I'm not sure who came up with the 8-shot .357 Magnum idea, but, they rank way high on the cool meter...


















I'd love to see yours...

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

You are missing the most beautiful of the 8 shot .357 the 327 PUG!

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SWCA 1932 SWHF 135

I agree this was a fantastic concept, but then I am a HUGE fan of the entire Model 27/327/627 family of firearms

It was actually Taurus that released the first 8 shot 357 Magnum in the early 1990s. Smith & Wesson was late to the game, but this was the time that Smith & Wesson was under British ownership

The Factory was not working on a production 8 shot 357 Magnum revolver at the time. So Smith & Wesson's first 8 shot 357 Magnum was a Lew Horton Exclusive offering that was first discussed at the 1996 SHOT Show. The revolver debuted at the 1997 SHOT Show.

I like serial numbers, so when I talked with Lew Horton I wanted to get number 357. I was told that only 300 revolvers were commissioned. So I had number 27 shipped to me. I got it in June of 1997. It is the revolver in the upper left of this photo.

In August of 1997, I received a call from Lew Horton wanting to know if I still wanted #357. I was told that this was the fastest-selling Lew Horton Exclusive in their history with Smith & Wesson and that an additional 300 were being ordered. Revolver #357 is in the upper right of the photo posted above, I revived it in September. # 357 remains unfired since leaving the factory

This initial 8 shot Model 627 was so popular that it eventually became a Performance Center cataloged offerings. It has spawned several dozen 8 shot 357 Magnum offerings and as they say, the rest is history

At the 2000 Shot Show Bangers (a large Smith & Wesson distributor) debuted two 8 shot 357 Magnum Model 27s, a 4" and a 6 1/2" barrels. 100 of each were being produced. I was thrilled with this return to carbon steel. While I understand the utilitarianism of stainless steel for duty, hunting, and carrying, it just does not have the pleasing warmth of a finely blued revolver wearing a pair of beautiful stocks. The 8 shot Model 27s do have checkered top straps, something that is lacking in all the 8 shot Model 627s. It is not the beautiful checkering of old, but at least it is checkering

I was too late to get serial #27 as both were already spoken for but I did get a matched pair. Bangers was supposed to follow up with a 3 1/2" and a 5" the following year. It is unknown what happened between Bangers and Smith & Wesson but the 3 1/2" and a 5" version never materialized

At the 2006 SHOT Show Lew Horton stepped up to the plate and produced Registered Magnums as a Distributor Exclusive. These were offered in 3 1/2" and 5" barrel lengths. Planned production was 350 of each barrel length.

At the 2007 SHOT Show Lew Horton showed 3 1/2" and 5" Registered Magnums in nickel with a planned production of 250 each. I was able to get all four in the same serial number as my Bangers Model 27s. BTW, the factory nickel in these years is spectacular

To the best of my knowledge, pictured below, is the only matching set of all the carbon steel 8 shot 357 Magnum Model 27 variations that have been produced. All these revolvers have the same number with different prefixes and all remain unfired since leaving the factory.

Then we come into Scandium. Just a tiny percentage of Scandium makes aluminum strong enough for Magnum use. . .WOW

As far as I can recall, the 2" fixed sight, pug-nosed, Model 327 and the 4" 327PD are the first Scandium 357 Magnum N-frames. These came along in 2004

This 8 shot, pocketable (large pocket required), 357 Magnum N-frame revolver tips the scales 1 ounce lighter than a 38 Special model 36/60.

The Performance Center also produced a 5" 327JM in 2005. I have no idea how many of these were made, but they are almost never seen on the secondary market. Their serial number prefix is JJJ

Next to be introduced were the 327TRR8 and M&P 327 R8. These variations had equipment rails for mount lights, lasers, optics, and more. The major difference between the two is that the TRR8's lower equipment rail is removable and the M&P R8's is part of the barrel shroud.

There was a small run of two-tone TRRs that had polished barrel flats along with a flash chromed hammer trigger and cylinder release. This offering's serial number prefix is TTT. I changed the grips out for an older set of combats, I do this on many of the N-frames that I shoot.
Another advantage of the 327 family is that they all use a tensioned multi-piece barrel assembly like the old Dan Wessons. DWs were legendary for their accuracy and the Model 327 revolvers are without a doubt the most accurate family of Smith & Wesson revolvers I have come across

So many others have come along since 1996. The 627 Heavy Hunter has the adjustable weight system in the forward section of the barrel underlug. The muzzle of this massively barreled revolver hardly rises even with the most powerful of loads. Between the extra weight and the Mag-Na0Porting, follow-up shots are a breeze

Of course, there is the 627 PDR which ended up in Clint Eastwood's hands in the movie Blood Work, I actually had a pair of these but one of my buddies pestered me so much that I sold him the second one, which was 3 weeks before Blood Work came out and the demand for the revolver skyrocketed.

The 627 V-comp has been offered in 5" and 3" in both full stainless and two-tone finish, mine has a second cylinder set up for 9x23 Winchester. Like all V-Comps that Smith has manufactured since the 1950s, the V=Comp can be removed and replaced with a false muzzle. Yes this is another revolver that I have put the old combats stocks on.

There was a small run of 627 two tones (semi Pinto?) in 2004 for AccuSport. 130 or 160 were produced, can't remember which. This one is also setup with a second cylinder for 9x23 Winchester. That was done more than a decade ago

There are a few more, but I have not photographed them.

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"Acta non verba"

Love my TRR8. Not a thing of beauty but it sure can cook! No pics per his request

Kind of ugly does the 8 shot come in a normal looking m27? No flutes on the cylinder is ok. Does it use moon clips? That’s a deal breaker for me.

