I bought a 27-2 in about 86-87, serial number indicates 1978 manufacture (N475) It has target grips and the 3 T's, target hammer, trigger and sights, presentation case and original paperwork...gave it to my dad same year I got it as a Christmas present...got it back last weekend after mom died...he wants to make sure I got it when he is gone vs someone else getting it between his death and me getting there or someone laying claim to it...

Gun was nearly 100% when I gave it to him, nearly 95% + now...Here is what stumps me...barrel length, from the front of the frame it is 4 7/8" front of the cylinder is 5 7/8" so is this the 6" version? I'm an auto loader guy...I would have thought the barrel length would not have been rounded off given the longer barrel of 8 3/8ths...I mean if they are going to measure to the 3/8ths on one barrel why deviate here...

So whats up?

My 27-2 measures the same.

Now I will have to measure the barrels on all my guns, thanks.

It is not unusual for barrel lengths to be rounded off, but I don't know why.

6"

It's a six inches. Barrel lengths vary a little on Smith revolvers, they often are not exactly the advertised length.

Measured from the forcing cone to the crown...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_27