Two Performance Center Revolvers, but Which One

[Swamp Yankee]

Six shots starting to be a disadvantage.

Matches I've been shooting at the club I belong to, and other local clubs, are being dominated by the guys with 7 & 8 shots in revolver competitions, ( pin, dueling tree or plate). The old Monson 6 round DW 715 and the old guy hanging on to it seem to be at a disadvantage from the start. The extra round or two, not having to reload does help. Ideally I'd never miss, but hey it happens to the best of us more often than we like to admit. Too old to beat the younger crowd, but still want to be in the hunt.

OK, enough of that. At the LGS today checking out the revolvers and the salesman pulls out a pair of Performance Center S&Ws, a Model 627 and a Model 327 TRR8. Both 8 shot 357mag with very slick actions. Pricing on the two was within $25 of each other. The 627 was everything a S&W revolver should be, beautiful in form, fit, and function. The 327 had the fit and function down pat but it seemed like the black finish was an afterthought. Other than the color, I think I actually liked the 327 better for my purpose especialy the lighter weight and ease of mounting a red dot for a couple, but the 627 in classic stainless just screamed elegance.

So here I sit trying to decide. To make things more fuzzy he has a Performance Center 686 Plus arriving possibly by Wednesday, but early next week for sure that he wants me to take a look at.

Any and all thoughts are most appreciated especially if you have hands on with one or hopefully more of these three.

Take Care

 

[OARNGESI]

Go with the 327 it’s going to be more functional than form

 

[Zaydok Allen]

627.

 

[Old Dog]

627! Yeah, baby! Especially in the 5" PC version (I have the 4" Pro).

 

[ArchAngelCD]

To make things more fuzzy he has a Performance Center 686 Plus arriving possibly by Wednesday, but early next week for sure that he wants me to take a look at.

While not weak at all the M686 is still an L frame while the M627 is an N frame and will probably hold up better to all the shooting you will be doing since it's a competition gun. Additionally, if you are looking for extra rounds you might as well go straight to 8 instead of 7.

As for the M627 of M327, that will depend upon what you think is important. Do you really need a lighter gun when shooting matches? Wouldn't the additional weight help control the recoil? I have shot the 5" PC M627 and I wish I could have taken it home.

 

[alfsauve]

And you can load using .38S&W cases to ejection cleaner.

Of course you could look at the 929 in 9mm for 8 shot competion.

 

[9mmepiphany]

And you can load using .38S&W cases to ejection cleaner.

.38S&W cases won't fit in either the 627 or 327. Both the cases and bullets are too large in diameter

 

[fxvr5]

And you can load using .38S&W cases to ejection cleaner.

Of course you could look at the 929 in 9mm for 8 shot competion.

Word is that 38 Short Colt and 38 Long Colt will work in 38/357 revolvers. They're both shorter than 38 Special cases so should eject cleanly.

 

[bannockburn]

Between the two I would go with the Model 627. To me it's much more versatile than the Model 327.

 

[gotboostvr]

For competition the extra heft of the 627 is a blessing.

 

[MrBorland]

What @gotboostvr said. I vote for the 627. For competition, you want the heavier gun.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Weighing in on weight

Either will be heavier than the 4 inch 715 I'm using now. If I stick with my current load(s), or similar, they'll be lighter charges with 158 gr tips. From that perspective either should be a step up in recoil management.

As to red dot mounting, has anyone tried one of these on a N frame? Not overly expensive with no permanent alterations required.

https://www.jackweigand.com/swhpmnt.html

Take Care

 

[alfsauve]

.38S&W cases won't fit in either the 627 or 327. Both the cases and bullets are too large in diameter

Sorry I did misspoke. You can reload using .38 Short Colt cases with .357 bullets. A lot of USPSA revolver shooters and ICORE shooters do. It gives you a shorter case to eject.

I like the 929 in 9mm. Trouble is the 6.5" model is too long and heavy. I cut off the threaded extension and ground down the lug some. Can't use the comp in most completions anyway.

 

[thomas15]

The only place that I know of that has a home for a 6 shot revolver is IDPA and ICORE Limited 6 or Classic. No law against using them but puts you at a disadvantage.

