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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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  #1  
Old 06-22-2011, 08:37 PM
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Default 327 federal Magnum

Read that Taurus and Charter Arms had discontinued building revolvers chambered in 327. I emailed CA this morning and received confirmation that the chambering has been dropped. Taurus has removed 327 revolvers from their web site. Rumor has it that S&W is halting production. Federal supposedly has dropped the operating pressure of 327 ammunition to 36000 from the original 46000.
Anyone have any info????
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Old 06-22-2011, 08:50 PM
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Wonder, if any, how many eyeballs and/or fingers were lost prior to that decision. (if decision it was). Ruger still lists the GP100 and Blackhawk in that chambering.

And here I was hoping for a 9 shot N frame or an 8 shot L out of this round too.
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Old 06-22-2011, 09:20 PM
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Its a cool little cartridge.

I've kept thinking I should get one.

Then I look at my .357 mag, and .41 mag Blackhawks, and then at my .32 S&W break-top, and my .32 Long hand-ejector, and my .32-20 hand-ejector, and my .32 H&R Single-Six.

...and I ask myself, do I REALLY want a .327 Federal bad enough?

I'm thinking this one may go the way of the .357 Maximum.

I've never really regretted not getting a .357 Max.
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Old 06-22-2011, 09:48 PM
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I like the cartridge, I cast and hand load it. I like my CA and also like 32-20 so I asked my dealer to order me a USFA convertible in 327/32-20. The lead time is 6 Mo. or so, but now I wonder what is going to happen.
Anyone heard from S&W???
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Old 06-23-2011, 12:41 AM
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i ve got the sp101 327..its a hand cannon..i love it!
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Old 06-23-2011, 07:23 AM
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I think some of the problem is we want a K/L frame 327. I got a gaggle of j frame 32's and want to step up to the next size plus more capacity revolver.
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Old 06-23-2011, 07:44 AM
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I have a Ruger SP101 in this caliber and I like it. So when Bud's starting listing the Taurus at $280 for blue & $290 in SS, I bought a SS version. They still have them and the Charter Arms at a too high of a price (to me).
I am watching for the S&W non ported with night sights to come up for sale at a reasonable price. So far I have only seen the 632 with a ported barrel available and I don't want that at a premium price.
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Old 06-25-2011, 03:26 AM
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So much for the cocky new kid on the block. After all the hype, most shooters still want a bigger bullet. I laughed every time I read an article proclaiming the 327 as having "better ballistics than the vaunted 357 Magnum".

Hot or not, it's still a 32. Americans like bigger bores.

Maybe it'll sell in Europe........they LOVE them Boullettes!
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Old 06-25-2011, 07:40 PM
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I have two Smiths and a lot of ammo.
I like it.
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Old 06-25-2011, 07:58 PM
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Default Handloading Blackhawk 327

Have a Blackhawk 327 . I handload cast 32mag and 32 long. I have a box of 327 115 grainers. i will most likely only use them for hunting/ camping carry gun To me i bought the Blackhawk as a strong 32 mag platform. i can handload the 32mag to almost match the 327 Fed
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Old 06-25-2011, 08:23 PM
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Well.... people have been predicting the demise of the .41 Magnum for years and years, and it's still with us.

I think there is enough of a niche following for the .327 Federal to survive. One of the problems of it not taking off is the lack of a versatile/practical DA platform (steel K-frame)... and "the great ammo/component shortage of 2009" didn't help matters either.

I hope it survives... it's one helluva round out of a T/C contender custom barrel.
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Old 06-26-2011, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Gunhacker View Post
Well.... people have been predicting the demise of the .41 Magnum for years and years, and it's still with us.

I think there is enough of a niche following for the .327 Federal to survive. One of the problems of it not taking off is the lack of a versatile/practical DA platform (steel K-frame)... and "the great ammo/component shortage of 2009" didn't help matters either.

