Taurus 608 vs. S&W 627

[Skribs]

For my next gun, I'm looking at an 8-shot .357 revolver. I've seen the Taurus 608 which is MSRP $600-650 (depending on model) and the S&W 627, MSRP $1100+.

I would mainly use this gun for recreational shooting and for personal defense, the later which hopefully wouldn't even happen (I don't live in a dangerous neighborhood), so I don't know if the durability problems that Taurus is rumored to have would really be a problem for me. The S&W being double the price is a big deterrent to me getting it unless there is a significant reason to spend the extra money.

Any advice on which to get between the two? Or possibly another 8-shot .357 (looking for a 4-6" barrel, not a snub and not an extra long one) to recommend?

 

[Stainz]

The S&W 4" 627 Pro, SKU #178014 & MSRP $1,090, is perfect for your needs. It comes with lots of goodies. It will take moonclips - even comes with a few. The front sight is spring loaded - it can be changed without tools (The 5" half lug 686+ shown with it came with the HiViz sight - like most S&W's, it's pinned in place!). The charge entries are eased - for faster reloading. It also comes with a target barrel and a basic trigger job - all great extras. Locally, I have seen it for $829-$859.



It is hard to believe it, but it's a bargain for what it comes equipped with standard. The HiViz sight and grips were extra, of course. And - should you have a problem, it is covered by a lifetime warranty - accessed by an 800# call. A recent goodie I discovered was the 'Star 5' 8x speedloader and 2 x 8 loading plate, nicely made in Al and available for ~$32 plus s/h. You don't need moonclips to load .38's or .357M's with this goodie - and it doesn't care about mixed cases, either (The moonclips are a bit case brand sensitive!). I've had mine for 2.5yr now - and, sadly, that 5" half lug 686+ has cobwebs on it now... the 627 is worth the sacrifice.

Stainz

 

[Skribs]

I'm not denying that the S&W is good, but to be honest, most of the features you mentioned aren't what I need. The front sight being easily removable is irrelevant to me. The target barrel doesn't matter much to me either, as I am not doing competitions. Something tells me that moon clips aren't going to make up the difference of $400-500 that I'm looking at.

The main concern I have is the reputation Taurus seems to have for having low-quality revolvers (which I've read was true at one point and is disputed whether or not they've improved). So is it worth $400+ extra to get the S&W quality, or would the extra money be virtually wasted as the Taurus would work just fine?

 

[m500'92]

The best thing would be to find a used S&W 27, equal or better quality to new S&W's and costs about the same as a new taurus. Here's 2, one nickel for 600, another blued for 650.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/99590859...-Revolvers/Full-Frame-Revolver/Model_27_3.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/90947626...olver/S_W_mod_27_2_6_357mag_Nickle_finish.htm

 

[KaceCoyote]

Taurus makes fine revolvers, they dont have the spit polish of a Smith but they're frick and frack in terms of actual performance.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

A used Model 27 is quite a bit more expensive than the average Taurus revolver. Especially these days, when used S&Ws are starting to become more expensive than new ones.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a big fan of S&W revolvers and not a fan of Taurus products. One question though, why aren't you considering a Ruger? The price is better than the S&W and more in line with the Taurus while the quality and CS are right up there with S&W. (other than the 8 rounds that is lol)

 

[Skribs]

I want DA/SA, the only 8-shot Ruger I found was SA. Or is their site just not up to date?

 

[PT1911]

I have the 608 and love it!... it is easily my best shooting handgun... though mine has been... customized a little bit...but you cannot go wrong with either of them.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I want DA/SA, the only 8-shot Ruger I found was SA. Or is their site just not up to date?

No, you're right, Ruger doesn't have a 8 round DA .357 Magnum. Sorry, my mistake... That's why I added "other than the 8 rounds that is" at the end of my post above. I realized you were looking for a 8 round revolver while I was writing the post.

 

[Stainz]

Don't forget, living in a 'good neighborhood' doesn't mean you won't be victimized by a home invasion or burglary - bad guys have - or can steal - transportation. I had a friend who bought a new blued Taurus 66 (7 x .357M) for home protection, insisting the added round might be important vs his 10's 6 shots. I re-sprung it and changed the grip for him - it was ultimately fairly reliable, only 'jamming' if he didn't fully pull the trigger each time. It had no ftf's, which was comforting, and 'clearing the jam' was effected by turning the cylinder manually. He kept it stoked with .38 +P 135gr Speer Gold Dots, as he had the Model 10 it replaced. Before he passed away, he lamented the sale of his 10 - it always worked - and was accurate to a fault.

Taurus does make some decent revolvers - just run it through it's paces to insure you bought a 'good one' before depending on it. That is one revolver I would never buy used - it could have earned 'frequent flyer miles' visiting Miami... ie, it might be 'for sale' - 'for a reason'! Good luck.

Stainz

 

[Skribs]

Stainz, the point wasn't to say "I live in a good place, so I'll never be victimized." The point was to say "I live in a good place, so I don't anticipate using my gun in self defense quite often." But what you said makes sense, and I would only want a new one as I am very afraid of used stuff (I'm not experienced enough to know what was done to the gun or why it needed to be sold).