OK

Word is that 38 Short Colt and 38 Long Colt will work in 38/357 revolvers. They're both shorter than 38 Special cases so should eject cleanly.

This is of course true and a great idea however you will have to purchase brass from Starline and moon clips from TK (for the starline brass). I think Lee is the only supplier of ready to roll dies for those calibers. It's a great idea but expensive. I'm fairly certain that any N frame you buy new will have a hefty trigger that should be taken care of. Not sure if this applies to a new TRR8.

I personally would like to get a TRR8, add to the collection, some love them others don't. I would say as a first 8 round competition gun go with the 627. Just me but I struggle to see where a 7 shot is an answer to any question one might ask. Perhaps if I were on a tight budget and not committed to any particular competition and a fantastic deal on a used one was out there on the horizon, maybe then. Anyone that thinks that a 929 will allow them to compete using economical factory ammo is in for a rude surprise. I say this a an individual that competes with a pair of 929s.

As to red dot mounting, has anyone tried one of these on a N frame? Not overly expensive with no permanent alterations required.

Yes. I use as many do, the Allchin mount, buy directly from them about $50.00. There are others. They (Allchin) makes a few different mounts for N Frames, I chose the "mini". Just take the entire factory sight assembly off and slap in the Allchin. Reverse the process to restore to the factory beauty state. You will want an appropriate sight, (assuming the "mini"), mine is a C-MORE RTS2 which might be more than you will want to spend. A lot of shooters use Vortex or Burris, good but less expensive. All of these are small footprint and will put the dot close to the bore. The sight you select should not have a picitiny mount as the N Frame mount mentioned above is a direct mount. Keep all of this in mind when shopping, check and double check the sight and the mount before purchasing but this is certainly something you can do.

 

[thomas15]

Sorry I did misspoke. You can reload using .38 Short Colt cases with .357 bullets. A lot of USPSA revolver shooters and ICORE shooters do. It gives you a shorter case to eject.

I like the 929 in 9mm. Trouble is the 6.5" model is too long and heavy. I cut off the threaded extension and ground down the lug some. Can't use the comp in most completions anyway.

Some guys around here have cut their 929 barrel to 5.5 or so inches. I would mention that Josh Lentz just removes the muzzle cap but leave the barrel as is. Up until he left for Team Ruger, Dave Olhasso did the same.

I'm not a competitor of any note but I had the non-comp cap thingy reamed out to prevent leading but still some accumulates there anyway. I also use nothing but coated bullets, Bayou mostly. I'm now giving away my deep held secrets here, but I resize with a EGW 9mm undersize die and load using Bayou 38/.357 bullets they measure .358 For me they are a little bit more on the money and a tad more cleaner. My crimp is very very light using a Dillon 9mm taper crimp die. Winchester brass seems to be a bit thicker, key word seems I haven't measured it but with all this I haven't had any bullet set back or movement. I have had (regular 9mm) bullets dislodge from the brass prior to shooting but lucky me I haven't pulled the trigger with lose powder in the cylinder. As far as weight and barrel length, allow me to say my 929 with it's 6.5" barrel has taken me to within 7 seconds of M is SCSA OSR. Again I have no natural talent in speed shooting on the contrary and I have small hands, the N Frame is a "handful" I'm stubborn and toughed it out.

 

[MrBorland]

Just me but I struggle to see where a 7 shot is an answer to any question one might ask

Maybe just you and me

 

[alfsauve]

The only place that I know of that has a home for a 6 shot revolver is IDPA and ICORE Limited 6 or Classic. No law against using them but puts you at a disadvantage.

Those, Bianchi Cup (NRA AP) and NRA Bullseye are where 6 shots are would be best. (7 and 8 would actually be a disadvantage or not allowed)

8 shot for all other action pistol sports. So I, too just never cotton to the 7 shot cylinder.

I have a 5" Performance Center 686 for ICORE and which they only made in Plus (7 shot), so the first thing I did was swap out the cylinder for a 6 shot one.

 

[thomas15]

I have a 5" Performance Center 686 for ICORE and which they only made in Plus (7 shot), so the first thing I did was swap out the cylinder for a 6 shot one.

