Are S&W Performance Center worth the extra cost?

[gorenut]

Hi there, new here. Registered because I wanted to find a place that specifically targets revolvers. I'm a wheelgun guy first, semi-auto second.

IN any case, here is my situation:
I am interested in purchasing a S&W 627 8-shot. Currently I can get a standard Pro-Series one for $770 with 4' barrel. I can get the PC model with 5" barrel for $200 more. Overall, I have no preference of barrel lengths between the two, but 4" might be a better overall length. Is the $200 extra worth getting for the PC version? Also, I am most interested in smooth trigger.. so is there anything mechanically different than the PC version other than being smoothed out? Example, over time and usage, will the Pro stock model get as smooth as a PC trigger? I really don't have a need for things like a compensator.

Lastly, one way I think I can shave down the difference in price if I go the PC model.. I'll sell the wood grips that come with em. How much do they average for?

Thanks in advance for all the info!

 

[9mmepiphany]

These are all on the roster
627-5 4 1/8"
627-5 5"
627-5 Pro Series 4 1/8"

I've handled many 627s and have never found a Performance Center one that couldn't be improved

I would get the cheapest one I could find and use the money you saved to send it to Randy Lee at Apex Tactical. What he'll return you, given that you opt for his re-engineered hammer and the Ti cylinder, a far better performing gun than you could ever get from the Performance Center.

BTW: Welcome to this forum

 

[gorenut]

Hah, wow. Didn't know you were a mod in this forum. Thanks for the answer. Its very hard to find some unbiased answers as I know gunlovers can get carried away with wanting the best and believing the money they spent is worth it. So its always the ones that goes against the grain with proper explanations that interest me the most.

PS: Sorry if you find this post redundant.. both of us being on many of the same forums, you must have seen me post this before. Just trying very hard to weigh out my options.

On a side note, I just found a Performance Center 5" one for $840. Honestly, I think I'll end up selling the case and wood grips since I really don't have a need for em (not much a collector and my guns go directly into where they are needed) - so that would honestly factor into the cost difference too.

As always, you've been helpful.

Oh yea.. I just noticed the list you struck up.. does the Performance Center models count as something different? I mean.. if the CA roster doesn't allow it.. that'll def make my choice much easier and I'd just go with the 4" Pro series.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

To be honest, I don't really get the point of the Pro-series. Performance center parts without the extra fitting and gunsmithing? Seems pointless to me.

 

[gorenut]

A lot of people seem to think the Pro Series are one of the best values. You get alot of PC stuff like cylinders cut for moon clips as standard affair.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm sorry I left the PC 627 off because I was recommending the lessor models...the PC is definitely on the roster.

I actually had a Pro reserved with a vendor, but had to let it go because it took so long to get on the list...it really is a good value if you plan to use moon clips. The Pro 627 is to the PC 627, what the Springfirld TRP is to their Professional. IMO 80% of shooter will never see the difference between them and 90% of shooters will never know what they are giving up between the PC model and a Apex gun.

For competition, I recommend the base models, without the moon clip machining, because you'll end up tossing the cylinder and hammer anyway...maybe even the barrel...when you get it tweaked.

The Perf Cntr does nice work, but they are limited by the geometry of the factory parts.

I don't know the market for the grips or the case...sort of specilized

 

[Stainz]

I recently sold my 5" JM PC627 V-Comp - the finest revolver I've ever owned. It was too big - and the sights, black/black, were hard for my mature eyes to acquire. Besides, the 627 Pro I bought 5/08 had totally displaced it. Fantastic revolver - from the spring-loaded front sight, easily changed without tools, to the modicum of a trigger job, to the eased ejector star/moonclip dish - pretty good value for the money 5/08 - and today, as well.

I did buy my second PC gun in 4/10 - a 2 5/8" PC627 UDR. Better trigger out of the box - great quality - a gun I had wanted for a decade since it's first inception. Oddly, the sale of my JM PC627 prompted a second such UDR's purchase - in lieu of my intended 327MG purchase when I found out it wasn't moonclip ready like the UDRs. I really like this revolver - but will admit that the 4" 627 Pro may just be more utilitarian. Keeping one only, sad to say, would be difficult - and probably result in my 4" 627 Pro staying. It is a great value.

Stainz

PS That 2 5/8" UDR is a definite keeper... waffle. I'm glad I can have both!

 

[gorenut]

Thanks for the input again guys. I may just go with the 4" Pro model seeing as it looks like a better overall size for standard usage and it'll save me $200. On a side note, on the S&W forum (not official) there are plenty of rumors of a S&W price drop (already see rebates going around.. though they've always seemed to do this once a year).. would be cool if the 627 got this treatment (highly doubtful) - guess it won't hurt to wait a little longer though to at least look for a deal.

 

[Stainz]

As I reported in a similar thread elsewhere, the S&W price reductions are on their website - they are real!

Stainz

 

[340PD]

I own a performance center gun, a pro series 357, and a number of "stock revolvers. I have found the ones with a $100 action job to be every bit as good as the performance center guns, at sale time an action job will generally not bring in an extra dollar on the sale of that firearm. I think the performance center guns with the case and paperwork will have some extra impact on the sale as these guns are generally more desirable. From what I was told by a dealer, the pro series is should be a cross between the two. To shoot in some classes the gun must be a standard production gun. Apparently the performance guns would not qualify.

 

[gorenut]

Well, things turned out good. I'm just finalizing my deal with a gentleman to get a like new 627 5" PC for $750. Downside is no aluminum case and wood grips, but I didn't really have a need for those. The gun literally looks like its fresh out of the box.