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Posted: 6/15/2015 9:50:05 PM EDT
[#1]
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27.
If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 9:54:34 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27. If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. other than the trigger, how does it put the GP to shame? They don't shoot any better, the frame is oversized for the caliber, the cylinder is too large for six rounds. I love them, but they don't put the other to shame. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 9:58:00 PM EDT
[#3]
Silly thread.
Porsche or Volkswagen? Both Germany cars. Maybe the S&W 686 vs the GP100 would be a better question. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 10:07:06 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
other than the trigger, how does it put the GP to shame? They don't shoot any better, the frame is oversized for the caliber, the cylinder is too large for six rounds. I love them, but they don't put the other to shame. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27. If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. other than the trigger, how does it put the GP to shame? They don't shoot any better, the frame is oversized for the caliber, the cylinder is too large for six rounds. I love them, but they don't put the other to shame. Uh, let's see: better trigger by a mile, forged versus cast, beautiful, tight checkering, and let's not forget the first-rate devastatingly handsome bluing. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 10:18:21 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Uh, let's see: better trigger by a mile, forged versus cast, beautiful, tight checkering, and let's not forget the first-rate devastatingly handsome bluing. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27. If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. other than the trigger, how does it put the GP to shame? They don't shoot any better, the frame is oversized for the caliber, the cylinder is too large for six rounds. I love them, but they don't put the other to shame. Uh, let's see: better trigger by a mile, forged versus cast, beautiful, tight checkering, and let's not forget the first-rate devastatingly handsome bluing. so, aesthetics and trigger? the cast/forged debate has been beat to death and can't be backed up. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 10:18:48 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Uh, let's see: better trigger by a mile, forged versus cast, beautiful, tight checkering, and let's not forget the first-rate devastatingly handsome bluing. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27. If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. other than the trigger, how does it put the GP to shame? They don't shoot any better, the frame is oversized for the caliber, the cylinder is too large for six rounds. I love them, but they don't put the other to shame. Uh, let's see: better trigger by a mile, forged versus cast, beautiful, tight checkering, and let's not forget the first-rate devastatingly handsome bluing. Lets add: Better steel, Each and every part was touched and fitted by a real human, will always increase in value. |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 10:21:14 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Lets add: Better steel, Each and every part was touched and fitted by a real human, will always increase in value. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27. If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. other than the trigger, how does it put the GP to shame? They don't shoot any better, the frame is oversized for the caliber, the cylinder is too large for six rounds. I love them, but they don't put the other to shame. Uh, let's see: better trigger by a mile, forged versus cast, beautiful, tight checkering, and let's not forget the first-rate devastatingly handsome bluing. Lets add: Better steel, Each and every part was touched and fitted by a real human, will always increase in value. wow, the koolaid is sweet |
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Posted: 6/15/2015 10:29:01 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
so, aesthetics and trigger? the cast/forged debate has been beat to death and can't be backed up. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27. If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. other than the trigger, how does it put the GP to shame? They don't shoot any better, the frame is oversized for the caliber, the cylinder is too large for six rounds. I love them, but they don't put the other to shame. Uh, let's see: better trigger by a mile, forged versus cast, beautiful, tight checkering, and let's not forget the first-rate devastatingly handsome bluing. so, aesthetics and trigger? the cast/forged debate has been beat to death and can't be backed up. I don't care about the "debate". Neither do millions of other shooters. I'll still take forged over cast. Don't get me wrong, I love Ruger revolvers and a GP or a Security Six is on my radar, but there really is no use comparing these two guns. One is a Caddy, the other's a Focus. |
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Posted: 6/16/2015 2:45:28 AM EDT
[#9]
Both are excellent revolvers. Smith still makes the 27 albeit with the lock and MIM parts
 .
Remember the 27 is a large N Frame where as the GP100 is a smaller and similar to the Smith L Frame design (686/586). A nice no lock pinned and recessed M27 example is probably best relegated to range use and safe queen status these days given the value. The GP100 makes a great, robust, beat around cheap .357. I picked up a used stainless 6" model for $425 earlier this year. No worries carrying that around up in the hills. |
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Posted: 6/16/2015 8:53:14 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Both are excellent revolvers. Smith still makes the 27 albeit with the lock and MIM parts . Remember the 27 is a large N Frame where as the GP100 is a smaller and similar to the Smith L Frame design (686/586). A nice no lock pinned and recessed M27 example is probably best relegated to range use and safe queen status these days given the value. The GP100 makes a great, robust, beat around cheap .357. I picked up a used stainless 6" model for $425 earlier this year. No worries carrying that around up in the hills. |
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Posted: 6/16/2015 1:44:24 PM EDT
[#11]
S&W all day long.
