S&W 66 or 27: You have to choose... - Page 2

Powderman · October 9, 2012, 06:47 PM

OK, for al you knowledgeable S&W folks, help me out...

I have a pre-27 Model 27 (if that makes sense!)

It is a five-screw, with a 5 inch barrel. It is NOT marked for the model number, but it does have the serial number, of course--V80XXX. (PM me for the rest of the number, if you have some research results.)

Here is my dilemma--it is about 80-85%, with a good amount of bluing wear. I want to send it back to Smith and Wesson for a good re-bluing. However, some of the people I have spoken to say that it's worth a LOT of money.

Can I send it back with a glad heart, or would doing so destroy the value of the revolver?

Webleymkv · October 9, 2012, 06:51 PM

Refinishing a Pre-27 would almost certainly hurt its value especially if it's in 80+% condition. You have to understand, to a collector, an original finish with "honest" wear is far more desirable than a perfect refinish and a pre-27, particularly with the less common 5" barrel, has significant collector value. If you have no sentimental attachment to the gun, you could probably sell it to a collector for enough money to buy a later 5" M27 with a better finish and still have money left over.

Joe_Pike · October 9, 2012, 07:13 PM

On newer guns I would say do what makes you happy. But on an old 5-screw pre 27 I would leave it as it is.

Winchester_73 · October 9, 2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

It is a five-screw, with a 5 inch barrel. It is NOT marked for the model number, but it does have the serial number, of course--V80XXX. (PM me for the rest of the number, if you have some research results.)

Here is my dilemma--it is about 80-85%, with a good amount of bluing wear. I want to send it back to Smith and Wesson for a good re-bluing. However, some of the people I have spoken to say that it's worth a LOT of money.

That SN is wrong for the said gun. If you are right in identification, it must have a "S" prefix. You need to check the butt for the SN, not the yoke in that era. If it has no letter prefix, than its either a registered magnum, or a pre war 357 magnum model.

Refinishing would be a bad idea. Its better to save your money towards a better one. If the gun has sentimental value, best to leave it alone IMO. You could put the money saved towards a clean one, which are nearly always over $800.

Nanuk · October 9, 2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Brittle SS? Are you sure you're not talking about the chrome on the hammer and trigger?

A 66-1 was my first Duty gun, I bought it new. The recoil shield cracked. found out from S&W later they had some bad stainless in the early 66's.

tomrkba · October 9, 2012, 08:54 PM

S&W advertised the Model 27 with 3 1/2" barrel as a concealed carry backup for detectives

Frankly, are you really going to "collect" this gun? Are you trying to invest or do you want a carry and range gun? If you want it to be a very nice gun, then get it refinished and shoot it.

bob.a · October 9, 2012, 10:22 PM

I picked up a 3.5 inch pre-Model 27 a year or so ago. It had been reblued, and was out of time. Had the timing dealt with, and now it's ready for another 30 years or so of use.

I got it cheap because of the problems. I was pleased to get it, because I've always thought it was one of the most attractive S&W revolvers; also, i was interested in getting a shooter, not another safe queen.

The original grips do not make it pleasant to handle, at least for me; I'm going to get a T-grip adapter, and see if that helps. I'd rather preserve the original looks than put aftermarket grips on it.

I tend to agree with the poster who felt that it was too big for its cartridge; it would have worked nicely as a .44 or .45, I think; Smith never made a 3.5 inch barrel for either cartridge, which is a shame.

RsqVet · October 10, 2012, 12:12 AM

As a range / fun gun? The 27. For carry / use ? The 66.

In general if I am carrying an N frame it's going to have bigger holes in it.

Quincunx · October 10, 2012, 12:17 AM

Model 27.

BigJimP · October 10, 2012, 01:41 PM

I'm just going to pile on ......a Model 27 ...every time.

I have a mod 27-2 4" Nickel....and its one of the finest revolvers I own...( even over model 18's, 19's, 28's, 29's, 66's, 686's or 629's...)...even over a couple of blued model 27's I have in 4" and 6" ...

and I wouldn't refinish that pre-mod 27 either...

langenc · October 10, 2012, 10:40 PM

I have a 66 so Id go with the other one.

bamaranger · October 11, 2012, 10:41 PM

M27

old bear · October 12, 2012, 12:56 AM

On one hand the M-66 is one of the finer K frame revolvers Smith and Wesson produced. Now the other hand the M-27 is the finest revolver Smith and Wesson ever had in production.

The M-27 every time...