Hold the presses these have the Klingon hole? You haters are buying these?

I was looking at the Redhawk 357/8 shot no loc. Forget it they use moon clips.

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Plant garlic in the fall

Redhawk is "relieved" so that it can shoot 9mm rounds with a moon clip. It does not require their use with .38/.357.

My 627 looks like this except for the grips. Mine has Pachmayr Compacs.

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Let's be careful out there

Here’s moon clips.

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Plant garlic in the fall

Mark:

What a fine treatise on the history of the 8-shot revolver!!! ... and with photos to boot!!! I loved it and will bookmark it as a reference for future use. Here is another one of those Bangers carbon steel 8-shooters.





They really are great guns and a ton of fun to shoot.


And BigBill - "yes" all of mine are recessed for moon clips BUT moon clips are NOT required. You can see the recessed cylinders in a couple of posts above and in this side by side with a 1950s .357 Magnum.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I can just imagine how many model 28’s would of been bought by LEO’s back in the early 60’s if Smith would of made it an 8 shot .

Having just six shots of 357 magnum should be enough of a stopper. I carry two speed loaders. But I do find the 8 shot revolver interesting. I don’t have a 4” barreled 357.

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Plant garlic in the fall

I saw this post and had to go make sure RKmesa didnt clean out my safe

Hey Bill, I agree! However, after I tuned up my PC627 2.62", loaded it with EIGHT .357 158xtp reloads, AND loaded up one of my 4in 686NDs with SIX 158xtps, I discovered:

• The LOADED 2.62in 627PC weighed in at 42.4oz
• And my LOADED 4in 686ND weighed in at 43.0oz

This is only a difference of 0.6oz between these two revolvers. The lighter of these two revolvers has TWO more rounds, just sayin'...
My point would be, if I ever decide to carry one of these "Raging Bull Stoppers" then I just might be able to stop the entire HERD with my 627PC...

And besides, at HG distances I find the short barrel 627PC to be just as accurate and nearly as speedy as my 4in 686...
BTW, my 158xtp reloads are getting 1370fps in my 4in.

I only bought the 627PC on a whim, however, after shooting/practicing with it... it has quickly earned admiration DESPITE the Klingon hole! That said, that Ruger Redhawk looks very interesting! The cylinder release looks very similar to my 2in Kimber K6S 6-shot J-Frame-ish 23.0oz revolver. I like this aspect!

And as always Bill, ongoing thanks are in order!

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I'll add a couple of mine to the group.
Tulip wood on the V Comp while the other is shoed by Karl Nill.

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I am a believer.

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Here is my one and only, nothing special but I like it. 20201228_124620.jpg

I like my fluffed n' buffed one.

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Psalm 27:2

the only Smith with a lock I own.



Great woods gun.

Ned

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Devil's afraid I'll take over.

Nothing special? ARE YOU KIDDING? I own 2 of this model, the 2nd being a minty gun on consignment. The 1st sat new in the display case for 6 months and I didn't want anyone else to have it. They simply would not understand it. (Yes, I buy guns for reasons like this. )

Strangely, no one has mentioned the 4" Pro Series 627, which is the finest revolver I own.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I have a few 8-shooters and they are great. I don't know what's not to like. The only issue with me is I shoot up my ammo a lot faster with 8 shots.

Have a 27-7 but have never shot it. Looks good but I just have others to use for range guns. Older I get the more I appreciate the smaller frames and 32 caliber.

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Go West young man..

colt saa - I have a question. What is that cut out on the lower grip frame on your 327TRR8? Looks similar to a shoulder stock mount I have seen on a couple European auto loaders.

Beautiful collection, by the way..

Larry

8 shot .357s is why I got a revolver. I love my M&P R8! I want to find 3” variant as my concealed carry.

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"Ex Umbris Venimus"

Here’s the last of the conventional looking 627’s

Larry,
Thanks for the kind words

That is for attaching a lanyard.

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"Acta non verba"

I sure do love mine.

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USAF AMMO

Here's my 627-3 (favorite 8 shot)!

http://

.....and my 5" & 6.5" 627-PCs!

http://

Beautiful lumber on those 8-shooters!

Thanks for sharing,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I've only had one, this Bangers 27-7.
I never fired it because it had never been fired.



I sold it and bought this $3000 generator for my truck camper.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

Worked out great for you! I remember seeing that beauty bid up on GB. Someone got a really nice one there. A TC with onboard generator will be on my list at some point!

I still had the original shipping box too.

Most beautiful handgun I've ever owned.




If you're going to own a TC this is the greatest option there is.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

I picked up a S&W 627 Performance Center .357 Magnum 2.6" in my LGS not long ago and it really felt nice in my hand. Great action and trigger pull and those eight holes in the cylinder cut for a full moon clip as well as fully chamfered were well done. I have to admit I am tempted despite not being a .357 guy. I have never owned a .357 so just maybe.

Me and 357 magnums go back to my ‘75 colt python. I was weened on 357 magnums. I started out with 357’s and all these 46 years I’m back full circle to the 357 again. It’s a good caliber.

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Plant garlic in the fall

First gun I ever bought was a .357 Magnum, my 640-1.

It just wasn't 46 years ago.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

The first NEW handgun I ever purchased was a 6" Model 27 back in 1978.

I still own it. It is the upper right revolver in this photo of Model 27 Six Shooters

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"Acta non verba"

I figure that someone was gonna do it, might as well be me!

Forgive me, I mean no malice. And I’ll admit that I gotta go “plus-1” to get the eight shots. But I totally agree that it’s a great idea!