327/627 2" vs 640 Pro?

[GA_Sheepdog]

For the longest time I've been a Glock semi auto guy and due to my profession, I have to be. I've recently fell in love with revolver's and have even began reloading 38 Spl. 2 months ago I purchased a no lock 642 and love how it carries and conceals. I also like taking it to the range and have been able to take it more often due to me reloading. So far I've put 700 rounds through it. I also really like reloading and enjoy it as a hobby even though I'm relatively new to it. I equally like shooting as much as I like reloading. The only other guns I have besides my duty weapon (Glock 17) is a Glock 19 and 26. The 19 was my primary carry but have over time I've become lazy and used my 26 for carry. The past several hot summer months have made me reconsider Glocks for CCW and that's why I purchased the 642. I have become very proficient with this revolver and am able to put scoring rounds at the 25 yrd mark.


Like any of use gun guy's, we always look for something else, no matter how happy we are with our current setup. As far as pocket carry, I'm completely happy with the 642 for pocket carry and although I'd love the weight of a 340 M&P, the 642 has just enough extra weight to make it semi comfortable for extended range sessions. I do however, feel that the 642 is not the greatest gun to be putting thousands of rounds through. Although, I don't buy into the "Shoot little, carry a lot" train of thought.


I'm not looking to replace my 642 in the role as a pocket gun. I'm looking for a gun to replace my 26 as far as a winter IWB/OWB gun. Also I'd like it to be able to withstand my love for reloading and shooting. It's probably unlikely, but I don't want to wear out the 642. I reload 38 spl. but obviously have the same capability to reload 357 mag. With that said, I'm not all that worried about shooting 357, as I'm perfectly happy with 38 spl but the ability to do so is nice. I also don't want to stray to far away from a snubnose, as its more important for me to be proficient in the same platform I carry then just having a 5" range gun that doesn't translate to self defense.


The 640 pro is basically the same gun I pocket carry but is all steel with better sights for the range. It could also be a good heavier IWB/OWB winter gun.


The 327 "Pugnose" has always been my favorite looking snubnose and is nice for carry and is built strong enough to shoot a lot. It also holds 8 rounds of 38/357.


The 627 is a steel powerhouse and I'd imagine it would be very durable, something you could put thousands of thousands of round through. Plus like the 327, it holds 8 rds of 38/357.


What do you guys think? Money is aways an object but what do you guys think I should get?

 

[colt_saa]

The N-frames are great guns.

I love the look of the 2" Scandium framed Pugs as well. Not just the 357 Magnum, but also the 45 Long Colt. I even have a NY Reload for the big bore

The 327PD with it's Titanium cylinder is quite light so recoil is noticeable. Additionally the Titanium cylinder is not tolerant of all solvents so extra care needs to be taken during cleaning

The 627 is not available in a 2", the shortest variation so far is the 2 5/8" PDR. I changed the grips on mine to the older combat grips. This is a pleasure to shoot all day long, but it is much heavier than anything you are used to carrying. It is roughly 39 ounces empty, the same weight as a Golt Government model 45

If you can find one (they are discontinued) you might consider one of the 327 Night Guards. Scandium frames with a 2 1/2" barrel and Extreme Duty rear sight with a Ashly Express tritum front sight. The black stainless cylinder make it enough heavier than the pug nosed 327PD to make it both a joy to shoot and carry.

Instead of looking at a 2" 640, have you considered the 3" model 60 Pro? It is still a J-frame, but with a nice set of factory adjustable sights.

Another advantage to getting a second J-frame is that the holster you purchase will be usable for the 642 that you currently own should you wish to carry it on your belt.

 

[epj]

I have a 627 4", and it's a big gun. Cut a couple of inches off the barrel and it's still a big gun. It's also a gun that if I got in a gunfight with, I wouldn't feel under gunned. Maybe the 327 would be a good compromise?

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

The N-frames are great guns.

