8-shot .357 revolver

I own the 608. It's wicked accurate and one of my favorite guns to shoot. It's held up pretty well (thousand rounds +) so far.

I can also attest to the 608.

I can tell you one thing, during the 2010 National Revolver Championship there were over 230 participants. (this is fact now) All but one was shooting a S&W revolver and the majority were S&W M627 PC revolvers. The only single none S&W revolver was a Ruger. (sorry, they didn't say which) When asked why they were all shooting S&W's they all said because they hold up and no other revolver will. (of course they shoot much more than we ever will) BTW, Jerry Miculek won again.

My PC 627 has a really great trigger in DA and SA modes.

I can attest to the 627 PC as well as the 625 PC. Both Great Guns

I have a 627 Pro Series and couldn't be happier with it.

I can attest to the 627 PC as well as the 625 PC. Both Great Guns

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..........+1!

My 627 PC is one of the finest 357's I have ever had in my hand and there have been more than a few!

My current 627 family:



The two PC627 UDR's came with marginally better triggers than did the 627 Pro. Of course, the only 4" 627 now available, as the PC627's available now are <3" or 5", is the 627 Pro. It is a bargain. The moonclip ready cylinder/eased ejector star entries are great - as-is the spring-loaded front sight, changed without tools. Mine had been on an 'accelerated wear' test since it's purchase new 5/08. The first UDR - 4/10 - and it's sibling - 10/10 - have slowed it's use somewhat. Oddly, they all have great balance - especially with 'real' grips in place of the UDR's OEM Eagle boots and the usual rubber Hogues from the 627 Pro. Both models load moonclipped ammo rapidly - as well as the 5 Star speedloader fed rounds. The latter doesn't 'care' about the case choices - just over all length (.38's or .357M's - not mixed!). Great revolvers - they will spoil you.

Stainz

always wanted one of these. for backpacking, hiking or plinking an 8 shot 357 sounds grand idea.

Is the Taurus worth saving a couple hundred bucks? Or should I keep saving for the Smith?

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I know nothing about the Taurus but the S&W 627 is worth saving for and I would not let the $200 keep me from one IMO.

There was an Gun Mag article from a few years ago in which the 608 was compared against the 627. They said the 608 had a fatal failure after a few thousand rounds of hard use in IPSC competition because of a weakly designed cran/yoke. The bottom line is because of the yoke, the 608 ain't durable. This may not be an issue for 99.5% of the owners, because most people don't shoot their revolver that much.

I'm tempted by the 608 6" with compensator at Buds for $450. The equivalent 627PC gun is over a grand at Buds. That is huge difference in price. It buys a bud load of ammo.

Besides, Taurus don't use MIM or stupid lock. Only hand fitted parts!

The price difference is huge. You could buy two 608s and have money left over for the price of the PC 627. I wouldn't buy the PC 627 just because I think it's incredibly ugly. Realistically, you'll probably like either gun.

The 627 Pro Series is a nice revolver. For just a little more you can go Performance Center. Here is a picture of my 327 M&P R8 in .347 Magnum with mounted eotech. This revolver is an absolute tack driver that can easily shoot magnums all day long. It weighs a bit less then the 627 because of the Scandium frame, but it is not light by any means... it runs about 34 ounces.

I own a 608 and it is an excellent gun. Super stout, very accurate and well-built. IMO, listen to those who actually OWN the guns you are considering; opinions based on conjecture are worthless. For the record, Taurus does have a lock, and they do use MIM parts; their foundry provides a lot of the MIM parts used by other manufacturers.

I found this article of one man's testing of both guns for IPSC.

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/dec97IPSC.html

Here's the thing with the Taurus 608. I have a very good one as they go but due to the ported barrel it loses quite a bit of power. I have the 4-inch barrel and it is less powerful than my S&W Model 60 with a 3-inch barrel.

I've looked around and eventually based on people's experiences on various forums decided that the 627PC 5" is the one to go to but was very close to getting the 627 Pro 4"

That Gun Tests review was over thirteen years ago! Interesting, however - and I never realized the entire revolver's mass is supported by the cylinder/yoke during speed reloads. Ah, that could be why my first 4" 625-8, bought new 9/02 and rebuilt 6/04 before being sold, fell apart! No matter - I slurped in a major way in competition - even SPC. Now it's for fun.

If I had to wait a few months - or sell/trade something else to aid with the funding, I'd still opt for a 627. That 627 Pro is a deal.

Stainz

I own a PC Model 627. I've also shot the Taurus as well. I'm not a Taurus basher but between the two I'd pick the S&W. It's a personal preference thing. I think the PC model Smith's have superb triggers but you'd expect that for the price you pay for them.

Personally I'd ignore the arguments against integrated locks and MIM parts. I've seen a number of people get talked out of buying some great revolvers based simply a "manufactured" fear of integrated locks.
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lobo 79 looks a bit more practical with the burris red dot than the eotech.