DFrame · October 15, 2012, 01:42 PM

I'd take the 66 in a new york minute. I consider the 27 excessively heavy and large for 36 calibre. The 66 on the other hand is almost the perfect balance of size and portability in the mid calibre.

damienph · October 15, 2012, 05:01 PM

That model 27 is a beauty but i am partial to the model 66.

My 66-1 (poor cell phone pic)

jv2000 · January 27, 2013, 01:02 PM

Hmmm, I'd have to go M27...

redrick · January 27, 2013, 01:15 PM

I would take the 27 for the re sell value.

BigJimP · January 27, 2013, 01:27 PM

3 1/2 months later....and I still say take the model 27 ....

Bob Wright · January 27, 2013, 02:57 PM

If I were a collector and wanted a safe queen, I'd pick the Model 27. But for daily business, I look for a Model 586 lik this:

Or ike this:

I've been the Model 27, Model 19, and Python routes. These have proven to me to be the best .357 Magnum DA revovler to come out yet.

Now, if it were a Ruger SA in .44 or .45.............

Bob Wright

FLChinook · January 27, 2013, 04:12 PM

Bob,

Very nice! Who made the holster and ammo pouch?

roaddog28 · January 27, 2013, 04:12 PM

No question for me. The model 66.
Howard

model18 · January 27, 2013, 04:18 PM

Both are nice but the model 27 is based on the original .357 S&W revolver, and has been a winner since it's inception much like the 1911.

Sevens · January 27, 2013, 07:17 PM

I typically read every response before I post, because I don't think it adds much to any discussion when I don't do my part to see what's been discussed. However, the throw down is right there in black & white in the first post, so I'll respond in kind.

Man, get the #$%*@ out of my way or I'll knock you over... I want that four inch Model 66 and that is the proper price. It's not a steal, but if the revolver is clean and the timing works to my (strict) standards, I'm buying it before you can start a TFL thread about the Model 27 you found on a table sitting next to a bare spot where my 66 was laying mere moments ago.

I find the N-frame guns to be overly large and unwieldy. I'd like to own a 27 or 28 because I love Smith & Wesson revolvers and who wouldn't want a beefy, hardcore .357 Magnum much like the original? But if I have to pass up a Model 66 to get it, I'm not interested.

Seven High · January 27, 2013, 09:36 PM

I would be very reluctant to spend all the money I had for a Model 27. I would buy the Model 66 then spend some more for ammunition. You would still have some money left over for bills.

Bob Wright · January 27, 2013, 10:41 PM

FLChinook asked:

Quote:

Bob,

Very nice! Who made the holster and ammo pouch?

The holster is Don Hume Model 171OT, I believe. The ammo pouch is by Galco.

Bob Wright

October 9, 2012, 06:47 PM	#26
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	OK, for al you knowledgeable S&W folks, help me out... I have a pre-27 Model 27 (if that makes sense!) It is a five-screw, with a 5 inch barrel. It is NOT marked for the model number, but it does have the serial number, of course--V80XXX. (PM me for the rest of the number, if you have some research results.) Here is my dilemma--it is about 80-85%, with a good amount of bluing wear. I want to send it back to Smith and Wesson for a good re-bluing. However, some of the people I have spoken to say that it's worth a LOT of money. Can I send it back with a glad heart, or would doing so destroy the value of the revolver? __________________ Hiding in plain sight...

October 9, 2012, 07:13 PM	#28
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,581	On newer guns I would say do what makes you happy. But on an old 5-screw pre 27 I would leave it as it is. __________________ Stay Groovy

October 10, 2012, 12:17 AM	#34
Quincunx Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2005 Location: People's Republic of Maryland Posts: 421	Model 27. __________________ A mind without instruction can no more bear fruit than can a field, however fertile, without cultivation. --- Cicero

October 11, 2012, 10:41 PM	#37
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,302	no question M27

October 15, 2012, 01:42 PM	#39
DFrame Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Location: central Illinois Posts: 451	I'd take the 66 in a new york minute. I consider the 27 excessively heavy and large for 36 calibre. The 66 on the other hand is almost the perfect balance of size and portability in the mid calibre. __________________ Mark Lane to William Buckley: "Have you ever referred to Jessee Jackson as an ignoramus?" Buckley: "If I didn't, I should have"

October 9, 2012, 06:51 PM	#27
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	Refinishing a Pre-27 would almost certainly hurt its value especially if it's in 80+% condition. You have to understand, to a collector, an original finish with "honest" wear is far more desirable than a perfect refinish and a pre-27, particularly with the less common 5" barrel, has significant collector value. If you have no sentimental attachment to the gun, you could probably sell it to a collector for enough money to buy a later 5" M27 with a better finish and still have money left over.

