aterry33
Member
How do you feel about the overall balance, weight, feel, recoil, etc. (the general characteristics) of the 27 versus the L-Frames?
Model 27 vs. 686/586
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GF
Member
I don't know about how the weight of the two models compare. Recoil... 'bout the same in my opinion. I shoot 158gr ammo in both guns.
An L frame seems point well for me with that full underlug...
586 6 inch.
But a personal favorite will always be a 5 inch N frame.
27-2 5 inch.
GF
An L frame seems point well for me with that full underlug...
586 6 inch.
But a personal favorite will always be a 5 inch N frame.
27-2 5 inch.
GF
Either one is hard to beat, but I just sold my 4" 586, and it seemed to me to be about the same weight as my 27-2 5", and it was according to my postal scale. I have large hands, and prefer the overall feel of the 27. The 5" 27 is awfully hard to beat for all around use with .357 ammo.
BTW-
I hate posting after GF. His guns are so nice, mine look like they were chipped out of some old cave somewhere.
BTW-
I hate posting after GF. His guns are so nice, mine look like they were chipped out of some old cave somewhere.
stevieboy
Member
I've debated this question endlessly with myself. I own a 686-6 6" and a 27-3 4". Both guns are superb shooters and are almost exactly the same weight. Yet, the feel of the two guns is very different. The 27 just feels big. The grip really fills my hand, and the center of mass seems to be at about the trigger or slightly behind it. It does an extremely good job of absorbing recoil. The 686 just feels slightly smaller than the 27. Moreover, the center of mass is well in front of the trigger, making the gun a bit front end heavy. For target shooting for accuracy I'd probably go with the 686. I know that I certainly can shoot it more accurately at a distance -- at 25 yards -- than I can my 27. I believe that's due to the longer site radius on the 686 but also because the long barrel and the forward shifted center of mass tends to reduce the effects of my hand tremors.
For all other types of shooting I'd go with my 27. As big and hulking as the gun is it points beautifully, it's pretty easy for me to acquire a target with it, and it's certainly as rugged a gun as I'd ever want.
For all other types of shooting I'd go with my 27. As big and hulking as the gun is it points beautifully, it's pretty easy for me to acquire a target with it, and it's certainly as rugged a gun as I'd ever want.
keithherrington
Member
I shoot both a 586 and a 27 in bullseye, both with 6" barrels, and I shoot a 4" 586 in IDPA. The difference in practical accuracy between the 27 and the 586 is noticeable. My scores with the 586 habitually are several points behind the 27 even though I'm very familiar with and comfortable with both guns. The 27 is far more accurate out of a machine rest (2" vs 4" at 50 yards) but I attribute it more to how the 27 handles. I shoot double action in timed and rapid and find the way the 27 manages recoil and how the trigger stacks just makes it easier to shoot accurately. I do see a slight advantage with the forward weight bias of the 586 but the 27s greater accuracy at 50 makes up for it I think.
In IDPA the 586 rules hands down. The lighter weight and excellent handling qualities in my opinion make it easier to shoot than a 4" N frame. Since I can't shoot 5" barrels in IDPA I've never been able to compare it to my 5" Model 27.
Keith
In IDPA the 586 rules hands down. The lighter weight and excellent handling qualities in my opinion make it easier to shoot than a 4" N frame. Since I can't shoot 5" barrels in IDPA I've never been able to compare it to my 5" Model 27.
Keith
campfire
Member
I have a model 27-9 Classic with the 61/2 inch barrel which is very nicely balanced and a pleasure to shoot.
Occasionally, I shoot my mates 686 with a 6 inch, this gun is very accurate but I’m not a big fan of the Hogue rubber grips it is wearing.
I once owned a 586 no dash with a 6 inch barrel and target grips; I had this gun for many years but I sold it (a decision I have always regretted). The 586 was my all time favorite gun and very accurate.
The 27 N frames are a bit heavier than the L frames and the weight doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of difference but the triggers do have a different feel.
Campfire
Occasionally, I shoot my mates 686 with a 6 inch, this gun is very accurate but I’m not a big fan of the Hogue rubber grips it is wearing.
I once owned a 586 no dash with a 6 inch barrel and target grips; I had this gun for many years but I sold it (a decision I have always regretted). The 586 was my all time favorite gun and very accurate.
The 27 N frames are a bit heavier than the L frames and the weight doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of difference but the triggers do have a different feel.
Campfire
Attachments
The weight difference is small if any, but the balance and feel are much different. The L frame has a nicely balanced feel as the barrel is heavier with a lighter frame than the model 27. The 27 has a much heavier frame, putting the balance closer to the hand. The light barrel makes holding on target a little more difficult for me. I have been shooting model 27's since long before the L frame and I just like them better, though. i have lots more N frames than L frames.