I hope it survives... it's one helluva round out of a T/C contender custom barrel.
I bought six boxes of ammo last week-- .327 and .41 magnums. I like them both, but then I also shoot 16 gauge shotguns.
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Old 06-27-2011, 02:16 AM
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S&W is supposedly dropping the .357 Sig from the M&P line, most likely due to cost-cutting measures. Since Taurus and Charter aren't the most sought after names in the revolver business, they probably want to concentrate on revolvers chambered in cartridges that will sell as many guns for them as possible. The .327 is too new to have much of a self defense following. I have yet to hear of a story where it was used in a self-defense situation, and I don't plan on holding my breath until I do. Most pistol calibers that you have heard about have a police history of some sort, be it 9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, .45 GAP, or .45 ACP. The .327 is probably never going to be used by any police department in the United States.
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Old 06-27-2011, 08:34 AM
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Love the 327 maggie
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Old 06-27-2011, 09:05 AM
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I still want a 8 or 9 shot K/L frame or, should I be so lucky, a 10 shot N frame model.
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Old 06-27-2011, 09:51 AM
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These are tough times to introduce a new handgun cartridge. It's tough for buyers to spend the money, it's tough for businesses to have a lot of capital tied up in inventory that doesn't move quickly.

One has to look at the spectrum of cartridges available and honestly ask, does a new round fill a real gap among existing rounds, or is it primarily something to generate extra demand?

I hate to see it go, but the market will determine success or failure. Even if there are no new guns made (which I doubt will be the case), the ammunition will be manufactured occasionally for a really long time, it will just be harder to find and more expensive.
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Old 06-27-2011, 09:57 AM
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Ruger and Federal partnered up on this. Until Ruger and S&W drop it it is still going. If Starline would produce brass it would be great, unfortunately they are pushing to make what they do now, let alone add an extra.
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Old 10-29-2011, 08:38 PM
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I went shooting at the property of a friend last weekend. I shot both my 327 mag revolvers among other guns.
After shooting 3 cylinders full of 100gr SP Federal through the Taurus, I opened the cylinder and it fell out on the ground. I looked at it and a screw had come out of the side plate.
I called Taurus and they offered to have me ship it to them, but I asked them to just send me a screw and they agreed. They said that if I am unable to fix it that they will still repair it for me. It just needs loctite and a new screw and it will be fine (for a Taurus). Nothing hotter than 85gr low recoil ammo will ever go in that gun again.
The Ruger SP101 operated flawlessly and accurately will various ammo. I had a gunsmith put Wolff springs and polish the trigger and it is much improved from how it was manufactured.
I just found out that Buffalo Bore is making 327 Mag ammo in 100gr HP and 130gr hard cast SWC.
I just ordered 3 boxes of the 130gr. Buffalo Bore says that it will penetrate a bear's skull.
I'm still keeping my eyes open for a Smith without ported barrel at a reasonable price and expect to find one eventually.
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Old 10-29-2011, 09:09 PM
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I spent $750 on the new 632 Pro, including a set of 60 Pro grips. The HKS 32-J speedloader, leftover from my 4" SP101 in .32 H&RM days - which ended 3.5yr ago, is loaded with 115gr Speer Gold Dot .327 Magnums. They seem to have the most recoil of the trio of them and the 85gr .327 Magnum Federal SP's and Federal HydraShok JHPs. The SP's were in boxes of 50; the HP's in boxes of 20. The ammo was $20-$21/box at a local store. It hits POA at 7-10yd with a combat aim (NS orbs in a line - the front one coaxial to the bullseye.); low with everything else. Like that SP101 I had - only windage adjustable (I should have looked!).



I had ~800 94-96gr LRNFP .32 S&WL leftover from my Ruger .32 H&RM days, when I also had a BHG SSM. They are shown below, along with the Federal .327 Magnum ammo.



Interesting firearm - now, after reading this thread - a bit late - I see it is for a dead round! I wanted one since it's announcement 2/10 - and they finally started shipping 9/11! Note - it has no IL. Maybe it'll be a classic? The wood grips help.

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Old 10-30-2011, 09:50 AM
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I have talked with my local gun shop about the 327.

