Looking into 8 shot 357s Pro vs Bloodwork

[mabgrac]

I am looking at either the Pro Series M627 with a 4 inch barrel or the Bloodwork. Price difference isn't too much of a concern, especially as I would want to get wood grips for the Pro so that makes the price pretty much even. I will use it mostly as a nightstand gun, range toy, possibly car gun and a possible Florida woods gun. I have a carry permit, but hardly ever carry and my current guns are all full sized, so of course the Bloodwork would be nice if I did decide to carry it.

But since it would be mostly nightstand gun and range toy I guess I am wondering if the large frame of the Bloodwork soaks up enough recoil to make it fun at the range, but still have enough velocity for the woods.

Any thoughts? Anything to know about either model besides the obvious?

 

[roundgunner]

I have the Bloodwork,
The first day I took it out and ran a few hundred rounds thru it. I ran 150 158gr JHP full power that had Winchester primers that were too hard for my other guns to be reliable with. Every one went off first try, even without the moon clip.

I ran some hot 135 SWC that felt. I also had some 158 Moly coated SWC loaded hot. All shot comfortable. I also shot some 125 gr JHP that I lost the data on but ran over the chrono at 1400 and change, that was a bit to snappy for fast follow ups.

I had to change my practice routine however, normally I have two IDPA targets set up. I draw do a Mozambique, re-holster, then draw do a Mozambique, speed loader re-load then another Mozambique, re-holster and repeat until done, with a mix of movement strong hand only etc…
Now I 2 extra rounds so I throw in a couple extra head shots. I have carried it around a lot, and like it.

It is a fast handling gun with enough weight to keep it from bucking like a bronco. The last few reloads were 38SPL and it felt like I was shooting a 22. ( that could be because of all the full power 357s )

If you are getting one of these I think you would be very happy with it.

 

[Stainz]

Here is my 4" 627 Pro and one of my pair of 2 5/8" PC627 UDR's. Both sport aftermarket wood grips, the rubber grips on the Pro just not being to my liking - and the Jerry Miculek grips are just a fast/non-fidgety grab.

While the revolvers are built on the same basic frames, grip frame included, the Blood Work model is a true Performance Center revolver - with ball detent lockup, trigger stop, forged hammer & trigger, and an improved trigger. Both are moonclip-ready - with eased ejector start/chamber entries. The dimunitive Blood Work grips were too small and poorly fitted - they got the other PC Shop N-frame grips.

If given the choice of one or the other, I'm afraid I'd go with the Blood Work gun. My accuracy with it has been as good as with the longer barreled Pro series - and it's orange ramp is so bright, I can pick it up as easily as I did the added HiViz on the Pro. The 3 or so ounce weight difference is insgnificant. Note: I shoot wimpy .38's to +P .38's to mild .357 Magnums.

Stainz

PS I put lighter Wolff springs in my 627 Pro - and smoothed the rebound slide. It gets odd ftf's with Win primed reloads - no ftf's with Federal, as expected. The PC 627, untouched by me, is lighter in DA - and reliably discharges any primer!

 

[fhaines]

I have the Blood work too. This is my first gun, and it is fantastic! The weight soaks up the recoil for magnum loads quite well, and 38 SPL is very easy shooting. I changed from the eagle grips to (larger) wood grips on the SW website. They work better for me, although the eagle grips conceal a little bit better.

I carry it in a lobo pancake holster with 2 speed loaders. The lobo rides high and tight to my (strong) side. I have only been carrying it for about 4 weeks, and it is not uncomfortable, but you know you are wearing it. I will have to see what warmer weather does to my ability to carry it, but for winter, it pretty much disappears on me (about 210 LBS).

At the range, I am working through the defense load I will be carrying. For me this was an excellent first gun, and I highly recommend it. I configured my Bloodwork identically to Stainz, and I am glad I did. Thanks Stainz!

 

[roundgunner]

I switched my wood grips for cutdown laser grips.

 

[dwever]

I kept my Bloodwork stock, the grips are fine except full load .357 such as Federal Premium A Frame JHP Hunting Ammo can buck a bit. I use mine as a carry occasionally. Carry ammo is Speer Gold Dot .357 JHP Short Barrel which the N Frame manages recoil on just fine on. Have been hunting with it already this year.

Pics of weapon at Doug Wever's Photo Galleries at pbase.com

 

[mabgrac]

Great pics and info. Nice first gun fhaines!


I think you guys are convincing me of what I already knew. Looking forward to getting my UDR by years end.

 

[Poohgyrr]

A question, were the UDR's ever made with fluted cylinders?

 

[Dump1567]

Personally I'd go with the Pro for your intended purpose. I had the bloodwork gun for awhile and it just didn't excite me. I'd probably go with the 327 NG if I got back into an N snubby.

The Pro just seems to be a modern version of a 4" 27 or 28 with two extra rounds. And I love the 28.

 

[Stainz]

Re the 327NG vs PC627 UDR - the 327NG is essentially the same price - and it is not moonclip ready. It's also not a PC Shop revolver. It is lighter - 27.6 oz vs 37.6 oz - has fixed sights (tritium Night Sight front) - and rubber grips. I went in to buy one - left with another UDR! YMMV.

Stainz

 

[TooSharp]

A question, were the UDR's ever made with fluted cylinders?

Very small run was sent out when S&W ran out of non-fluted.
You can get a fluted fit by the Performance Center if needed.

 

[dwever]

Very small run was sent out when S&W ran out of non-fluted.
You can get a fluted fit by the Performance Center if needed.

I tried to order mine from S&W with fluted, and the dealer referred me to S&W. I called S&W Customer Service and they said I would need to buy the weapon through a dealer, then send it in for fluted cylinder. I believe the cost was around $200

 

[DCWilson]

Another Bloodwork fan here; I ordered one, had to wait for it, bought another one used in the interim, and then picked up the new one when it finally came in. So I own two sort of by accident, and I have no intention of selling either one.

I think the only reason I might have considered recommending a four inch barrel would be for theoretically improved distance accuracy, but my first cylinderful with the short barrel was so satisfactory that I can't imagine the extra inch and a half would give me any better results.

These are special guns. I am not overly recoil sensitive, but I don't like really heavy loads going off in my hands. Stock .357 ammo in the short 2-5/8" barrel is not too much to handle. With .38 ammo, the kick is like catching a nerf ball.

You won't be disappointed in the compact version.

My guys:

 

[NavyFrank]

Bloodwork Fan

I have all three of the UDR's and an extra 627 UDR with the fluted cylinder. I used the Pro 4 inch revolver for outside range work and the UDR I carry when I am working the office. Great "little" guns.

 

[sbeatty1983]

I wish they would make a traditional 27 in 8 shot with a 4" barrel. Those odd looking barrels are a turnoff for me.