I love the look of the 2" Scandium framed Pugs as well. Not just the 357 Magnum, but also the 45 Long Colt. I even have a NY Reload for the big bore

The 327PD with it's Titanium cylinder is quite light so recoil is noticeable. Additionally the Titanium cylinder is not tolerant of all solvents so extra care needs to be taken during cleaning

The 627 is not available in a 2", the shortest variation so far is the 2 5/8" PDR. I changed the grips on mine to the older combat grips. This is a pleasure to shoot all day long, but it is much heavier than anything you are used to carrying. It is roughly 39 ounces empty, the same weight as a Golt Government model 45

If you can find one (they are discontinued) you might consider one of the 327 Night Guards. Scandium frames with a 2 1/2" barrel and Extreme Duty rear sight with a Ashly Express tritum front sight. The black stainless cylinder make it enough heavier than the pug nosed 327PD to make it both a joy to shoot and carry.

Instead of looking at a 2" 640, have you considered the 3" model 60 Pro? It is still a J-frame, but with a nice set of factory adjustable sights.

Another advantage to getting a second J-frame is that the holster you purchase will be usable for the 642 that you currently own should you wish to carry it on your belt.

Every time is see a "Pugnose" I cant help but admire it's beauty. lol


How durable is the 327? I know it has a titanium cylinder and you cant shoot certain rounds though it, but what about carrying and shooting 38 spl +p 158 gr LSWC? That is my preferred load.

 

[colt_saa]

Every time is see a "Pugnose" I cant help but admire it's beauty. lol


How durable is the 327? I know it has a titanium cylinder and you cant shoot certain rounds though it, but what about carrying and shooting 38 spl +p 158 gr LSWC? That is my preferred load.

The 327PD is Very durable. I doubt you can wear it out with 38 Specials in two lifetimes of shooting

 

[Neumann]

I would dismiss the 327 titanium cylinder for the same reasons as above. The weight is much to low to shoot full-powered .357 loads enough to achieve any degree of proficiency. Then there is the limited durability of the cylinder, which depends on a special coating to resist erosion.

I have a TRR8, which is the same as a 327 Night Guard (scandium frame, SS cylinder) but with a 5" barrel instead of 3". That would add less than 2 oz, and the TRR8 is the nicest .357 to shoot that I have ever had, and extremely accurate with the stressed barrel insert. What a pity the NG is no longer made, but not that hard to find on the used market. Give it 4-5 stars.

The 60 PC is a very fine revolver, but 5 rounds and a J-frame. I'm not sure whose hands fit those grips, but they're too small for mine.

The next step up is a 686+Seven PC with a 2.5" barrel. It has a very smooth action, and weighs about 46 oz loaded. It is my favorite carry gun, equipped with Crimson Trace boot grips.

The larger version of the 686 is the 627PC, 2-5/8" with 8 rounds. The cylinder is about 3/16" larger in diameter and it weighs 2 oz more. I have the .44 Mag version, and it is not hard to carry with the right holster and cover garment. I use a Sparks VM2. I can shoot it with .44 Mag loads, but .44 Special is a lot easier to manage away from bear country.

In jacket weather or colder, any 3" or shorter revolver carries nicely in a shoulder holster, like an Alessi Bodyguard. Weight becomes a non-issue.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

I have a 627 4", and it's a big gun. Cut a couple of inches off the barrel and it's still a big gun. It's also a gun that if I got in a gunfight with, I wouldn't feel under gunned. Maybe the 327 would be a good compromise?

I agree with you, it is a big gun!


The only gun I've ever own that would come close the that weight would be a Springfield Operator .45, which is also a sweet gun but as you can see, I know longer have it and never carried it. At the time I couldn't get over the fact it had a safety.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

The 327PD is Very durable. I doubt you can wear it out with 38 Specials in two lifetimes of shooting

That's what I'm talking about. To tell you the truth, I'm really not planning on putting to much 357 though any of these guns. If I want to kick it up a notch, I'll put some BB 158gr +p thought it.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I've carried revolvers most of my adult life. I recently purchased a 627PC snubbie for no good reason at all other than lust. It's a great gun and a joy to shoot but I can't imagination lugging it around on a daily basis. As mentioned, it's BIG, FAT and HEAVY. Your dedication may vary. For the uses you describe I'd lean towards a K or L frame. Maybe a model 66 or 686 in the 2.5 or 3" range? There are some nice choices out there!