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Posted: 6/16/2015 7:29:17 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
S&W all day long. no doubt; especially if we are talking pre-lock. Boarderline no brainer 
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Posted: 6/17/2015 2:18:28 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My 27-2 goes hunting with me every fall - I just can't do that to it! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Both are excellent revolvers. Smith still makes the 27 albeit with the lock and MIM parts .
Remember the 27 is a large N Frame where as the GP100 is a smaller and similar to the Smith L Frame design (686/586). A nice no lock pinned and recessed M27 example is probably best relegated to range use and safe queen status these days given the value. The GP100 makes a great, robust, beat around cheap .357. I picked up a used stainless 6" model for $425 earlier this year. No worries carrying that around up in the hills. Good attitude, it's nice to see them going out into the field. 
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Posted: 6/17/2015 6:03:40 PM EDT
[#14]
I prefer a Smith whenever possible.
Even the Performance center revolvers with the lock are decent. 
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Posted: 6/17/2015 7:00:47 PM EDT
[#15]
The locks are pointless, completely unneeded and I really hope they do away with them but, for now, they are here and they don't affect anything unless you fixate on them. I don't even notice the one on my S&W. If you let such a minor issue keep you from buying an otherwise great gun, you are just screwing yourself.
The model 27 is a sweet gun, if I could find an older gun in great shape I would go that route just because the value of older S&W's is on the rise but if I was looking for a gun that was going to get a lot of use, especially outdoor use, I would definitely go for the GP100. I own GP100's and S&W and I'm a fan of both. Modern GP100's have much better triggers than they used to so the trigger debate isn't relevant anymore unless you are talking about S&W Performance Center guns and then S&W easily wins. That's not an apple apple comparison though and you can have any Ruger's trigger smoothed to the same level. For shooting in environments that are easy on the gun and showing off- early model 27 For rough use and plain old shooting - GP100 If you prefer the look of the S&W enough to pay the extra money, get a new S&W. The N frame is plenty strong to handle a steady diet of .357 magnum. Personally, I think the N frame is unnecessarily big for .357 magnum. I wouldn't go that route unless I was choosing a model with 8 round capacity. I would go with the GP100 and use the money I save to have the trigger worked on. |
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Posted: 6/17/2015 7:13:19 PM EDT
[#16]
true most folks don't mind the lock.. they are owned by a lock producing company.. so no big surprise.
However, the manufacture parts have been cheapened whe one compares them to the past (metal injection vs forged). Also they are being sold at the same price point as the classics. This make me want to stick with the prelocks as they are the old way of doing things . To each their own; this is just my personal opinion on S&W. The newest S&W i own is from the late 1980s 
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Posted: 6/17/2015 8:37:05 PM EDT
[#17]
Smith 27 is my favorite revolver.
I have an 8 3/8' from the 70s, I need a matching 4". |
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Posted: 6/20/2015 11:04:44 PM EDT
[#18]
The new 27's have a lock. The "Classics" series are the nicest guns S&W is currently producing. They combine classic lines with modern manufacturing and their best finishes. They are missing some minor features and are not hand fitted like the guns of old. While relatively hard to find, they merely maintain their values and in general don't have any collector interest. Having a full warranty and being well made makes them excellent shooters.
The original model 27's and the 357's that came before them are considered by many to be the best revolvers S&W had ever produced. To their credit the new guns are extremely well made, but lack the collector value and charisma of the originals. To many the extra manufacturing details, forged trigger parts, and hand fitting of the originals makes them superior. In all honesty the new guns will work just as well or better...they just lack the romanticism.  20140912_082849 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 20140912_082322 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 20140912_082838 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 20140912_082715 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 20140912_082725 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
On the GP100 it's a well engineered, solid, affordable revolver. Can't go wrong with either one. Do you like to own the best for the money, the best available currently, or the best ever? As others mentioned the 686/Plus is a solid choice that may make a good compromise. Many consider it the best modern revolver, and certainly one of the most practical. While the 27 is on a large frame, the 686/586 are built on a heavy medium frame engineered to withstand long term .357 Magnum use. |
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Posted: 6/23/2015 11:54:11 PM EDT
[#19]
Model 27 every day of the week.
