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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 12-07-2010, 12:57 AM
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Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627?  
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Default Performance Center worth it for 627?

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 and aluminum case that come with em. How much do they average for?

Thanks in advance for all the info!
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Old 12-07-2010, 01:47 AM
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tom turner tom turner is offline
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Hi,

Welcome to the forum . . . and great questions indeed!

If you go the Performance Center route then I'd recommend to never sell the case, grips, etc. . . . it will destroy the value of the gun.

Actually, this is true for any S&W revolver. When we buy nice, used and desirable specimens, not having the original box and materials is sometimes a deal breaker . . . and other times it reduces the value of a nice specimen an amazing amount.

That being said . . . if you are just looking for a new "shooter" gun that will be used a lot, it doesn't matter . . . so I'd go with the plain Jane version and shoot the heck out of it!

OTOH . . . lots of times the PC versions are the raceguns if you shoot the revolver "gun games."

Trigger jobs . . . I really don't see much difference between a stock PC trigger job and good SPECIMENS from their production lineup. IIRC, a few years ago they stopped really making the revolvers in the Performance Center shop but this may have changed.

I've owned lots of Smith revolvers, including some PC versions. Heck, I like 'em all . . . all except the ones with the damned locks on 'em. The little ugly weep hole on the left side is a total turn off.

To each his own of course, but if you stick around here and haunt the classified section a while you'll be able to pick up some really nice VINTAGE S&W Model 27 revolvers. I bought this one that way a year ago here, with all the wonderful features not found on the new ones such as . . .

1. Grips serial numbered to the gun
2. Pinned barrels (dropped to save money in 1982)
3. Checkered top strap and rear sight (on the Model 27s)
4. Really nice finishes . . . in the case of the gun below, it is like a mirror!!!
5. All forged parts (discontinued in the late '90s)
6. Recessed cylinder holes that surrounded the bullet rim . . . long gone. Look below at how the back of the cylinder nearly touches the frame (recoil shield) behind it. It is another feature not offered today.

Wish it had come with the original box, but some former owner failed to understand . . .

Still, this 1970 made revolver would draw a crowd in a display case in a store alongside the new ones. They truly don't make 'em like this anymore. Also, most folks prefer the 3 1/2" and 5" N frames better than the 4" versions, but different folks prefer any of the other size barrel lengths too!

This 3 1/2" version has the original S&W "magna" stocks . . . and they are gorgeous, as is my personal Model 27 "grail gun" made forty years ago. I love it!!!!

Here's that top strap that was always checkered on the original Model 27s and later variants. I don't think they do this anymore, nor pin the barrels:











BTW, if I were wanting an eight-shot Model 627, I'd be looking for an early one before the MIM parts and the danged locks showed up. They do exist . . . but they may bring a higher price than new ones if they are in great shape! FWIW, the new 627 versions are still fine, fine revolvers indeed and you'll be very happy with either one I suspect . . . I'd just personally want one without the MIM parts, and especially without the lock. I'm surely not alone in my sentiments.

Not trying to confuse ya here . . . just giving you some food for thought!

Again, welcome and STICK AROUND. Some of the leading S&W experts are on this site . . . and a LOT of knowledgeable, experienced wheel gun shooters and collectors. You'll learn a lot and your tastes and desires for future guns will change and evolve.

THIS PLACE IS ADDICTING!!!

Tom

Last edited by tom turner; 12-07-2010 at 01:52 AM.
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Old 12-07-2010, 02:16 AM
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Thanks Tom for the very informative response and awesome eye candy (at the same time.. I can HATE you for it too.. teasing me!)

I am very pleasantly surprised that the first reply is so well thought-out.. no offense to other forums, but I've posted the same questions and all I get is "Its worth it" - without any explanation. Even better that you went against the grain and suggested that the plain Jane might be better for me. I openly admit, I'm not a collector and I really don't care much about future value. I take care of my guns because I want them to function properly - thats about it. I totally understand where you're coming from with the MIM and lock... the lock is actually the reason why I'm here now instead of before. When I was making my decision for my first wheel gun.. it came down to Ruger Gp100 or the S&W 686. I eventually went with the Ruger due to cost, stoutness, and lack of internal lock. Just this weekend, I shot a S&W for the first time and was very surprised at the trigger. I was hooked (I've shot Colts before was in the mindset that Smith couldn't have a better trigger.. boy was I wrong). Also realized that within the 2 years of owning my Ruger, I've only shot really hot loads like once.. so that extra marginal durability is a moot point for me. I mostly shoot 38sp wadcutters for range anyways.

