I started my career with a four inch 27. This was in 91-92 when the revolver was largely being replaced with semi-autos, but the small dept. I started with mandated revolvers in .38 or .357. If you carried a wheel gun at the time it was likely an S&W 686 or maybe a GP100, so my big N Frame was something of an anachronism even then. I got a lot of crap for it from some of the guys I worked with concerning my big cannon, but I was also one of the few that wore a "revolver expert" pin on my uniform when it meant something. The N Frame fit my big hands as if it was tailored made and full power magnum loads were like +P .38s, gargantuan muzzle blast not withstanding. It served me very well until I went to work for the staties and had to carry the mandated weapon.
Was it heavy? Yeah, but I was young and tough and could have cared less, nor did I have to contend with the additional thirty pounds of crap I carry today. I never had a single problem with it and it kept on keeping on when lighter guns were in need of service. I loved that gun and one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made was trading it off. I thought it was awesome and still do. If I was told I'd have to carry one again, I wouldn't voice approval but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. The 27 served me very well on a couple of defining occasions and I have no doubt it could do so again. I just got back from the range and a session with my new to me Model 29 and it reminds me that I actually miss carrying a wheel gun, on serval non-logical levels.