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Posted: 6/26/2015 5:45:42 PM EDT
[#20]
I have both. My gp100 is the match Champion.
Between those two, I shoot and enjoy the Ruger more. Txl |
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Posted: 6/26/2015 5:50:19 PM EDT
[#21]
The model 27, especially the earlier versions, are some of the finest revolvers ever produced. II believe that had S&W had made less of them they would sell for as much as Pythons do today.
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Posted: 6/26/2015 10:51:39 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The model 27, especially the earlier versions, are some of the finest revolvers ever produced. II believe that had S&W had made less of them they would sell for as much as Pythons do today. The pre models do. |
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Posted: 6/28/2015 8:11:43 AM EDT
[#24]
I have an old 28 and a GP100. The 28 is very nice but if I want one to shoot a lot I will pick the GP100. I sent the 28 back to S&W to get refinished because it was pretty much all worn off and I now have more in it than a brand new lock 27 but I don't mind that.
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Posted: 6/28/2015 12:58:19 PM EDT
[#25]
This if I could pick up a 27 I would jump at it.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
S&W all day long. |
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Posted: 7/2/2015 1:14:07 PM EDT
[#26]
I had a 6" 28. Was too nose heavy for my liking. Kept the Wiley Clapp GP100.
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Posted: 7/3/2015 11:22:06 AM EDT
[#27]
My Model 27-2 is a great gun; probably the most accurate .357 I have, but it was made during the Bangor-Punta ear. While it is good, my 25-2 from the same era had some significant issues. It took more than a bit of work to resolve those issues.
My Ruger GP100s have been very good guns as well. They are a bit smaller than the N frame 27. My 27 is semi-retired. I use my 627 instead. If the choice is between a GP100 or something else, the 686 is more comparable in size than the 27. |
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Posted: 7/3/2015 1:34:40 PM EDT
[#28]
I have an ex-NYSP Model 28 and 2 GP100's, one a Stainless 4" and a blued 6"
IF forced to choose between the 27 or one of the GP100, I'll choose in this order: 1. The loaded one, or 2. The closest one 
Love them both! Go find Iowegian's book of knowledge on the GP100 and you can clean up the Ruger trigger to be just a good as he smith. BTDT on both GP100's and my Security Six. |
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Posted: 7/10/2015 8:38:51 PM EDT
[#29]
I have to agree that they are both FINE revolvers, just one carries more of a collector's appeal. It's like a vintage muscle car vs a modern day "muscle car".
If it's going to be a shooter and get a lot of use, get the one you like best. If it's going to sit in the safe and one day go to a son or something, get the 27. FWIW, I have the GP100 and a few Smith 586's and a 686. These are all very similar but the triggers on the Smiths(no dash models) are much smoother. And I LOVE the older blued smith revolvers. |
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Posted: 8/10/2015 11:15:14 PM EDT
[#30]
This turned into a Gun porn thread quick! After the 8th or 9th post I forgot what we were talking about!
I have a 66-3 and a Wiley Clapp gp100. The 66 has a trigger from the factory that rivals my bolt guns. My GP gets tossed in my bag when I go out in the woods though. Ugly, cheap and rugged. |
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Posted: 8/11/2015 4:26:26 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Model 27 every day of the week. This buy a mile . Having shot both it is not even as close as some would have you think |
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Posted: 8/19/2015 12:04:35 AM EDT
[#32]
More fair comparisons would be the Smith 27 to the Redhawk in .357 and the 686 to the GP100.
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Posted: 10/29/2015 3:43:26 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
I really like the 27 but have not done research. Does it have the lock? If not which one? Thanks. I personally prefer the GP100. The primary reason is that you can replace parts soooooo easily on them. Gunsmithing on a GP100 is easy compared to a S&W. |
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Posted: 10/29/2015 4:37:24 PM EDT
[#34]
how many times do you have to replace parts in a s&w?
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Posted: 10/29/2015 7:51:11 PM EDT
[#35]
my27-5 with target hammer & trigger you can't go wrong with a coupe deville |
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Posted: 10/30/2015 3:43:05 PM EDT
[#36]
I have owned both / shot both and both of them are solid handguns. The more refined between the two is the S&W.
