Smith & Wesson Model 27

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The Smith & Wesson (S & W) Model 27 is the original .357 Magnum revolver and was first produced in 1935; production ceased in the 1990s. The Model 27 was built on Smith and Wesson's carbon steel, large N-frame, was available at various times with 3 1/2", 4", 5", 6" or 8 3/8" barrel lengths and had adjustable sights.

It was noted for its durability and reliability. The 3 1/2" barrel length was extremely popular with FBI agents in the 1940s through the 1960s. Skeeter Skelton considered the Model 27 with a 5" barrel as the best all around handgun. General George Patton carried an ivory handled Model 27 with a 3 1/2 inch barrel (along with his ivory handled Colt Peacemaker); Patton called the Model 27 his "killing gun." [1]

Smith Wesson also built a series of medium K- and L-frame .357s; notably the S&W Model 19, S&W Model 66 and the S&W Model 686. During the 1990s, S&W developed some J-frame .357s such as the S&W Model 640.

The Model 27 was replaced in the late 1990s by the eight-shot, stainless steel S&W Model 627.