I have a friend that uses one in SCSA and he does ok with it but he is a long time revo shooter and generally gets the 5 targets with 7 shots. For that (SCSA) I really struggled with getting one because an L Frame fits my hand better than a N Frame but in the end 8 shots won the argument for which now several years later I'm very grateful. It's hard to understand all of the variables when you are new. If you are just getting started I think an 8 shot is better obviously and if your serious then you will have an 8 shot unless your shooting the cof you and I have mentioned above.

My first year shooting static steel I shot what I had, a 6 shot 686 using speed loaders. The entire year was a unmitigated disaster for me but as a rank beginner I'm not sure I would have done a whole lot better with the extra (8 shot) capacity.

 

[thomas15]

Pricing on the two was within $25 of each other.

May I ask what your dealer is charging for a TRR8?

 

[Swamp Yankee]

May I ask what your dealer is charging for a TRR8?

If my failing memory serves $1180.

As to the Allchin Mini N frame mount,

Definite possibility if I go for the PC N frame. There's a nib 3 moa Razor sitting in the shop that was taken in partial payment for tree work. I'm also a huge fan of the C-More Railway sights. Have a couple mounted on 1911s and a wide selection of spare diode sizes sitting in the same cupboard with the Razor.

Take Care

 

[Swamp Yankee]

9mm is a non-starter,

In a revolver, I can load 357 mag down to 9mm performance, (or use 38 Sp), but the reverse is certainly not possible. Eight shots is the max either way, I'll err on the side of flexibility.

Take Care

 

[gotboostvr]

As far as mounts go, the Raptor engineering mount is the lowest possible mini RDS sight.

I know I like mine and have zero complaints.

 

[mcb]

OP what are you going to use it for?

Don't completely discount the 9mm 929 if your going for a comp gun. The 929 is currently the King of USPSA competition. Rimless cartridge and moonclips work well together and as far as fast reloading 8-shot revolver the 929 is probably the best choice goings. A 627/327/R8 would be a close second. The 929 moonclips are so much more robust and less finicky than the 627 moonclips, that if you don't need the power of 357 Magnum for the game your playing then the 9mm version is a better competition revolver.

That said I am running a 627 in USPSA and can hold my own.



7-shot revolver are sort of odd balls with no home in competitions. They are illegal in IDPA; you would be better off shooting 6-shot Major than 7-shot Minor in USPSA; and I don't believe there is an ICORE division that favors a 7-shooter either. If it was going to be a woods/tractor/hunting revolver I can see some argument for 7-shot L-frame, lighter than an N-frame while still get an extra round... But from a competition point of view the N-frame 8-shooter is hard to beat, 9mm or 357 Mag.

 

[thomas15]

Anyone that thinks that a 929 will allow them to compete using economical factory ammo is in for a rude surprise. I say this a an individual that competes with a pair of 929s.

I would say as a first 8 round competition gun go with the 627.

9mm is a non-starter,

In a revolver, I can load 357 mag down to 9mm performance, (or use 38 Sp), but the reverse is certainly not possible. Eight shots is the max either way, I'll err on the side of flexibility.

I apologize Sir as I totally misunderstood the question you asked in the OP. I will try in the future to read with better comprehension.

Have a great day!

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Club competitions

Actually more like good time get togethers including burgers and hot dogs, with bragging rights on the line.

I have no desire in any way shape or form to get back into the cutthroat competition league and organisational matches and watching grown men whine and act complete jerks. That's why I gave up IMHSA many years ago. It was fun in the beginning but as sponsorships became possible the whole flavor changed. I'm too old and arthritic to even waste my time at that level. Go ahead and flame away, but as a CRSO I've worked and continue to work these matches, and seen far more attitude than skill. Rant over, probably uncalled for but it hit a nerve. To quote Forest Gump, "That's all I got to say about that." My apologies if I've offended anyone.

Typically it's a bunch of guys from 3 or 4 clubs, maybe 20 or so, and depending on the club holding the event and what equipment they have we shoot pins, a plate rack, and dueling trees are becoming popular, etc. I shoot both semi auto and revolver as do most, just for additional fun and less standing around. We do the same with rimfire indoors during the winter.

Take Care