627 Perf. Center vs. 686 info please...
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Action_Can_Do
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the 627 is an N-frame while the 686 is a L-frame. That means the 627 frame is bigger and slightly stronger. The 627 will probably be a bit nicer, as it is a performance center gun.
Sheldon
Member
The bigger "N" frame of the 627 allows them to squeeze in 8 rounds of 38/357 whereas the smaller "L" framed 686 can only fit 7 rounds in its "plus" version. I hear the performance center guns are really nice but you do pay for the enhancements.
Snapping Twig
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There's also a 627-0 which is not a performance center N frame and has 6 shot capability in .357.
The N frame .357 recoils less due to weight and is a premium revolver regardless of Performanc center attention.
I own both the L frame and N frame in .357 and I would have to say each has their merits.
You can't go wrong with either revolver, so try them both if you can and make a decision based on which one makes you smile more.
The N frame .357 recoils less due to weight and is a premium revolver regardless of Performanc center attention.
I own both the L frame and N frame in .357 and I would have to say each has their merits.
You can't go wrong with either revolver, so try them both if you can and make a decision based on which one makes you smile more.
Stainz
Member
I have a 6" 66, a 5" half-lug 686+, and a 5" Jerry Miculek PC627 V-Comp. That's a K, L, and N frame and 6, 7, and 8-shooter respectively. The 66 & 686+ have HiViz sights - and were my first two .38/.357M steel plate challenge revolvers. The gold beaded Patridge front sight made the 627 the slowest to aim of my revolvers, so I went back to the 686+. I would suppose that it and the 6" 66 'point' a bit better because the 627 is muzzle heavy with it's full lug and muzzle-mounted compensator or muzzle blank - either of which is something else to clean.
While all three have the same lockwork, the PC 627 has better fitting - resulting in a better feeling trigger. A trip to the PC shop for a 686/686+ would equalize that somewhat. The 66 uses the HKS #10 speedloader, while the 686+ uses the #587. The 627 employs tempermental and flimsy moonclips for .357M's which will accept 'some' cases - mainly Remington's or Starline's, in my experience (It thankfully functions fine without the moon clips!).
Which would I keep if I could only have one? No doubt, the PC 627. No doubt the others are more fun - and get shot more nowadays - the 627 is harder to clean and that 8-round capacity wears off. But... the 627 used is worth more than the price of a new 686+ AND the cost of a trip to the PC shop. Of course, I would likely consider a 620 first - as it is just a 4" 686+ with a partial lug - much more to my likes than the full lugs of the standard 686's and 627. Now, if you are a man of means, get a new PC 627 without the comp - and with the tapered lug - that would be real nice.
Stainz
While all three have the same lockwork, the PC 627 has better fitting - resulting in a better feeling trigger. A trip to the PC shop for a 686/686+ would equalize that somewhat. The 66 uses the HKS #10 speedloader, while the 686+ uses the #587. The 627 employs tempermental and flimsy moonclips for .357M's which will accept 'some' cases - mainly Remington's or Starline's, in my experience (It thankfully functions fine without the moon clips!).
Which would I keep if I could only have one? No doubt, the PC 627. No doubt the others are more fun - and get shot more nowadays - the 627 is harder to clean and that 8-round capacity wears off. But... the 627 used is worth more than the price of a new 686+ AND the cost of a trip to the PC shop. Of course, I would likely consider a 620 first - as it is just a 4" 686+ with a partial lug - much more to my likes than the full lugs of the standard 686's and 627. Now, if you are a man of means, get a new PC 627 without the comp - and with the tapered lug - that would be real nice.
Stainz
schmidtundveßon
Member
Hi everyone, here's my first post. I had to start somewhere and this thread seems like a nice place to start... 
To stay on topic, my 686-5 International DX with its new brother (a week old) 627-5 PC:
To stay on topic, my 686-5 International DX with its new brother (a week old) 627-5 PC:
Stainz
Member
Nice pair! That 627 is my favorite - it even has the spring-loaded front sight - neat!
Stainz
Stainz
GrandmasterB
Member
Love the 627!
Tifosi
Member
There are two different Performance Center 627 s the V-COMP, which is in GrandmasterB's photo and the Slab side in schmidtundveßon photo the Slab is still offered by S&W PC. I have a V-COMP and would not let it go, superb pistol. The other V-Comp I am aware h'ove is the 625 in .45 ACP, damm I sorry I missed, it but I do have a S&W 625JM.
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