The Eagle boots that were made to fit that transitional N-frame round butt just don't fit the current N-frame gripframes, which have a larger radii behind the trigger guard. Modern grips will fit that older gripframe, but not the other way. So - S&W still supplies either old stock grips - or new grips made to the old specs - but that 4/10 purchased PC627 UDR had gaps at the front top of the boot grips - and so did the replacements it took them a month to return to me. Additionally, they sent me a grip screw that was 1/4" too long! Skip ahead... I love the PC627 UDR - it's a bargain - MSRP today: $1,185 - 1999 MSRP: $1,199! It comes with a plastic grey PC gun case in lieu of the Al/plastic PC case and the IL - and it's cheaper. Go figure.
Oh - today found me at the pusher's... and I was going to buy a 327NG for a 'house gun' extraordinaire - they aren't moonclip ready - and weigh exactly 10 oz less than the PC627 UDR. I bought another PC627 UDR instead. And, new, with s/t, it was <$15 more than the 327NG! I did quite well, too - great trigger - shadow rings on four of the eight cylinder exits. Never looked at the grips in the store - same gaps!! Crap!! Call to S&W - a pickup label is 'on the way' - as are some moonclips (May have been requisitioned at the Pusher's...).
My gripe... a $1,200 revolver - from the Performance Center - shouldn't make it out the door with such ill-fitted grips! I am now 0 for 2 in their PC627 UDR's. The dealer laughed - they said none they've received fit - not even the PC629 UDR's! The PC627 UDR's are terrific revolvers, however, and - for the use this one will see, like it's sibling, it will get larger grips. And, I don't care how many FEDEX labels/trips their grips take, they will get me some OEM grips that fit... just 'because'.
Stainz
