Samdjr74 11 Posted May 31, 2017 Hello All, I've been thinking about getting a S&W in 357 and I like the specs on the model 27. I see that S&W is still making the model 27 but is it as good as an older one? Or is the new one better than an older one? Right now I'm just window shopping so I'm not putting money down on anything, just getting ready for a future purchase. Thank you, Sam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
302w 83 Posted June 1, 2017 Older Smiths are typically nicer made. Forged vs powder metal parts, finer blue, locks, etc. 686s are the popular 357 these days. A tad smaller than a 27. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dajonga 396 Posted June 1, 2017 I agree with 302. I would go with an older S&W all day, every day. The new ones run around 900 or so. I would gladly pay more for a gun that was made a few decades ago. If you want a N frame .357 that seems to appreciating in value, look into a 28, aka the Highway Patrolman. Same gun, less bling. Bargains might not be around anymore, but I picked up a nice 6" 28 a few years ago for $500 and sold it 2 years later for $700. Shoulda kept it, but we all know how that goes. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted June 1, 2017 I have a M15 and M10 4 inch 38s from the 50s and 70s and both are gorgeous and both shoot to point of aim. Thanks @robot_hell for a sweet shooter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mustang69 503 Posted June 2, 2017 I would go older but I prefer the pinned & recessed versions. And I've always gotten a great-condition older model for less $$$ than the new ones. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,365 Posted June 2, 2017 I wouldn't buy a new one. They are way overpriced IMO. I want one with a 3 1/2" barrel. They don't make those anymore. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samdjr74 11 Posted September 15, 2017 So this thread is a few months old but I ended up buying a used 1987 27-3 with a 8 3/8" barrel. I wasn't looking for anything longer than a 6" barrel but I couldn't pass up the price. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites