We did routine landings at DCA with flaps 40 to runway 33 when VFR. I understand now that the flaps 30 and 40 detents have been locked out.

The 727 and MD-80 had similar landing quirks in that you just didn't want to keep pulling back and never try to stop the sink by pulling back. That just made it worse and drove the mains into the runway.

I flew with guys who used different techniques. Some used the slight push or release of back pressure just before touchdown. Others used a big flare (I could never do that) and still others just tried to freeze the pitch and let it land itself. One thing was certain... you didn't go to sleep trying to land the 727. It provided a nice little challenge each landing especially with gusty crosswinds.