• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The K-Var ArmoryThe K-Var Armory

The Largest Supplier of Firearms, Gun Parts, & Accessories Online

  • Shop K-Var
  • News
    • Industry
    • Politics
    • Second Amendment
    • Self Defense
    • Comics
  • Reviews
    • Anything AK
    • Anything AR
    • Gear
    • Pistols
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
  • Newsletter

S&W Model 27 Classic — The First Magnum Revolver

January 28, 2019 by Wilburn Roberts 9 Comments

When the .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1935, Smith and Wesson chambered the cartridge in a deluxe, large-frame revolver. The new handgun was in some ways a development of the .38-44—a heavy frame .38 Special. However, in other ways, the target-sighted magnum was unique. Either way, the revolver cost more than $65 at a time when a new Ford V 8 cost $810. The .38-44 cost about $35 dollars. Useful handguns were available for $20. The fit, finish, and accuracy of the new revolver was exceptional by any standard. The .357 Magnum was the first of many expensive, but custom grade, factory handguns.

Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver right profile
This is one of the most business-like appearing handguns of all time.

The heat-treating and finish were excellent. The revolver featured a shrouded ejector rod and Magna-type grips. By the way, On Smith & Wesson revolvers, Magna grips are wooden grips that extend upward to the top of the frame. They do not include the filler block behind the trigger guard, which is often hard for small hands to manage. The top strap is checkered. The revolver was intended for outdoors use with its 8 3/8-inch barrel. Shorter barrel versions were soon introduced. These included a 3.5-inch and 5-inch version. These proved popular with law enforcement officers that could afford and master the piece.

Many of the original .357s were delivered in a presentation case. The original magnums were shipped with a certificate of registration. The Registered Magnum is a desirable collectors item. The Model 27 is the classic magnum to many of us. After the introduction of more affordable magnums, such as the Highway Patrolman and the medium-frame Combat Magnum, the Model 27 (as it was known after 1957) lost ground.

Eventually, the revolver was practically out of production. Today, Smith and Wesson offers a modern heavy frame magnum in the Classic line. It isn’t quite the same as the original, but in some ways it is better. The revolver illustrated is a blue finish .357 Magnum with a four-inch barrel. The four-inch tapered barrel features a changeable front sight and the rear sight is fully adjustable. The top strap is nicely checkered.

Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver wood grips
The grip are well checkered, and while skimpy, easy to conceal.

The shrouded ejector rod and cylinder release are standard Model 27. The Model 27 features a lockable action. The locking component above the cylinder release isn’t obtrusive. This revolver has something not seen since the 1950s. The side plate is a four-screw type. I like this touch.

The firing pin is a frame-mounted design as opposed to the original hammer-mounted firing pin. There is no separate recoil plate on the frame. This makes for a much stronger frame. The action is both tight and smooth. The double action trigger is smooth at just over 12 pounds.

The crisp, single-action trigger press is just less than four pounds. The wide serrated trigger makes for excellent control. The target-style hammer offers a nicely checkered spur. The original Smith and Wesson Model 27 featured countersunk cylinders. This was a safety measure to contain the cartridge head in case of a blown case. With modern cartridges, this seems unlikely and this is a reasonable deletion.

Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver trigger
The target trigger is wide and controllable.

The sights are a bold front post and a rear notch. This combination offers excellent hit probability and a fast line-up on target. My only concern was the checkered grips. They may be ideal for concealed carry, but they are thin. I felt that they might give the shooter a solid rap on firing. I wasn’t wrong.

On another subject, the modern Smith and Wesson has the advantage of precise fit and tolerances as a result of CNC machinery and modern production techniques. The cylinder, throats, and rifling are a better fit than anything Smith and Wesson has previously manufactured. Accuracy should be excellent.

I began with a mix of handloads and factory loads in .38 Special. Most loads fired in magnums are .38 Specials, which are a bit shorter than the Magnum. The magnum cartridge case is lengthened to preclude chambering in .38 Special revolvers. There is no problem using .38 Special ammunition in a magnum cylinder.

Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver left profile
The Model 27 is a beautifully finished and fitted revolver.

I used a good supply of Winchester USA White Box loads. This jacketed 130-grain bullet is a clean burning load that leaves little powder residue and no leading. At .38 Special velocity, copper wash in the barrel is limited.

In offhand fire, I addressed man-sized targets at 7, 10, and 15 yards. The balance of the revolver was good. The heavy cylinder and relatively short barrel made for a good balance point. The piece came on target smoothly, and I was rewarded with center hits for each shot. Press the double-action trigger straight to the rear, keep the sight on target, allow the trigger to reset during recoil, then control the trigger again, and you will do well with the Smith and Wesson revolver.

I fired 100 rounds in this manner. Moving to magnum loads, I had on hand Winchester 125-grain JHP, 158-grain JHP, and the Winchester 145-grain Silvertip. Firing the 1,420 fps 125-grain load, things got interesting. Recoil was there and the grip frame stung a bit in the hand. Due to the revolver’s weight control remained good. The 158-grain load and the Silvertip were more pleasant.

This revolver demands practice, but it is among the most controllable magnum revolvers. Moving to benchrest fire, I fired the three magnum loads from the Bullshooters rest at a long 25 yards, taking care that each shot was delivered as accurately as possible. The results follow.

Load

Velocity

Five-shot group, 25 yards

Winchester 125-grain JHP 1,420 fps 2.25 inches
Winchester 145-grain Silvertip 1,294 fps 1.7 inches
Winchester 158-grain JHP 1,258 fps 1.5 inches

The Model 27 Classic is a worthy descendant of the original magnum and a fine personal defense and outdoors revolver, just as originally intended.

Are you a magnum revolver fan? Which model and caliber tops your list of favorites? Share your answers in the comment section.

Winchester Silvertip .357 Magnum ammunition
Winchester’s .357 Magnum Silvertip is a preferred option for personal defense.
Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver top strap
The top strap checkering is well done.
Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver in a Tucker Gun Leather holster
This is a fancy holster from Tucker Gun Leather, well worth its price. The holster is fast, very fast.
Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver in a Lobo Leather holster
This Lobo Gun Leather belt slide offers excellent concealment.
Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver right profile
This is one of the most business-like appearing handguns of all time.
Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver trigger
The target trigger is wide and controllable.
Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver wood grips
The grip are well checkered, and while skimpy, easy to conceal.
Smith and Wesson Model 27 revolver left profile
The Model 27 is a beautifully finished and fitted revolver.

Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.

Filed Under: Reviews, Revolvers, Smith and Wesson Tagged With: .357 Magnum, revolver, Smith and Wesson, Winchester Ammunition

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. karl says

    January 31, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    Had a 6.5 inch mdl 28 with target hammer/trigger[was legal minimum length to hunt deer in NY in 1977].Twas the”Highway Parolman” i.e.cheaper version of the mdl 27.Soon went to Pachmayr Signature grips-better for my large hands
    Switched to Rugers afterwards-sturdier.Mixed reusults with S&Ws over the last 43 years.
    For hunting and heavy loads,go with a Ruger,just check smoothness of individual chambers.

    Reply
  2. Ken Phillips says

    February 1, 2019 at 10:20 pm

    As a Florida State Trooper, I carried and shot my nickel plated 5 inch .357 model 27 for five years. It had a smooth action and nice grips. I always fired double action. It was a reliable, trusty weapon. I shot completely through a Chevy Monza 6 times back to fron one when a drunk tried to back his car over me.

    Reply
    • Les Wallace says

      February 13, 2019 at 9:18 am

      I was an Austin PD Patrolman in early ’70 and got hit in the leg with one round from your nickel 27 that had been taken from another Officer. Our Dept issue ammo was Super Vel “high velocity” semi-wadcutters. I’m curious to know what you carried to defend yourself from the Monza attack. Very glad you made it home that day.

      Reply
  3. John says

    February 2, 2019 at 5:02 am

    My vote is for the Model 19 “Combat Magnum”. I believe this model was carried by many police officers in the 70″s. This 4″ revolver shoots and handles like a dream. Mine has some holster wear at the muzzle, but is otherwise in perfect condition. My sons are already getting in position for a ownership battle at my demise.

