S&W Model 27 - Performance Center or Classic?

[kamagong]

Please enlighten me as to the pros and cons of these two Smith & Wesson Model 27s. I am looking at the Performance Center Model 627 and the Classic Model 27 I know very little about revolvers, but I want a nice .357. I know the Performance Center is a stainless steel, 8-rounder and the Classic is a blued, six-shot.

How do the Performance Center guns compare to the Classics? Do the Performance Center guns perform better than the Classics? Do they have better triggers? How do they compare to the older pre-lock, pinned and recessed guns? Is it true that the Performance Center guns are MIM-less? As much as I like blued guns, I'll probably go with the 627 if it really doesn't have any MIM.

I'd appreciate any insight you guys can provide. Thanks in advance.

 

[shooting4life]

Get both
627-0 and 627pc "blood work"


A couple of 27-2

 

[loadedround]

I pesonally prefer the looks of orginal model 27 to the proformance models. Simply the classic models have more of an eye appeal to me.

 

[627PCFan]

I like both but I went PC and eliminate the gunsmithing and I liked the eight round moon clips. The fit and finish is great but the classic is just that, timeless. Either way the n-frame is a great platform.

 

[TexasBill]

In the first place, quit worrying about MIM. In the applications in which MIM parts are used, there has never been any evidence of a failure rate higher than the components used previously.

The Performance Center model has some advantages (stainless steel, moon clips, eight shots) but the retail price is about $300.00 higher than the Classic Model 27, which is an awesomely good Magnum revolver, IMHO, one of the best .357s ever made.

I really wish S&W still offered the Model 27 in the variety of barrel lengths available years ago. While a bit long for a duty sidearm, the 5-inch version of the Model 27 was one of the best guns I ever owned.

 

[Olympus]

I had the same question about a month ago. I am a big fan of the classic P&R guns. I wanted to add a large frame 357 to my list, something that I could just shoot the hell out of with full house loads. As beautiful as the classic 27s are, I was afraid if I bought one, I'd be too afraid to put a blemish on it and it would turn into just another safe queen for me. So I ended up buying a 627 PC and man am I glad I did.

This gun is slick! You can just tell by listening to the sounds it make when the cylinder rotates and the hammer cocks that it is made extremely well. It feels and sounds completely different from my other Smiths. The DA trigger is very smooth and light. The SA trigger is almost laughable how light it is. You can't feel anything in SA. One minute your finger is starting to apply pressure and the next minute the hammer just dropped. I'm looking forward to taking it to the range for the first time today.

My advice, if you want a classic gun and don't plan on shooting it alot, get the 27. If you want to something to shoot the hell out of, get the 627PC. Plus I really like the slab side barrel with the long angled underlug.

 

[Guillermo]

I'll probably go with the 627 if it really doesn't have any MIM.

An older gun, especially on from the 50's and 60's, would not have any MIM, no lock and be one of the finest revolvers made. Many would argue the best.

 

[918v]

Is it true that the Performance Center guns are MIM-less?

No, but they do have less MIM. Their hammers, triggers, and hands are MIM-free, but the cylinder stop and rebound slide are MIM, unfortunately.

 

[Guillermo]

Interesting how the many say that S&W MIM parts are perfection, yet S&W minimizes MIM use in their premium (performance center) revolvers.

Logic dictates that these MIM devotees would be

A- unhappy that S&W does not understand how perfect these parts are (the MIM fans know better)
B- would be more pleased by buying a cheaper and "more perfect" revolver.

(giggling like a spider monkey on nitrous)

 

[Olympus]

A Performance Center model is the only S&W I would buy made after 1980.

 

[CraigC]

Of the two, definitely the Classic. I'd rather have an older one, a "real" classic.

 

[rikman]

I have a 627 PC. Beautiful gun and fun to shoot. Unfortunately mine broke right away. But to S&W 's credit they fixed very fast at no cost to me...I have a nice Smith collection and they all fun to shoot.

 

[David E]

Broke how?

 

[rikman]

The hammer lost all tension. S&W replaced the main spring and strain screw and firing pin.

 

[oldbear]

The Original Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum and then the M-27 is one of the finest if not the finest revolver ever produced. The 3 1/2" barreled .357 Magnum was,"Last of the old time big guns carried by those who really needed them." <--Iggy.
The 3 1/2" M-27 is a no nonsense man's gun, built to the highest standards with one job in mind.

 

[18DAI]

I have the real model 27. A 27-2.

I would not pay more for the current knock-off. TJ