I believe he is correct, AMMO was the problem. When the big dud came into power, everyone started buying up all the ammo off the shelves. The available 32 all went out with the popular stuff in short order. The ammunition makers were trying to keep up with popular stuff like 9mm, 38, 40 and 45. No one was worried about getting any 32 Long, 32 H&R or 327 practice ammo back on the shelves. This resulted in guns in 327 being available with no practice ammo, or components to load any available for a couple years. The $1.00 a shot carry ammo is not real popular to practice with, and it was about all you could find.
They are now dropping the 327 about the time American Eagle 327 ($0.50 a shot), and 32 H&R and 327 Federal brass is starting to become available again.

I am of the opinion Timing hurt the 327 about as much as anything.

Different things hurt different rounds. The 480 Ruger is a good example. I have heard various opinions of what went wrong with sales on the 480. Most skip the obvious. Ammo Cost. We have lots of folks who do not reload. The cheapest ammo you can buy for the 480 Ruger from Midway is Full House Hornady Hunting ammo at $27 a box of 20 plus shipping and tax if you live in Missouri. The next cheapest ammo is Speer at $40 a box of 20. If the 480 had some economy reduced power ammo available at around $30 a box of 50, the 480 would still be in production and doing great.

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Old 10-30-2011, 10:48 AM
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The firearms industry is an oddity in the realm of manufacturing. Typically, guns are so well made that factory's can't depend on planned obsolecence much. So to increase sales from time to time they dream up new models, finishes, dodads and cartridges to create a demand for a perceived need. Naturally, who don't want a new gun to play with. I as have most here have gone far beyond what we actually need, just because we like 'em. Profits will dictate the success or failure of anything.

It only stands to reason the manufacturers will strike out once in a while.
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Old 03-23-2013, 05:03 PM
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If I could afford to have Hamilton Bowen build me a "K" frame .327 Fed. Mag. in a 4 and 7 1/2" barrel, I'd be willing to pay up to $2000.00 each to have them "smoothed out" a slick as you please.

Yes sir, the cartridge really isn't a bad one. You can do some serious hunting with 115-120 grain bullets. In the longer barreled specimens, it's a true performer. (Look into BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: Home to understand what I mean.)

the old rubric of "Americans want bigger bullets" holds true for a lot of old dinosaurs that seem to have forgotten that the .327 has superseded both the .30 Carbine and the .32-20. The .30 Carbine only works in the single action Ruger and the .32-20 suffers from pressure limitations and short-lived brass when consistently loaded to their pressure limits!

The .327 was the "logical" progression for the .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum. If S&W were to make a full-lug 6.5", 7.5" or 8 3/8" barrel, there would be sufficient buyers to keep the run going.

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Old 03-23-2013, 09:46 PM
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gunfan, you've seen my reports on "Project 616 - the gun S&W should have built but didn't." The brass problem is no more since StarLine made their production run of that very caliber, and of course bullet moulds abound. The only problem with reloading the 327 FM now is the one shared by all other pistols and revolvers, namely finding powder and primers.

To those who speculated on how one could get a mid-sized steel frame double action revolver in this caliber, yes Virginia there is a stainless K-frame! Like Billy Joel sang, "all it takes is looks and a whole lot of money..." Really, my looks aren't that great and it wasn't that expensive. You start with the Model 66 of your choice and buy a 617 cylinder (look for the older, round profile extractor) and the 617 barrel in the length of your choice. Then, the longest portion of the project will be your wait to have the barrel rebored (unless being in WA, gunfan you can get preferential treatment @ Clearwater? ) Once your barrel is back, take the whole package to a very dependable gunsmith with directions as to what you want, then step back and let him work. At the end of it all, you should be a happy camper... I know I certainly am!

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Old 03-23-2013, 10:28 PM
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Green frog, I have a model 66, plus a 16-4 cylinder assembly, how do I tell if it will work? I realize I need the barrel but two out of three ain't bad! I already converted two of my 4 inch 16-4's to 327 but I want a stainless revolver now. What barrel length did you go with?
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Old 03-23-2013, 11:27 PM
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I bought the Ruger SP101 in .327 right away. There's nothing wrong with it if you like a blast in the eyes every time you fire. I solved the problem by ordering a reamer from Dave Manson sized to lengthen .32 H&R cylinders to .327 Mag dimensions.