So yea, this will be my first Smith and I'm trying to do it right this time. I should have tried out a Smith before buying that Ruger, just didn't have access to one before. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with the Ruger and before I touched a Smith, the trigger has gotten so smooth with usage, I thought thats as smooth as a trigger will get.

On a side note.. I recently ran into a used PC 5" 627 in for $890. I know against what you said.. but if I were to sell the aluminum case and wood grips for this one and get at least $100.. It'd bring it down in price as getting a brand new 627 4" Pro. Decisions, decisions...
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Old 12-07-2010, 02:53 AM
bountyhunter bountyhunter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gorenut View Post
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 and aluminum case that come with em. How much do they average for?

Thanks in advance for all the info!
I genuinely wished they made the cheaper pro series 627 with the 5" barrel (which is what I want) because I am no longer a believer that the PC does enough "magic" to justify their jacked up prices. Mainly, due to the junk they ship out to us.
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Old 12-07-2010, 02:55 AM
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Originally Posted by bountyhunter View Post
I genuinely wished they made the cheaper pro series 627 with the 5" barrel (which is what I want) because I am no longer a believer that the PC does enough "magic" to justify their jacked up prices. Mainly, due to the junk they ship out to us.
Is there a reason why you'd prefer a 5" barrel over 4"? Seems like the extra averaged 50 FPS isn't much of a difference and I haven't noticed any sighting issues with a 4" barrel either. I suppose balance might be perceived differently by various users. Any light you can shine on this topic would be grateful.
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Old 12-07-2010, 03:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gorenut View Post
Is there a reason why you'd prefer a 5" barrel over 4"? Seems like the extra averaged 50 FPS isn't much of a difference and I haven't noticed any sighting issues with a 4" barrel either. I suppose balance might be perceived differently by various users. Any light you can shine on this topic would be grateful.
I shoot PPC and I definitely shoot better with a longer barrel. I'd buy a 6" barrel 627 if they made one. 4" is pretty good out to about 17 yards but 25 yard shots need more sight radius. At least, my old eyes need it. 3" to 4" is good for carry, but a 627 is too big and heavy to carry IMHO.
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Old 12-07-2010, 04:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gorenut View Post
On a side note.. I recently ran into a used PC 5" 627 in for $890. I know against what you said.. but if I were to sell the aluminum case and wood grips for this one and get at least $100.. It'd bring it down in price as getting a brand new 627 4" Pro. Decisions, decisions...
FYI, Bud's Guns has the new 627-5 for $990. Saw some on Gunsamerica for $999.
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Old 12-07-2010, 05:57 PM
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Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627? Performance Center worth it for 627?  
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Smith & Wesson has dropped many prices very recently. The 4" 627 Pro, SKU 178014, was $1,090 on pg 53 of this year's catalog - which was released in may - and in agreement with last month's prices. Today, Yankee sailor, you can drop that to $969 MSRP. Go figure... Santa pricing? The 5" PC627, SKU 170210, was MSRP $1,414 - now $1,249. The 2 5/8" PC627 UDR I had to buy a second one of a month or two back - was $1,185 - now $1,049 MSRP. A decent retailer can sell you one for 72-80% of MSRP, depending on how well they like your shopping there. Check around - there is a Santa (... or the fleet is in!).

Stainz

PS The 4" 627 Pro is a great buy - I have had mine since 5/08 - love it!
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Old 12-07-2010, 06:03 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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I have a 627-5 with the lock (its plug'd now) and I am quite fond of it. It's a sweet shooter and you can't beat 8 rounds of 357. I carry it "concealed" regularly. You just have to dress for it...o'course, this time of year makes it easier. Still, the PC "work" doesn't seem to justify the price. My buddies mountain gun is a dandy, and shoot fantastic.
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Old 12-08-2010, 01:50 AM
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Originally Posted by badguybuster View Post
Still, the PC "work" doesn't seem to justify the price.
Once upon a time, the PC guns came with slicked up and tuned triggers. Now, it appears they stick reduced power springs in them and call it a day. I do my own trigger work and have never seen a PC gun with a trigger near as good as mine and I suspect that's because I put in the what they don't: time and effort. Sometimes I wonder if they laid off all their gunsmiths or maybe they are making them work with a three minute egg timer next to their bench. Whatever.
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627, 686, compensator, concealed, lock, model 27, mountain gun, performance center, ppc, recessed, ruger

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