.
Several posters have mentioned if your planning to shoot standard factory loads...you might consider S&W .357's in a mid sized/lighter frame. I'll second those comments...especially if your thinking of carrying the weapon on you for any extended time in a normal belt holster. The larger frame guns after a time just feel heavier and wider than their actual size...going thru brush or climbing trails in a worn holster. In a semi-concealed carry...the big frame really gets big. IF you want the full benefit of a .357 (velocity)...a 5 or 6" barrel is better than a 4"....but beyond 6", sitting with a standard belt holster can be an issue.
I'll add that stainless is the way to go...for fog/rain+gun+holster+time can be a bad combination for a blued gun. Also, when you scratch it/drop it...ss can buff out quite well...sort of.
Look and get top quality carry gear and think as carefully about how you will carry it as "what gun to buy"....this is where many folks skimp and at the end of the day suffer for it. There are a lot of dual wear holsters for mid sized revolvers (quality, specific fit...not just a nylon "bag" labeled "revolver holster", try: Bianchi, Safariland, Galco) that can be worn strong OR crossdraw which provide flexibility in how you carry, both in open and concealed carry. And really...this is why you choose a revolver/pistol over a long gun - carry it on you. Not buried in a pack.
David Harris
Expedition Leader
I like these. Not dual wear, but I'm not planning on carrying a 6 inch barrel .357 concealed.
http://www.circlekb.com/product/A1QD.html
Attachments
FAW3
Adventurer
FYI of what I am talking about, if not for you, perhaps others:
...an easy to carry flexible rig, open or semi concealed. I would suggest a covered trigger and simple yet positive action (to secure and release) retention strap:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3185&GunID=144
...an easy to carry flexible rig, open or semi concealed. I would suggest a covered trigger and simple yet positive action (to secure and release) retention strap:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3185&GunID=144
David Harris
Expedition Leader
Looks good. Any way to carry it off your belt and further down on the hip? Just thinking it's a pretty heavy weapon to carry on your clothes belt.
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
Hand guns are like a pair of hiking boots. Whats good in a size and style for me may not be what is best for you. All guns fit my hand different so I choose based on fit and not what somebody tells me is good. I actually have that smith 357. If I could keep one handgun in the world then that would be it. It just plain hits whatever I point it at and it hits hard. I also like HK USP but a 1911...I'd be more deadly with a handfull of good sized rocks. It's all about fit but seldom mentioned by the "experts".
Handgun fit is probably most important. I would suggest going to the store and trying on a few different models to see what you like best. I would try to stick to stainless steel. The model you are looking at is nickled and will not wear as good as SS. I would take a good look at the Ruger GP-100. They are great revolvers and about as bullet proof as you can get. Ruger Blackhawks are also ultra simple and bank vault strong, but you are limited to single action. In the S&W department, you have a lot of good models as well. Folks tend to think that the S&W's have a better trigger and the Rugers are generally stronger. I like the Rugers, but Smiths are great too.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.