Several months ago I purchased a used S&W model 327 2" sight unseen and a gamble as to what condition it was in. Could not find a new one any where and my "I WANT IT" grabbed ahold of my barse.

Got the gun in quick time and it appeared to be only slightly used.

In the process of checking it out and shooting approximately 300 rounds of various and sundry 38 Spcl and 357 Magnum ammo, the gun started light striking and got progressively worse. Initially one round per cylinder then two and eventually 5-6 out of 8 rounds. I noticed a rattle in the gun and discovered that the barrel shroud was loose. The accuracy also went down hill badly.

However, when it shot it was extremely smooth.

Had I made a way too costly mistake?

Sent it back to Smith & Wesson for repair and waited and waited....and waited. 3 months in I got a bill for $148.00 which I immediately sent to them.

I called several times to get a status update. I was told that the China Flu had taken its toll in Springfield, Ma and they were behind.

5 weeks after Mailing the $$$ to S&W the revolver was sent back.

No notice of what was done to the gun.

I could find no marks at all around the striker area and the gun was immaculate. I thought it was a new gun, but it is not.

Immediately went out back and shot 28 rounds of 357 Magnum,

Wow!!!! 12 yards and the center of the target was gone with 4 rounds about 2 inches from center (getting accustomed to the sights again). 24 rounds almost dead center. Best I ever shot any of my revolvers.

The next day I put another 50 rounds through it at 12 yards and almost the same results.

The gun is on my hip right now. I will probably put some more 357 through it today but do not want to exhaust my ammo supply. My normal 500 rounds through a new or fixed gun before carrying is now suspended because of the difficulty of obtaining and expense of ammo.

I can not believe how good the gun shoots.

Not happy with the length of time to fix the weapon, but I am well pleased how well it seems to be fixed and how well it shoots. Hope it stays fixed. I do like the gun especially after putting a Hogue grip on it!!!!!

I will probably carry the gun as a back up/pocket gun (yes it fits in the cargo pockets of my Duluth Trading fire hose pants) and have several options as colder weather comes along.

Great for you.. nice to hear a good outcome.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

I am glad you eventually got your piece back. Sounds like it meets your expectations.

I sent in 627-0 a few years ago for repair/tune up and polishing. Although it took 9 months, I was very happy with the communication and work performed.

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213th FBINA

I bought one used last year. Mine also shoots very well. I have heard that the barrel can loosen on these. I'm not sure if anyone sells to tool to tighten it? Although some type of a standard tool may work?

Enjoy.

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Watch & Pray

Yes, there is such a company: its name was posted on this forum, but I've forgotten it. Someone else will happen by with that name. However, another poster recently chimed in that customers/shooters should NOT tighten that nut/lug (proper term?), that it should be left to the factory. You pays your $...,

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

EWK sells the tool, but I wouldn't go down that rabbit hole if I were you.

Save the headache if it should loosen. And send it in.

I did buy the tool and tried tightening the barrel, but without a tool to 'capture ' the barrel, you cant tighten it.

Basically its clockwise threads on the frame and counterclockwise threads on the barrel. You tighten the nut and loosen the barrel.

The barrel would need to be locked in first , then it should be tightened to a torque specification.

This is one of those ' do not do it yourself ' moments. The factory must re - tighten the barrel SHOULD it ever loosen.

Mine loosened twice.

This issue is why I have passed up the 327-series guns with this arrangement. Instead, I've bought three 627s, 2 PCs and 1 Pro Series, the best revolver in the world, IMHO. As a result, I sleep better at night not worrying about barrel/shroud loosening.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Which of those is the best? Just curious!

The 4" bbl Pro Series, which I ordered sight unseen. I'd told my LGS to order either that or the 5" 627PC. which proved to be unavailable. 3 days later, it arrived. I know it sounds silly, but I was absolutely stunned when I opened the box, and I still have not recovered. A magnificent handgun: there are no words. Thanks for your interest. Be safe.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I dunno.

I do consider my barrel loosening issues to be resolved. (Not mounting a heavy optic and using that steel mount on top)

But I did shoot it , about 3 or 4 cylinders worth , while the barrel was loose and suffered no I'll effects other than the annoying rattle of the mount hitting the top strap...

By not shooting the 327's , you are missing out on one of the , if not The most accurate 8 shot Smith & Wesson makes.

I took my R8 apart just because I could. Put it back together and used a small wood wedge to 'capture' the barrel after I got the cylinder gap I wanted. Its been fine ever since and is my best shooting revolver.