8-round or greater 38/.357

[gr7070]

I'm looking for any 38 or .357 revolver with 8-round or greater capacity to shoot Steel Challenge with.

Obviously the 627 is a great option. I'm guessing none of the 27s have 8 rounds???

If there are any other options out there please offer suggestions. Note, I would consider other makers, too.

Thanks in advance!

[H Richard]

I believe the 627 is the only S&W 38/357 that may be chambered for 8 rounds. There may be some of the "Performance Center" guns in 8 rounds.

[technosavant]

Regular 27s seem to be chambered for 6 (never seen one that wasn't). The 627 and 327 will be 8 round cylinders (again, every one I've seen was an eight shooter).

[.357magger]

Other models IIRC are the PC guns, either the 27-8 "Registered Magnums", blue or nickel in either 5" or 3.5". These were runs for Lew Horton limited to again, IIRC, 300 units each (or it might be 500 units).

Other than that, there are the 327PC (a 2") scandium frame or as noted the 627's in Pro models (4"), 627PC 5", or the 627 2.5" UDR (Ultimate Defensive Revolver) aka "Bloodwork". Here's a REAL bad pic of the current Bloodwork model, obtained here from exfebee, and it came from SW with a fluted cylinder rather than the much more common unfluted one. This model was also made, 300 total units in an unfluted variation as a prelock.

They've been making the 8 shooters for several years now, GREAT carry guns and competition pieces as well. The PC versions are IMO top notch. Have previously owned a Pro Model too that was not at all shabby in either fit, finish, or function.

Again, excuse the real bad pic.

Hope this helps.

[Stainz]

I started SPC 10/02 with a 4" 625 in .45 ACP. Needing more rounds, I went with a half-lug 5" 686+ 7-shooter - then a 5" JM PC627 V-Comp, whose blk/blk sights slurped. Three years ago, I added a 4" 627 Pro (top, below) - last year, a 2 5/8" PC627 UDR. I liked the last one so much, I sold the V-Comp to fund another UDR - fun revolver. Admittedly, the 627 Pro is a better SPC revolver - that spring-loaded front sight can be changed to the searchlight HiViz in seconds - and it's less expensive and easier to find than the UDR.



The JM grips helped for a fast non-fidgety grab of the 627 Pro. Another aid - moonclips. The Ranch Product units - like the three that come with the 627 - were $50/50 delivered. They load Remi & Starline brass easily. While they don't load like the 6-rd .45 ACPs, they are faster than singly loaded. The nicely made machined Al '5starfirearms.com' speedloaders & loading base work great, too.

Stainz

[thomasinaz]

The 627 Pro Series and V-comp, 327 M&P R8 and the TRR8 come to mind as 8 shooters. I only have experience with the Pro Series and love it! The 8 shots, 4" barrel, and stainless construction make it one of my favorites when revolver carry is called for. I've been thinking about a V-Comp, but I don't shoot competition so probably won't get one any time soon. I can also recommend the 5Star speedloaders, thanks to Stainz info I got a pair. I use them for reloads when the Pro is carried at work.

[bobf]

There are a few 8 shot 27s, kind of hard to come by. Here is some info and a picture of my 4".
Bob
Did S&W ever make a 4" Blue Steel 8-shot?

[gr7070]

Glad to hear there are some 27 8-shots out there, even if rare. It just adds to my options/available pool.

I really just want an 8-shot wheel gun for as little cost as possible. It looks like the 627 Pro is the most likely to fill that bill???

Having interchangeable sights and milled for moon clips would just be a bonus.

[David Sinko]

My local Cabela's had a 3 1/2" 8 shot Model 27 for the longest time. Nobody wanted it, probably because it was so expensive. It's an excellent revolver for steel challenge type events. One local shooter in the steel league used one and did well with it. The short, light barrel is fast out of the holster and transitions quickly. It's very effective with watered down ammo that has practically no recoil. But most shooters will use the 627 Pro because it's cheaper and just as good.

Dave Sinko