October 9, 2012, 08:54 PM	#31
tomrkba Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2011 Posts: 751	S&W advertised the Model 27 with 3 1/2" barrel as a concealed carry backup for detectives Frankly, are you really going to "collect" this gun? Are you trying to invest or do you want a carry and range gun? If you want it to be a very nice gun, then get it refinished and shoot it.

October 9, 2012, 10:22 PM	#32
bob.a Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 298	I picked up a 3.5 inch pre-Model 27 a year or so ago. It had been reblued, and was out of time. Had the timing dealt with, and now it's ready for another 30 years or so of use. I got it cheap because of the problems. I was pleased to get it, because I've always thought it was one of the most attractive S&W revolvers; also, i was interested in getting a shooter, not another safe queen. The original grips do not make it pleasant to handle, at least for me; I'm going to get a T-grip adapter, and see if that helps. I'd rather preserve the original looks than put aftermarket grips on it. I tend to agree with the poster who felt that it was too big for its cartridge; it would have worked nicely as a .44 or .45, I think; Smith never made a 3.5 inch barrel for either cartridge, which is a shame.

October 10, 2012, 12:12 AM	#33
RsqVet Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Posts: 2,474	As a range / fun gun? The 27. For carry / use ? The 66. In general if I am carrying an N frame it's going to have bigger holes in it.

October 10, 2012, 01:41 PM	#35
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I'm just going to pile on ......a Model 27 ...every time. I have a mod 27-2 4" Nickel....and its one of the finest revolvers I own...( even over model 18's, 19's, 28's, 29's, 66's, 686's or 629's...)...even over a couple of blued model 27's I have in 4" and 6" ... and I wouldn't refinish that pre-mod 27 either...

October 10, 2012, 10:40 PM	#36
langenc Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 1,551	I have a 66 so Id go with the other one.

October 12, 2012, 12:56 AM	#38
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	On one hand the M-66 is one of the finer K frame revolvers Smith and Wesson produced. Now the other hand the M-27 is the finest revolver Smith and Wesson ever had in production. The M-27 every time...

October 15, 2012, 05:01 PM	#40
damienph Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 319	That model 27 is a beauty but i am partial to the model 66. My 66-1 (poor cell phone pic)

January 27, 2013, 01:02 PM	#41
jv2000 Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2013 Posts: 3	Hmmm, I'd have to go M27... __________________ UTG 3-9x32 Compact Bug Buster Scope ATI Ruger 10/22 Fiberforce Stock

January 27, 2013, 01:15 PM	#42
redrick Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,041	I would take the 27 for the re sell value.

January 27, 2013, 01:27 PM	#43
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	3 1/2 months later....and I still say take the model 27 ....

January 27, 2013, 02:57 PM	#44
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	If I were a collector and wanted a safe queen, I'd pick the Model 27. But for daily business, I look for a Model 586 lik this: Or ike this: I've been the Model 27, Model 19, and Python routes. These have proven to me to be the best .357 Magnum DA revovler to come out yet. Now, if it were a Ruger SA in .44 or .45............. Bob Wright

January 27, 2013, 04:12 PM	#45
FLChinook Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 378	Bob, Very nice! Who made the holster and ammo pouch?

January 27, 2013, 04:12 PM	#46
roaddog28 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 961	No question for me. The model 66. Howard

January 27, 2013, 04:18 PM	#47
model18 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2006 Posts: 419	Both are nice but the model 27 is based on the original .357 S&W revolver, and has been a winner since it's inception much like the 1911.

January 27, 2013, 07:17 PM	#48
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I typically read every response before I post, because I don't think it adds much to any discussion when I don't do my part to see what's been discussed. However, the throw down is right there in black & white in the first post, so I'll respond in kind. Man, get the #$%@ out of my way or I'll knock you over... I want that four inch Model 66 and that is the proper price. It's not a steal, but if the revolver is clean and the timing works to my (strict) standards, I'm buying it before you can start a TFL thread about the Model 27 you found on a table sitting next to a bare spot where my 66 was laying mere moments ago. I find the N-frame guns to be overly large and unwieldy. I'd like to own a 27 or 28 because I love Smith & Wesson revolvers and who wouldn't want a beefy, hardcore .357 Magnum much like the original? But if I have to pass up a Model 66 to get it, I'm not interested. __________________ Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

January 27, 2013, 09:36 PM	#49
Seven High Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Posts: 650	I would be very reluctant to spend all the money I had for a Model 27. I would buy the Model 66 then spend some more for ammunition. You would still have some money left over for bills.