FFLgundealers.net: you said:
I never understood the Smith Model 327. There are three reasons that a J-Frame are good for concealment:
1) slimmer cylinder (only 5 shot)
2) smaller grip (ever try holding one?)
3) shorter barrel (SNUBNOSE)
...so why would you want to make a revolver that has only one of the three?
The S&W 327 makes as much sense to me as:
-an N-Frame with a bobbed grip.
-a 5-shot J-Frame with an extended barrel
Just goes to show you how two different people with different perspectives can see the same two firearms very differently!
I own both a J-frame (Model 60 LS) and a 327 Performance Center N-frame, so let me TRY to explain why at least I can rationalize BOTH as carry guns. And, in fact, I already carry the 60 LS but also intend to carry the 327.
I tried to post a neat set of 3 photos that show the two revolvers side by side from 3 different views, but I could not get the "manage attachments" to work for me. So, we'll need to do it without visuals!
The 60 LS is, according to S&W, 6 5/8 inches in overall length. The 327 is 7 inches in length. I see that as close to identical in length.
The 327 is “larger” than the 60 LS, but not as MUCH larger as to be “too large”, except for potentially the thickness of the cylinder. The 60 LS is about 1 ¼ inches thick, while the 327 is almost 1 ¾ inches thick. That difference is huge from a percentage point of view (40%) but actually not large in terms of actual added inches (only ½ inch). Is ½ inch enough to disqualify a firearm for concealed carry? That depends on how you intend to carry it I guess. Pocket carry is unlikely to be successfully hidden, but either a HIGH RIDE slide holster or IWB holster might work, if the cover garment is one that is either a loose fit or blouses over the firearm. Certainly a shoulder holster would work.
Let’s look at caliber. Both firearms are 357 Magnum, and both can shoot 38 Special as well. So, if the 60 LS is good, so must the 317 be.
Let’s look at unloaded weight. The all steel 60 LS weighs 21.7 ounces unloaded. The scandium/titanium/steel/aluminum 327 weighs 21.1 ounces – just slightly less. If the 60 LS is judged to be an acceptable weight from both carrying (less is better) and recoil perspectives (more is better), than the 327 must surely be judged the same, as its weight is basically identical.
Let’s look at LOADED weight. The 60 LS with only FIVE rounds aboard weighs 24.3 ounces. The 327 with EIGHT rounds aboard weighs 25.4 ounces – only 1 ounce more!! A penalty of only ONE ounce to carry THREE MORE rounds? That’s a DEAL from my perspective!
Now, let’s look at speed of reloading. The 60 LS requires using a speedloader. The 327 uses moon cips, which are FAR faster.
Finally, famed police officer / firearms expert / writer Massad Ayoob has actually carried a 327 for multiple days as a test, and reported in one of his books that the 327 really surprised him. He THOUGHT it might be too big and too light, but it proved to perform really well. Carried well and shot with manageable recoil.
Grip length on the 327? Believe it or not, I intend to remove the stock grips and replace them with the shorter “Secret Service” type grip from Eagle or other supplier, as the stock grips are longer than I require, and the shorter ones would enhance concealability even more.
You also said you don’t see the point in a J-frame with a long barrel. Have you ever looked at a Model 60-18? That gun is a J-frame with a 5 inch barrel. Advantages? The sighting radius is THREE inches longer! And, the 5 inch barrel generates higher bullet velocity than the 2 inch barrel. Disadvantage? Theoretically, a slightly slower draw. Concealability? No real disadvantage in belt or IWB carry, as the hardest part of the firearm to conceal is the GRIP, not the relatively thin barrel. Admittedly, the pocket carry option is gone.
That’s the way I see it . . .
Jim G
