In this week’s Wheelgun Wednesday, we are going to turn back the clock a bit. In previous posts, we have talked about several double-action revolvers I own and am in love with. Specifically, some older model Smith & Wessons like the Model 27. The Smith & Wesson Model 27 is a favorite of mine because it has that iconic, classic revolver look. There is a mystique to it. It looks like it could be a “Dirty Harry” gun except that it is chambered in .357 Magnum. Guns like this are simply timeless because it makes us wax fondly back on a time when firearms had an air of elegance and beauty to them as well as functionality. While all of the original revolvers are very expensive and extremely difficult to hunt down nowadays, you can still get that old-school cool if you want via Smith & Wesson. They have the Smith & Wesson Classic series that has continued to grow and expand over the past several years – and while they don’t churn out a high volume on a yearly basis – they definitely have retained that gorgeous look and timeless beauty many of us search out. Let’s go back and revisit my old Model 27 while also seeing what the new Smith & Wesson Classic series has to offer.

Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB:

• Wheelgun Wednesday: ‘Dangerous’ Saturday Night Special – Why Illegal?
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Ruger Wrangler 9mm!… It’s on the Way… Totally…
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Current Custom Options
• Wheelgun Wednesday: The Pros And Cons Of Loose Cartridge Reloads
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Taurus 856 TORO Review – 1st Optics-Ready Revolver

Smith & Wesson 27-2 .357 Magnum 8 3/8″

The Model 27 as it is known today and can be actively bought through the Smith & Wesson Classic series has a long, storied history. Initially, it was a custom-order sidearm during World War II called the “Registered Magnum.” Then, this custom-order-only revolver became so popular that it got named the “357 Magnum.” Eventually, Smith & Wesson thought that name did not do this increasingly-popular wheelgun justice so it got changed yet again to the Model 27. This all happened in the span of approximately 10 years. An expanded yet still condensed version of this history can be read in our prior Wheelgun Wednesday HERE.

The revolver we are examining from my collection is specifically a Model 27-2. For those who are unfamiliar with Smith & Wesson’s hyphenation of model numbers, every hyphenation (27-1, 27-2, etc) stands for an in-line engineering change. It can be extremely simple like changing the source of their wood grips from one vendor to another, utilizing different screws on the grips, you get the idea. With this example being a 27-2, that puts it pretty early within the “Model 27” naming and production history. All of the specs for this old piece of iron can be read below:

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Frame Type: N-Frame
• Finish: Blue or Nickel
• Capacity: 6-Round Cylinder
• Sights: Black Blade Front Sight with Adjustable Black Rear Sight
• Trigger: Wide, Target Trigger with Adjustable Over-Travel Stop Screw
• Barrel Lengths: 3 ½” (disc 1977), 4” (disc 1991), 5” (disc 1977), 6”, 6 ½”, or 8 3/8” (disc 1991)
• Manufacture Dates: 1935 – 1994
• Engineering Changes: 7

Smith & Wesson Classic Series

For nostalgic wheelgun lovers like myself, the Smith & Wesson Classic series is an answered prayer. Instead of hunting down old revolvers by attending countless gun shows and haggling with people who desire inflated prices for their heirloom revolvers, you can simply buy the real deal – a reproduction – directly from the master crafters themselves; Smith & Wesson. Right now, they produce 10 different reproduction Classic models with multiple variations and barrel lengths of each total for a few dozen to choose from. All of those Smith & Wesson Classic options are listed and linked below:

• Model 10 .38 Special – MSRP $869
• Model 17 Masterpiece .22 Long Rifle – MSRP $1,149
• Model 19 .357 Magnum – MSRP $969
• Model 25 .45 Long Colt – MSRP $1,169
• Model 27 .357 Magnum – MSRP $1,229
• Model 29 .44 Magnum – MSRP $1,159
• Model 36 .38 Special – MSRP $849
• Model 48 .22 Magnum  – MSRP $1,149
• Model 57 .41 Magnum – MSRP $1,169
• Model 586 .357 Magnum – MSRP $979

A new example of a Smith & Wesson Classic Model 19 .357 Magnum reproduction (MSRP $969)

While you might be looking at the prices of these reproductions thinking “these aren’t affordable at all”, I will side with you that they are not “affordable,” but if you want a specific Model revolver from Smith & Wesson, that is as cheap as it’s going to get. If you hit up GunBroker to check out some of the listings of those original guns in near-mint condition, you will pay upwards of $1,000 – $3,000 or more. So, if you want a gun you can shoot that doesn’t cost multiple mortgage payments, some of these new Smith & Wesson Classic series revolvers are worth ponying up for.

To play devil’s advocate to myself, if you want the old-school cool of the originals, go for it. I have spent many weekends wandering the aisles of gun shows hunting down guns I had no need for; I simply wanted them because they’re old and cool. Whether you want a big iron on your hip for ranch work, concealed carry, or simply nostalgia because it’ll be in your office or gun safe – go for it! The Smith & Wesson Classic series is simply another option that is worth taking a look at if you were unaware that Smith & Wesson was spinning back the clock. As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.