Packing a V8

[bnbc]

I saw a Smith Wesson Performance Center 627 8 shot 357 w/a 3" barrel and removable compensator.
This is a cool revolver.
I like to know if anyone owns and carries one of these beast?
Is it a good (practical) defense revolver?
Better for home/car than CCW?
Why would you choose this over 686 or 66?

 

[Tamara]

Well, I have a couple of good N-frame totin' rigs: a PWL pancake holster for OWB and a Comp-Tac Gurkha for IWB. I've carried my PC627 on a couple of occasions. Why it instead of the 2.5" 686 or 3" PC13? Sometimes more booms are better booms, plus I shoot N-frames better than any other frame size. It's also my only .357 that I can shoot Deerstoppers out of in rapid fire in a controllable fashion...

 

[bnbc]

Tamara,
Cool, what barrel length?
What loads for sd and hunting.
Would 357 make good for sd against cats(cougars) and Black Bear?

 

[WonderNine]

I've been looking at the 4" 627's with moderate interest for about a year now. I can't make up my mind though, because I like old model 19's so much. Is the 627 a whole lot bigger?

I also have heard rumors that the 8 shots don't stand up as well to abuse (ie: get out of time). Do all new S&W's have that damn integral lock thing?

 

[MR.G]

bnbc,
I also have one of the Performance Center 8 shot .357, 627 3" with the removable compensator. It is a great looking gun. Everyone that I show it to wants one, until they hear the price. I think the gun is too big and heavy to be a carry gun. As far as a shooter, I don't like a barrel less than 4" or a frame larger than an L. That is why mine has never been fired, or carried. Can't remember why I ever bought it.

 

[Tamara]

Cool, what barrel length?

3"

What loads for sd and hunting.

.357 158gr Georgia Arms Deerstoppers.

Would 357 make good for sd against cats(cougars) and Black Bear?

With the right loads? Yes.