I now have a 6" bbl. S&W Model 16-4 and a 6 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk chambered for .327 Mag. These two revolvers give the cartridge an opportunity to perform. Where there's a will there's a way!
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Old 03-24-2013, 11:52 AM
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.32 has killed a lot of folks---so don't sell it short on self-protection.
It is also a fun shooter from a reamed larger H&R-----matter of fact----I love it.
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Old 03-26-2013, 02:25 AM
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I was just contemplating swapping out the 638 that's on my next to buy list for a 632 with the fluted barrel for use as a primary ccw weapon. Now I hear this. I guess I am way too late to the party.

Then again it seems like the 327mag is not a round that you are going to go and shoot a couple hundred every other week. More like shooting a couple cylinders every month or so to maintain your skills with your carry weapon.

I don't know the ballistics or the performance of the round and how it compares to the 38 special, 9mm or the +P loadings in either, but if it's close then having 6 rounds to 5 is certainly enough of an advantage to keep it as a ccw weapon. Is it not?

I'd still like to have one for my j frame go-anywhere at anytime gun, but I don't think I'd pay $800 for one of the fluted barrel models or the PRO, which is what they go for. That could buy me an M&P revolver or a Scandium 357 which I would carry 38+P in. An 11 ounce revolver with +P ammo trumps a 25 oz, 6 shot revolver chambered in 327 federal magnum. My thinking anyway.

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Old 03-26-2013, 04:33 AM
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Quote:
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I was just contemplating swapping out the 638 that's on my next to buy list for a 632 with the fluted barrel for use as a primary ccw weapon. Now I hear this. I guess I am way too late to the party.

Then again it seems like the 327mag is not a round that you are going to go and shoot a couple hundred every other week. More like shooting a couple cylinders every month or so to maintain your skills with your carry weapon.

I don't know the ballistics or the performance of the round and how it compares to the 38 special, 9mm or the +P loadings in either, but if it's close then having 6 rounds to 5 is certainly enough of an advantage to keep it as a ccw weapon. Is it not?

I'd still like to have one for my j frame go-anywhere at anytime gun, but I don't think I'd pay $800 for one of the fluted barrel models or the PRO, which is what they go for. That could buy me an M&P revolver or a Scandium 357 which I would carry 38+P in. An 11 ounce revolver with +P ammo trumps a 25 oz, 6 shot revolver chambered in 327 federal magnum. My thinking anyway.

Nalajr
Look up Ballistics By the Inch and how well the .327 Federal performs from the shorter barrels. It isn't a .357 Magnum (we already have that.) The .327 ends to be a bit more "blasty" than the 9mm or .38 Special, but it doesn't have the recoil of either. From what I can see in videos and read in personal reviews, is that it 'snappier' than the standard .38 Special/9mm bunch.

From what I understand, I think that you would like it. I, for one, believe that the .327 will penetrate more deeply then the .35 caliber rounds due to sheer velocity and bullet weight. A .312" 100 grain RNFP bullet screaming along at 1515 fps will "keep on truckin'" where the other rounds with greater frontal area tend to shed their velocity. With the smaller bore rounds, penetration is your friend!

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Old 03-30-2013, 06:54 PM
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I bought my 632 on impulse since a dealer was blowing them out for $480. It has since become my favorite J frame. This is such a versatile chambering I don't believe it will die. I fortunately have no problem finding ammunition for my 632, and just acquired some 75 grn Corbon DPX loads I'm looking forward to trying. For plinking I bought a case of Federal 32 S&W Long wadcutters that are super accurate with no recoil.
Like Stainz I added S&Ws' excellent Model 60 Pre Series grips.
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Old 05-04-2013, 08:24 PM
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Funny this thread started almost 2 years ago and had our .327 dead and deceased.Here it is 2 years later and not only is the thread still alive the cartridge is as well.

