327 vs. 627

[erich w]

I've been looking at 2 different revolvers in the smith & wesson performance center and I'm having trouble deciding, the revolvers I am looking at are the 327 trr8 and the 627 v-comp, I'd like to have it for hunting and home defense and can see the pros they both have being they both hold 8 shots, while the 627 has a compinsator which is good if your unloading consecutive shots but at the same time it weighs a ton and the 327 doesent have the compensator but has a rail for a scope as well as a rail for an accesory under the rail.

 

[Majic]

If for hunting you want the weight to help tame the heavy loads you will be using. If you think the M627 weighs a ton then consider a lot of revolvers used for big game hunting weighs 50 oz or more. Skip the comped model as you won't be rapid firing. Also you won't need a rail as the frame is drilled and tapped for a scope base.
Just get the standard M627, but realize the cartridge is at the lower range for big game hunting.

 

[RyanM]

I'd take the .627! Wait, those aren't calibers? Darn S&W model number system...

 

[erich w]

the 327 and 627 are both .357s isn't that confusing

 

[erich w]

well I wanted it for home defense to so it being able to fire rapidly would be nice plus I like the look of it, I found a 627 v-comp for sale for $939 which is actually cheaper then what a new 627 sells for but if it wasn't for that I probably would be looking for a standard 627.

 

[TonyT]

The only problem with the V-Comp models is the additional muzzle blast. I do believe thaat the V-Comp came with a subsitute front end which was a muzzle cap.

 

[erich w]

do you mean the removable compensator or somthing else?

 

[Stainz]

The original 627 V-Comp came with a straight muzzle cap and a compensated one - as well as the appropriate Allen wrench for their installation. The first owner of my 627 V-Comp apparently never used the compensator - and I definitely won't. It does have a nice trigger - and neatly eased cylinder entries for fast reloading. It is full lugged, not my first choice there, but it was a nice trade for me. The current SS PC627, SKU 170210 & MSRP $1,178, is a tapered lug and non-comped, with both wood and rubber grips. The similar 5" length PC327TRR8, SKU #170269 & MSRP $1,260, comes rubber gripped with an Al/Sc frame and SS cylinder - both painted. It does weigh 35.3 oz vs the 44 oz of the PC627. The V-Comp is an ounce or two heavier - that full-lug - and comes with Miculek wood stocks, which my 627's former owner hated - and traded away, sadly.

Now for the bad news... I wouldn't suggest the 327/627's as a utilitarian .357 Magnum. I look at it, at least at mine, as a steel plate challenge competitor. The best bargain in years was the 5" Stocking Dealer Exclusive 5" 686+, which you may still find new resting on a few dealer's shelves. It is plenty stout - a seven-shooter .357 Magnum (One less round than the 627's!) - and comes partially lugged, a rare bird for a 686, with a HiViz front and V-notch rear sight, sporting square conversion Ahrends cocobolo stocks, etc. I treasure mine! It sold for a few bucks less than a stock 4" 686+, oddly enough. A great choice would also be the new 4" 620 model. It has the L-frame, seven shot cylinder, partial lug, and weighs 38 oz (SKU 164401 & MSRP $703). You can buy 7-shot speedloaders for these guys - the 627 variants will only use expensive, picky as to brass, and easily damaged moonclips for fast reloads.

Now, if you want a bit more caliber, consider the 625 in .45 ACP. It uses stouter moonclips for very fast reloads - or, you can load some .45 Auto Rims in speedloaders for 'regular' style ammo. I reload, so mine has 230gr FMJ 800fps .45 ACP 'plinkers' moonclipped, and 255gr LSWC 880+ fps .45 Auto Rims for more serious use. There is something about bore diameter and mass - a .452" 200+ gr round vs the 158gr .357" wins in my book. Plus - .45 ACP is widely available - and more reasonable than .357 Magnum ammo. The 625JM, SKU 160935 & MSRP $887, comes with nice Miculek wood stocks, an easily changed/spring loaded front sight, hard chromed hammer and grooved trigger, and eased charge holes. The regular 4" & 5" 625's, SKU 160927 & 160935, are only $29 less at MSRP $858. The recoil is mild - but can be further lessened by a .500 Magnum Hogue grip - $35 from S&W. Mine is a keeper for sure.

The best thing about buying new is S&W's lifetime warranty. They will send you a pre-paid shipping label from an 800# call... and return your gun the same way - quickly. My experience is limited - of the too many that I have bought, only one has gone back... and that had probably been messed with somewhere in the supply chain (loose sideplate screws). YMMV.

Stainz