FWIW, here is my latest 627:

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

I've carried revolvers most of my adult life. I recently purchased a 627PC snubbie for no good reason at all other than lust. It's a great gun and a joy to shoot but I can't imagination lugging it around on a daily basis. As mentioned, it's BIG, FAT and HEAVY. Your dedication may vary. For the uses you describe I'd lean towards a K or L frame. Maybe a model 66 or 686 in the 2.5 or 3" range? There are some nice choices out there!

FWIW, here is my latest 627:

That is a great looking gun and a work of art.


I have thought about the 686 but have always lusted over the 327 and 627. I do like the capacity of them as well but like anything in the gun world, you give up something in return.

 

[colt_saa]

That's what I'm talking about. To tell you the truth, I'm really not planning on putting to much 357 though any of these guns. If I want to kick it up a notch, I'll put some BB 158gr +p thought it.

There are several Forum members (myself included) that have in excess of 5,000 full power 357 Magnum rounds through our original Scandium framed Titanium cylinder 340PD J-frames. I know mine does not show any significant wear yet.

By the time you wear out your Smith and Wesson revolver, even with Magnums, I am certain that you will be more than satisfied that you got your money's worth from your purchase

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

There are several Forum members (myself included) that have in excess of 5,000 full power 357 Magnum rounds through our original Scandium framed Titanium cylinder 340PD J-frames. I know mine does not show any significant wear yet.

By the time you wear out your Smith and Wesson revolver, even with Magnums, I am certain that you will be more than satisfied that you got your money's worth from your purchase

The 340pd and M&P, were one of the choices when I was thinking about the 642. After several posts on how horrendous the recoil was, I opted to the 642 at a very good LE price. As of yet, I don't carry the 642 on duty but if I was wanting a strictly ankle carry duty gun, I'd defiantly look at one of those two due to the weight.

The only thing I don't like about the 327 is the price but I think it is worth it considering all the features.

 

[eveled]

Get the 327 pug nose. It is a special gun.

 

[Blackgun1]

327/627 2" vs 640 Pro?

Both are great guns, but Love my 627PC and 629 PC! 627 is heavier and helps with follow up shots, but I don't have a problem wearing it all day. I made a custom Kydex holster that allows me to carry it at 2 o'clock without issues. Very accurate too!

 

[bagga]

Get the 327 pug nose. It is a special gun.

what kind of grips are on that snub? i'd like to put a set like that on mine.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

After thinking more on this, I'm actually leaning toward the model 60 pro. I hadn't though of it before but its still a j frame but all steel with longer barrel and better sights then my 642. It's not as cool as the 327 or 627 but its a heck of a lot more cheaper.

 

[Mulebuk Sam]

After thinking more on this, I'm actually leaning toward the model 60 pro. I hadn't though of it before but its still a j frame but all steel with longer barrel and better sights then my 642. It's not as cool as the 327 or 627 but its a heck of a lot more cheaper.

Of course because the 640 is not even in the same league as those performance center models. Especially that 627x8, I mean that thing is simply a thing of beauty.

I got a new S&W in-route and for close to $700.00 dollars I still only get a cardboard box.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

Of course because the 640 is not even in the same league as those performance center models. Especially that 627x8, I mean that thing is simply a thing of beauty.

I got a new S&W in-route and for close to $700.00 dollars I still only get a cardboard box.

Wow that is a good price. Did you get to it from an auction?

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

I know it isn't in the same league but what about considering an sp101? That thing is built like a freakin tank.

 

[Mulebuk Sam]

That's not the model I have coming. I was making the point that if you want Performance Center it will cost you. Your 640 Pro is not Performance Center, it's called the Pro Series and all it has is sights and cut for moon clips.