Let's peruse the S&W '09 Catalog for medium frame 4" .357 Magnums... the least expensive is the 620 (SKU #164401), at MSRP $893. It's like a 686+, just with a partially lugged barrel. Same 7-shooter and Hogue monogrip, just cheaper, as the 4" 686+ (SKU #164194) has an MSRP of $932. Now, look at the production 4" 627 (SKU #163357) with it's partial lug and MSRP of $1,003. It isn't machined for moonclips and it's front sight is pinned, a la the regular 686/686+. Finally, the 627 Pro (SKU #178014), whose MSRP is $1,059, the same as the 686SSR and 625JM. It has a slab-sided and tapered barrel frame with a target crowned liner, spring-loaded front sight for fast tool-less changes, chamfered charge holes, comes machined for moonclips, and has a modicum of a trigger job. A fair dealer can sell any of these at 15% off. A well stocked S&W dealer can go to 75% of MSRP. At that, the 620/627 Pro prices should run - $670/$820. That's a range of $150 - and, yes, the 620 is a fine revolver. I like the 627 Pro better.
I went to my local pusher's 5/08 with the ill-gotten proceeds of my 'Goodbye to Rugers' sale... fully intent on coming home with the 620 (I had only 5" & 6" .357's.). For only $80 more then, it was a no-brainer - the 627 Pro came home with me. In retrospect, it was a steal - well worth a larger difference. Below you'll see it with my only 686 - a 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' 5" h-l 686+ that came equipped, in '04, with the grips and sight shown, as well as a v-notch rear sight. It was $489 then - $10 less than the 4' 686 in the case near it - bargain! Oops - I digress - my classes always liked that. Mentally remove an inch of barrel, replace that front sight with an orange ramp, and put some Hogue rubber monogrips on it - voila, a 620. The 627 Pro sports aftermarket Ahrends 'retro targets'. It's worth the difference.
How do you fund a $1k revolver? You do without a few things, if you are like me and retired. I also decided to go with fewer revolvers - but all S&W - most with the IL & MIM parts. I sold my Rugers. I have what I wanted - I am happier, too.
I had traded some years back for another 627 - an '01 JM PC627 V-Comp. Unreal trigger - great revolver - still like new. The sight, black/black, slurps. Still, what a keeper. The new 4" 627 Pro takes the range trips much more often. I bought 50 more moonclips ($50 shipped from Ranch Products.) and 1k easier to load in moonclips .357M brass cases from Starline (<$120 delivered). Nope, they don't load like the .45 ACPs in a 625 - but they beat handloading. I am so fortunate to have both 627s:
Good grief, how times change... once upon a time, pre-9/03, I had never touched a .38/.357M - only .44/.45/.454s. Early that month, I got a 2" 10 and 6" 66 - both new closeouts. I still have the 'loudenboomers' - but I spend a lot more time with .38s - even in .357M cases. My last S&W purchase was a new 617 - a .22 (Said goodbye to my MKII, etc.). I am retrograde personified! It's all fun.
Stainz