S&W 327 vs S&W 386?

[Glamdring]

I am looking at getting a 327 or 386 snub for IWB carry, probably crossdraw or appendix, under a pull over type shirt, sweater, sweatshirt.

This will be for occasions when I don't or can't wear vest or jacket for concealing my DW 1911 10mm.

I always carry a J frame snub in pocket for weak hand draw.

Any thoughts or comments on practical difference between S&W 327 and S&W 386? The 327 is actually slightly shorter, but a bit thicker. Both guns are about same rough size as a Glock 19 or 30.

Will probably carry either +P 38's or 357/110JPH magnums

 

[Glockist]

The differences come down to sights, trigger, price and availability. I prefer the fixed rear sights on the 327. The trigger on the Performance Center 327 is also superior. The 327 will cost you at least 30% more but since they don't make the 386PD anymore, it might be easier for you to find.

I also like carrying the moonclips for the 327 over the speedloaders for the 386. You might also consider the 625-10. It's the same as the 2in 327 except it's in 45ACP with a stainless barrel and cylinder.

I'd go with the 327 for the 8 round capacity and fixed sights, though I can never decide day to day which one is my favorite . . .

 

[Rangie]

I think the 386 is about as big as you want to go for IWB carry.

The trigger on my mountain lite is the best of any of my S&W revolvers.

The finish sucks though.

 

[Glamdring]

So anyone else CCW a 327 or 386?

 

[Dollar An Hour]

327?

How much are all the PC features on the 327 really worth? I mean, custom Lothar-Walther barrel, polished button rifling, etc... Does it make the gun shoot any nicer?

At 21 oz recoil should be much better than the Sc wheelguns, and I'd think the N frame should help recoil as well, right?

Seems like it'd be tough to find leather for though.

I just keep thinking how tempting an 8-shot .357 for carry sounds though!

 

[L-Frame]

I carry a S&W 681 3" or a GP100 3", both fixed sights. I use an uncle mike's IWB holster in front. I don't mind the extra weight. I could never go IWB with any N frame size gun.

 

[dairycreek]

I can't comment on a 327 but I have CCW'd a 386 off and on for a couple of years. I carry it in a FIST #1 Clip holster and, for that, the 386 is a real winner. I removed the stock grips and replaced them with the grips from the 500 S&W and they fit just perfect. Turn the 386 from somewhat of a snarling, recoiler into a real pussycat and is still easy to conceal.

 

[PennsyPlinker]

I have been carrying a 386 PD for a couple of years now. For the longest time I had it in a fanny pack, but recently went to a pocket holster. I am finding that the pocket holster has a tendency to grab at the rear sight when pulling it out, which could be a big problem. After studying it a bit, I think a few minutes with a thread and needle will fix the problem so that the gun will rest in the holster with the rear sight right at the top edge. This is a matter of moving it about 3/32" of an inch. It should still ride in the holster okay.

It is easy to carry, but not a lot of fun to shoot for long periods of time. Of the three choices I have to carry (the other two being automatics), I usually pick this one first because if the size and weight.

I bought it used, with very little use apparent. The gun shop owner and I thought that maybe the original owner had not cared for the recoil. When I got it home, I discovered that the original owner had left his paperwork in the box. He was in his mid 60s, which makes the recoil issue much more plausible. I am in my mid 40s and built like a pro football linebacker, and I don't care for the recoil all that much.