Hey all, for the last several years I've had the pleasure of keeping and using my brothers 1987 686. I must say that this gun is the reason that I love the .357 Mag round. Unfortunately, a few weeks back, I received a call that he wants his guns back and I'd have to get my own. Well, today I did. I love the way it looks and feels in my hand. I put the top rail on and as ugly as some may think it looks, I like it. To each his/her own.
I will give it a good ringing out tomorrow at the range and report back how I really feel about it. I just wanted to share with you all. Thanks for all of the info, advice and opinions. It was/is greatly appreciated.

Good for you. We're looking forward to further reports -- illustrated reports, that is -- as you get used to the new revolver.

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David Wilson

waiting report.

He is probably still in shock at how accurate these new guns with the two piece barrels are!!

You were lucky finding an R8 so quickly.

Remember: It never happened until we have picture proof

Lad

The R8 was my first revolver and it changed my life definitely got me addicted and established a brand loyalty to smith. Cant wait to get out and compete again





Shooting with the hogue big butt grips is almost cheating. This gun is friggin sweet. I hand people a revolver that weighs over three pounds loaded and they look terrified because its not their usual plastic tupperware piece....but I would not have it any other way.

Hey guys/gals, I finally got to get out and put some rounds down range and I love this gun. Even more than my brothers 686 and as much as my Colt Pythons ('79 & '80). Shooting 38's made it an accurate breeze. The heavier and more potent .357 is just as accurate, but noticeable recoil (highly manageable). I have large hands and holding this in my hands is very ergonomic and comfortable. I worked some drills with it and shot from a distance (40 yards) and when all was said and done... A+. I can't wait to get a RDS on it, go hiking and camping. YAY! for me.

Guitarmaggedon, very nice set up.

Sounds nice (and looks great) to me! I'd chalk it up to inexperience, I guess... People start out with polymer guns and anything different is foreign (and therefore bad). I started out with semi-autos and have experienced the "wonder" of a polymer pistol (glock). It was an alright experience... Until I fired that first .357 magnum from a buddy's short barreled Smith. Then I knew... To each their own I guess, large frame, high mass revolvers are glorious, in my opinion.

Absolutely. I need to stay proficient on pistols, for work, personally. But none of them compare to a good solid N frame. I will not discount the tradition and reliability of a solid 1911, however.

Congratulations on your M&P R8! I have been after one since they came out and will have to wait untill somebody gets tired of theirs!

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2 Timothy 1:7

It makes a great Steel Challenge gun!

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Macinaw, that's a pretty sweet setup.

Thanks! Now if I could only hit the targets on the first shot.

What holster is that pictured??

I love my R8.
I have both rails mounted, red dot pointer on the bottom, and sometimes a red dot scope on the top.
Most of the time I use the stock sights which work with the top rail installed.
I think it looks bad@$$.
I aganozied about spending $1200.00 for a Smith wheel gun but it was worth it.
Gun is very fun to shoot as it makes it look like I know what I am doing.
I always shoot 357 and recoil is not bad for my old and broken 67 year old hands.
I always shoot at least 100 rounds through it, sometimes 150-175.
Afterwards I am tired, but leave the range with a big smile.
Thanks for starting this thread, and enjoy your Smith!

The TRR8 is the finest revolver I own. It is hard to compare to my 686 plus, 629, and 640-1 because of different sizes and barrel lengths, but it is the most accurate and comfortable.

The sole shortcoming of the TRR8 is the lack of custom accessories because of its odd configuration. I can live without speed loaders because of the moon clips, but I can't find decent holsters. I would also prefer a grip with a closed backstrap, but it seems that no one makes them anymore.

Until now I have kept the 640-1 in the nightstand, but this post has convinced me to switch. This pistol is the pinnacle of readiness.

It is a C-R Speed holster. Shooters Connection

I bought an R8 several years ago as a little something nice for myself and i enjoy it. It feels very nice in my hand and you can feel the difference between this - coming from S&W's Performance Center - and my other revolvers that come off their usual production line. I may be wrong on this, but it is my understanding that S&W developed the R8 for S.W.A.T. as an alternative to a semi-auto. At any rate, good luck with it !

FSTJACK: Just remember, "A Warm Barrel Is A Happy Barrel!"

I love shooting my 327 TRR8. I was surprised how little recoil is felt with heavy .357 Mag loads. And I will be shooting it with a RDS on top and firing 148gr wadcutters for the Spring bullseye league at one of the gun clubs I belong to. It really is a great all-around handgun - accurate, sweet handling, and just plain fun to shoot.

Don't give up on customizing your R8. Lots of good holsters out there, depending on what you want. Bladetech made me a kydex belt holster that I use for steel plates and other range activities. Kramer Handgun Leather will make you a Thomas Perfectionist holster for IWB carry. There are other holster makers who will custom make a holster for whatever configuration of your R8 you want it for. As for grips, Herrett's Stocks makes several of their grips with closed backs for N-frames. I am having them make a couple of pairs of Jordan Trooper stocks for a Model 29 and a Model 25 as I write this. Both will have closed backs. There are a lot of other custom grip makers who will make stocks to fit your hand and cover the backstrap. Have fun customizing your R8!