Quote:
Read that Taurus and Charter Arms had discontinued building revolvers chambered in 327. I emailed CA this morning and received confirmation that the chambering has been dropped. Taurus has removed 327 revolvers from their web site. Rumor has it that S&W is halting production. Federal supposedly has dropped the operating pressure of 327 ammunition to 36000 from the original 46000.
Anyone have any info????
Quote:
Its a cool little cartridge.

I've kept thinking I should get one.

Then I look at my .357 mag, and .41 mag Blackhawks, and then at my .32 S&W break-top, and my .32 Long hand-ejector, and my .32-20 hand-ejector, and my .32 H&R Single-Six.

...and I ask myself, do I REALLY want a .327 Federal bad enough?

I'm thinking this one may go the way of the .357 Maximum.

I've never really regretted not getting a .357 Max.
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Old 05-04-2013, 09:05 PM
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Froggie and I went to Andy Horvath and had our .32's made. My gun started as a 17-3 and came back as a 32 long with a 5" bbl. It could have easily been chambered in .327 As Froggie's was. I had the extra expense of cutting the bbl and adding a Weigand interchangeable front site base. Added a set of Keith Brown Roper style grips to it to complete the package. Larry
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Old 05-04-2013, 09:22 PM
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I have a 632 Pro that I'm glad I bought and will not sell.

A J-frame 6 shot with a 3 inch barrel. I did buy new dies to reload for .32 H&R Mag. So I can use it as a fun range gun.

After shooting a bunch of the H&Rs and then shooting some .327 Fed. you are reminded that it is a Magnum revolver with power. Fun Fun Fun
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Old 05-04-2013, 09:31 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
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Originally Posted by VARMONTER View Post
Funny this thread started almost 2 years ago and had our .327 dead and deceased.Here it is 2 years later and not only is the thread still alive the cartridge is as well.
Yeah, I guess this whole 327 Fed Mag thing is dead. I guess we ought to go on and get rid of all that stuff and go back to our 38 Specials and 44 Mags and such, or better yet get a 9 mm plastic gun and be "modern."

NOT!!

The 327 Federal Mag is alive and well and still picking up momentum. In spite of poor timing, corporate miscalculations and missteps and just about everything else that could have been done wrong, it's the "little cartridge that could." Aren't you glad you have one? I know I am!

Froggie
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  #34  
Old 05-04-2013, 09:41 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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Read that Taurus and Charter Arms had discontinued building revolvers chambered in 327. I emailed CA this morning and received confirmation that the chambering has been dropped. Taurus has removed 327 revolvers from their web site. Rumor has it that S&W is halting production. Federal supposedly has dropped the operating pressure of 327 ammunition to 36000 from the original 46000.
Anyone have any info????
I cannot see any good use for the 327. It does nothing that cannot be done in a 9mm pistol, which can be made to hold more cartridges in a smaller package.

The .32 S&W Long should be enjoyed in period guns for what it is now: a nostalgic look back into the past and to happier times when criminals had the good sense not to inject Drano into their veins and to give up respectably when confronted. Here's to happier times!
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Old 05-04-2013, 10:34 PM
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.327 Fed Magnum compared to .357 Magnum compared to 9MM
.327 Fed Magnum compared to .357 Magnum compared to 9MM

.327 Mag........ 115 GDJHP.......1300 fps.....431 ft-lbs of energy
.327 Mag.........100 JSP...........1400 fps.....435 ft-lbs of energy
.357 Mag.........110 JHP...........1300 fps.....410 ft-lbs of energy
9MM Luger.......115+p+ JHP......1300 fps.....431 ft-lbs of energy