The 27 is the "N" frame and of the same size and specs as the model 29 / .44 maf=g. with a .38 diameter hole in the end and cylinders. You can fire obscene loads out of it all day,every day and never miss a beat in comfort. Its well balanced , finished and was S&W's flag ship revolver. I damaged a model 19 "K" frame years ago with loads my 27 laughed at. If you want a larger framed gun the 27 is king of the hill. The Ruger is , well, a Ruger. Solid gun not as smoothly designed , manufactured or finished with an OK trigger. S&W holds their value far better IMHO. I have a few Ruger's and just picked up an SP 101. The SP is solid as a rock but again its not as smooth and more clunky than a 60 Pro or 66. 27 on the bottom / 686 on top~ 
357 Perfection IMHO, 627 PC~ 
Clunky but solid : Ruger~ 
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Posted: 11/2/2015 11:45:49 AM EDT
[#37]
I absolutely love the polish on your revolver. Who did it if you don't mind me asking?
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The new 27's have a lock. The "Classics" series are the nicest guns S&W is currently producing. They combine classic lines with modern manufacturing and their best finishes. They are missing some minor features and are not hand fitted like the guns of old. While relatively hard to find, they merely maintain their values and in general don't have any collector interest. Having a full warranty and being well made makes them excellent shooters. The original model 27's and the 357's that came before them are considered by many to be the best revolvers S&W had ever produced. To their credit the new guns are extremely well made, but lack the collector value and charisma of the originals. To many the extra manufacturing details, forged trigger parts, and hand fitting of the originals makes them superior. In all honesty the new guns will work just as well or better...they just lack the romanticism. <a href="https://flic.kr/p/pbyXNF" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3922/15215801935_04e19eed27_b.jpg</a>20140912_082849 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr <a href="https://flic.kr/p/pbyXPc" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3854/15215801965_581d8d5054_b.jpg</a>20140912_082322 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr <a href="https://flic.kr/p/pbyXRM" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3884/15215802115_5596e8517c_b.jpg</a>20140912_082838 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr <a href="https://flic.kr/p/pbyXSZ" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5587/15215802185_e526ab6b99_b.jpg</a>20140912_082715 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr <a href="https://flic.kr/p/pbyY8t" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3842/15215803025_d1b61b4621_b.jpg</a>20140912_082725 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr On the GP100 it's a well engineered, solid, affordable revolver. Can't go wrong with either one. Do you like to own the best for the money, the best available currently, or the best ever? As others mentioned the 686/Plus is a solid choice that may make a good compromise. Many consider it the best modern revolver, and certainly one of the most practical. While the 27 is on a large frame, the 686/586 are built on a heavy medium frame engineered to withstand long term .357 Magnum use. |
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Posted: 11/4/2015 11:02:55 AM EDT
[#38]
S&W 27 vs Ruger Crap? REALLY?
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Posted: 11/4/2015 11:48:38 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The 27 was the Cadillac of the S&W line back when it came out. It was designed for LEO, however, many LEO didn't see the need for all the extras the 27 had, so S&W came out with the 28, which was a no-frills 27. If you can find an older Model 27, it will be a sweet dream of a revolver. Personally, it would put the GP to shame. Not saying the GP is a bad revolver, but compared to a 50-60's era 27, its like a fingerpainting, vs the Mona Lisa. Nailed it. |
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Posted: 11/4/2015 4:17:50 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
More fair comparisons would be the Smith 27 to the Redhawk in .357 and the 686 to the GP100. And to be totally fair, IF you compare the 27 to the Redhawk the Redhawk wins in the performance category while the Smith wins on fit/finish. Smith can't keep up with the Redhawks frame strength or the longer cylinder that allows for hotter loads with longer/heavier bullets. But the older pinned/recessed Smith 27 is one the nicest looking handguns Smith ever made with the deep blue and checkered metal work. |
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Posted: 11/9/2015 12:50:50 AM EDT
[#41]
If you need a boat anchor, the GP100 or Ruger is the way to go. If you want a piece of craftsmanship get the 27. If not, let me know, so I can buy it. |
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Posted: 11/9/2015 1:07:12 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My 27-2 goes hunting with me every fall - I just can't do that to it! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Both are excellent revolvers. Smith still makes the 27 albeit with the lock and MIM parts .
Remember the 27 is a large N Frame where as the GP100 is a smaller and similar to the Smith L Frame design (686/586). A nice no lock pinned and recessed M27 example is probably best relegated to range use and safe queen status these days given the value. The GP100 makes a great, robust, beat around cheap .357. I picked up a used stainless 6" model for $425 earlier this year. No worries carrying that around up in the hills. Not a 27, but close enough. I almost got a buck with it yesterday, but couldn't draw it without him hearing me. 
And this is going with me after I check the zero on it. 
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