I just found, and put on law away, a 27-2 with a 3.5" barrel. This is not an older gun but it is a pre-agreement.

My question is, does anyone know when S&W dropped the 3.5" and 5" barrel on the M27 and went to the more conventional (for DA revolvers) 4" & 6"? Was this barrel change what destinguishes the 27-3 or was it later than that? While I'm asking, what "dash" are they up to now?

Sounds like Sig_230 is the man you need. I think he'd be the best bet for an good response. Sorry I can't help more.

The gun was originally the "Registered Magnum" offered in 3.5,4,5,6,6.5,8.75" bbls.  

The war interrupted production, but it resumed in '48.  The Highway Patrolman (M28) came out in the mid-50's with a 4 and 6" bbl.  Somewhere in there they dropped the 6.5 and the 4 for the 27.  

In 1957 they redesignated the revolver line with model numbers, which is when you get M27.  

In 1979 they dropped the 3.5" and 5" from the M27 and offered it in 4" and 6" and 8.75".  

Pinned barrels and recessed cylinders left the scene in 1981.

In 1986 it was dropped in nickel.

In 1991 they dropped the 4" and 8.75" barrels.

In 1994 it was dropped for the catalouge.

In 1998 it came back as a stainless 8 shot (M27-7).

I don't know what all the different variation numbers mean.  

Ross

Thanks Ross. That makes this old beater I'm buying a pre-1979. It is mechanically sound (timing and lock-up is excellent and the trigger pull is beautiful) but the previous owner neglected it in storage. Dealer speculated it had been stored in one of those vinyl gun cases that trap moisture. Sides of the barrel and cylinder are lightly pitted and there is surface rust on many other places. As a result the price is low.

My plan is to bead blast and blue after having it round-butted. The round-butt N-frame fits my hand perfectly. Should be a fun project and a good shooter when finished.

If I remember rightly, the 27-3 was the change to the even length barrels and the dash 4 was when they dropped the pinned and recessed barrel. Dash 5 was blued only and dash 6 limited the number of barrel choices.

Dave, you will love the 27. It is even nicer to shoot than the M-28 if that is possible.

sig-230,
This is not my first M-27. Used to have a "S" numbered 5". Also, my first duty weapon was a 4" M-28. Over the years I briefly had a 6" M-28 and as part of a trade a 6.5" M-27 (never even fired that one before it moved on).

Mine is an "S" numbered 5" as well.  A 3.5" with a rounded profile grip would be hot!  The only thing hotter would be an eight shot 3.5" with a round butt.

Ross