Looks like all deliver around the same energy, but, as I understand it, the recoil of the .327 Mag is significantly more manageable.
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Old 05-04-2013, 11:17 PM
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I don't put too much stock in ME figures, they don't translate to much of anything in the real world. Sad fact is they are based on velocity squared times weight. A BB at 4,000 fps may have more "muzzle energy" than a 45/230 at 750 fps, but that doesn't make it a better round unless you're shooting mosquitoes. Enjoy your boullettes........but I'll stick with what works for me.
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Old 05-04-2013, 11:28 PM
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Let me start by saying the .327 Magnum and the .41 Magnum are both under-appreciated calibres. I wouldn't go as far as saying either one is a popular cartridge. Considering S&W and Ruger both only make one revolver in .327 Magnum is hardly a sign of strong support. Both cartridges aren't dead, but I wouldn't say they're going strong either.
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Old 05-05-2013, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Leftofcentre67 View Post
Let me start by saying the .327 Magnum and the .41 Magnum are both under-appreciated calibres. I wouldn't go as far as saying either one is a popular cartridge. Considering S&W and Ruger both only make one revolver in .327 Magnum is hardly a sign of strong support. Both cartridges aren't dead, but I wouldn't say they're going strong either.
S&W no longer makes a 327 Fed. Found this out a week ago when I sent my 632-1 in for warranty.

A rep called me and said they couldn't fix it, and no longer made a gun in the caliber. They let me pick a 640 Pro as replacement.
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  #39  
Old 05-06-2013, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by papajohn428 View Post
I don't put too much stock in ME figures, they don't translate to much of anything in the real world. Sad fact is they are based on velocity squared times weight. A BB at 4,000 fps may have more "muzzle energy" than a 45/230 at 750 fps, but that doesn't make it a better round unless you're shooting mosquitoes. Enjoy your boullettes........but I'll stick with what works for me.
Have you ever seen what a small 4,000fps projectile will do???

Mind you, the 4,000fps BB will shed velocity quick, but anything over 3,000fps does horrifying damage to tissue.

Personally, I like the .327 chambering more for it's versatility than it's raw numbers. The .327 is a perfectly adequate defensive round. But , the smaller .32s that can also be utilized make it the complete package. Low recoil small game getter. Cheap to reload target round. Good introductory firearm if the power is progressed a bit at a time; i.e., 32S&W and S&WL, .32 H&R Magnum, then, finally, .327.

And unlike the .38 Spl/.357, the case isn't derived (lengthened) from a competitor's design. The .32 S&W is all "Smith".
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  #40  
Old 05-06-2013, 05:25 PM
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I cannot see any good use for the 327. It does nothing that cannot be done in a 9mm pistol...
Yes, it does.... you don't have to chase your brass all over the place in order to reload it!

It's also ironic with this ammo shortage going on, .327 Federal is one the few factory loaded rounds that aren't on perpetual back order everywhere and pretty much still the same price (albeit pricey to begin with) as it was a year ago.
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  #41  
Old 05-07-2013, 01:21 PM
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Green frog, I have a model 66, plus a 16-4 cylinder assembly, how do I tell if it will work? I realize I need the barrel but two out of three ain't bad! I already converted two of my 4 inch 16-4's to 327 but I want a stainless revolver now. What barrel length did you go with?
Peyton,

Sorry I missed this question earlier. You can easily remove the cylinder from the Model 66 and replace it with the Model 16-4 cylinder... one screw on the front limb of the side plate is all you need to remove it. If it is too long, no problem, since you can cut down the amount the barrel extends through the frame, and if too short, you can set back the barrel as needed. A barrel should still be get-able from Brownell's, Numrich, etc. The only problem is that you will have a blue cylinder on your stainless gun. If you are going to the effort and expense to build a "dream gun" I would suggest that you find a S&W Model 617 cylinder to rebore or buy a "blank" stainless cylinder from H. Bowen. If that leaves you with an "extra" Model 16-4 cylinder, I'll happily buy it from you for a blue version I want to build soon.

Regards,
Froggie

Still lovin' my Model 616!

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  #42  
Old 11-07-2015, 12:15 AM
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I have 3 .327 magnum revolvers. 1 - 3" and 2 - 2". I have found these to be ideal for teaching new shooters particularly women. They can start out with a light .32 S&W long which feels just a bit more than a .22 but it is in a package that is the same as larger calibers. They learn sight picture, trigger control, singe and double action shooting all in a package that doesn't jump a lot in their hand.