    Reply
    • GomeznSA says

      February 2, 2019 at 7:07 pm

      John – I’ll ‘one-up’ ya – the early Model 66 – same gun as the Model 19 except in stainless steel – better weather resistance, especially in areas with major climate conditions (what they call global warming these days). Carried one for a duty weapon for more than a few years.

      Reply
  4. Vaughn Winslett says

    February 2, 2019 at 8:13 am

    Not with the Clinton Commie lock!

    Reply
  5. GregV says

    February 4, 2019 at 8:46 am

    This one is definitely on my list. The older model with the pinned barrel and countersunk chambers is appealing, but I will take the superior fit of CNC machining any day. The frame lock does not bother me. I just remove it and get a little plug from Brownells to fill the hole. There is nothing like the feel of an N-Frame Smith!

    Reply
  6. badlandsnative says

    February 9, 2019 at 5:07 am

    My favorites were the k frame for target and model 15 and my very favorite was my 3 1/2 inch model 27. and then went all out and sent S&W a 6 inch model 27 to have it nickel plated . I carried it for 3 yrs on the job and like a dumb ass sold it at a gun show for $150.00,

    Reply
  7. Dex Taylor says

    August 1, 2020 at 6:21 am

    I was fortunate enough to purchase a Smith 357 on a “Pre-27″ frame with a 3.5″ barrel. According to the paperwork in the original gold box with blue print, it was one of the early post war magnums made. The best that I can tell, this 1951 collecter piece has never been fired or holstered. This is according to the many gunsmiths I have shown it to. The high polish blue finish has been well preserved. I have later found a used 4” model 27 from 1981 that I use for shooting. The finish on this shooter is also good. No holster wear at all. But still the luster finish on the older Pre-27 far exceeds. I called Smith & Wesson and asked them how the bluing was so much darker and richer looking on the older model. They told me that the older registered magnums and pre-27s from the past had their steel high polished to a bright mirror finish prior to the bluing process. He also said that the EPA later made them change something in the bluing process. This environmental safety change resulted in a lesser quality finish on future made Smith firearms.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to the Muzzle Flash – The K-Var Armory Official Newsletter!

* Required field
Marketing permission: I give my consent to to be in touch with me via email using the information I have provided in this form for the purpose of news, updates and marketing.

Recent Posts

  • Long Range Shooting 3
  • K-Var’s 180-Day Layaway Program: Own Your Dream Firearm, Interest-Free!
  • Inside FAIR: Why Arsenal Inc. Supports the Trade Group That Keeps Our Industry on Track
  • Bug Out Bag!
  • The Clock is Ticking: Why Imported Rifles Deserve Your Attention Now
Gun Broker Auctions

Archives

  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017

Categories

  • 1911
  • Accessories
  • Ammunition
  • Anything AK
  • Anything AR
  • Arex
  • Arsenal
  • Blades
  • Browning
  • Cartridges
  • Charter Arms
  • Colt
  • Comics
  • Conservation
  • Dan Wesson
  • Deer
  • Derringer
  • Gear
  • Glock
  • Hearing Protection
  • Holsters
  • How To
  • How-To
  • Hunting
  • Industry
  • Kahr
  • Kel-Tec
  • Lasers
  • News
  • NFA
  • Night Vision
  • North American Arms
  • Op-ed
  • Optics
  • Optics
  • Pistols
  • Politics
  • Predator
  • Product Recall Notice
  • Red Dot
  • Reloading
  • Reviews
  • Revolvers
  • Rifles
  • Rimfire
  • Rock Island Armory
  • Rossi
  • Ruger
  • Ruger
  • Savage
  • Second Amendment
  • Self Defense
  • Shotguns
  • SIG Sauer
  • Small Game
  • Smith and Wesson
  • Springfield
  • Tactics
  • Taurus
  • Thermal
  • Turkey
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Walther
  • Waterfowling
  • Comics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • About
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2025 · K-Var Corp · Log in