How do y'all feel about Smith N-frame .357?

liketoshoot · December 22, 2002, 07:42 PM

I just bought one private party.

Blued model 27-2 in excellent shape with no bluing wear. Trigger and lockwork smooth as silk. It's got pinned and recessed barrel, and checkering on top strap.

I think I'm in love.

Edited to add pic:

This is not specifically my gun, but it looks just like it, with same wood grips and barrel length.

C.R.Sam · December 22, 2002, 08:11 PM

27 is truly one of my favorites.
I have found that at least some of them are picky re ammo.

Once a load, or loads, is found that is liked; they are easy shootin tackdrivers.

Sam

BigG · December 22, 2002, 08:18 PM

I think the Mod 27 sets the standard for a great heavy frame 357. The gun actually goes by the name S&W 357 Magnum. Look on the bbl. Have fun shooting it!

Stephen A. Camp · December 22, 2002, 08:28 PM

Hello. I have a special weakness for the N-frames. Currently, I own a Model 27, 28, Mountain Gun, and a Model 24.

Best.

Frenchy · December 22, 2002, 08:46 PM

I too have a fondness for the big frames. I only have 2 at the moment...A brace of 28's.

Brian Williams · December 22, 2002, 08:48 PM

I prefer a K frame but would love to have a 6 1/2 mod 27 and a 45 colt Mt gun.

neal bloom · December 22, 2002, 10:51 PM

Bought an N frame a couple months ago and love it. Have fun with yours.

gordo b. · December 22, 2002, 11:03 PM

I love N frames and your Mod 27 is near the top of short list. You got a good one -2 series. The model 27 allow full charge(read scorchin hot) charges that makes it a REAL magnum. The longer cylinder allows heavy 180 and even 200 grain bullets seated out for more powder room. Your 27 is too pretty to do anything to now but when it gets worn some consider Hard chrome plate job with all new springs and general tune up. That is what my Mod 27(no dash) 3.5" has and it is my absolutely most dependable killin gun!

uglygun · December 22, 2002, 11:20 PM

JEESH, Frenchy I would love to have that 5 Screw pre-27/28

Reason? It would be an excellent sibling to my 5 Screw 38/44 Outdoorsman. With original grips installed on my 38/44 I bet it would be next to impossible to tell the two apart from a distance of 5 feet.

picture of my 38/44 next to my 25-3 45LC

http://home.bak.rr.com/varmintcong/n...25/25&3844.jpg

Still waiting to grab a 24 and a 28 for my collection.

PATH · December 22, 2002, 11:27 PM

I own a Model 27 as well. It is like being in heaven when I take it to the range. Best of luck with it.

MiniZ · December 23, 2002, 01:02 AM

I love N frames-especially the 27.

**Mike Irwin** · December 23, 2002, 02:41 AM

I've got two of them, 4" and 6" Model 28s.

I've got 6 N-frames total.

That should say something...

bfoster · December 23, 2002, 03:52 AM

I've always considered myself a Colt man, but somehow S&W N frames keep following me home where they are apperciated:

Triplelock (OK, it's a Pre N frame)

Super Police, remodeled by a very competent 'smith in the '50's to be a sort of M 23

Registered Magnum

M 1950

M 1955

M 57

The sickness is again on me. I'm looking for a pre M 29...

Bob

J.R. Bob Dobbs · December 23, 2002, 04:04 AM

My 3.5" 27-2.....it's my most accurate handgun, with an exceptionally smooth action.

Ala Dan · December 23, 2002, 08:26 AM

You can make an arguement for both, the K frame and
the N frame for being the best platform for the .357
magnum cartridge; as for me, there is always a soft
spot in my heart for the N frame "Highway Patrolman"
as made by Smith & Wesson.

While the S&W model 27 is more finely finished, I think
of the model 28 as "a working man's gun".

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

**Mike Irwin** · December 23, 2002, 08:45 AM

Bfoster,

"OK, it's a pre-N frame..."

No, you're OK calling it an N frame. It's model numbers that came later. The factory was calling them by their frame size designations a lot earlier.

Just how much earlier I'm not sure.

riverdog · December 23, 2002, 12:17 PM

Lessee: 4" 27-2 in Nickel, 8 3/8" 27-2 in nice blue, 6" 28-2, recessed but not pinned (go figure), 6" 29-3, 3" 29-6 and an early 4" 57. N-frames are nice.

Tamara · December 23, 2002, 01:08 PM

Must like N-frames. Got five of 'em. One's a .357...