Allen-frame
Member
Opinions
So much depends on what one wants to do with a revolver.
I collect ,and shoot my N frame 357s'. From a 1936 registered, to my 627-0 , they define, for me ,what a 357 Magnum should be.
If I were to own 1 or 2 or 3 357s', I might choose a 686 for shooting, or competition. I know guys who shoot insane scores in P.P.C. with 686s'.
My current set of 357s stand at 11 N frames from 3.5" to 5" and 5 K frames in 2 to 3" .
The 686s' make great trading fodder ,as everyone seems to want one when they see it. A trend I cannot argue with ,although ,I have seemed to have gotten over it.
If bigger is better, I may have the market cornered ,,
Regards ,, AlleN-Frame
So much depends on what one wants to do with a revolver.
I collect ,and shoot my N frame 357s'. From a 1936 registered, to my 627-0 , they define, for me ,what a 357 Magnum should be.
If I were to own 1 or 2 or 3 357s', I might choose a 686 for shooting, or competition. I know guys who shoot insane scores in P.P.C. with 686s'.
My current set of 357s stand at 11 N frames from 3.5" to 5" and 5 K frames in 2 to 3" .
The 686s' make great trading fodder ,as everyone seems to want one when they see it. A trend I cannot argue with ,although ,I have seemed to have gotten over it.
If bigger is better, I may have the market cornered ,,
Regards ,, AlleN-Frame
cmort666
Member
The 586 is a good gun. The 27 is a classier gun.
Brian41
Member
I have a 586 and 686 but was a long holdout for them over my M-19s. I really like N frames in all flavors and my M-27s just outshine the others in .357 in looks and shooting. The M-28s are second though as I do have large hands and K frame grips are a bit small for me.
Dave T
Member
I've owned a couple 586s but more N-Frames. That's probably because I prefer the N for just about everything. I would have to say the L is much better at handling full power 357 Mag ammunition than the K, which was why Smith brought out the L in the first place.
Still, I'll take a 27 or 28 every time over the 586.
Dave
Still, I'll take a 27 or 28 every time over the 586.
Dave
Jimmymac46
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Couldn't have said it better myself. I have a ton more 'N's including the near perfect (IMO) 5 inch 27-2, but prefer to shoot my 'L' frame 686 8 3/8 for the identical reasons as stated above. JMHO.
29Wheelgunner
US Veteran
Of the options you gave, I'm going with the 586/686 mainly because I shoot double action and the lock time is shorter with the L frame than the N.
Years of shooting PPC, DA only has me shooting this way unless I'm hunting.
Years of shooting PPC, DA only has me shooting this way unless I'm hunting.
trex1310
US Veteran
There is no better .357, nor will there ever be, than a Model 27.
WVfishguy
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Agreed. But then again, who knows what Ruger might do years from now?
flagman1776
Member
L frames weren't even out yet when I bought my 27... 5". Sweet gun.
I own both, but I prefer the 27/28 for shooting magnums. As others have already posted the weight is about the same but the models balance differently. I prefer the balance of the N frame and find I have an easier time managing recoil with the N frame models. The trigger pulls also feel different.
Snapping Twig
Member
I own both, a 627-0 and a 586 4".
Here's two very interesting differences besides frame size.
1.) The bore axis is higher on the N frame. Felt recoil is different.
2.) The cylinder of the N frame is shorter than the L frame. Doesn't seem right, but it's true. You can load a heavier bullet in the L frame than the N frame due to cylinder length. I overcome this by crimping over the driving band of heavy bullets, making them shorter in OAL than if I crimped in the crimping groove. I'm talking about 170g+ bullets, so for most it's a non issue with 160g and smaller.
Here's two very interesting differences besides frame size.
1.) The bore axis is higher on the N frame. Felt recoil is different.
2.) The cylinder of the N frame is shorter than the L frame. Doesn't seem right, but it's true. You can load a heavier bullet in the L frame than the N frame due to cylinder length. I overcome this by crimping over the driving band of heavy bullets, making them shorter in OAL than if I crimped in the crimping groove. I'm talking about 170g+ bullets, so for most it's a non issue with 160g and smaller.
roaddog28
Member
I tend to agree with you. I have a 686 4 inch and a model 28 4 inch. The 28 handles recoil better especially when shooting double action rapidly. And I would give the accurately edge to the 27/28 over the 586/686. My 28 edges both my 686 and oops a Ruger GP100 4 inch for shooting 357s.
roaddog28
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