I am looking at two different 627's, one is a standard and the other is a PC. Both are 5"+ barrels, which is what I'm looking for as it will primarily be a hunting handgun with some plinking fun at the range. Both are pre-lock versions, which is also what I am looking for. Both are priced relatively similar, not big enough of a difference to be a deciding factor either way. The PC version does have 8 shots vs. 6 shots in the standard. However, if I'm doing my job right as a hunter, I should only need 1 shot. I personally like the looks of the round barrel vs. the slab side on the PC. But that is definitely not a deciding factory either. So given all that, which would you choose? For those that have shot both, is the PC version that much better of a shooter than the standard models? Are PC models typically drilled and tapped for a scope? The PC model is cut for moonclips. Can I shoot the PC gun without moonclips? Any other factors between the two I should be considering? Any and all opinions are welcome! Thanks in advance.

Yes the PC version is drilled and tapped. No you don't need to use moonclips, you can drop the rounds directly into the cylinder just like any other revolver. Since the PC version comes from the Performance Center, you would expect it to have a better trigger, however most competition shooters still have the PC trigger reworked. You might consider the PC trigger slightly better than the standard 627. I would vote for the PC version because of it ability to be used for competition in addition to hunting. While you may not plan on shooting competitively right now, don't rule it out in the future. I never planned on shooting competition, then I tried my hand at a local steel match. I was hooked instantly. From there it was USPSA, then IDPA, now ICORE (which is made for the 627). Good thing there is no local Bianchi cup match. Either version is a winner. Oh, and by the way, you have a very highly regarded pistolsmith in Mitchellville Iowa named Mike Carmoney who works wonders with the PC version of the 627 for competition. I'm sure he could do a great trigger job on either version.

I would get the 627pc, it is much harder to find than the 6 shot. It should be a little lighter as well. I have a 627-0 and will be starting the paperwork on a pre lock 627pc 5 inch. Also have a 627pc "blood work"

I'll disagree with my fellow S&W addict shooting4life and say get the 627-0 --- it is the 'bridge' between the Model 27 and the later guns -- it has the checkered topstrap and barrel, but is a unique gun all its own with the unfluted cylinder.

The slabside barrels of the PC guns leave me neutral/lukewarm. But I do have the current production 8-shot 627-5 with the 4" heavy barrel and I am a big fan...

--Neill

Thanks for the feedback. One more question please... Are there any ammo limitations regarding either the standard 627 vs. the 627PC. As previously stated, I want to use this gun for handgun hunting, and primarily want to throw fairly heavy .357 ammo through it. My fear is this type of ammo may not jive well with the competition barrels of the 627PC. Is this fear warranted, or am I just trying to talk myself in a certain direction.

My take is the non PC version is in the class of collectibles and the PC version is made for shooting. Lots of shooting.

Bob

If you plan to use it mainly for hunting I would opt for the PC version with it's lighter barrel and top stap drilled and tapped for mounting a scope.

Neither gun will seat heavy weight bullets, say 170 and above, well as the cylinder is shorter than the model 19 or L frames. They do just fine with standard 158 grainers, which should be good enough.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Whose the maker of those grips in the bottom pic??

Look like nill

The trigger on my PC 627 is absolutely fabulous and I can't imagine being any better than it already is. That alone would make up my mind for me. Of course, you can send a regular 627 in for a Performance Center trigger job, but buying a PC revolver eliminates the need to.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

Nill-Griffe. It's their "Combat" grip - by far my favorite.

--Neill

I was looking at the site...is this the same one? doesn't make any reference to "combat" grip...looks almost the same with exception to the little inset logo. Did you get yours direct from Nill??

Karl Nill GmbH

Yes, those are the ones exactly; looks like they've changed their terminology slightly in describing the grips. I did order from Nill direct but it was 4 years ago or so.

--Neill

I LOVE the triggers on all the PC pieces I have. That alone is worth the extra $$$ and putting up with some "questionable" stylistic quirks.

I just bought one of the 4" 627 Pro guns. It is my most accurate .357 magnum and the only one that I truly enjoy shooting with full power magnum loads. I have a 6" 686 and a 6" GP100. This 4" gun outshoots them both.
I know that's not what you asked about, but even the 4" version of the 627 is a great gun.

You do not mention the engineering revision of the 6 shot 627.

No dash and dash-0 revisions are not drilled and tapped for scopes. However the -1 and -2 engineering revisions are.

If it is a the -1 and -2 are much more rare than the -0 engineering revision and would be worth buying without question. My 627-1 would be a GREAT scoped hunter.


Otherwise I would probably go for a Performance Center offering. The 5" is the most common variation but one of the 6" Heavy Hunters would be the Cat's A**.


The match grade, air gauged barrels of the 8 shot Performance Center offerings have more overall potential for accuracy than the EDM rifled production barrels used on the 6 shooters.