C.R.Sam · December 23, 2002, 04:16 PM

In hand ejectors;

I, J, K, L and N frames...
All cool.
Each has it's purpose.

Temporarily (I hope) without M frame.

Gettin a start on the numbered frames.

Sho cheaper and less room intensive than my cars n cycles.

Sam

444 · December 23, 2002, 10:40 PM

I love them. I have a 6" Model 27, a 4" Model 28, and a 5" 627PC in .357. Then I also have a Model 29 4", and a Model 629 3". That one you pictured is a beauty. I am sure you two will become best of friends.

Lone Star · December 24, 2002, 08:02 AM

I don't want to embarrass anyone by naming names, but one chap here said that the M27/28 have LONGER cylinders than, presumably, the K and L-frame S&W's.

It's my understanding that although the guns are larger, the cylinders are actually shorter, limiting which cast bullets can be used. This was noted as far back as the 1950's, and Keith mentioned it in, "Sixguns".

I've owned 27's and 28's, but never shot anything but factory ammo in them, so had no reason to be troubled by this. But it's something that handloaders will want to note, and select bullets accordingly.

Lone Star

Kevinch · December 24, 2002, 09:58 AM

I always thought the N frame a little big for the .357, as compared to the K & L frames - but a nice gun none the less.

MADISON · December 24, 2002, 06:25 PM

The models 27 and 28 S&W, in .357 are as strong as you can get. My next choice would be a Ruger Security Six or GP-100. Dan Wesson makes a good strong gun but has been IN and OUT of Bankruptcy several times.

flusher · December 24, 2002, 07:14 PM

Most of the 28's came standard with magna(not target) grips which were numbered to the gun

tex_n_cal · December 25, 2002, 03:06 PM

One of the 50th anniversary models, made in 1985. I normally don't buy "manufactured collectables", but the 5" barrel on this 27 is highly desirable. Yes, I am going to shoot it!!!

S&W worksmanship in the mid '80's wasn't so hot, but as a base platform, it should be fine. The SA trigger has a hint of creep, and breaks at 4 pounds, but the DA trigger is pretty smooth. The grips are far too big for my hands, but that's not hard to fix, either.

The same shop had a 4" barrel (not original) prewar .357, and a 6" barrel 1951 model, but in the end, I went for the 5" barrel.

December 22, 2002, 07:42 PM	#1
liketoshoot Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 219	How do y'all feel about Smith N-frame .357? I just bought one private party. Blued model 27-2 in excellent shape with no bluing wear. Trigger and lockwork smooth as silk. It's got pinned and recessed barrel, and checkering on top strap. I think I'm in love. Edited to add pic: This is not specifically my gun, but it looks just like it, with same wood grips and barrel length. Last edited by liketoshoot; December 22, 2002 at 08:12 PM.

December 22, 2002, 08:48 PM	#6
Brian Williams Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2001 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 1,289	I prefer a K frame but would love to have a 6 1/2 mod 27 and a 45 colt Mt gun. __________________ Brian <><

December 22, 2002, 11:27 PM	#10
PATH Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 1999 Location: Rockland, NY Posts: 1,489	I own a Model 27 as well. It is like being in heaven when I take it to the range. Best of luck with it. __________________ For sure it is an evil spite, and breaking to the heart, For Irishmen to watch a fight and not be taking part. -Robert Service 'How MacPherson Held The Floor'

December 23, 2002, 02:41 AM	#12
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	I've got two of them, 4" and 6" Model 28s. I've got 6 N-frames total. That should say something... __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 23, 2002, 08:45 AM	#16
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	Bfoster, "OK, it's a pre-N frame..." No, you're OK calling it an N frame. It's model numbers that came later. The factory was calling them by their frame size designations a lot earlier. Just how much earlier I'm not sure. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 22, 2002, 08:11 PM	#2
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	27 is truly one of my favorites. I have found that at least some of them are picky re ammo. Once a load, or loads, is found that is liked; they are easy shootin tackdrivers. Sam

December 22, 2002, 08:18 PM	#3
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,334	I think the Mod 27 sets the standard for a great heavy frame 357. The gun actually goes by the name S&W 357 Magnum. Look on the bbl. Have fun shooting it!

December 22, 2002, 08:28 PM	#4
Stephen A. Camp Staff In Memoriam Join Date: April 17, 1999 Posts: 2,570	Hello. I have a special weakness for the N-frames. Currently, I own a Model 27, 28, Mountain Gun, and a Model 24. Best.

December 22, 2002, 10:51 PM	#7
neal bloom Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2001 Posts: 278	Bought an N frame a couple months ago and love it. Have fun with yours.