They will shoot the light recoiling .32 S&W Long a lot. A lot more than a snub nose .38 even with light hand loads and thus they get practice with the gun and become comfortable with it.

For self defense put original factory loads and get 400+ ft. lb. of energy. Bottom end of .357 range. Real stopping power in a gun they are very familiar with and comfortable shooting.

I recommend a double action revolver for people who don't shoot a lot because they are as reliable and safe as possible and don't take "remembering". Pick it up, point at target, slowly squeeze the trigger - bang. Can't limp wrist it; no safety to leave on.

Thanks for reading.

Ken
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Old 12-12-2015, 08:08 PM
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I own a J-Frame chambered in 327 Federal and I absolutely love it. Cannot believe that Smith and Wesson did not stick it out with this piece as I have friends that would buy one in a second. It shoots very accurately and handles everything from 32short to 327 federal including 32 H&R which is a sweet self defense round for gals. The 327 rounds have quite a bark but for self defense should be a stopper.
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  #44  
Old 12-13-2015, 03:29 AM
gbran gbran is offline
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Geez, here I was holding out for a 10 round K frame 327.
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  #45  
Old 12-13-2015, 09:09 AM
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If we have to revive a 5-1/2 year old thread on the subject....I'm afraid it's an indication that it's time has passed. I was once an avid fan of the .327, but eventually came around to the conventional line of thinking. People have their favorite cartridges and I think that's great. I also think that most people came around to the realization that you can do just as much and more with the 38/.357 for a lot less $$$ and you can find the ammo anywhere. I know it's boring, but it's a fact. For those who don't reload, the 38 Short Colt makes a wonderful "training" round if that's what you're looking for.
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  #46  
Old 12-13-2015, 10:33 PM
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Ruger certainly doesnt think its time has passed having resumed manufacturing this year on the 327 SP 101 as well as releasing new offerings in the 327 in a LCR and a single 7
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  #47  
Old 12-14-2015, 12:41 AM
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Have a Blackhawk 327 . I handload cast 32mag and 32 long. I have a box of 327 115 grainers. i will most likely only use them for hunting/ camping carry gun To me i bought the Blackhawk as a strong 32 mag platform. i can handload the 32mag to almost match the 327 Fed
When and where did you get the BlackHawk??
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Old 12-14-2015, 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted by mtgianni View Post
Ruger and Federal partnered up on this. Until Ruger and S&W drop it it is still going. If Starline would produce brass it would be great, unfortunately they are pushing to make what they do now, let alone add an extra.
I just got some 327mag and 32 H&R mag at midway. Rec. it last week.
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Old 12-14-2015, 10:43 AM
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My how times have changed! Ruger is making 2 revolvers for the 327 FM and Starline has produced at least 2 or more runs of brass while Federal keeps letting loaded ammo trickle out into the distribution pipeline. Smith & Wesson still hasn't made a strong commitment to the 327, but they are still flirting with it. Revolvers are somewhat passé, I know... so ANY new revolver cartridge is going to be a slow starter and will have only a few dedicated followers at the beginning, but the fact that this 5 1/2 year old thread rises from the ashes again suggests there is still a spark of interest.

Red feather, the 327 Blackhawk you asked about came out about 2011 or '12 with very little fanfare and actually a pretty short manufacturing life. It was available in stainless only, had a 5 1/2" barrel, IIRC and was an eight shooter! I was fortunate enough to get one at distributor cost just as they were deciding to kill it off before they ever really tried to promote it. I still think the 327 fits well in the medium frame double action S&W quite well, thank you very much and will continue to enjoy my "Project 616" even though the factory will probably never make it for the general public.

Froggie
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Old 12-14-2015, 11:04 AM
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Ruger certainly doesnt think its time has passed having resumed manufacturing this year on the 327 SP 101 as well as releasing new offerings in the 327 in a LCR and a single 7
I bought both this year. I guess that means "my time has passed". Funny thing is, if S&W made a J frame in this caliber, I'd get one of those too.

Last edited by CATI1835; 12-14-2015 at 11:08 AM.
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