December 22, 2002, 11:03 PM	#8
gordo b. Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2002 Location: Peoples republik of Calif. Posts: 961	I love N frames and your Mod 27 is near the top of short list. You got a good one -2 series. The model 27 allow full charge(read scorchin hot) charges that makes it a REAL magnum. The longer cylinder allows heavy 180 and even 200 grain bullets seated out for more powder room. Your 27 is too pretty to do anything to now but when it gets worn some consider Hard chrome plate job with all new springs and general tune up. That is what my Mod 27(no dash) 3.5" has and it is my absolutely most dependable killin gun!

December 22, 2002, 11:20 PM	#9
uglygun Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2001 Location: Cowpie Ca Posts: 552	JEESH, Frenchy I would love to have that 5 Screw pre-27/28 Reason? It would be an excellent sibling to my 5 Screw 38/44 Outdoorsman. With original grips installed on my 38/44 I bet it would be next to impossible to tell the two apart from a distance of 5 feet. picture of my 38/44 next to my 25-3 45LC http://home.bak.rr.com/varmintcong/n...25/25&3844.jpg Still waiting to grab a 24 and a 28 for my collection.

December 23, 2002, 01:02 AM	#11
MiniZ Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2001 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 517	I love N frames-especially the 27.

December 23, 2002, 03:52 AM	#13
bfoster Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1998 Location: N. of Fords Switch, OK, USA Posts: 297	I've always considered myself a Colt man, but somehow S&W N frames keep following me home where they are apperciated: Triplelock (OK, it's a Pre N frame) Super Police, remodeled by a very competent 'smith in the '50's to be a sort of M 23 Registered Magnum M 1950 M 1955 M 57 The sickness is again on me. I'm looking for a pre M 29... Bob

December 23, 2002, 08:26 AM	#15
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 14, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,116	You can make an arguement for both, the K frame and the N frame for being the best platform for the .357 magnum cartridge; as for me, there is always a soft spot in my heart for the N frame "Highway Patrolman" as made by Smith & Wesson. While the S&W model 27 is more finely finished, I think of the model 28 as "a working man's gun". Best Wishes, Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

December 23, 2002, 12:17 PM	#17
riverdog Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2000 Posts: 824	Lessee: 4" 27-2 in Nickel, 8 3/8" 27-2 in nice blue, 6" 28-2, recessed but not pinned (go figure), 6" 29-3, 3" 29-6 and an early 4" 57. N-frames are nice.

December 23, 2002, 01:08 PM	#18
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 16,002	Must like N-frames. Got five of 'em. One's a .357... __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

December 23, 2002, 04:16 PM	#19
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	In hand ejectors; I, J, K, L and N frames... All cool. Each has it's purpose. Temporarily (I hope) without M frame. Gettin a start on the numbered frames. Sho cheaper and less room intensive than my cars n cycles. Sam

December 23, 2002, 10:40 PM	#20
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	I love them. I have a 6" Model 27, a 4" Model 28, and a 5" 627PC in .357. Then I also have a Model 29 4", and a Model 629 3". That one you pictured is a beauty. I am sure you two will become best of friends.

December 24, 2002, 08:02 AM	#21
Lone Star Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2002 Posts: 512	I don't want to embarrass anyone by naming names, but one chap here said that the M27/28 have LONGER cylinders than, presumably, the K and L-frame S&W's. It's my understanding that although the guns are larger, the cylinders are actually shorter, limiting which cast bullets can be used. This was noted as far back as the 1950's, and Keith mentioned it in, "Sixguns". I've owned 27's and 28's, but never shot anything but factory ammo in them, so had no reason to be troubled by this. But it's something that handloaders will want to note, and select bullets accordingly. Lone Star

December 24, 2002, 09:58 AM	#22
Kevinch Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: NE OH. Posts: 828	I always thought the N frame a little big for the .357, as compared to the K & L frames - but a nice gun none the less. __________________ ...arms...discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property. ...Horrid mischief would ensue were (the law abiding) deprived the use of them. --Thomas Paine

December 24, 2002, 06:25 PM	#23
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	How do y'all feel about Smith N-frame .357? The models 27 and 28 S&W, in .357 are as strong as you can get. My next choice would be a Ruger Security Six or GP-100. Dan Wesson makes a good strong gun but has been IN and OUT of Bankruptcy several times.

December 24, 2002, 07:14 PM	#24
flusher Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2001 Location: Connecticut Posts: 219	Most of the 28's came standard with magna(not target) grips which were numbered to the gun